Antioch Commencement a Great Success
By C. Clark Kissinger
One thousand seats were filled, while hundreds of other students, friends, and family stood all around the outdoor event. The fire escape of the building behind the podium was filled with students and festooned with colorful pro-Mumia flags sent to the Antioch students by the Hawaii chapter of Refuse & Resist! And 150 yards away several hundred sullen counter protesters stood behind a tape barrier.
For weeks various cop organizations had been trying to intimidate Antioch into dropping the invitation of the graduate class to Mumia Abu-Jamal to be their commencement speaker. But the Antioch students and administration stood firm, supported by hundreds of Yellow Springs, OH, residents who rallied to the school's defense and provided yellow-shirted monitors around the commencement ceremony.
Several nights before, the white-supremacist "National Alliance" had stuffed mailboxes in Yellow Springs with racist literature. Michael Smerconish, a Philadelphia talk-show host and former aide to the late racist Mayor Frank Rizzo, set up shop in a local bar and broadcast his program from there. And Maureen Faulkner made the rounds of the local media.
Because of the great debate over Mumia speaking, Antioch offered its facilities to both sides for an equal time debate with a neutral moderator. The FOP, Maureen, Smerconish, Lynn Abraham, and Dan Flynn all refused to debate. So with empty chairs left for the FOP side, Rosemari Mealy, Clark Kissinger, Mark Taylor, and Pam Africa presented the case for a new trial to an overflow audience several hours before the commencement.
Because Mumia could not be present, Antioch students ask author Leslie Feinberg to address the commencement as well, and Leslie's speech provided an excellent introduction to the case for the broad audience of families of the graduates.
When the big moment came, the president of Antioch invited those who disagreed with Mumia speaking to stand and turn their backs. As the tape began to role, 9 people stood and turned away and one graduating senior walked out. When the tape was finished, over 1,000 gave a prolonged standing ovation to Mumia's remarks.
By this time, the several hundred counterdemonstrators had melted away. A number of graduating seniors addressed the audience, including the one senior who had opposed Mumia speaking. The sentiment for justice for Mumia was overwhelming that he could not even mention Mumia's name, and called instead for a moment of silence for Daniel Faulker. This produced quite an outbreak of coughing in the audience.
As the seniors came up one by one to get their diplomas, a half-dozen sported bright green Mumia stickers on their clothing. Once again, the spirit of youth demanding justice had prevailed.
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Mumia Abu Jamal Commencement Speaker at Antioch College Graduation Ceremonies by Rev. Khandi Konte-Paasewe 4/30/35ADM (00) Khandi Notes and HYPE reporter
Disclaimer: (Author's note): all spellings of amerika, overstand vs. understand, maureen faulkner, daniel faulkner, i in lower case and We in capital, british and european, pennsylvania in lower case, spelling of filthydelphia, etc. are totally intentional and seek to symbolically exclude the author as victim to the euro-psychopathological conformity that is dialectically in opposition to the Afrikan centered ethos of which this author subscribes.
My phone rang at 6:45 AM on April 29th and it was my brother Ras' voice on the other end. "You coming sis?" he asked in a wide awake voice. "Uh, coming where?" i mumbled in a dazed still asleep voice. "To Mumia speaking at Antioch!" he seemed to be excited that i didn't know what he was talking about. He'd been calling me long distance every day for almost a week to make sure that i attended and covered this story. "Uh, i guess. Let me see how i feel."
Here i digress: i am permanently and multiply disabled and traveling long distances is quite difficult for me. So, there was a serious possibility that i was not going to make it. End of digression.
But i managed to mumble to him, "Yeah i am gonna come." i hung up from him, called my daughter who was house sitting for her older brother, got my youngest son and said, "Let's go!" When We arrived, there was a serious maze of road instructions and directions and people in yellow T-shirts that identified them as commencement helpers/hosts, they gave us a road map and instructed me where to park for the disabled which means i could park as close to the ceremonies as humanly possible. The schedule according to my brother Ras, was the Discussions first and then the Commencement. We arrived at 9:00 am and the Discussions began at 9:10 am. We made it!
THE SATURDAY FORUM DISCUSSIONS: When i entered the building, a greeter with a yellow T-shirt handed me a paper titled Saturday Forum, and instructed me to read it before the forum begins. She directed me and others entering with me, to the room where the actual discussion was going to take place. At the door where i entered the room, there was a table with generous amounts of * information handouts about the event and about Mumia. i gathered as much as allowed and thought back to when i co-hosted with other Antioch students, a few years earlier, a caravan of vehicles to two Free Mumia demonstration events in filthydelphia, where at one, my sista Ayo agreed to house the visiting students in her home. The Saturday Discussion Forum was a context for understanding the choice of Mumia Abu Jamal as a graduation speaker which took place in Glen Helen Building, Antioch College from 9:00 am - 10:30 am, April 29. The schedule included initial presentations of eight minutes each per speaker, responses and Q&A from audience, and a press conference at 10:30am till commencement. Invited participants included:
Rosemari Mealy- Public Affairs Director, WBAI-Pacifica radio in NYC whose initial presentation included a history of Mumia, and history of police attacks on Blacks in filthydelphia;
Clark Kissinger - Refuse and Resist, whose initial presentation included a history of Mumia's trial and false testimonies and selective memories of witnesses;
Mark Taylor - Professor, Princeton Divinity School, organizer of 800 faculty signatures on petition calling for new trial, whose initial presentation included comments about disproportion of wealth, prioritization of prisons, gag laws, FOP, the 300,600 on death row and pressure Antioch got for having Mumia as a commencement speaker;
Pam Afrika - Family Afrika MOVE organization member and International Concerned Family and Friends of Mumia Several others declined invitations or were unable to come.
Again, i digress. When i entered the room and found a seat, i noticed that my sister from 20 years of struggle and both of us being MOVE members, was sitting at the panel table. So, i got up, i walk with a cane and do not ambulate well; she noticed as i moved towards her. Her mouth fell open. When i got really close, i said excuse me to the sista, Rosemari, that she was talking to and leaned down and began to hug her. She pulled away, looked into my eyes and began to cry as did i. We held each other for a long time. Took our respective deep breaths. "i forgot you were out here in Ohio!" she said to me. "Yeah sis, i luv you," i said trying to dry my eyes. "i luv you too and We miss you in philly," she responded. "i miss you too sis. It's so good to see you. We'll talk later, " i said. By this time i had dropped to my knees and We were holding each other speaking into each other's ears. We smiled at each other. Kissed. i returned to my seat. Throughout the entire discussion, We would look at each other, wink, blow kisses, smile. End of digression.
An empty seat was obvious at the presenters panel table. The moderator called the discussion to order. The moderator was Cheryl Keen, Professor in Self, Society and Culture major at Antioch College with consultant Kathy Hale, chair of Antioch University's McGregor School's graduate program in Conflict Resolution. The moderator explained later in the discussion that the empty seat was there because the invitations that were extended to those who opposed Mumia's speaking at the commencement, declined to attend the discussion.
The forum intent was to provide a context for understanding why so many members of the Antioch graduating class wanted to invite Mumia Abu Jamal to speak at their graduation and to understand the objections to his speaking. It was open to everyone who wanted to participate in the dialogue guided by ground rules that were on the sheets We were given upon entry. The document also included information about Dialogue Underlying attitudes, debate and behaviors. The room was packed. People standing in doorways, outside, on stage, in every chair and in every corner and on the floor.
Audience comments and panel discussion:
1. An audience member stated that people should view the court process with more scrutiny.
2. Audience member questioned that Mumia "never said he didn't do it." Pam Afrika response: court records show that Mumia DID say he's innocent. Clark responds: Mumia denied guilt and that he refused to participate in a kangaroo court.
3. Audience member questions why the opposition did not attend the forum. Moderator responds: fop, maureen faulkner (widow) of daniel faulkner the cop that Mumia allegedly shot, supported those who object but thought her efforts best served by not attending but rather being a part of fop activities against Mumia. Both fop and maureen declined their invitations.
4. Audience member mentions the 41 shots that police put into Amadou Diallou and that the courts finally declared that the behavior of the police was wrong.That the pressure from people is what made them come to that conclusion but if We did not put pressure on the system, they will murder Mumia. Clark response: beware of "weirdos" like those who support the fop and faulkner with websites like 41shots.com; May 21 Motor Cycle Run for daniel faulkner; also spoke of supporters for Mumia activities taking place. Rosemari response: spoke of Mumia's insistent claim of innocence, 200 POW's in amerikkkan prisons, overstanding Mumia and all POW's in political context, Assata Shakur's freedom must be protected.
5. Audience member states that there should be more viewpoints and that there is a difference between dialogue and debate; and that the discussion was one-sided and opponents were being "demonized." Moderator reiterates that opposition declined invitations to present their points of view; also states that in previous forums with Dayton Police, they are aware of the corruption in their departments and want community input to solve the problems. Pam Afrika Response: bullets were changed in police custody from 45's to the 38's that Mumia had; and that MOVE did not get the reparations that they were awarded; maureen faulkner lied and said that when the blood stained shirt was presented in court, Mumia allegedly smiled at her. But the court records distinctly showed that on this particular day when this evidence was presented, Mumia WAS NOT IN COURT.
i digress: hearing Pam's remarks reminds me of when Pam, i and others were present in court during Mumia's trial. Also brought back memories of how the courts had white men pack the courtroom and wouldn't leave so that any Afrikans could attend the trial. Also brought back memories of me growing up with Mumia; him being like a brotha to me; him and i attending the same broadcast school; him and i in the Black Panther Party together and the long talks We use to have. And more recently, from deathrow, him responding to my children who were given assignments to write a POW once a week and him telling them how lucky they were to have me for their mother and teacher. End of digression.
6. A French audience member spoke of how the French government supports a new trial for Mumia and how Mumia's book, Live From Death Row is a best seller in France and has sold out THREE times. And Mumia was declared an honorary citizen.
7. Audience member asked if faulkner's character has ever been brought to light in this case. Pam Afrika response: faulkner's partner LIED; didn't testify and was under investigation for prostitution and drugs; matter of record.
8. Audience member comments that cointel-pro damaged the movement years ago and still exits. Rosemari response: recounted the past; how the government has criminalized the movement; still under surveillance. Mark's response: there needs to be a clear distinction and understanding of difference between education and certification.
9. Audience member speaks about how people should respond when confronted with comments like "Mumia is a cop-killer," juries make mistakes; system and it's legislature robs Mumia of appeals process; asks what's Mumia's view on education. Pam's response: Mumia's view on education is obvious in his actions. Used visual images of Mumia in two different instances getting his college diplomas in various majors; being the holder of several degrees while on deathrow.
10. Audience member states they support Mumia and all POW's and can't forget any of them including Leonard Peltier; says there are serious problems with the justice system.
11. Audience member states that in a historical context, what's needed to get fair trial? Rosemari response: battle will not be won in the courts but rather by mass outcry, legal work and international protest.
12. Audience member points out lack of media coverage. Pam Afrika response: fop has mass media coverage; media is misguided and misguides people; "media does not cover law; they cover outlaw." Clark response: government program to speed up death row inmate presence; media looking for violence and widow grieving over faulkner; "closure does not take prescidence over justice."
End of Discussion.
PRESS CONFERENCE: (10:43 am)
About 10:34 am the room emptied by at least 2/3rds and press and other interested persons remained for the press conference. Others left to get seats for the commencement. i remained. Press members got private/personal interviews and then the formal press conference began.
Question 1: Where is Billy Cook? Was any account ever given? Clark response: Billy Cook was never subpoenaed. Don't know where he is. Yes he gave an account that said that there was another passenger (3rd person) present on the scene and in the car who did it. This person's name is Ken Freeman who is suspected. Follow-up question: Where is Freeman? Clark response: dead after the 1985 bombing of the Family Afrika MOVE.
Question 2: Clarify what is so special about Mumia having a federal court hearing. Mark response: pennsylvania is the UPsouth; there are disproportionate amount of Blacks on death row; state court is corrupt; up against the Effective Death Penalty Act and therefore, federal court is Mumia's only recourse. Rosemari response: Mumia has 29 issues listed of improprieties of judge sabo; "sabo's colleagues have never challenged him for his improprieties."
Question 3: Is there a clear theory of who killed faulkner? Mark response: need new trial to get to the truth of this question; Mumia needs a real lawyer of his choice, fair trial, protection under the law and protection of his rights. Pam response: spoke of Billy Cook's disappearance and DA's deal to not have him testify; spoke of Singletary with wrong driver's certificate of someone else; Cynthia White, the prostitute who testified against Mumia, said both other people in case got out of the car; were not Mumia; DA focused on one person in car: the driver and not the passenger.
Question 4: What does movement need to do to close the gap of disparity of issues of the case and wider issues of police abuse? Mark response: organize locally.
Question 5: Asked if maureen faulkner is helping with an investigation to find the REAL murderer? Pam Afrika response: No! Mumia raises the issue of finding out the truth of the case; "if i was maureen, i would want to know the truth and prove it instead of saying they can't prove it. She's trying to block Mumia from having a new trial. "
End of Press Conference.
After the Press Conference, i approached my sista Pam again, and introduced her nephew to her. She hadn't met him since birth and when i returned home to filthydelphia for the previous demonstrations and to visit family on other occasions, he was not with me. Also, her niece was sleeping with my grand-baby in the car parked outside. So she left with me and went to the car and her mouth and Nzinga's (my daughter) mouths fell open and they screamed and hugged each other. We all hugged. They had some reacquainting discussion as Nzinga is one of the Move Afrika family children. We agreed to try to meet again after the ceremonies and parted company. Pam walked off with other workers and campus hosts and i with my family unpacked the car and walked over to the commencement area.
THE GRADUATION COMMENCEMENT
As We approached the commencement area, i noticed a group of people with different police uniforms and plain clothes and they were behind ranger police lines. i asked one of the rangers assigned to guard these people, who they were. He said they were people protesting Mumia, family of the dead cop and police supporters of faulkner. i thanked him and approached the inner perimeter of the commencement. It was outdoors and a beautiful sunny day with a slight breeze. There were press on the next police line. Then inside of that was people standing and inside of that semi circle was people sitting. We found seats next to some brothas in the NOI that We know from Dayton.
The Academic Procession and Welcoming Remarks by Robert H. Devine had already occurred. When We sat down, the Commencement Co-Speaker, Leslie Feinberg, an award-winning author, organizer and Transgender activist, well known in the u.s. and worldwide, trade unionist, anti-racist, socialist, and a national leader of Workers World Party, was already speaking. He spoke of Harry Belefonte's Kansas concert, because he's a Mumia supporter, being protested by the fop; cops terrorizing anyone who speaks for Mumia; and questioned what are they afraid of? He continued, 1 of 14 Black men is in prison; 48% more likelihood for Blacks to be imprisoned; for every 1 Black going to college, 58 go to prison; prisons are warehouses for poor and disenfranchised; and that the kkk and organized institutional racism in amerikkka exists. He remembered Bullconner and the water hoses and police dogs set on Black women, men and children in the south; and he concluded that if Mumia is murdered it "sends a message that it's open season on the oppressed;" and that "brick by brick, wall by wall, We gonna free Mumia Abu Jamal!" He received a standing ovation. Feinberg, after delivering a rather light hearted yet serious, humorous and informative talk, introduced Mumia Abu Jamal. Some of the audience stood up and applauded. Others did not. When they sat down i noticed about 6 or 7 people with faulkner buttons on with their backs turned to Mumia's voice in protest. They stood the entire time Mumia was speaking. My brotha didn't talk about his case, the death penalty, an oppressive system and its various factions that attack Black people not only in filthydelphia but globally nor imperialist policemen in his speech.
i didn't time it at the time, but i thought to myself that it was quite short. i found out later that it was about 6 to 7 minutes long. His speech was delivered to the attendees by audio cassette. Also, the audio quality left something to be desired. But We could hear what he was saying once the volume was adjusted. After Mumia's speech the majority of the audience stoop up and gave him a standing ovation and others simply sat down, not applauding. The protestors sat down when the standing ovation took place. Following Mumia's speech, various students did presentations. The 11 student presenters included Shayna Plaut, Rachel Biesemeyer, Jesus Canchola-Canchez, Rachel Bogartti, Damien Joyner, Tim Eubanks, Patti Ventura, Bart Leib, Kevin Franck, Seth Gordon and Leah Vinitsky. There comments included the fact that Antioch stood up the fop, media and others who would protest their decision to have Mumia as their commencement speaker; faculty needs to "take the risk of supporting the students more, not just in the classrooms but in their activisms outside of the class;" that the students, some of them, had illusions of grandure about changing the world, what was learned while at Atioch, friendships made, the real world and not to prostitute the passion (Plaut). Students spoke of the ability to rise above all opposition; genocide and the contradictions of amerikkka: just-us; congratulated the class; mentioned their inspirations for success; revolution stemming from action and hypocrisies in amerikkka (Canchez); and the role of Antioch students and community. They also spoke of the challenges in life to be met and that there "is a need for the prison walls to crumble."
Kevin Franck was the only student who spoke about the triumph of liberty, that liberty needs to be understood, freedom of speech allowed a murderer to speak, he supports "Antioch's Civil Liberties Code and u.s. constitution which allowed a convicted killer to speak," that people need to respect the courage that it takes to support an unpopular opinion: referring to himself as being the only speaker to support faulkner and was against Mumia speaking. He said that "faulkner is an example of why the law exists and stood for and protected those freedoms which is a police officer's role." He further stated that faulkner gave his life to protect freedoms. Then he asked for a moment of silence. Those who disagreed and objected were heard coughing throughout the moment of silence. There was minimal applause for Franck. A handful stood up and applauded for him. All other students were vigorously applauded upon completion of their presentations.
Another article about Mumia Abu Jamal, written by me, can be found at Rev. Khandi Konte-Paasewe, scroll down to the Mumia link and on it.