Mumia Abu-Jamal Honored in Paris with Mural and Street-Namings

Jamal Jr. inaugurates the murals of Nelson Mandela and Mumia Abu Jamal.

 

By Bea Phi

On June 4, Jamal Jr. and Brenda Arjona honoured the French ‘Libérons Mumia’ Collective and the town of Villejuif with their presence at the inauguration of the murals depicting Nelson Mandela and Mumia Abu Jamal, both honorary citizens of the municipality.

After an introductory speech by the mayor, Jamal Jr. spoke to the assembled crowd of Mumia supporters, local dignitaries and other citizens. He placed his telephone in front of the microphone so that Mumia’s vocal message, in French, could be heard by all. Jamal then began his speech: “Art is a weapon best used to be an inspiration to all who have the opportunity to decipher it. My grandfather, an artist, journalist, philosopher, and family man galvanizes the revolutionary mind and soul of those seeking his revolutionary analysis…”

Jamal Jr. address attendees as Claude Guillaumaud, a member of the French collective, provides French translation.

During their stay, Jamal and Brenda also visited the two streets named after Mumia Abu-Jamal, one in Saint Denis and the other in Bobigny. He is an honorary citizen of these towns, both situated in the Paris suburbs.

The American delegation also met artist Mustapha Boutadjine, who presented Jamal Jr. with a print of his collage representing Mumia Abu Jamal. The artist is renowned for his portraits of revolutionary figures, including Angela Davis, Che Guevara, Eldridge Cleaver and  Fidel Castro.

Source: Prison Radio