[align=center]Poets 4 Political Prisoners Orlando Invasion[/align]
[align=left]It is said that a people can be judged by their warriors. So, what is to
be said about a people whose warriors are forgotten? Poets for Political
Prisoners was instituted as a propaganda tool used to raise the awareness of
African and colonized soldiers who are currently held behind enemy lines.
By using poetry, hip-hop, and other forms of culture music the message is
brought to the people in a manner that is easily digested while also raising
funds for materials such as cds and newspapers that will be used for
Comrades legal expenses and commissary.

On December 09, 2006, exactly twenty-five years after Mumia
Abu-Jamal's kidnapping and 32 months into the denial of releasing Veronza
Bowers on mandatory parole after serving over 31 years illegal imprisonment,
Poets for Political Prisoners shook Orlando, FL. With Kalonji Jama Changa
as the mc and comrades coming from as far as Bridgeport, CT the night was
filled with an energy and intensity that was almost overwhelming. Hosted at
Ital Youths Rastaraunt brothers and sisters packed in filling it wall to
wall. Baba Ital dimmed the lights and then Asha, a small statured sister
with wrapped locks stood to the microphone, closed her eyes, and out of her
mouth we heard, "Soon it will be dawn. Trouble of the world." The voice of
Mahalia Jackson, the pain of our Ancestors, and the emotion of the struggle
touched everyone so deeply that it almost made us numb. Even Kalonji had to
search for words when he took to the mic. It can truly be said that Asha
set the stage for what was to follow.
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[align=left]Jacksonville was represented by several sisters includingMalikah Hameen and Freedom Speaks. Brother Law, from the hip hop group Sound Right Reasoning, came through from Bridgeport, CT with cds, dvds, magazines, and other forms of propaganda for the people and then rocked the mic reminding us to beware of the snitches. Dead Prez producer Tahir delivered the killa freestyle and Orlando's own Marcus Garvey Revolutionary Guard
closed it up by "Chanting down Babylon." By the time we looked up it was
4am and the energy was still going. And while there are too many names to
mention a special thank you is due to Ital Youths Rastaraunt, Sis. Mwa, and
all of the artist who touched stage that night.

The energy was beautiful and felt by all who attended. But it
was more than just entertainment. You could see an awakening of the people.
You could see dissatisfaction for what we had become so accustomed to. It
was evident that change was imminent. Questions began to come like "How do
we organize," and "What do we do next?" Poets for Political Prisoners had
done its job. It had utilized our natural artistic expression to draw in
the people while sending the message that together we can create the change
that we want to see! The message was sent that we will not be defined by
the system but the system will definitely be redefined by us. It is said
that a people can be judged by their warriors. So, what will be said now
that we know who they are? Dare to Struggle.Dare to Win!


Next Stops:
Cincinnati, OH Dec 16th and 17th
Atlanta, Georgia Dec 17th

For more info: http://www.ftpmovement.tk

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