Supporters Of Mumia Abu-Jamal Mark 30th Anniversary Of His Conviction With Rally At NCC
By Dan Wing and Natasha Brown
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Nearly 1,000 people gathered at the National Constitution Center on Friday night to mark the 30th anniversary of Mumia Abu-Jamal's incarceration, and to continue to fight for his release from Pennsylvania's death row.
Supporters came together to call for the release of Mumia Abu-Jamal, and to discuss basic human equality issues. In addition to a number of speakers such as Professor Cornell West and Poet Laureate Amiri Baraka, the crowd also listened in to a live phone conference with Mumia Abu-Jamal himself, who offered advice for youth trying to fight for equality and justice.
"I would say follow your heart, and do the right thing. Because 9 times out of 10, you're doing the right thing."
The event also took time to discuss the next steps in fighting for Mumia's release from prison altogether.
Earlier in the day, a memorial service was held to honor the memory of slain officer Daniel Faulkner.
Outside the constitution center a small number of police and bikers gathered to show their support for the family of Officer Faulkner, the man that Abu-Jamal was convicted of killing.
