The People's War Radio Show, Episode #50: Free Mumia! Interview with Mike Africa, Jr.

66-year-old black political prisoner Mumia Abu Jamal has tested positive for COVID-19, is having trouble breathing, has congestive heart disease and cirrhosis of the liver due to delayed hepatitis C treatment.

Mumia joined the Black Panther Party at age 14. By age 16 he was Lieutenant of Information for the Panthers. He served as President of the Philadelphia Black Journalists Association. When the MOVE Family Africa was brutally attacked and their house burned by Philadelphia police under the direction of the notorious mayor Frank Rizzo in 1978, Mumia was MOVE's most vocal defender. 

In 1981 Mumia was framed for the murder of a Philadelphia cop. He was initially sentenced to death, reduced to life in prison without parole in response to public pressure. People around the world continue to demand his immediate release. 

We talk with Mike Africa, Jr., son of Debbie and Mike Africa, two of the survivors of the 1978 police attack on the MOVE house. Debbie and Mike Sr. were among the 9 MOVE members framed for the murder of the Philadelphia cop who died on the scene of the attack. Debbie was 8 months pregnant at the time and gave birth to Mike Jr. in prison. 

The program includes statements in support of Mumia from former San Francisco 49er quarterback Colin Kaepernick and MOVE member Pam Africa, as well as a recording of Mumia from prison and Mike Africa Jr.'s 2020 release "Time to Rise".

The People's War radio show is produced by WBPU 96.3 FM "Black Power 96" in St. Petersburg, Florida. It is hosted by Dr. Matsemela Odom and Muambi Tangu, bringing an African Internationalist perspective to the important issues of our world.