“Free Mumia Now!� Johanna Fernandez

This week, Eric sits down with Johanna Fernandez to discuss the importance of Mumia Abu-Jamal and the movement to free him. Eric and Johanna examine some of the most critical details of the case while, at the same time, focusing on Mumia’s significance in the struggle for peace and social justice. Prof. Fernandez provides some of the relevant historical context that both explains why he is important, and why the white establishment in Philadelphia feared (and continues to fear) him. Additionally, Eric and Johanna broaden the discussion into an analysis of come of the most important struggles today, including the fight to end mass incarceration and police brutality. Finally, they discuss Mumia’s uncompromising stances on issues of imperialism and why, were he free today, we’d have a much better chance of mounting effective resistance.

Johanna Fernandez is a Professor of History at Baruch College – CUNY. Prof. Fernandez is a co-coordinator of Educators for Mumia Abu-Jamal. She is also the writer and producer of “Justice on Trial: The Case of Mumia Abu-Jamal.”

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Smokey Robinson- “Quiet Storm�

It’s been over a half year now of Soothing the Beast: Saturday Night BFP-Jamiol Music Pick. A lot of Saturday-night listening to an eclectic selection of music here at BFP. I hope you have enjoyed my selections (and the requests) so far. This weeks pick is all about soothing with Smokey Robinson’s Quiet Storm. Apropos, I think, for the non-quiet storms that we are during the week.

Robinson is one of the music industry’s most prolific songwriters and also such an imaginative one that Bob Dylan once called him “America’s greatest living poet”. This particular piece is one of my favorites and shows off his talent best. So kick back, grab that drink and enjoy….DJPJ Read more È

The Indignados movement was sparked in Spain on May 15, 2011. In part inspired by the Arab Spring, young Spaniards, who face a 46% unemployment rate, occupied the Puerta del Sol in Madrid for several weeks, protesting against the socio-political and economic system that benefits the few at the expense of the many. Sparking solidarity protests in dozens of cities across Spain and Europe, the Indignados quickly became a continental phenomenon. Their direct action evolved over time, protecting immigrant neighborhoods from police harassment, and preventing court officials from evicting individuals and families from their homes.

The Indignados provided the inspiration for ‘occupation’ and encampment, as well as subsequent grassroots direct actions that have come to embody the Occupy Movement, which emerged in September and October of 2011. As these movements continue today, their horizontally-organized structures may provide an increasingly important forum for discussion and action as our governments increasingly punish the people into poverty through austerity.

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