[col. Writ. 8/20/13] © ’13 Mumia Abu-Jamal
Brothas! –Sistas! Ona Move! All Power to the People!
Thank you for sharing some of your precious time with me.
I can’t think of Father Paul Washington and the Church of the Advocate without thinking of freedom, justice, and equality.
Many years ago, I think it was 1968 (It may’ve been 1966), the Black Power Conference was held there. A gathering of people from every corner of Black political life, trying to find a way to freedom.
Father Paul made all feel welcome, by opening his doors, and his heart, to people from across the Black nation – like Stokely Carmichael (later to be known as Kwame Ture), Kathleen Cleaver, and Sis. Falaka Fattah. People sought ways to breathe a little freer in Philadelphia and Black America.
Several years later, the Black Panther party would be welcome there, as they organized their Revolutionary (Peoples) Constitutional Convention for activists from around the nation, to create a new, anti-imperialist constitution for a new America yet to be born.
Party members stayed at the Church, writing leaflets, making phone calls, resting after cross-country trips, or days spent organizing.
Father Paul made them welcome, when few other places would’ve dared.
Father Paul Washington, with his stentorian, thundering voice, welcomed all to the Church of the Advocate, for he cared deeply for his ‘other sheep’.
After the MOVE attacks and the police bombing of MOVE’s house on Osage Ave., Father Paul Washington opened his doors again – and again – and again.
“Other sheep have I”, he said.
I remember him with respect and affection as a special man, and remarkable clergyman.
He opened the Church for women when he ordained them – finding the divine equality in women as in men.
“Other sheep”, he said.
I am honored to be among his flock, to receive this award.
I thank you!
Ona Move! Long Live John Africa!
Long Live the Memory of Father Paul Washington!
-© ‘13maj