Lively discussion followed MLK film

Lively discussion followed MLK film

by Rajkhet Dirzhud-Rashid - SGN A&E Writer Where Do We Go From Here? New Freeway Hall February 23 Not only was it a packed house, but the speech by Dr. Martin Luther King on issues of racism and the Vietnam War (his famous 1967 speech in which he connected the funding of the Vietnam War with a lack of economic equality, particularly for blacks) and the panel discussion afterwards really livened up the evening of February 23. Held at New Freeway Hall and put on by the Freedom Socialist Party, the panel brought together organizer with the Justice Works group for prisoner rights, former Black Panther member and member of Organized Workers for Labor Solidarity Mark Cook, Radical Women organizer Christina Lopez, and Dr. Artee Young, executive director at Evergreen State College in Tacoma. Each panelist brought to the evening their experiences and an answer to the question "where do we go from here?" as well as comments about how the current political race and state of the country reflect an even greater need for activism. Each saw that neither the Democratic party or Republican party candidates seem to be offering real solutions to the issues of economic disparity between working class and corporate interests or a way to end the Iraq war. After the film and discussion, audience members and activists stuck around to enjoy a delicious feast and network for more activities in the future, including actions to ensure that low-income housing was available for people living in the current tent city. Some also discussed the upcoming "Day of Decision" march, aimed to bring attention to activist Mumia Abu-Jamal, who has served 26 years on death row for the alleged murder of a police officer. For more on that action and on the upcoming Women's Day celebration on March 8, call 206-722-6057, or go to www.FSPseattle@mindspring.com.