Marvin X Book Tour Report 2005

Barakas Give Marvin X A Revolutionary Book Party

On Saturday, October 1, 2005, Amiri and Amina Baraka hosted a party for their revolutionary comrade, poet Marvin X. The party was also a coming-out party for the Barakas since it was the first event held at their home since the murder of their daughter, Shani, and her girlfriend, Rayshon.

The house was packed with folks from up and down the East Coast, but the surprise guest was Elizabeth Cattlett Mora, the great revolutionary artist from Mexico City, who entered the door with Sonia Sanchez and Betty's son Francisco Mora. 

Marvin X last saw Elizabeth thirty-five years ago when she gave him refuge in Mexico after he fled the United States to protest the Vietnam war. Mother Mora, now in her eighties, was also the witness, along with her husband, Francisco, now deceased, at the civil wedding of the poet. From that wedding came his first daughter, Nefertiti who just happened to be in the kitchen assisting Amina Baraka. The poet called his daughter into the living room so Mother Mora could "witness" the fruit from the marriage. Marvin's daughter Muhammida and her mother Nisa Ra were also present.

Poets in the house included Mae Jackson, Everett Hoagland, Lamont Steptoe, Steve Wilson, and others, included students from nearby colleges.  The party had the flavor of a United Nations General Assembly with Amiri Baraka calling for a reconvening of the National Black Assembly. 

Also speaking were representatives from the Puerto Rican and Cuban struggles, but Pam Africa fired up the party with her talk on the Move Movement and Mumia Abu Jamal. Sam Anderson and his wife were also in the house. The party ended about 5a.m.

Marvin X continues his National Book Tour at the following venues:

For Bookings, contact Sun In Leo Agency, 718-496-2305

posted 6 October 2005

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update 1 August 2008