All Things Censored
by Mumia Abu-Jamal (with a forward by Alice Walker)
The Author: Mumia Abu-Jamal is from Philadelphia-home of The Roots, Jill Scott, the famous Philly cheese steak, and the Philadelphia Police Department. Jamal was born April 24, 1954, and at the young age of twenty-seven, when most young adults are settling into their lives, he was arrested for on charges of murder. He was accused of killing Officer Daniel Faulkner, and sentenced to death by Judge Albert Sabo, known as the “hanging judge”. The morning that he was arrested he was found beaten up and shot (much like Assata Shakur and countless others who were accused of crimes, when evidence showed crimes against them). Despite it all (or because of it), Jamal remains on death row, and is still speaking out on issues effecting us all. The case and Jamal’s life as an activist and journalist, is notorious for many reasons, but some of the highlights include: his first arrest at the age of fourteen for protesting at a presidential rally for George Wallace (an avidly opposed civil rights for Blacks at the time); his time as lieutenant minister of information for the Black Panther Party, and his former title of President of the Association of Black Journalists (Philadelphia Chapter). His case has received international attention, and it is highly questionable as to whether he received due process of the law, while some even believe that he was framed from the beginning.
The Book: All Things Censored is made up of 93 essays written by Mumia Abu-Jamal. Each essay is succinct, powerful, and raw, while still told eloquently as Jamal’s journalistic voice shines through. He writes about everything from racism, politics, the justice system, and his fellow inmate’s stories and prison in general. He signs each essay off with “From death row, this is Mumia Abu-Jamal.” I guess it is just what it is. But inside of the pages of All Things Censored, he writes as freely as anyone, more fearless than most and with the type of clarity and conviction that should force us all to think before labeling just anyone an “activist” or “journalist”. With all his seemingly natural intellectualism, the book is easy to read. Besides it seems pretty effortless, reading about death row as he sits in its belly. It seems easy just reading period, knowing that he (as he states in the book) wrote everything twice by hand, in solitary, in some of the most uncomfortable conditions, to get these words to us. It only makes sense to take in his analytical musings, his humor, and his truth by reading his book. As he says in his acknowledgements, “by reading (or hearing) these very words, you are participating in a conspiracy of resistance. I welcome you. For the spirit of resistance is, in essence, the spirit of love.”
The Verdict: All Things Censored is worth having, and reading twice.
– Daki, a proud eighties-baby, is a native of Washington, D.C., and has been writing poetry and short stories since the age of nine. Daki is a freelance journalist, with a focus on music and culture, who runs her own writing services company, CopyMonster.net. She is not only passionate about writing, but also positively impacting youth, and raising consciousness in her community.
11 responses so far ↓
1 Hans Bennett // Sep 22, 2008 at 4:08 pm
This is a great book. Thanks for recommending it.
Free all political prisoners!
2 Shayla McGee // Sep 22, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Thank you for the book review. I read Mumia Abu-Jamal’s Death Blossoms and loved it. I was unaware of this newer publication. Thanks for an on-point review and just for spreading the knowledge that this publication is out there.
3 Ja'Ski // Sep 22, 2008 at 7:48 pm
This sister has a way with words! I want to go read that book…
4 Eve // Sep 23, 2008 at 6:50 am
Yeah, I feel like I need to go and get that book too! I knew about Mumia but not in great detail …. i know, shame on me. But this review was not only informative but quite enlightening. Though that Brotha is locked down on death-row…He’s stll free. What a mighty Spirit he carries to still speak of love and truth from a place designed specifically to break ones Spirit. That’s crazy!! But its MIGHTY….thanks for sharing. Its now added to my “To Read List”…
5 Legacy // Sep 23, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Well, I didn’t even know about this book until I was sent your review. I really like that you gave Mumia’s personal and case background in the review - it helps to gain a better understanding of the book and its content. I like the fact that you mentioned that although he is imprisoned, on death row, of all places, his writing is still FREE!! and more spiritually free and aware than many of those who walk our streets. Thank you for keeping us up-to-date with the most relevant and conscious writings. Much appreciation. Legacy
6 L.B. // Sep 23, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Great review. The book and author seem to be very interesting and enlightening. This article has made me interested i the book.
7 Faye S. // Sep 23, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Great job Daki! Thanks for the background info on the author. I’ve heard a little about him, but still don’t know enough. This review makes me want to not only read All Things Censored, but to read more about Mumia and his staying power. I love knowing what makes people tick, especially under his circumstances.
8 JE Ray // Sep 24, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Mumia is a true savage that is were he belongs. Yes free political prisioners not savage beast murders.
9 JENKIM SOUL // Sep 24, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Checks out my website, for more info on the oppressed brothers….free mumia
10 Olawale O. // Sep 26, 2008 at 7:50 pm
“Besides it seems pretty effortless, reading about death row as he sits in its belly.” If this book carries the same raw connection between the intellect and emotions as this review does, then it’s a definite read. Thanks for your review Daki.
11 Olubukola Delle // Oct 8, 2008 at 8:07 pm
I’ve been on the hunt for some new reading material, and I think I’ve found it. Thanks for the insight Daki!
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