HOUSTON––On February 18th, ground was broken in Houston, Texas to plant seeds at the 5th Ward Community Garden by members of All African People’s Development and Empowerment Project (AAPDEP) and the International People’s Democratic Uhuru Movement (InPDUM) and the 5th Ward community in honor of our fallen African Martys.
The event, opened up with the powerful rhythm of African drums, featured guest speakers, such as long time African People’s Socialist Party member Omowale Kefing, Black Panther Party Alumni Bunchy Crear and the local InPDUM President, Teila N. Comrade Willie N. Rodriquez from the Chicano/Indigenous movement also spoke some words of encouragement.
This event marks both a victory and a loss for African people. It is through the bravery of our Martyrs that we can exist in a state of resistance today. Without them this system would seem to stand unchallenged. We, however, mourn the loss of our comrades in struggle.
This Martyrs’ Day honored Korryn Gaines, Micah X, Queen Nzinga, Patrice Lumumba, and Houston’s own; Carl Hampton. Raised beds were placed in the garden along with a wooden placard with each person’s name, photo and biography. The people stood attentively as the ground was prepared, listening intently as words were shared about each of these fallen warriors.
Of the more than 30 people who came out to the event, most didn’t mind getting dirty. They helped to break the bags of dirt and construct the raised beds and to spread the dirt.
The 5th Ward Community Garden offers the community the opportunity to experience the genuine “fruits of their labor”.
Last year, a peach tree was planted and dedicated to Malcolm X and an apple tree was planted and dedicated to Marcus Garvey.
Saturday was the 5th Annual African Martyrs’ Day event held in Houston, Texas. Juneteenth will be the next project to occur in the Garden on June 17, 2017. Come out and support this effort!
Long Live the African Martyr!
