On September 17, 2022, the Northern Region of the African People’s Socialist Party (APSP) held its annual Uhuru Book Fair and Marketplace in Clark Park, West Philadelphia.
This yearly Book Fair is the pride and highlight of the African community. The business owners from Philly come for the traditional flea markets.
Vendors from all walks of life come together to showcase and sell their natural and homemade items: beauty products, crystals, jewelry, authentic African clothing, and so much more are sold at the flea market.
Chairman Omali speaks on FBI attacks
The Book Fair was essential because Chairman Omali Yeshitela, the founder and leader of the Uhuru Movement, was featured as a keynote speaker.
He spoke to the crowd about the late July FBI attack on the APSP: “This is the U.S. government. They fought a war for more than 25 years against the impoverished people in Afghanistan.
This is the U.S. government. They’re talking about nuclear possibilities with Russia and China. This is the U.S. government doing all of that.”
“Why in the hell then are they attacking my house? In the most economically depressed part of North St. Louis with a military force? Why are they doing that? This is the United States government.”
“Do they think that we are Russia? Do they really think that black people are so stupid and backward that they need Russians to tell us that we are oppressed?”
“That somehow I’m working for Russia because I say reparations to black people, because I say America commits genocide to black people?”
“Hell, I don’t work for Russia; the only group I work for is African people and that’s their problem!”
Live shows at the Book Fair
The Book Fair also featured live shows from local artists ranging from spoken word poetry to music to yoga.
Rhenda Fearrigton opened the live performances. She serenaded the attendees with songs originally written by Nina Simone, such as “To Be Young, Gifted, and Black” and “Ain’t Got No (I Got Life).”
The dynamic musical performances were followed by local authors showcasing and reading excerpts from their books. The sponsors and educational partners local to Philly all work with the Northern Region to make the Book Fair the success that it is.
Don’t just “buy black,” buy Black Power! We say this when working to build economic self-determination and dual-contending power. The Uhuru Book Fair and Marketplace is one of the many manifestations of that goal.
Build the One Africa! One Nation! Marketplace!
Build an Independent African Economy!
To get involved or get in contact, visit APEDF.org.
