Wednesday, March 14, 2012

THE SPIRIT OF CULTURAL RESISTANCE LIVES ON
OCRAC to host “Better Days Ahead: A Cultural Tribute To the Memory of Troy Davis and Martina Correia,” March 23rd

On Friday, March 23rd, 8PM, at the Wicker Park Arts Center (2215 W North Ave), the Occupy Chicago Rebel Arts Collective will host a night of art, music and culture remembering the life and struggles of Troy Davis and Martina Correia.

The evening will highlight the spoken word artists FM Supreme, a 2x consecutive champion of Chicago's citywide High School poetry slam festival, Louder Than A Bomb and Rota. Speakers will include Amnesty International (with a video feature), Marlene Martin (Campaign to End the Death Penalty) and Ken Andrews  (Occupy 4 Prisoners).

Six months ago, the state of Georgia executed Davis for murder of a police officer--despite virtually no evidence and a worldwide campaign to save his life. Months later, his sister Martina Correia, a tireless advocate on his behalf, succumbed to cancer.

Both Troy and Martina were dedicated fighters against the death penalty and the racism of the criminal injustice system. As we move into Chicago Spring and a revival of activism for social and economic justice, OCRAC wishes to pay tribute to them. This event--featuring music, poetry, performance and art--will celebrate their lives, and the continuing struggle against racism and repression in Chicago, Georgia, the United States and around the world.

Included will be local painters and artists involved anti-racist movements in Chicago, as well as local rock, hip-hop and blues, poets and performance artists. Come join what is guaranteed to be an inspiring night. Though Troy and Martina are no longer with us, the culture of resistance they were a part of lives and thrives!

For more information on this event, feel free to contact the Occupy Chicago Rebel Arts Collective at artsoccupychi@gmail.com, or get in touch with press contact Alex Billet.

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