March 22–29, 2001

six pick

Our Word Is Our Weapon

Armed with guns and anger, the Zapatista army attacked the Mexican government’s overwhelming forces in 1994, demanding land and rights for the indigenous population. Hope has sustained them in their protracted seven-year struggle, fueled by the words, wit and will of Subcomandante Marcos, spokesperson for the indigenous insurgency movement. Now over 300 of Marcos’ essays, poems and communiqués are being published in a collection called Our Word Is Our Weapon, the release of which coincides with the march of thousands of Zapatistas and Zapatista-supporters from the jungles of Chiapas to Mexico City to demand autonomy. You can see footage of this trek March 28 at the book release party. Juana Ponce de Leon, editor of the book, will read selected passages and answer questions.

—Walidah Imarisha

March 28, refreshments start at 6:30 p.m., the Ethical Society of Philadelphia, 1906 Rittenhouse Square, 215-222-4840.