Aya de Leon

07/10/12 20:29 Filed in: Inside Look

Written by Stephen Vittoria
(San Francisco)

After graduating from Harvard College and studying theater with Whoopi Goldberg, Aya de Leon dedicated her immense talent to healing communities in need. As a writer, hip-hop artist, and poetic activist, Aya has received numerous awards and her work has received significant acclaim in many publications including the Village Voice, Washington Post, Oakland Tribune, and San Francisco Chronicle. I remember Aya’s memorable performance in Howard Zinn’s “Voices of a People’s History” with Mos Def, Alice Walker, and many others.

Well, we’re fortunate because Aya graces and dignifies LONG DISTANCE REVOLUTIONARY with her insight, passion, as well as another remarkable performance, this one from her own spoken word poem entitled “In the Flesh.” She’s accompanied on vocals by Ahsabi Monique Burris in this haunting moment. Take a listen…

Also, Aya will be attending the second screening of LDR at the Mill Valley Film Festival on Monday, October 8 at 4:45pm. There will also be a Q&A after the film with myself and Noelle Hanrahan. (Sequoia Theatre, 25 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley, CA 94941). If he can, Mumia will be calling in live..

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