On the final day of Mumia Week, we spoke with Ant Smith, an organizer seeking Mumia Abu-Jamal’s freedom. During our conversation, he discussed how literacy and censorship in this country function by design. He urged everyone to consider what they are willing to sacrifice before deciding this isn’t their fight.

Abu-Jamal, a journalist and former Black Panther has been held by the state for over 44 years and celebrated his 72nd birthday this year. There are urgent calls for his expeditious release, as well as demands for adequate medical care during his captivity.