Michael Franti, the key organizer of the 911 Power to the Peaceful Event, said in a press release:

"The 911 Festival began in 1999 as an international day of art and culture in support of political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal. The name 911 was chosen to call attention to the emergency status of Mumia's impending execution and 9/11 was the date of the first event. We expanded the event in 2000 to show support for all prisoners on death row, and to speak our against the exponential gowth of the prison industrial complex. In 2001 the day of September 11th took on a wider significance as a result of the tragic loss of life by the attacks of the day. The 4th event in 2002 created a space for healing and compassion for ALL the people killed or displaced by terrorism and the war on terrorism."

The 5th Annual Festival Saturday drew thousands more than any of the previous ones. The weather was perfect and there was a great vibe in the crowd.