Tom Morello has launched the Mary Morello Memorial Project in honor of his late mother.
Mary Morello passed away earlier this month at the age of 102. She was a teacher and lifelong activist who was instrumental in Tom’s political understanding, including his pursuit of a political science degree from Harvard. She helped feed the poor during the Great Depression, protested against Jim Crow laws, participated in anti-colonial movements in support of a free Africa, and more over the course of her long life.
The Mary Morello Memorial Project will gather funds to be dispersed to a number of charities close to Mary’s heart, such as UFW Foundation Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Frontiers), the Midnight Mission Jail Guitar Doors USA, Orphans of the Storm, All Chicago Corazón con Cuba. the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, and the Center for Native American Youth.
Tom Morello said in a statement:
“The Morello Family invites friends, family, and all those whose lives were touched by Mary Morello to honor her memory by helping to keep her legacy of compassion, courage and service alive. Donations to the Mary Morello Memorial Project will support organizations that were deeply meaningful to Mary throughout her life, and reflect the causes she passionately believed in and was proud to work alongside (see below).
But we also invite you to “do as Mary did”, and engage first hand in CARING, SERVICE & ACTION. Between now and Oct. 1st (which would have been Mary’s 103rd birthday) get out there and DO SOMETHING: volunteer, protest, speak up, speak out, walk a picket line, do political art & music, and help those in need in anyway you see fit in your community. Share your efforts on Instagram and tag @MaryMorelloMemorialProject so as a community we can continue Mary’s work for peace, equality and justice.”
You can support the project here.
Tom Morello recently released the song “Adjourn It” featuring his son Roman Morello and System of a Down’s Serj Tankian, a track we named Heavy Song of the Week upon its released.
The Rage Against the Machine guitarist also announced a one-day festival called Power to the People set to take place October 3rd in Columbia, Maryland, and feature Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, and more. Get tickets here.
See Tom Morello’s full Instagram post below.
