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Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello has launched the Mary Morello Memorial Project, a fundraising and direct-action initiative honoring his late mother, who died earlier in July at the age of 102. According to an announcement from the Morello family, the project aims to support organizations aligned with Mary Morello’s lifelong activism and career as a teacher.
Organizations Supported by the Mary Morello Memorial Project
Donations collected through the memorial project will benefit several groups focused on humanitarian aid, civil rights, and community support. According to the Morello family, the designated organizations include the UFW Foundation, Doctors Without Borders, The Midnight Mission, Jail Guitar Doors, Orphans Of The Storm, All Chicago, Corazón for Cuba, the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, and the Center For Native American Youth. Additional organizations may be added to the initiative.
The memorial fund reflects Mary Morello’s seven-decade career as an educator and activist. Throughout her life, she opposed Jim Crow laws, supported trade unions, aided anti-colonial movements in Africa, and spoke out against apartheid. Her political advocacy directly influenced the worldview and activism of her son.
Direct Action Campaign and Upcoming Deadlines
Alongside financial contributions, the family is encouraging the public to participate in hands-on community service and activism before October 1, which would have marked Mary Morello’s 103rd birthday. In a statement released on July 20, Tom Morello urged supporters to engage firsthand in caring, service, and action by volunteering, protesting, walking picket lines, or creating political art and music.
Participants documenting their community efforts have been invited to share their work on Instagram by tagging the official account @MaryMorelloMemorialProject to highlight ongoing pursuits of peace, equality, and justice.
The launch of the project follows Tom Morello’s decision to cancel a string of UK and European tour dates earlier this month to return home and care for his mother. The guitarist recently collaborated with System Of A Down frontman Serj Tankian and his son Roman Morello on the single ‘Adjourn It’. Morello is scheduled to host the single-day Power To The People festival at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland, on October 3, featuring performances by Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, and Joan Baez.
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