You can’t shake the feeling that something here is about to go terribly wrong, and you’re right. Because the foundation of this coliseum-sized theatrical nightmare is about to come tumbling down and most people there have no idea. The very poles holding up this tent, capitalism and imperialism, are being weakened from within. And your brothers and sisters from the outside world, those not invited to attend, are about to come and deliver a final blow. This moment is not about Trump. It is about the struggle of an empire on the verge of collapse. And this African Liberation Month, we must commit to planning our escape. It’s time to get the hell out of the circus and back into our communities to build power. It’s time to renew our commitment—not just to observe the fall, but to collaborate with those who want to kill this freakshow before it sells another ticket. . . .
Black History Month
“Fuck BHM” Four Years Later: Restoring the Nia of Black History Month
The mainstream version of Black History Month distorts its original purpose. This piece revisits its radical roots, critiques its neoliberal co-optation, and calls for a return to its true role in liberation struggles. . . .
Going Further During African History Month
The following are remarks that I offered on February 26, 2023, at Love Assembly Worship Center, a Christian church in Greeleyville, SC in honor of African History Month. Good morning everyone! I bring you all special greetings as we begin to bring this year’s African History Month to a close. My name is Salifu. I grew up right here in this area and attended GES as a kid, and right now I am a 7th and 8th grade English teacher at C.E. Murray, the same school I graduated from, with my classmate who invited me here today. I am also . . .
African History – An Underused Weapon for Liberation
Mama is excited. She grabs her husband’s arm and smiles broadly as their daughter marches proudly to the microphone. She is perhaps 11 or 12-years-old, but at this moment, with her head held high and her perfect erect posture, she possesses the poise of a young woman twice her age. What happens next is magic – at least it is in the minds of the girl’s adoring parents who have been mesmerized from the moment their pride and joy first emerged from stage left. The young orator places her portfolio on the lectern, and while making her best efforts to . . .
Black History Month: From Negro History Week to Pan-African Historical Context
Originally published on The Black Commentator in 2008 “Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.” – Carter G. Woodson “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots” – Marcus Garvey The need to once and for all embrace a reasonable and comprehensive interpretation of African history that inspires and uplifts Black people is evident when examining how Black History Month is celebrated in US culture. Like most other historic reflections, Black History Month is . . .
Why We Say: Fuck Black History Month
In this statement, members of the Hood Communist Collective will outline what we have identified as four key ways in which Black History Month has been commandeered to work in the interest of the ruling class and paralyze the potential for radical movement-building today. . . .