Kali Akuno, co-founder of Cooperation Jackson, shares his insights on the urgency of community resilience following Trump's re-election. He emphasizes the need for proactive organizing, community defense, and food sovereignty. The conversation critiques the disconnect between the stock market and everyday struggles, urging collective action against complacency. Akuno calls for building sanctuary spaces and international solidarity in social justice movements, advocating for grassroots strategies to empower marginalized communities and create meaningful change.
The lack of adequate preparation for political upheaval has left communities vulnerable, necessitating urgent grassroots organizing and resilience-building.
The recent electoral victories of Trump highlight the need for communities to adapt and mobilize against potential authoritarianism and disenfranchisement.
Establishing self-defense networks and enhancing legal preparedness are crucial for empowering marginalized populations amidst increasing political repression.
A robust economic analysis of rising living costs and systemic inequalities is essential to foster grassroots organizing and a vision for equity.
Deep dives
The Need for Preparedness
It is crucial to acknowledge that adequate preparation for political upheaval has not occurred, despite previous warnings. This lack of preparation has left communities vulnerable, especially in the face of impending governmental changes. Many individuals and groups have engaged in mutual aid and local food production initiatives, but widespread awareness and participation are still lacking. Moving forward, there is an urgent need to identify key tasks over the next two months to strengthen community ties and resilience to potential repression.
Recognizing Political Mandates
The outcome of recent elections demonstrates that current political forces, notably Trump and his allies, hold a significant mandate from voters. This mandate grants them the power to implement their agenda effectively without anticipating a return to traditional electoral processes. As the political landscape shifts, it becomes vital for communities to adapt and not be misled by false hopes of returning to previous norms. Understanding this reality is essential for mobilizing efforts and strategizing responses to potential authoritarianism and disenfranchisement.
Building Infrastructure for Resistance
Communities must actively develop grassroots infrastructure to withstand the consequences of politically motivated repression. This includes legal preparedness and the establishment of self-defense groups to protect marginalized populations. As political repression intensifies, organizing community networks will be essential for collective survival and empowerment. Moreover, discussions on food sovereignty and local production must transform into practical actions that foster solidarity and interdependence among community members.
Clarifying Political Lines
Establishing clear lines of demarcation is vital for distinguishing between progressive and regressive forces within the political landscape. Engaging with liberals requires careful navigation to prevent falling back into old habits of compromise that could undermine more radical movements. As such, this dialogue must include an exploration of how the current administration's policies are affecting marginalized communities. By articulating demands for accountability and genuine structural change, movements can strengthen their positions against oppressive systems.
The Role of Economic Analysis
Addressing the economic consequences of political decisions should be a priority for movements aiming for tangible change. Many people face increasing hardships due to rising living costs and diminishing income stability, yet they may not connect these hardships to overarching systemic issues. A robust economic analysis can clarify how political choices exacerbate existing inequalities and disillusionment with traditional political structures. Building awareness around these economic realities can facilitate grassroots organizing and demand a shared vision for a more equitable future.
Understanding Sanctuary Spaces
The concept of sanctuary—including faith-based organization involvement—poses a vital opportunity for communities facing repression. Establishing safe havens and support for those targeted by oppressive policies can create powerful solidarity networks. As these spaces are developed, critical discussions need to take place about the risks and responsibilities associated with providing sanctuary. Additionally, individuals must actively engage with communities that have lived under oppressive conditions to understand how to support and protect each other effectively.
Reinvigorating the Role of Local Organizing
Local organizing serves as a foundation for broader political movements by providing practical frameworks for engagement and solidarity. The current political climate necessitates grassroots efforts that directly address the immediate concerns of citizens. Building relationships among diverse community members through mutual aid, food sovereignty programs, and shared experiences can cultivate a stronger united front. By focusing on actionable steps within local contexts, communities can foster resilience and make meaningful strides toward social change.
Here Kali Akuno offers thoughts on where we go from here after the re-election of Trump.
Our previous video discussion with Kali Akuno provides more of the nuts and bolts of the type of organizing he's callling for, but this conversation underscores the urgency of this program now that we are in the reality (at least in terms of electoral politics and control of government) that he predicted would come to pass.
Kali Akuno is a cofounder and codirector of Cooperation Jackson. He was the director of special projects and external funding in the mayoral administration of the late Chokwe Lumumba of Jackson, MS. His focus in this role was supporting cooperative development, the introduction of eco-friendly and carbon reduction methods of operation, and the promotion of human rights and international relations for the city. Akuno has also served as the codirector of the U.S. Human Rights Network, and the executive director of the Peoples’ Hurricane Relief Fund (PHRF) based in New Orleans, after Hurricane Katrina. He was a cofounder of the School of Social Justice and Community Development (SSJCD), a public school serving the academic needs of low-income African American and Latino communities in Oakland.
