Antifascist activists Shane Burley, Emily Gorcenski, Daryle Lamont Jenkins, and Michael Novick discuss their personal history, involvement in the movement, organizing against white supremacy in tech, the fight against fascism, historical context, and building alternative structures for resistance.
The importance of building positive alternatives, community support, and long-term sustainable strategies in the fight against fascism.
The significance of the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville as a turning point for anti-fascist activism and the need for sustained organizing beyond individual rallying points.
Deep dives
Overview of the Podcast Episode
In this podcast episode, a group discussion takes place with four individuals who have contributed to a book on anti-fascist history called 'No Par Seran.' The conversation delves into the state of anti-fascism, its evolution over the years, and the changes seen in recent anti-fascist movements. The speakers share their personal experiences and involvement in organizing against fascism, highlighting key moments such as the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville. They discuss the importance of building positive alternatives, community support, and the need for long-term sustainable strategies in the fight against fascism.
Personal Histories and Organizing Work
The podcast features personal stories of the four speakers, highlighting their involvement in activism and anti-fascist work. Michael Novick discusses his experiences with organizing in the 1960s and 1970s, and the intersection of anti-fascism with various social justice movements. Emily Gorkinski shares her journey into anti-fascism through her work in the tech industry, witnessing the rise of white supremacists and libertarian ideologies. Daryl Lamont Jenkins adds insights from his past experiences and references historical examples such as the Greensboro and Las Vegas acts of violence perpetuated by fascist groups. The speakers emphasize the importance of organizational networks, community ties, and positive goals in combating fascism.
Lessons Learned from Charlottesville
The discussion focuses on the significance of the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville as a turning point for anti-fascist activism. The speakers reflect on the planning and organizing efforts that went into countering the fascist gathering, highlighting the collaboration among various local organizations, including SURJ and Anarchist People of Color (APOC). They share their experiences of confronting white supremacists and the emotional impact of witnessing violence and the death of Heather Heyer. The podcast also addresses the subsequent challenges faced by anti-fascist movements, such as fractures within the community, debates over tactics, and the need for sustained organizing beyond individual rallying points.
The Future of Anti-Fascist Organizing
As the conversation comes to a close, the speakers discuss the future of anti-fascist organizing and offer insights into the ongoing struggle. They underscore the need to continuously build alternative structures, networks of support, and care within communities. The importance of emphasizing positive goals and values, rather than solely focusing on resisting fascism, is highlighted. They also touch upon the significance of current issues, such as the rise of anti-trans legislation, and the need to address broader systemic problems through revolutionary transformation. The podcast concludes by acknowledging the cyclical nature of fascist and anti-fascist movements, emphasizing the continued importance of organizing against the far-right threat.
We are joined by Shane Burley, Emily Gorcenski, Daryle Lamont Jenkins, and Michael Novick to discuss their personal history in Antifascism, and their new anthology book ‘No Pasaran.’
