Millennials Are Killing Capitalism

Eric Mann’s Radical Journey through the Long 1960s (Part 1)

14 snips
Jun 30, 2025
Eric Mann, a veteran civil rights organizer and co-director of the Labor/Community Strategy Center, shares his remarkable journey from New York to pivotal 1960s activism. He reflects on his early influences, like his activist parents, and his work with CORE and SNCC, highlighting significant campaigns such as the Trailways boycott. Mann discusses his experiences as a political prisoner and the impact of incarceration on activism, emphasizing the need for a united front against imperialism and the importance of grassroots organizing and strategic alliances in the ongoing struggle for liberation.
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ANECDOTE

Early Activism Roots

  • Eric Mann grew up with activist parents deeply committed to justice and anti-fascism, shaping his identity and political path.
  • His early exposure to the struggle of Black communities made him feel at home and sparked his lifelong commitment to civil rights.
INSIGHT

CORE's Militant Transformation

  • CORE evolved from mostly white pacifists to a majority Black militant organization by the 1960s.
  • Their activism, like the planned "stall-in" at the 1964 World's Fair, pushed nonviolent direct action to escalate the civil rights movement's impact.
ADVICE

Start Small in Organizing

  • When joining an organization, start by doing basic tasks like sweeping the floor to learn and respect the structure.
  • Understand that effective organizing requires humility and patience to build trust and influence.
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