"Our Power Is Where We Choose One Another”: Abolitionists Discuss Our Moment
Sep 12, 2024
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M Adams, an organizer with M4BL focused on Black-led movements, joins Montague Simmons, a community advocate against police violence, for an insightful discussion. They reflect on a decade of Black-led organizing and the ongoing fight against police violence, particularly in light of the Ferguson protests. The conversation highlights the importance of solidarity, especially between Black and Palestinian liberation movements. They also address the looming threats of fascism and environmental neglect, urging grassroots action for empowerment and community resilience.
The podcast highlights the transformative impact of Black-led organizing post-2014, particularly in addressing systemic racism and police violence.
Participants emphasize the evolving understanding of police abolition, reflecting a shift towards community safety measures and broader societal support.
The conversation underscores the interconnectedness of liberation movements globally, advocating for solidarity among struggles against oppression and systemic violence.
Deep dives
The Legacy of Mike Brown's Uprising
The podcast reflects on the impact of Mike Brown's murder in 2014 and the significant mobilization it triggered against police violence. Since then, black activists have focused on dismantling oppressive systems, advocating for community safety projects, and pushing for changes in policing practices. Despite these efforts, police violence remains pervasive, with an alarming number of fatalities in 2023 and increasing police budgets. This paradox highlights the need for deeper analysis of the progress made and the challenges that still exist within the fight against systemic racism and police brutality.
From Ideological Shifts to Organizing Gains
The conversation underscores a notable shift in public consciousness surrounding police abolition and the legitimacy of policing since the Ferguson uprising. Activism has led to broader societal discussions about the role of police in black communities, reflecting a growing awareness and support for alternative safety measures. This ideological transformation is complemented by the emergence of numerous black-led organizations focusing specifically on issues affecting black communities. Such organizations have facilitated significant mobilization but recognize that meaningful power and self-determination within these communities remain a work in progress.
Evolving Black Organizing Tactics
Over the decade, black organizing in Ferguson and St. Louis has evolved significantly, leading to the formation of new grassroots movements and strategic coalitions. Initially limited in funding and recognition, these organizations gained support and visibility following the protests sparked by Mike Brown's death. Activists have worked collaboratively to address police violence not just reactively but proactively, focusing on systemic change, including initiatives aimed at closing oppressive local jails. This transformation has activated many community members, some of whom have now stepped into positions of political power or representation.
Challenges of Repression and Trauma
The podcast also highlights the ongoing repression faced by black organizers, including surveillance and harassment from law enforcement, which creates a climate of fear and trauma. Protesters from the Ferguson uprisings experienced not just physical dangers but psychological impacts that resonate within their communities. In response to this trauma, grassroots organizations have aimed to create support systems to deal with ongoing psychological and healing needs. By training community members in trauma response and establishing networks for mutual aid, activists are addressing the immediate effects of repression while fostering resilience and solidarity.
The Intersection of Local Struggles and Global Solidarity
Finally, the discussion extends to the importance of solidarity between black liberation movements and international struggles, particularly with the Palestinian cause. Historical connections between these movements reveal a deep understanding of shared experiences with oppression and state violence. Activists emphasize that true liberation cannot occur in silos; the fight against imperialism, racism, and capitalism is interconnected. As they navigate complex political landscapes, organizers are called to engage in a nuanced dialogue around these relationships, advocating for shared liberation and justice in every context.
“This is a moment that is going to be looked back on 50 years from now, 100 years from now, and what is going to be said of us is how we came out of this moment,” says M4BL organizer M Adams. In this episode, Kelly talks with Adams and community organizer Montague Simmons about the last decade of Black-led organizing, the state of movements against police violence, and where prison and police abolitionists should go from here.
Music: Son Monarcas, HATAMITSUNAMI, and Guustavv
You can find a transcript and show notes (including links to resources) here: truthout.org/series/movement-memos/
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