Elaine Mokhtefi (E330)

9 snips

Jun 28, 2025

Elaine Mokhtefi, an American anti-imperialist writer and activist, shares her remarkable journey from protesting segregation to fighting for Algerian independence. She recounts her personal experiences with CIA surveillance and the chilling tactics of COINTELPRO against movements like the Black Panthers. Mokhtefi reflects on the complexities of revolutionary alliances, the psychological impact of colonization, and the transformative role of technology in activism. Her book 'Algiers: Third World Capital' serves as a testament to her lifelong commitment to justice.

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ANECDOTE

Early Activism Against Segregation

Elaine Mokhtefi was expelled from Wesleyan College in Georgia at 16 for opposing segregation in 1944.
This early activism set her on a lifelong path of fighting for justice and freedom worldwide.

INSIGHT

Third World Solidarity Conferences

Postcolonial revolutionary movements formed international solidarity through conferences like Bandung and Accra.
These gatherings empowered colonized peoples and challenged colonial and Cold War powers.

ANECDOTE

Black Panthers in Algeria

Eldridge Cleaver and the Black Panthers found refuge and support in independent Algeria.
Elaine Mokhtefi bridged language barriers and facilitated their coordination with the Algerian government.

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Algiers, Third World Capital

Elaine Mokhtefi

Elaine Mokhtefi's memoir, 'Algiers' Third World Capital', offers a vivid account of Algeria's transformation into a center for global decolonization efforts following its independence. The book explores how Algeria became a meeting point for activists, revolutionaries, and liberation movements from across the world. Mokhtefi recounts her personal experiences as a translator and liaison, connecting diverse cultures and political ideologies. She highlights the challenges and triumphs of building solidarity in a post-colonial world. Through her intimate narrative, Mokhtefi captures the spirit of international cooperation and the pursuit of freedom during a pivotal moment in history.

The Wretched of the Earth

Frantz Fanon

Frantz Fanon's "The Wretched of the Earth" is a seminal work of postcolonial theory that explores the psychological and social effects of colonialism on colonized peoples. Fanon argues that colonialism creates a system of oppression that dehumanizes and alienates the colonized, leading to violence and resistance. He analyzes the role of violence in the struggle for liberation, emphasizing its necessity in breaking the cycle of oppression. The book also examines the process of decolonization, highlighting the need for a complete transformation of society and the creation of new forms of social and political organization. Fanon's work remains highly influential in discussions of colonialism, decolonization, and the ongoing struggle for racial and social justice.

Black skin, white masks

Frantz Fanon

In 'Black Skin, White Masks,' Frantz Fanon presents a critical analysis of the psychological and social effects of colonialism and racism on black individuals. The book, written in an autoethnographic style, combines Fanon's personal experiences with a historical critique of the dehumanizing impacts of colonial domination. Fanon uses psychoanalysis to explain the feelings of dependency and inadequacy that black people experience, highlighting how colonialism corrupts the psyche of both blacks and whites. He argues that the internalization of white cultural norms leads to a profound inferiority complex among black people and advocates for a rejection of these norms to achieve true self-consciousness and freedom.

Soul on ice

E. Cleaver

Eldridge Cleaver

Written during his time in prison, 'Soul on Ice' is a groundbreaking memoir that candidly portrays Eldridge Cleaver's life, from incarceration to revolution. The book challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about American society, discussing topics such as race relations, black liberation ideology, and personal transformation. It remains a seminal work in African-American literature.