The Black Myths Podcast

In this episode, we explore the faux phrase "It’s easier to organize under democrats" and all its complimenting lesser evil slogans. The phrase essentially argues that political organizing is better situated to take place under a democratic administration than a republican one. This is not a post-election episode but instead, a deep dive into the flaws of this framing, particularly how it relates to Black/Afrikan people. We discuss the proponents of the argument, radical community organizing, historical conditions for organizing in the US, and how better organizing conditions may be achieved. What Does It Mean To Be A Radical (Black) Organizer Today https://grassrootsthinking.com/2024/07/11/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-radical-black-organizer-today/ Show Stats https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XGOZdwZsJ72GOiJCRb-ZfYQt-u3teCeV2c0QjwOY26c/edit?usp=sharing Patreon https://www.patreon.com/blackmyths  

We return for part 2 with Dr. Felicia Denaud to delve specifically into the history of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and what it can teach us about today. We explore how the MFDP came into fruition through local efforts, the challenges it faced nationally, and how these challenges impact the Democratic party and organizing more broadly in our current political moment.    SNCC Legacy Project  https://sncclegacyproject.org/#:~:text=Securing%20the%20Ballot,to%20Vote%20in%20Freedom%20Summer    Patreon    https://www.patreon.com/c/blackmyths    Study Guide    https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aj3wkt_TMhP8u-V3iHYcampOFQRO8IcVDtCTXGv5AbY/edit?usp=drivesdk

In this episode, we interview Africana Studies professor, Dr. Felicia Denaud. Our myth is "All Politics is Local." The Idea that all politics is local ultimately focuses on local (and regional) matters as opposed to national (or international) matters. All Politics is Local or other dismissive retorts to electoral criticism such as "do know your local congressman?” or “local politics is where the real power is” distorts the influence that national (and international) power plays in what happens locally.    The Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party is an historical example that highlights the power of local organizing and also the limitations. Thus, on this episode we will use the MFDP as a case study to demonstrate the limits of this myth but also what we can learn to build beyond the limits.    SNCC Legacy Project  https://sncclegacyproject.org/#:~:text=Securing%20the%20Ballot,to%20Vote%20in%20Freedom%20Summer   Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/blackmyths   Study Guide https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aj3wkt_TMhP8u-V3iHYcampOFQRO8IcVDtCTXGv5AbY/edit?usp=drivesdk

Joshua Briond, a contributor from Millennials are Killing Capitalism, and Momodou Taal from the Malcolm Effect engage in a critical dialogue on Black liberalism and its implications. They explore the intersections of Black identity, support for Palestine, and US imperialism, highlighting the limitations of narrow liberal interpretations. The conversation dives into the impact of online discourse on political perceptions and critiques the performative nature of representation in Black culture. They call for a broader understanding of collective struggles against oppression, emphasizing authentic political engagement.

For this episode, we interview Indiana political prisoner Christopher "Naeem" Trotter of Pendleton 2. Our myth is that Black August is a celebration when it is a commemorative month for Black political prisoners and Black radical history. Naeem shares his case and reminds us about not allowing Black August to be watered down, political prisoner definitions, and time on Supermax. We urge everyone to donate to the P2 Defense Committee legal defense fund. We have been fundraising all month, and it would be greatly appreciated. Donation https://chuffed.org/project/free-pend... $FreePendleton2 @FreePendleton2 Documentary about case  https://filmfreeway.com/projects/2740088 Patreon patreon.com/blackmyths

In this episode, we discuss the case of current death row prisoner Marcellus “Khaliifah” Williams to examine why the death penalty doesn't work. Marcellus “Khaliifah” Williams is scheduled for execution on September 24, despite DNA evidence proving his innocence. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney has filed a motion to vacate his conviction, citing the exculpatory DNA evidence. A hearing is set for August 21 to review this evidence. The case against Williams was based on unreliable witness testimony, and forensic evidence from the crime scene does not match him. Despite these findings, the Missouri Attorney General is pushing for his execution. This case highlights issues of wrongful convictions and racial bias in the justice system. Please feel out the petition below! Petition https://innocenceproject.org/petitions/stop-the-execution-of-marcellus-williams-an-innocent-man/?p2asource=_madpmo Case https://www.freekhaliifah.org/ Patreon https://www.patreon.com/blackmyths #FREEKHALIIFAH

In this episode, we return with the full Black Myths Crew to discuss the myth that X-men comic characters Professor X and Magneto of X-Men are based on Martin Luther King Dr. and Malcolm X. We attempted to have fun with this episode. However, research still unveiled some troubling truths about the origin of this myth. We trace the origins of the myth, analyze the limitations of pop culture as a prism for Black political thought, and examine the impact the military-industrial complex plays in the movies we watch.    Readings    https://vocal.media/geeks/actually-stan-lee-didnt-base-marvels-prof-x-and-magneto-on-malcolm-x-and-martin-luther-king-jr   https://nymag.com/nymetro/arts/features/3522/   https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/x-men-wolverine-jean-grey-chris-claremont-five-key-storylines/   Patreon patreon.com/blackmyths

In this episode, we continue our discussion on "Laundering Black Rage" with an emphasis on cities. We return with Rasul Mowatt to discuss cities as sites of spatial construction, bedazzled labor camps, and what can be done to address the plight of cities under capitalism.  Also, we are beginning a fundraising drive for the Pendleton 2 legal defense fund. Please donate here https://chuffed.org/project/free-pendleton-2 Laundering Black Rage https://www.routledge.com/Laundering-of-Black-Rage-The-Washing-of-Black-Death-People-Property/Black-Mowatt/p/book/9781032573779 Patreon patreon.com/blackmyths

Rasul Mowatt returns to the show to further discuss Laundering Black Rage: The Washing of Black Death, People, Property, and Profits—the co-authored book with our host, Too Black. In this episode, we discuss cities' role in the laundering concept. We revisit the emergence of the capitalist state, the function of cities in socializing us into laundering, and the idea of wealth.    Also, we are beginning a fundraising drive for the Pendleton 2 legal defense fund. Please donate here    https://chuffed.org/project/free-pendleton-2   Laundering Black Rage  https://www.routledge.com/Laundering-of-Black-Rage-The-Washing-of-Black-Death-People-Property/Black-Mowatt/p/book/9781032573779   Patreon patreon.com/blackmyths

This episode explores the myth and common retort "What about the Congo?" We return with our guests Nicholas Richard-Thompson and Tunde Osazua to break down Palestine, the history of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the genocides that have occurred in the DRC, and the current geopolitical situation.  Crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo https://www.liberationnews.org/crisis-in-the-democratic-republic-of-congo/   Cobalt Red, How the Blood of the Congo Powers Our Lives https://blackagendareport.com/cobalt-red-how-blood-congo-powers-our-lives   Are DRC-China ties set to see an uptick? https://peoplesdispatch.org/2023/06/27/are-drc-china-ties-set-to-see-an-uptick/   China in Congo https://www.blackagendareport.com/china-congo Attempted coup? U.S. mercenaries captured as Congo political crisis takes new twist https://www.liberationnews.org/attempted-coup-u-s-mercenaries-captured-as-congo-political-crisis-takes-new-twist/   Patreon https://www.patreon.com/blackmyths