Upstream

Cecilia Guerrero, Chair and Founding Member of A Luta Sigue, empowers young workers in Nashville. She discusses how immigration issues are tied to class struggle, emphasizing grassroots activism against ICE's tactics. Guerrero highlights the psychological toll of these operations on immigrant communities and shares insights on initiatives like the Tennessee Drivers Union that foster community empowerment. She connects immigration to capitalism and imperialism, critiquing past policies and exploring the economic violence that drives migration.

Join Séamus Malekafzali, a freelance journalist with deep insights into the Middle East, as he sheds light on Iran’s complex history. He dives into the fallout of the 1953 coup and the impacts of foreign interventions on Iranian sovereignty. The discussion spans the Shah's oppressive regime, the Islamic Revolution, and the nuances of Iranian identity post-1979. Malekafzali also critiques current geopolitical dynamics and the harsh effects of sanctions, revealing the often-misunderstood sentiments of the Iranian people.

Breht O'Shea is an activist, organizer, and father of three who shares his revolutionary insights on parenting. He discusses how to raise children with values that oppose dominant societal norms, emphasizing love, community, and egalitarianism. O'Shea critiques capitalism's impact on family dynamics while exploring how socialism can transform family structures. He advocates for organic parenting methods and community involvement in nurturing the next generation, asserting that the beauty of life makes the challenges of parenthood worthwhile.

Gabriel Rockhill, a philosopher and activist from Villanova University, discusses the complex transition towards socialism in China. He highlights the gradual journey, marked by socio-economic reforms and anti-imperialist strategies. The conversation navigates the impact of imperialist propaganda on socialist movements, emphasizing the need for clarity in leftist discussions. Rockhill also scrutinizes the CIA's historical influence on global narratives, particularly regarding China, and critiques how U.S. foreign policy shapes perceptions and tensions within the country.

Prudence Iticka, a Cameroonian Pan-Africanist and member of the United African Diaspora, dives deep into the anti-imperialist landscape of Africa, focusing on Burkina Faso's revolutionary history. She discusses the legacy of Thomas Sankara and the rise of new leaders like Captain Ibrahim Traoré. The conversation highlights the crucial role of the Alliance of Sahel States in challenging neocolonialism and fostering pan-African unity. It also critiques the effects of imperialist propaganda and underscores the importance of grassroots movements for reclaiming African resources.

In this engaging discussion, Rob Hopkins, co-founder of the Transition Network, delves into the importance of imagination and hope in tackling today’s challenges like climate change. He emphasizes that envisioning a just future is a political act and a source of empowerment. The conversation highlights the transformative role of art and community initiatives in envisioning change. Examples from Afro-futurism to successful urban projects illustrate how collective visioning can inspire active participation in shaping a more sustainable world.

Prudence Iticka, a Cameroonian pan-Africanist and member of the United African Diaspora, dives deep into the anti-imperialist movements in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. She discusses how these nations resist neocolonialism, drawing inspiration from leaders like Thomas Sankara and Captain Ibrahim Traoré. The podcast also highlights grassroots initiatives like the AES Solidarity Fund, emphasizing solidarity among African nations and the importance of reclaiming resources. The legacy of Thomas Sankara's revolutionary vision remains a cornerstone in this fight for a unified socialist Africa.

Kristen Ghodsee, a Professor of Russian and East European Studies and author of notable works on socialism and feminism, dives into the dynamics of modern family structures. She challenges the nuclear family model, arguing it restricts individual growth and suggests healthier, community-focused alternatives. Ghodsee critiques capitalist pressures on parenting and the undervaluation of unpaid labor. She highlights the benefits of collectivized caregiving and communal support, advocating for a reimagined approach to family and child-rearing that prioritizes inclusivity and well-being.

Julian Go, a Sociology Professor at the University of Chicago and author of "Policing Empires," discusses the profound impacts of colonial violence on today’s policing practices. He introduces the idea of the ‘imperial boomerang,’ revealing how tactics from colonized regions resurface in core societies through police militarization. Go delves into historical roots, connecting colonial repression to modern events like the George Floyd protests, showing how the evolution of policing reflects a troubling legacy of control over marginalized populations.

Chris Smalls, founder of the Amazon Labor Union, shares his journey from being fired for advocating COVID-19 safety to leading a historic unionization effort. Mars Verrone, a filmmaker and musician, discusses his documentary that chronicles these struggles. Together, they highlight the immense challenges of organizing against Amazon's corporate power and emphasize the significance of collective action and worker solidarity. The conversation reflects on the emotional victories at JFK8 and the importance of May Day in the ongoing fight for labor rights.