2008
Yearly Archives: 2008
Assassination of Chairman Fred Hampton
This brief video offers some insight into why the great Fred Hampton, 21-year-old chairman of Chicago's chapter of the Black Panther Party, was assassinated...
Blame the takers, not the makers
Recently we've seen a profound political distaste for the auto companies, with a special vehemence for the United Auto Workers (UAW), who are portrayed as greedy, lazy "ne'er-do-wells," who are paid far more than they're worth.
Resist Africom!
To an African hip hop beat, learn about the struggle by Africans and Americans to stop the U.S. military from occupying Africa - on...
KPFK breaks the silence on Congo
On Nov. 11, KPFK radio host Dedon Kamathi interviewed Kambale Musavuli from the Congo, who is the coordinator of the global student movement...
Odetta joins the ancestors
"Odetta, Voice of Civil Rights Movement, Dies at 77" headlines the New York Times story that describes Odetta as "the singer whose deep voice...
Dignified Entertainment: an interview wit’ veteran actor and director Delroy Lindo
Veteran actor and director Delroy Lindo is currently directing the August Wilson play, "Joe Turner's Come and Gone," at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre through Dec. 14. Lindo is best known in the Black community for his role in the classic film "Malcolm X," where he played West Indian Archie.
What to do about the carmakers
With the auto industry's tradition of employment of Blacks in well-paid jobs and bellwether social responsibility practices, the decisions Congress makes in regard to Big Three automakers is important to Blacks.
Holiday events and gifts to uplift
Traditionally, the holiday season is a time of good will, great food, community, family and gift exchanges. But for some, the holidays are just another reminder of the people who are missing from our communities, our loved ones who are in jails and prisons.
Mumia on Barack
Protest to free Mumia and Troy Davis, two innocent men facing execution, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 4:30pm, at the Federal Courthouse, 7th & Mission, San Francisco. Mumia and Troy are challenging the “law of the land” that says, “Innocence is no defense.” Pennsylvania and
Georgia seek their execution. We demand their freedom.
Free Haiti’s political prisoners! Free Ronald Dauphin!
Grassroots activist Ronald Dauphin, a supporter of President Aristide, was arrested by armed paramilitary troops on March 1, 2004 - the day after U.S. officials forced Aristide into exile. Mr. Dauphin has spent five years in jail without having been convicted of any crime.
New Black Caucus chair signals more progressive agenda
In selecting Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., as its new chair, the Congressional Black Caucus chose one of its most progressive members who, days after Sept. 11, 2001, was the only person in Congress to vote against authorizing the use of force in Iraq.
Israeli gunboats kidnap Gaza fishermen, peaceworkers
While Adham and the more than 3,500 professional fishermen who scour Gaza's waters for needed sustenance and sources of income are accustomed to Israeli navy harassment, Tuesday's encounter was different, heightened.
Three years and 69 days: Obama’s victory as seen from New Orleans
Three years and 69 days was a lifetime ago in political terms. There are still many Americans living today who grew up in an apartheid America where the concept of even allowing Blacks to vote in many states and counties was considered impossible.
Congo in crisis: What President Obama can do to right past wrongs in U.S....
Some of us remember the first elected prime minister of the Congo, Patrice Lumumba, as he brought to the world the vision of a prosperous Congo where this beautiful land will benefit the Congolese people and not world corporations. A modern day holocaust is occurring in this picturesque land of abundance.
Herman Wallace in trouble, hospitalized – updated 11/29
Robert H. King, Angola 3 activist, former political prisoner, called to tell me that Herman Wallace, while visiting with Jackie Sumell and her friend, had what appeared to be a heart attack or stroke. Alarmed, Jackie banged on the door of the locked visiting room to get guards' attention.
Dispatches from Donna in Gaza
All of us in the Free Gaza Movement, whether passengers on the boats or part of the support teams, are outraged that 1.5 million Palestinians are being collectively punished by the apartheid policies of the Israeli state.
Now that all things are possible, it’s our turn
We elected a Black president. Now tell me what we can't do. I want to see us use that muscle to prove to ourselves and the world once again that Black people are master builders. We built the White House. We built the South and much of the North. And nobody's going to lock us out of construction any longer. We're demanding our piece of the pie. Will you back me up on that?
Wanda’s Picks for Nov. 28
The Luggage Store Gallery presents the Bobby Hutton Memorial Benefit, Nov. 29-Dec. 6. The opening reception is Saturday, Nov. 29, from 8 to 10 p.m. at the gallery, 1007 Market St. in San Francisco. The show features work by 27 artists - among them, Emory Douglas, Rigo 23 and a photo essay by Billy X.
All-out war, the deadliest war on the planet, in Congo
The war in Congo is a U.S. proxy war; the U.S. uses Kagame, the Rwandan army and terrorist Gen. Laurent Nkunda as their African proxy force in Congo, but this is war. It has been the deadliest, though barely reported, war on the planet for years.
Freedom is cream corn and sausage
I recall listening to a recording of Albert Woodfox describing how it felt after 15 years or something crazy long like that to finally get a contact visit from his mom and feel her hug. Now, after nearly 36 years in solitary confinement, Woodfox could soon be released on bail.