President Hugo Chavez Embracing Africa and South America (2006)

 

President Hugo Chavez embraced Africa and its link to South America. Venezuela in the late 1990s began to enhance diplomatic relations with African nations. To an extent both Africa and Latin America share a common struggle. European colonization harmed the people of both continents. Spain was the major power that dominated Latin America. The wave of independence in the 1820s was undermined by the United States and the policy of the Monroe Doctrine. During this interview President Hugo Chavez voices his concerns for Mozambique. The scourge of AIDS and poverty in Africa was a concern for the Venezuelan president. Domestically, Hugo Chavez formed food programs to combat hunger in Venezuela. Chavez stated that "racism is characteristic of imperialism." Capitalism also acts as a binding network for these systems of domination. Hugo Chavez was not only calling for a socialist revolution, but a revolution of ethics. The world should not except that children die from lack of healthcare and destitute conditions. This cannot be the task of one leader Chavez expressed. The public must participate in a revolution. The notion of "taking back the flag of socialism" refers to stopping the cooption by social democrats and  political centrist liberals. These two factions are seeking reform, rather than fundamental change. The reason Hugo Chavez was demonized is that he wanted to challenge US domination in South America. The hatred was also from the US, which attempted to depose Hugo Chavez in 2002. Both Africa and South America cane benefit one another.  

Malcolm X Describes Collaborators In An Oppressive System (1963)

 

May 19, 2025 marks what would have been Malcolm X's 100th birthday. Back in 1963, he described how members of an oppressed group collaborate with an oppressive system. When slavery was practiced in America there was a division between the enslaved. Those who worked in the mansion of the plantation owners got more privileges. The enslaved who worked in the fields were treated the worse. Malcom X's discussion of slavery can be applied to various oppressive systems. Countries invaded and then occupied by a foreign power do have collaborators. An oppressive system cannot exist without some collaborators. Although slavey was abolished, the African American population was not free. Malcolm X criticized the emphasis on integration, not out of support for separation of the races. Rather his vision was of an self-sustaining African American community and possibly an independent black nation in North America. After enslavement, violence, and racial segregation black separatism seemed like a practical solution. Individuals who cooperate with oppressive systems are not victims. They are instruments of the political mechanism.  

Malcolm X Views on Integration, President Kennedy, and Race Relations (1963)

 

Malcolm X was critical of the Kennedy administration's lack of action on civil rights. Only when the violence in Alabama got more intense did the government take notice. Malcolm X did not support racial integration. Black separatism was in his view the only solution in a racist society. Developing a self sustaining community and in the distant future a black nation in North America was the goal. Non-violent resistance was in an ineffective tactic in Malcolm's perspective. Malcolm X was accused of hating whites by the media. His response was that he was not focused on false assertions. Such a question was a disingenuous one. The attempt was to demonize the Nation of Islam and Malcolm X as a threat. Members of the Nation of Islam were subject to police brutality and murder. Malcolm X was being spied on by the FBI. Separatism made sense in a country based on second class citizenship and segregation. Race relations would not be improved by integration. 

Billie Holiday Sings Strange Fruit (1959)

 

Strange Fruit was a blues song protesting lynching released in 1939. Billie Holiday would sing the song regularly during her career. During the Great Depression African Americans were subject to persecution not only by the state, but by vigilante and terrorist groups. The Black Legion and the Ku Klux Klan attacked African American communities. Billie Holiday's singing expresses the sorrow and fear living under violent conditions. The victims in the song are compared to fruit. The context shows how there was a disregard for the value of African American life. When Billie Holiday performed the song again in 1959, America was changing. The murder of Emmett Till sparked a movement for civil rights. The resistance never stopped and music is a part of movements for justice.  

Nelson Mandela Speaks of Tolerance (2006)

 

Nelson Mandela gave a PSA message that was broadcast on CBS. The subject of the short PSA was discussing tolerance. No one is born as Mandela stated hating other based on their race, religion, or background. Hatred is learned, but tolerance can be taught as Mandela expressed. Humanity can have the capcity to love and do right Mandela asserted. The former president and freedom fighter dedicated his life to fighting the Apartheid regime in South Africa. Two years after this message South Africa had an outbreak of xenophobic violence in 2008. South Africa continues to grapple with racism and inequality. The Boer ownership of farms continues to represent the long legacy of colonial oppression. South Africa has not become the rainbow nation that Nelson Mandela envisioned. A new way of  political thought needs to be promoted that encourages Pan-African ideas. There needs to be more than just tolerance; there must be acceptance of various groups. It will take time for South Africa to reach a point of tolerance. 

South Africa's International Court of Justice Case Against Israel

 

South Africa has filed an International Court of Justice case against Israel. The Israel-Gaza War has been seen by most African states as an extension of settler colonialism. What South Africa argues is that Israel is engaging in a genocide in Gaza. Israel denies that it is committing atrocities, but reports are showing growing numbers of civilian deaths. Hamas does not have the ability to defeat Israel or depose its government. What is happening is deportation and murder of the population of Gaza. Arab states have not done much to stop Israel's aggression. The Gulf monarchies are aligned with the West so their inaction is expected. Syria cannot effectively fight considering it has not won the civil war. Subject to bombings by Israel, Syria would need to be unified again to be formidable. Iran , the Houthi rebels, and Hezbollah are the only forces capable of stopping Israeli expansion. Arab states could have easily done what South Africa did. If Egypt does the same, it might convince others to follow. South Africa's ICJ case has another motivation. Israel was an ally of Apartheid South Africa. The Apartheid regime and Israel had economic agreements. They were doing weapons exchanges and expanding the arms industry . Both countries were also exchanging nuclear weapons technology. Under Apartheid, Jews were deemed white and were not subject to the same restrictions as the black population. Israel in public condemned the Apartheid regime in the 1950s and 1960s. The reality was that it was collaborating with it and was only making statements to not endanger relations with newly independent African  states. The shift came with the Yom Kippur War when most African states developed a more negative view of Israel. The conquest and theft of land reminded many leaders of their anti-colonial struggles. The embrace of Prime Minister John Vorster by Israel demonstrated the country had no respect for human rights. The ICJ case is punishment for the past relationship with the Apartheid regime. South Africans experienced apartheid and there is no desire to see it emerge in another part of the world. This is why South Africa will side with the Palestinian cause. 

Kwame Nkrumah And Jawaharl Nehru Address International Concerns At the Non-Aligned Conference (1961)

 

Kwame Nkrumah and Jawaharl Nehru addressed the Non-Aligned Conference about growing concerns regrading the tension between the superpowers. The leaders of Ghana and India had much influence in the Third World and were hoping to be a mediating force between the US and U.S.S.R. Non-alignment was designed to be its own power block. It did not favor  either of the superpowers. During this period the possibility of a nuclear war was a growing concern. This is why Kwame Nkrumah  demanded that both superpowers disarm. A series of treaties were needed. Jawaharl Nehru expressed that the world should be preparing for peace, rather than war. Only then would global security to achieved . The Third World would find itself being a battleground for Cold War confrontation. Nkrumah's government would be deposed by a CIA backed coup. The Indo-Pakistani Wars would divide Asia. Wars and conflict have been a part of history. What was different about the 20th century was that nuclear war could result in humanity's eradication. Africa and Asia did not have nuclear arsenals like the superpowers. Leaders were conscious of the reality that such weapons could be used in a recolonization effort. 

Lee Kuan Yew Discusses Southern African Liberation Struggle (1966)

 

Zimbabwe and South Africa were  during the 1960s attempting to liberate themselves from white minority rule. The racial oppression could not be hidden . African and Asian leaders took notice. Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore spoke on the matter of white minority rule in Southern Africa. The people of Zimbabwe he stated would have to form their own Viet Cong. No one was coming to help free Africans in the white minority regimes. While China and Russia did provide aid to liberation movements, it was the job of the colonized to free themselves. Prime Minister Yew predicted that the Rhodesian Bush War would last a long time. The war lasted from 1964 to 1979. The Zimbabwe National Liberation Army and Zimbabwe' People's Revolutionary had to fight an extended conflict to defeat colonialism. This parallels the Vietnam War. The war in Indochina lasted from 1954 to 1975. Both were caught up in Cold War geopolitical maneuvers between the superpowers. Lee Kuan Yew expressed once the liberation movement becomes formidable, then the world will take notice.   

Nelson Mandela Sings South African Liberation Song (1990)

 

Liberation songs were used during protests during the fight against Apartheid. Music does play a role in spreading a message or organizing people for a cause. South Africa's fight against white minority colonial rule gave birth to a number of liberation songs. The video shows Nelson Mandela in 1990 singing with supporters. This liberation song was by the ANC's military wing Umkhonyo we sizwe. Critics claimed that it was anti-white and encouraged violence. The African population was fighting for survival against Afrikaners taking their land and a campaign of state terrorism. Basic rights were restricted, the black majority was segregated, and the police state used lethal force. Resentment of the oppressor is only natural. The armed wing of the ANC was activated because there was no means of fighting the Apartheid regime through the courts. When Nelson Mandela was released, it was a major turning point. He went to being a political prisoner to the president. South Africa would have its first democratic elections in 1994. 

Harry Belafonte On The US , Racism, and The Vietnam War (1967)

 

Harry Belafonte (1927-2023)  had a long career as a singer and entertainer. What people do not acknowledge was his activism in the civil rights movement and opposing the Vietnam War. Belafonte explains that racism operates in both overt and subtle ways. The impact can be seen in how a person functions in daily life. Career opportunities and  just enjoying basic public accommodations were restricted by discrimination. Then the constant issue of lack of political power. Racism was not just part of America, but in the West Indies it was present with British colonial imperialism. Jamacia only got its independence in 1962. This was the island that Belafonte's parents emigrated from.  Activists  in the civil rights movement began to disapprove of the Vietnam War. America was exporting its racial hatred to Southeast Asia through military aggression. Being a World War II veteran, Belafonte was determined to see a world free of hate and violence. He wanted to see America go beyond a superficial patriotism. Fighting for the political establishment or corporate power is not patriotism. The CBC interview from 1967 of Harry Belafonte has more relevance to America's current domestic and international concerns.  

James Baldwin ABC News Interview (1979)

 

James Baldwin was interviewed  by ABC News in 1979. What he discusses are the challenges of racism and poverty that never were eliminated from the United States. Through Baldwin's hardship he was able to produce various novels and essays criticizing America's contradictions and abuses. The interview notes that the Church had a major influence on his literary works. One of his novels Giovanni's Room had to be published in England, because the publishers in America were uncomfortable with a novel discussing homosexuality. During the 1950s discussions  of sex and sexuality were taboo. James Baldwin was not afraid to speak of America's institutionalized anti-black racism. As Baldwin explained "you cannot swear by the freedom of all mankind and put me in chains." Enslavement, discrimination, and prejudice tarnished the United States. This interview from 1979 does what most news program rarely do. Telling  the truth and information the public does not want to acknowledge. 

Martin Luther King's Statement On The Malcolm X Assassination (1965)

 

Martin Luther King made a statement to the press on the assassination of Malcolm X. King suggested that leaders of the black nationalist movement should have a conference. The objective would be to promote peace. The assassination of Malcolm X  was a concern to Martin Luther King. The growth of violence was a problem he did not want to see spread. King states that it was elements within the black nationalist movement responsible for the murder. It was  suspected that the FBI could have had a role in Malcolm X's death. The Nation of Islam was main the main culprit, but it was evident that Malcolm X was evident being spied on by the FBI. Tensions rose when Malcolm X left the Nation of Islam, after a change in ideology. Malcolm X repudiated Elijah Muhmmad's perspective of Islam. Speculation about the role of the New York police in the assassination has grown over the years. Both Martin Luther King and Malcolm X were harassed by the FBI. It is unclear if King knew that Malcolm X was subject to the same level of surveillance. 

Stokely Carmichael Discusses The State of The Civil Rights Movement, The Vietnam War, and White Liberals

 

Stokely Carmichael speaks in this rare clip discussing the status of the civil rights movement, Vietnam, and the problem with white liberals. Black Power as a movement wanted to see African Americans have political, economic, and social equality. Integration meant little, if African Americans did not have the opportunity to influence the wider society. Carmichael emphasized the importance of African Americans being unified in fighting racism, discrimination, and inequality. The issue with white liberals is that they rejected Black Power. Dismantling segregation was not enough, but the white liberals thought it solved America's racial problems. The debate over the Vietnam War caused a divide in the civil rights movement itself. It was not possible to be anti-racist, if one supported a war that was an imperialist intervention. Containment was being used as a cover for the United States to dominate Asia. The funds used to keep the war going harmed the Great Society programs. Stokely Carmichael also asserts that a people must demand their rights. Otherwise, nothing will be gained from a freedom struggle.  

Ethiopia Opens Peace Talks With The TPLF

 

The war with the Tigray region might be coming to an end. A peace settlement is being proposed, which hopes to end hostilities in Ethiopia. A concern has grown that the agreement might not hold. The TPLF appears to long for the days in which it had political dominance. The talks were held in both Kenya and South Africa. Much of the efforts also involved the African Union. The two year war could be reaching an end. The damage to the populace cannot be underestimated. The estimation of deaths possibly reached the thousands and many remain food insecure. The reports of a permanent peace settlement is welcomed. A hotline has also been established between Addis Abba and the TPLF. What must not happen is that a peace settlement devolves into a mere truce or ceasefire. The TPLF agreed to disarm its fighters. The time frame given was within 30 days. Depending on the exact size of the TPLF this might not be a realistic target. Questions remain about Eritrea's  role in the TPLF war. Eritrea was allied to Ethiopia a rare act of collaboration between the two countries. The TPLF still has grievances against Eritrea. East Africa is dealing with destabilization from conflict, food insecurity, terrorism, and ethnic hatreds. Ethiopia is at risk of falling into civil war similar to that of Sudan or the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Ethiopia has to consider more representation of all ethnic groups in government. A federal system is a solution to issue related to lack of representation, racism, and political crisis. Reforms are needed to prevent the balkanization of the country. The African Union intends to send representatives to ensure that the peace agreement is being upheld. 

Malcolm X on Anti-Colonial Nationalism (1964)

 

Malcolm X believed in black nationalism and anti-colonial politics. The conditions that African Americans were facing made him come to two conclusions. African Americans needed their own  independent state. Black separatism was a solution to the abuse by American society. Applying the similar tactics of the anti-colonial struggles in Africa, Asia, and Latin America could bring justice to African Americans in the United States. Slavery was used to make the US an economic power and European nations did the same. Liberation came by organizing and actively resisting the established political order. Malcolm X explains African Americans did not come as colonizers. They were captives, abducted from Africa .To get freedom, one must be willing to fight for it. Self-defense  of the community was a better method in Malcolm X's mind, rather than non-violent resistance. A government that does not protect or ensure the rights of citizens, means other tactics must be used. Malcolm X's ideas would be the basis of the black power movement.  

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Being Maladjusted ( 1967)

 

Maladjusted is a term used by psychology to describe being unable to function in a normal social environment. Martin Luther King stated he was proud to be maladjusted to the ills of society. Racism, economic inequality, religious intolerance,  and war  are not attributes of a normal social environment. American society made these defects  seem like normalcy. Maybe it is not so much about  people having maladjustment,  rather a  sick society. The United States has failed to protect the rights of it citizens or ensure racial equality. Corporate capture of government has disempowered the voters. Martin Luther King had to fight racial discrimination, militarism, and the oppression of the working class. The movement for freedom and rights is a normal response to a country in dysfunction . By the late 1960 civil unrest, racial tension, and aggression in Southeast Asia escalated. The vision of a peaceful America that King wanted has not come to fruition. Being maladjusted is to response  to a nation that creates discord and despair among its population.  

F.W. de Klerk's Last Public Statement (2021)

 F.W. de Klerk (1936-2021) released a  public statement before his death. The last president of Apartheid South Africa made an apology for the damage the system caused to the African, Colored, and Indian population.The question remains why this was not done earlier. Guilt could have been the motivation. The regime killed and abused the black majority in order to preserve the political and economic dominance of whites. The National Party continued to be active even with the end of the Apartheid regime in 1994. The party would dissolve in 1997. It then formed into the New National Party in attempt to improve its image. Klerk won a Nobel Prize, which he shared with Nelson Mandela. Although seen as a peaceful mediator , he did not confront the numerous human rights abuses by the security services  during his presidency. The public statement he released expresses the need to uphold the constitution and maintain the independence of the judiciary. The need for job creation and economic empowerment is critical to South Africa's future. F.W. de Klerk discussion on the rule of law seemed contradictory. He presided over a regime that did not acknowledge it and was not happy that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission formed to investigate abuses. F.W. de Klerk will remain a controversial figure in South African history.       

RIP Kenneth Kaunda

 Kenneth Kaunda Zambia's first president and liberation hero has passed away. He was part of  the generation of African leaders fighting for independence and an end to to colonial rule. Kenneth Kaunda was the last liberation era leaders still living. When Zambia became free from the British Empire, Kaunda also  wanted to see the end of white minority rule in Southern Africa. Support was given to the anti-apartheid movement. Namibia, Zimbabwe, Angola, and Mozambique also got support from Zambia. President Kaunda provided a base of operations for various liberation organizations. The African National Congress, ZANU, ZAPU, and SWAPO were allowed to operate within Zambia. Working closely with Tanzania, the strategy was to gradually weaken the white minority colonial regimes. There were  times Kenneth Kaunda did seek mediation. When the negotiations for peace failed, he continued to aid various guerilla groups. Although the situation became precarious, President Kaunda got resources from China and the Soviet Union to assist  in the fight against white minority rule regimes. Kenneth Kaunda was a strong supporter of the Non-Aligned Movement. Taking sides in the Cold War was never beneficial to newly independent countries. Zambia  experimented with a model of African socialism and nationalization of  economic sectors. The economic policies did not create the stability and development goals Zambia was trying to achieve . Failure to reach economic development goals resulted in the end of his presidency in 1991. Becoming president in 1964, there was improvement over the decades in education and modernizing Zambia. Although there is controversy over one-party rule and economic policy, Kenneth Kaunda is remembered fondly by most Zambians. 

Angela Davis on Feminism

 

Angela Davis never considered herself a feminist. She stated "I'm not a feminist, I'm a revolutionary." The reason being was that the movement was white dominated and at times used women of different races to advance their cause at other's expense. Without intersectionality the feminist movement is nothing more than a special interest group for white women. African American women contributing to it to a degree broke the long term project for black empowerment in the United States. Fractured movements for liberation will never be successful. Intersectionality has limitations, because various groups have different objectives. Women are divided by race, class, gender, and sexual orientation.  Society functions as an unequal hierarchy. The reality is that white women face little oppression in modern day America. African American, Latino, Asian, and poor women face significant barriers. The concept of inclusion will not solve these problems or emphasis on diversity.  The goal should be acceptance of different types of people. The only logical conclusion is complete dismantling and replacement of the system. Mainstream feminism will not do that and simply has no more relevance in liberation. Third and the emergent fourth wave feminism are gradually becoming more divisive. The path to women's equality rests on the defeat of  neocolonial imperialism, neo-liberal capitalism, and a racist society. 

John Lewis US Congressman and Civil Rights Icon Has Passed Away

John Lewis a longtime civil rights activist and congressman passed away from pancreatic cancer. He served as US Representative for Georgia's 5th congressional district since 1987. As a young man, Lewis was the chairman of SNCC. John Lewis became director of the Voter Education Project in 1970 and held that position until 1977. John Lewis was dedicated to keeping Dr. Martin Luther King's vision of peace and racial equality alive by being involved in causes for social justice. He opposed the US invasion of Iraq, promoted immigration reform, and supported gun control efforts. His death came at an unfortunate period in which America has become more divided and prejudiced. John Lewis' seat will be up for election, which is critical politically. As the nation continues to grapple with violence from law enforcement, racism, and xenophobia it is a reminder that progress can easily be reversed. The laws of segregation may have been defeated,but the ideology and hate have not. Lewis was an advocate of non-violent resistance. This tactic may not be useful in a country that is now threatening the use of military force against protesters. A new generation must become more innovative in techniques of stopping government abuse. Congressman Lewis worked to ensure human rights were respected in country that never really valued them. Civil rights and civil liberties are openly being attacked by a far-right resurgence . American citizens must undermine and fight this movement for the preservation of  free society.