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.  

Revolutionary Dreams (1974) by Nikki Giovanni

 

Nikki Giovanni (1943-2024)  was a writer, poet, activist, and educator. Revolutionary Dreams was one of her notable poems. This poem discusses a process of developing political consciousness. The first step is recognizing a problem. Then there is a desire to fight against an oppressive system. Beyond this is the development of  ideology. A revolution requires political and social change in society. Giovanni in the poem insists that revolution also is internal. A change in political philosophy or general convictions is only one step. Revolutionary Dreams sounds more like an  argument for reform. The reason the civil rights and feminist movement was incomplete was because reform was emphasized over revolution. The baby boom generation went from being leftist in their youth to political centrism or neoconservative aligned. Self criticism and being open to new ideas is not the issue. Avoiding ideological contradictions should be part of a disciplined movement. A true revolution understands certain systems have to be dismantled and certain groups cannot be negotiated with. Advocates of a racial caste system could not be tolerated. This is why the Supreme Court had to force the south to integrate. Women were denied equal rights, which meant that the traditional views of gender roles had to be discarded. Nikki Giovanni's Revolutionary Dreams sound more like accommodation. Change at times needs to be imposed, otherwise the reactionary forces of society will hinder advancement.    

Walter Cronkite Announces The Death of President John F. Kennedy

 

Walter Cronkite was the host of CBS Evening News from 1962 to 1981. He went on air on November 22, 1963 to announce that President John F. Kennedy was dead. He was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. This news was the most shocking Walter Cronkite reported. Cronkite interviewed President Kennedy in September. During that interview, President Kennedy acknowledged that he was not really a popular figure in the South. The presidential election of 1964 was going to be a challenge. The reason was that the Kennedy administration was shifting its support to civil rights. This divided the Democratic Party. Southern Democrats favored segregation. President Kennedy going to Texas was a security risk for him. Going there was for the sake of Democratic Party unity for the election next year. The assassination happened 61 years ago and there remain unanswered questions. Walter Cronkite never challenged the findings of the Warren Commission. Cronkite never did a journalistic investigation into the matter. Although he was willing to discuss controversies surrounding the criminal investigation, CBS did not go further. Only speculation and theories exist about why President John F. Kennedy was killed. 

Coretta Scott King Supports Gay Rights

 

Coretta Scott King was a civil rights activist, singer, and author who fought for equality in American society. When her husband was assassinated, she continued his work in the fight for social justice. Gay rights were controversial in American society. Coretta Scott King was an ally of the LGBTQ community at a time when most Americans viewed them as deviants. A portion of homophobic sentiment came from Churches. Coretta Scott King's argument was that discrimination  against gays and lesbians was unjust. A free and democratic society should not discriminate against people based on race, religion, nationality, or sexual orientation. One of the criticisms directed at civil rights leaders was that should focus solely on racial justice. When any group is singled out for discrimination all who are concerned about human rights should come to their aid. Coretta Scott King spent her life fighting for those who could not fight for themselves. By the early 21st century marriage equality was attained. While progress had been made, conservative backlash remained. 

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. 

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.  

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.  

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.  

RIP C.T. Vivian ( 1924-2020)

Longtime civil rights activist Cordy Tindell Vivian passed away at the age of 95. A friend and ally of Martin Luther King, he was a prominent figure in the civil rights movement. C.T. Vivian founded the Nashville Christian Leadership Conference. He served as national director for affiliates of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference  . Vivian continued to remain active even though the movement had come to a conclusion. During the 1970s he established the Black Action Strategies and Information Center, which worked to increase  workforce integration. C.T Vivian would continue to lecture and do public speaking for human rights promotion.