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.  

Zimbabwe Abolishes The Death Penalty

 

Zimbabwe has announced that it will no longer use the death penalty. This is a significant move related to human rights in the Southern African nation. Zimbabwe only has a total of 60 prisoners on death row. Zimbabwe only executed one prisoner in 2005. Zimbabwe does not favor capital punishment for a number of reasons. Executions are a reminder of the abuses of the white minority rule Rhodesian regime. Many lost their lives in the Bush War and wider liberation struggle. Capital punishment and executions were used against Zimbabweans to maintain colonial domination. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has voiced his rejection of the death penalty. During the liberation war, given the death penalty. The sentence was changed to ten years in prison, but some were not so fortunate. Zimbabwe has been criticized by the EU for  having a poor record on human rights. Just like the EU Zimbabwe abolished the death penalty. The criticisms of Zimbabwe are not out of genuine human rights promotion, rather a political agenda. African countries can advance human rights with out external advice or interference. Zimbabwe could inspire other African nations to ban capital punishment. Ghana, Kenya, and Liberia might be moving in this direction. President Mnangagawa signed the bill into law, preventing certain prisoners from being executed by the state.  

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.    

Paul Kagame Retains The Rwandan Presidency

 

President Paul Kagame has won 99.18 % of the vote. This was based on provisional results. Many opposition political figures were not allowed to participate. Based on the election results from 2017 he won by a larger margin. Paul Kagame is not getting more popular. This is more of an indication of suppression of other political parties. Now 66 years old it appears President Kagame is becoming a president for life. At first presidential terms were seven years. Through constitutional amendment it was reduced to five in 2015. The question remains what happens after 2034. President Paul Kagame has not evaded controversy. The alleged  involvement with the M23 rebels   in the DRC, military operations in Mozambique,  and Rwandan migrants to the UK are pressing issues. The RPF party still maintains a majority. While the country does have a high GDP, most of the population has not seen an increase related to income. President Paul Kagame has been president since the year 2000. The youth have only known one president and for some it was the first time voting. The desire for change might be growing. The National Electoral Commission clearly favors President Paul Kagame and the RPF. This makes it difficult for opposition parties to operate. They barred eight candidates from running in the 2024 election. While the government could be transforming into a more authoritarian system, some progress related to infrastructure has been made. Hospitals and roads have increased in number. Paul Kagame could  attempt to be a president for life. Assuming the 2015 referendum is discarded at some stage it becomes a possibility.     

Julian Assange Set To Be Released From Prison

 

The attempts of the US governments persecution of Julian Assange could be coming to an end. The plea deal allows 17 changes against Assange related to espionage to be dropped. Part of the plea deal is that Assange pleads guilty to one charge. The case shows that there is no evidence he was conducting espionage or working on the behalf of a foreign power. Assange is an Australian citizen and the US criminal charges against him would have legal implications with his home country. Prime Minister  Anthony Albanese condemned the US attempt to have him extradited.  Julian Assange has done nothing criminal and was forced into Belmarsh Prison. While incarcerated in the UK Assange was put into solitary confinement. There is enough evidence to show his basic human rights were violated. The Espionage Act charge does not hold. What Assange released on Wikileaks were diplomatic cables. These were not classified documents. A diplomatic cable would not be sensitive information revealing national security related  intelligence.  Chelsea Manning has access to classified documents, not Assange. Wikileaks was able to reveal the war crimes of the US in Iraq and Afghanistan. The extent of murder and violence was largely censored in American mainstream media.  There have not been criminal charges of officials in the Bush or Obama administration related to those crimes. As Assange returns to Australia a growing concern about his safety is felt. Julian Assange has suffered mental and physical health decline related to his imprisonment. It might take a longtime for him to recover from 11 years of being a political prisoner. His release was a triumph for advocates of free press and independent journalism. 

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. 

The Increase of Protests Across Africa

 

The African continent is seeing a wave of public discord. A number of demonstrations have occurred related to the cost of living and low wages. This is another example of how IMF and World Bank policies have never been helpful to African nations. What induced this new wave of protests was the COVID-19 pandemic aftermath. The pandemic did not just cause devastation to public health; the economy suffered. Business closed, unemployment increased, and inflation put a strain on the public. South Africa and Morocco saw the most protests in the five year span. The frustration has gotten so intense it has escalated into riots. The data reveals a total of  5,039 demonstrations related to economic inequality. Most of the protests were peaceful, but it was recorded that 13% erupted in violence. Food security is directly linked to some of the protests. Inflation directly effects food prices, which becomes a dire concern. Sudan's protests have multiple causes related to the military government , civil war, and authoritarian oppression. Tunisia's economy has not recovered from the rule of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Nigeria squanders its oil wealth and the DRC is fighting another M23 rebel insurrection. Africa is rich in resources, but corrupt governments and foreign interventions are undermining economic development. Algeria, Uganda, and Kenya also share the same issue of a cost of living crisis. This is not unique to Africa. The cost of living crisis is spreading. Africa is just experiencing it earlier. The ramifications of a cost of living crisis means political  instability.   

Jill Stein Was Arrested For Anti-War Protest

 

Jill Stein was arrested at a protest in support of the Palestinian people. She is the only presidential candidate to be arrested during the US  presidential campaign  in 2024. A number of college campuses are holding anti-war demonstrations across the United States. Jill Stein was participating in a demonstration at Washington University. Located in St. Louis Missouri, few parts of the US are isolated from the events in the Middle East. Jill Stein was accused of assaulting a police officer. Looking at footage, it shows police officers attacking non-violent protestors. If this went to court, it would show that the police were engaged in misconduct. The motivation for targeting Jill Stein could be that the Democratic Party fears third party candidates. A number of economic and foreign affairs related policies have made the situation volatile. President Biden's chances of winning reelection are reducing due to the Israel-Gaza War. Jill Stein being an anti-war candidate could attract some voters disillusioned with the Democratic and Republican Party. The challenge is the Green Party does not have the same financial power as the two major political parties. The donor class ensures that the two party system survives. The more disturbing aspect is the effort to suppress political opposition. The freedom of assembly is being threatened by law enforcement. Free speech on campuses is also being stifled under the excuse of protecting Jewish students from antisemitism Jewish students are not under attack, but there is a rise in anti-Arab racism. Universities across the United States make no such accommodations to Palestinian students. Jill Stein's arrest is further evidence that free expression and open dialogue is being phased out  in higher education.        

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. 

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. 

The Taliban Increases Restrictions On Women

 

Ever since the Taliban returned to power women have seen a dramatic decrease in basic rights. More discrimination is being seen related to education and employment. The regime has issued a prohibition on women attending universities. The action has devasting effects Afghanistan. Without educating the entire population the country will never reach higher development. Stopping women from graduating from medical school has dire consequences on public health. Afghanistan already has a low life expectancy and fewer medical professionals will make it worse. Discrimination as government policy will eventually backfire. Women are now forced to travel with a male companion when in public. The new Taliban regime is the worst mix of religious fundamentalism and misogyny than its previous rule from 1996 to 2001. Female employees of non-government organizations are not safe. Reports of Afghan women being flogged have surfaced causing international condemnation. The more restrictions the Taliban imposes on the citizens the more discontent shall grow. Afghanistan's economic condition worsens and the standard of living continues to decline. The Taliban lost power due to an invasion by the US and NATO. It is possible the armed groups still fighting could grow in number and remove them. As long as they do not improve the conditions of  the average Afghan, a mass uprising could happen in the future. Women have even lost the ability to enjoy public accommodations. The Taliban has ordered business owners to shutdown beauty salons. The reason these businesses were targeted is because it was women's only public space. Limiting women's education and employment makes them dependent on men. There has been resistance. The Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan has been known to operate secret schools inside the country for girls. Some women now are seeking to flee Afghanistan. A new element has to examined in the plight of refugees. While some flee due to war or persecution based on their race,  sex  can also be a reason.     

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. 

The 2022 Qatar World Cup Controversy

 

A growing controversy has emerged about Qatar hosting the FIFA World Cup. The country has been known to put restrictions on press freedom, women's rights, and discriminates against those of the LGBTQ community. Labor practices have been known to endanger workers and leave them with low pay. Migrant labor was used to construct the stadium required for the World Cup. Workers from South Asia and Africa were major contributors to making the event possible. Qatar did not have a large enough labor force to build a stadium with migrant worker help. Qatar is a monarchy ruled by King Tamim bin Al Thani who took over after his father's abdication in 2013. King Tamim has been a major force in getting his kingdom to host international sporting events. Exposing  Qatar's human rights abuses is important, but it should not be ignored that France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States still hold diplomatic relations with the kingdom. The European countries do not have a perfect human rights record and at times aid Qatar in the destabilization of other Arab states. Qatar has assisted  a number of armed groups and terrorists in Syria and Libya. Despite this information, that will not stop soccer fans from watching or going to Qatar. Corruption might actually go deeper with accusations of Qatar rigging the host selection process. Professional football is a major business and it is a sport that Qatar wants more influence. The kingdom has protection by the West, because follows particular policies related to Middle East affairs. The governments of North America and Europe have little credibility lecturing about human rights when they have invaded Global South nations. Only human rights activists have the credibility to do so. Trying to raise awareness is difficult with a football fandom,  which does not want to think of their sport contributing to human rights abuses.    

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.  

The World Population Reaches 8 Billion

 

The world population has reached 8 billion. The development is significant for a number of reasons. The balance of geopolitical power, economics, and the environment will be effected. The average life expectancy at some stage will increase globally. That requires policies and programs needed for eldercare. The demand for certain natural resources and  their use might not be accommodated. Employing 8 billion people of the globe would be no simple task. Economic instability would make particular nations more prone to large upheaval . The children and young people are going to need high quality education to be part of the knowledge based economy. Housing, education, and employment are the basic necessities every nation state should have. The world population  shift indicates a concern about women's rights. Women around the world do not have equal access to contraception. Reproductive rights are being undermined across various nations. The conflict between nations for fossil fuels, clean water, and food has the potential to escalate. The most populous countries include India, China, Indonesia, Brazil, Nigeria,  the United States of America, and Russia. The tension between the Russia-China block and the US create a general sense fear. Mass global conflict could be ignited by the major world powers. Large standing armies can be a threat to international peace. Unless serious efforts are made to address social, political, and economic problems a large world population becomes a risk. The United Nations claims the nations that will see growth up to 2050 will be the Philippines, Egypt, Congo, Ethiopia, India, Pakistan, Tanzania, and Nigeria. The world population might be larger. The homeless, the incarcerated, and the uncontacted tribes might not be fully accounted for in the UN population data.  

South Africa Pledges Its Support To The Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic

 

South Africa will continue to support the  Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic. The Western Saharawi has been struggling to get its independence from Morocco since 1975. Algeria has also maintained close involvement with the Saharawi Arab Republic. Both President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Brahim Ghali discussed  bilateral relations. The growing concern is the abuse of the Moroccan government of the Saharawi people. South Africa expressed its desire to have the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara extended. A major shift in African politics is happening. The events of the Arab Spring , terrorism in West Africa, and foreign interventions has made South Africa recalculate its diplomatic relations. The Polisario Front emerged when both Morocco and Mauritania invaded the territory. Prior to this, it was a Spanish colony. Morocco was under French control. The Polisario Front was able to expel Mauritania, but the war with Morocco continued. A UN ceasefire was established in 1991 and a referendum  on independence was suppose to take place. Years passed and this never came to fruition. The ceasefire collapsed in 2020. Nations began reversing their support for the Polisario Front. Spain did this due to the fact it was a source of contention with Morocco. The African Union recognizes the  the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic. Reports of violence by Morocco in the Western Sahara will alienate the kingdom. This will also ham relations with South Africa and other African states. King Mohammed VI has moved the Moroccan kingdom closer to Israel and the West. The reason for this change was fears of another Arab Spring. Foreign support would ensure the monarchy's survival. The actions from 2020 to present make it impossible for South Africa to cordial relations with Morocco. South Africa will in the coming years become closer to the SADR.  

Tanzania And Mozambique Form An Alliance Against Terrorism

 

The escalation of violence has encouraged Tanzania to seek an alliance with Mozambique against terrorism. The combat in the Cabo Delgado region has also gotten the attention of other African nations. Rwanda also has involvement in the conflict. Both countries have not revealed the details of the nature of the security agreements. Tanzanian president Samia Hassan expressed the need for border security with Mozambique. The concern over destabilization of the east and south African region remains a concern. The conflict has been going on since 2017 and all insurgents have not been defeated. The origins of the terrorist group remains unclear. Analysts suggest they are ISIS affiliated. There is a possibility that the terrorist group has a domestic origin. If it is foreign backed it could be used for the purpose of regime change or asymmetric warfare. The Southern African Development Community might have to develop a plan for longtime military operations. Collaboration with the African Union is also a necessity . The question remains of what is the level of involvement of al-Shabab. The group is known to operate in Kenya and Somalia. The terrorist organization could have greater reach across Africa than previously thought. The reason to retake Cabo Delgado is to protect the economic center. Another dire need is to assist the population fleeing the province. The number of internally displaced persons has increased since the beginning of the conflict. The security pacts were a rational choice for Tanzania and Mozambique to ensure regional stability. 

Anti-Government Protests In Sierra Leone

 

The rising cost of living has brought people to protest in Sierra Leone. This resulted in a violent response from authorities. Freetown imposed a curfew. The price of food, gas, electricity, and various commodities  have pushed the country to the brink. Poverty has been a major concern. Some are calling for President Julius Maada Bio to resign. Yet, he insists that the protests were politically motivated. That argument does not explain the fact that inflation has not been addressed. The growth of economic inequality only causes discord and violence in a nation. Sierra Leone has been struggling to rebuild after a brutal civil war. The war lasted from 1991 to 2002, but the nation remains divided. ECOWAS has condemned the violence. This might prevent further escalation . ECOWAS did intervene in Gambia and that possibly could be another option for Sierra Leone. Economic improvements must be made before a civil war breaks out. If civil war does not happen, a possible military coup could happen. A combination of broken promises , lack of reconciliation, and economic decline  put Sierra Leone in this condition.  

The Aid To Ukraine

 

The European Union and  the United States is  sending more aid to Ukraine. The EU is preparing for a mix of grants and loans which is estimated to be a total of  8 billion euros. The US intends to provide a $1 billion military aid package. The large sums of money is not helping Ukraine. The aid packages are extending the war and escalating a humanitarian crisis. The desire to see Russia weakened by a long term proxy war is not working. Ukraine cannot win, unless there is some form of multilateral intervention. NATO does not have the legal authority to do so, because Ukraine is not a member.   Such an act could spark a large war across Europe and a possible nuclear exchange. The only rational solution is to have a peace settlement. The majority of aid does not go to humanitarian concerns. Weapons and various munitions are what the aid is intended for. Europe  still remains reliant on Russian gas and this could be used as leverage in winter. The citizens of the US and EU countries should not be expected to have their tax funds wasted on a war that could be lost. The longer the Russia-Ukraine conflict goes, the economy becomes erratic. NATO expansion and the interference in Ukraine caused the conflict. More aid will result in more deaths and instability in Europe. The loans and aid packages only will make Ukraine dependent on the UK, Germany, and US. Ukraine might not be able to pay back all the loans it has received. A nation that is in debt to multiple countries  has its sovereignty limited. Ukraine is one of the poorest countries in Europe and national debt could harm its future.