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.  

The Kurdistan Worker's Party Might Seek A Peace Agreement

 

The Kurdistan Worker's Party announced a ceasefire. The PKK for a number of years has been fighting Turkey for the cause of Kurdish national self-determination. Indications hint to the PKK seeking a peace agreement. Abdullah Ocalan leader of the PKK has called for the armed struggle to end. The circumstances are a direct result of the fall of the Assad presidency in Syria. Turkey made itself an enemy of Syria and the fight with the PKK was putting pressure on the government. The void left by the removal of the Baathist government puts the Kurds in a precarious situation. Israeli expansion and Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham's control of Syria means Kurds face two enemies. Ocalan's sudden shift away from armed resistance is more about a battlefield reality. Under such conditions a Kurdish state cannot be created. The PKK has been fighting since 1984 and has changed its policies regarding the question of independence. The shift in Turkey has been about more autonomy. Kurds in Syria, Iraq, and Iran do not all share this position. An estimated 40,000 people have died from the conflict with the PKK. As long as Abdullah Ocalan remains in prison peace agreements  or a sustainable ceasefire will not last. Calls for a peaceful resolution might not be possible. The desire to see a Kurdistan emerge are growing. What complicates regional matters is the Democratic Forces of Syria. The Kurdish led group has fought both the Bashar  al-Assad presidency in Syria and the Recep Erdogan government. Even if the PKK were to make peace or dissolve, this would not end regional challenges. Neo- Otomanism is partitioning parts of West Asia. Kurds and Arabs are seen as obstacles to the new Turkish neo-colonial policy. Members of the PKK understand this agenda. Abdullah Ocalan's calls for a peace settlement could be rejected by a large portion of  the PKK.  

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. 

Sam Nujoma 's Namibian Independence Speech

 

Sam Nujoma ( 1929-2025)  was the first president of  Namibia. SWAPO waged a long liberation war against Apartheid South Africa's occupation of the land. Nujoma mentions that multiple resolutions were passed by international bodies. The United Nations resolutions did not obtain Namibian independence. It was through armed freedom struggle against  the white minority ruled regimes. When Apartheid South Africa lost Namibia in 1990, it was apparent the regime was going to fall. Sam Nujoma declared a new era was emerging on the African continent. European colonial imperialism was a relic of the past. Yet, Namibia and South Africa were still fighting it. The liberation movements of the South African region were successful. The new era that Sam Nujoma referred to was the independent states free from foreign interference and colonization. Namibia obtained its independence after a long liberation war. . Sam Nujoma would serve as president of Namibia from  1990 to 2005. After leaving office he continued to campaign for SWAPO and was like an elder  statemen. 

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. 

Israelis Protest The Netanyahu Government

The return of Benjamin Netanyahu resulted in protests. Israel has elected its most ring-wing government in recent history. The new coalition has a number of ultra-Orthodox political parties participating. The new government has expressed a desire to expand settlements in the West Bank. A growing concern about authoritarianism undermining democratic institutions has become widespread. This will be the third time Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been elected. His service  in office was between 1996 to 1999 and then 2009 to 2021. The longtime leader  has an ability to cling to power. If the office of prime minister is given more powers, then it will resemble other undemocratic regimes in the Middle East. The proposed derogation clause which would allow parliament to override decisions by the Supreme Court. Critics claim that Israel is losing its democracy. The state was never democratic. The country was the creation of Zionist settler colonialism and evolved into a theocratic Jewish  ethnostate. Observers have noted Israel now shares similarities to the Apartheid regime that ruled South Africa from 1948 to 1994. The Palestinians and Arabs Israelis are going face more violence and discrimination with the new government. The protests had a number of groups which included leftists, Palestinian and LGBTQ organizations. The cross section also included  concerned citizens about the condition of Israel. More demonstrations are expected as more repressive policies are enacted. 

Growing Protests In Libya

 

Protests are spreading across Libya. The population has become vexed at the high prices, power cuts, political inaction, and an overall decline in the standard of living. The Tobruk parliament  was attacked. The country is divided between rival governments with the other based in Tripoli. Libya might be falling apart. Armed groups and terrorist organizations remain active. The prosperous African nation has become closer to a failed state over the past decade. The United Nations has attempted to broker a settlement between rival factions. The destabilization was the result of UN  Security Council Resolution 1972 and the NATO invasion. Under Qaddafi Libya had free education and healthcare. The United Nations has condemned the protesters attacks on government buildings. The condemnation seems contradictory considering the UN enabled the destabilization in the country. Libya did not hold elections last December due to the security situation and possible corruption. Libyans are now seeing their government as more of a puppet to foreign interests. Libya is gradually falling into another civil war, which if it continues could cause some form of balkanization.  

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.  

Desmond Tutu Wins The Nobel Prize (1984)

 

Desmond Tutu( 1931-2021)  was a priest, theologian, and anti-apartheid activist. He was one of the figures leading the fight against white minority rule. His efforts got him recognition and in 1984 he won the Nobel Prize. Tutu was criticized for taking a stance that was based on non-violent resistance . The Apartheid regime was inflicting serious harm to the black population with torture and police brutality. Peaceful methods would not be effective against a government based on violence. Tutu was interviewed by Dan Rather in this news report. Desmond Tutu explained South Africans were frustrated with the policy of constructive engagement. The policy really was a means of protecting the regime from international criticism. By 1994 the regime was defeated not by violent means, but through a democratic election. Tutu continued to remain active and also criticized the ANC for failing to adhere to its political promises . 

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. 

Chile Will Be Getting A New Constituition

 

Chile will be getting a new constitution . There has not been a new constitution since the Augusto  Pinochet regime.  For 40 years Chile was following this legal document made by the right-wing authoritarian government. The Chilean public voted in a referendum for the change. Questions remain about what the new constitution will be like. Major political transformations are happening in the country. Chile has for the first time  held elections for regional governors. The country could be shifting more in a political leftist orientation. Chile for a long period of time was more of a conservative leaning government in Latin America. That is why the newly elected assembly members rise was a shock to the establishment. The failure to implement needed reforms has generated much discontent. Combined with the current economic decline and growing inequality in the region this change was a longtime coming. The new assembly has elected more women and indigenous people than in previous years. These elections will have an impact on the race for the presidency. The new constitution will finally put an end to the ghosts of the Cold War and the Pinochet regime. The new constitution will act as a foundation for a state that values human rights. If the assembly is successful, then Chile may be able to make progress in fighting longtime economic and social issues.    

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.  

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. 

Remembering Robert Mugabe

Robert Mugabe who served as Prime Minister of Zimbabwe from 1980 to 1987 and later President from 1987 to 2017 has died. Zimbabwe's first leader passed away at the age of 95 and the continent has lost an important icon in the anti-colonial freedom struggle. White minority rule regimes at one time plagued Southern Africa, with numerous European countries and the United States being complicit in human rights abuse. Robert Mugabe fought in the Rhodesian Bush War to free the people from the racist regime and British domination. As the years progressed he became more vocal about Pan-African political ideology and asserting African national sovereignty. Mugabe's leadership was not without faults. The Lancaster House agreement was designed to return land to Zimbabweans who lost it during land theft in the 1960s by white Rhodesian farmers. The mistake was to assume that this agreement was going to be honored. Zimbabwe and ZANU-PF seemed to abandon their socialist roots instead focusing on free market reforms. This resulted in economic mismanagement and combined with sanctions from the US and UK harmed the economy. The same countries that imposed sanctions were the ones who supported Apartheid South Africa , while Robert Mugabe was actively fighting against the regime. His legacy and administration remain controversial to some, but most Africans realize he was a dedicated freedom fighter and ally to the global south.