Black Radical Congress: Principles of Unity

Art McGee amcgee at igc.org
Tue Jan 26 12:39:39 PST 1999


Black Radical Congress: Principles of Unity

<http://www.blackradicalcongress.com/principles.html>

PRINCIPLES OF UNITY

The Black Radical Congress will convene to establish a "center

without walls" for transformative politics that will focus on the

conditions of Black working and poor people. Recognizing

contributions from diverse tendencies within Black Radicalism--

including socialism, revolutionary nationalism and feminism--we are

united in opposition to all forms of oppression, including class

exploitation, racism, patriarchy, homophobia, anti-immigration

prejudice and imperialism. We began with a gathering on June

19-21, 1998. From there we will identify proposals for action and

establish paths forward. The Black Radical Congress does not intend

to replace or displace existing organizations, parties or campaigns

but will contribute to mobilizing unaffiliated individuals, as well

as organizations, around common concerns.

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1. We recognize the diverse historical tendencies in the Black

radical tradition including revolutionary nationalism, feminism and

socialism.

2. The technological revolution and capitalist globalization have

changed the economy, labor force and class formations that need to

inform our analysis and strategies. The increased class polarization

created by these developments demands that we, as Black radicals,

ally ourselves with the most oppressed sectors of our communities

and society.

3. Gender and sexuality can no longer be viewed solely as personal

issues but must be a basic part of our analyses, politics and

struggles.

4. We reject racial and biological determinism, Black patriarchy and

Black capitalism as solutions to problems facing Black people.

5. We must see the struggle in global terms.

6. We need to meet people where they are, taking seriously identity

politics and single issue reform groups, at the same time that we

push for a larger vision that links these struggles.

7. We must be democratic and inclusive in our dealings with one

another, making room for constructive criticism and honest dissent

within our ranks. There must be open venues for civil and comradely

debates to occur.

8. Our discussions should be informed not only by a critique of what

now exists, but by serious efforts to forge a creative vision of a

new society.

9. We cannot limit ourselves to electoral politics--we must identify

multiple sites of struggles.

10. We must overcome divisions within the Black radical forces, such

as those of generation, region, and occupation. We must forge a

common language that is accessible and relevant.

11. Black radicals must build a national congress of radical forces

in the Black community to strengthen radicalism as the legitimate

voice of Black working and poor people, and to build organized

resistance.

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