Is it really possible to debate gun control and the violence that is supposedly the result of unregulated guns without connecting it to the public’s acceptance of the global U.S. arms industry and the normalization of war? Certainly, Donald Trump believes the two are not connected. Judging from the absence of any real opposition to the U.S. war machine over the last few decades, one might think he is correct.

BAP Coordinating Committee member Margaret Kimberley provides one of the few analyses that links the gun debate to militarism in U.S. culture.

BAP was part of a national call Wednesday night to strategize on how the people can reject Trump's mad call for a military parade. Look out today for a media statement from the anti-war and peace community in the United States.

Beyond mobilizing to stop the latest madness, we continue pushing out the work with our meager resources and volunteer labor.


National Actions Against Guantanamo Occupation

February 23, BAP along with dozens of other organizations that are part of the Coalition Against U.S. Foreign Military Bases organized public educational events across the country calling for the closure of the U.S. base and torture dungeon in Guantanamo, Cuba, and its return back to the rightful owners of that land—the Cuban people.  

BAP conducted a national conference call on the topic that can be heard here.


Divest from the War Machine

We encourage members and supporters to support the Divest from the War Machine campaign, of which BAP is a co-sponsor.

The campaign seeks to educate the public on the incestuous relationships that make up the military-industrial complex (MIC). CODEPINK is providing materials and direct support for organizations that want to target the corporations, Congress, colleges and universities, churches, and local and municipal governments that generate their profits from the war industry.

With more resources, BAP would target city governments run by Black folks, members of the Congressional Black Caucus who are supported by the MIC, and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) that are invested in the war industry.


Korea

While the contradictions between the economic and social systems of the two Koreas are real, it is clear that absent the colonialist interventions and agitation of the United States the two Koreas might be able to reduce some of the tensions that are providing pretext for U.S. intervention.

BAP supports South Korean President Moon Jae-in’s efforts to avoid military conflict by attempting to encourage talks between the United States and North Korea. The Trump administration demanded North Korea disarm itself before entering talks, which means no discussion will take place at this point.

We say no war with the peoples of Korea.


Venezuela

The United States continues to make moves that indicate it is committed to a policy of armed intervention against the government of Venezuela. BAP National Organizer Ajamu Baraka provided a critical analysis of the efforts by the Obama and Trump administrations to undermine the Venezuelan experiment at socialist construction.

The work is only getting more difficult and BAP is stretched to our limits. We would really appreciate it if you were able to help us with a generous donation. This is our first ask of the new year but it won’t be the last because we are depending on the people to support our work.

No compromise.

No retreat.

Struggle to win.

In struggle,
Ajamu, Ana, Jaribu, Kali, Lamont, Lukata, Margaret and Yolande
Coordinating Committee
Black Alliance for Peace

P.S. Only your support can help beat the U.S. war machine. Contribute today.