The political and moral bankruptcy of the Democratic Party was on full display last week. First it was the convention of the Democratic Party, where the progressive wing of the party was pushed to the margins while the victorious, neoliberal right wing engaged in a surreal spectacle that came off oblivious to the economic, social and political crisis the country has been experiencing. The second thing that happened was the emergency reconvening of the U.S. House of Representatives to “save the post office.”

On the night Kamala Harris accepted the nomination as vice president, the Democratic Party devoted itself to demonstrating it was more militantly aggressive in its commitment to military threats, in the use of force and in reclaiming the U.S. global dominance that Trump supposedly has squandered. Neocons from the Republican Party also spoke to assure the country Joe Biden would commit to a stronger NATO, to completing the military pivot to Asia, and to standing up to the demon of the moment—Vladimir Putin.

The inspiring stories of democratic renewal and of happy days being just around the corner once Joe is in office seemed strangely disconnected from the fact that Congress had gone on vacation, leaving millions in economic limbo because the federal enhanced unemployment benefit had expired. Yet the House was called back by Nancy Pelosi not to pass a bill to end the confusion around extended unemployment and to protect against evictions, but to save the postal service so nothing would get in the way of electing the political class.

The racism, militarism, and materialism that Dr. King warned would be the diseases that would kill the body politic of the United States have created a zombie democracy.

War, the political betrayal of the working class, and an inane political posturing in the face of an intractable crisis are the politics of a society beyond salvation.

 

PRESS AND MEDIA


BAP continues to act on our renewed commitment to our political prisoners during this 41st Black August by posting solidarity videos from our members on our Instagram account. BAP member, Black Is Back Coalition Steering Committee member and Black Agenda Report Executive Editor Glen Ford’s talk during the Black Is Back Coalition national conference has been transcribed and published in Black Agenda Report. Plus, the official U.S. position that it holds no political prisoners is part of “the lie and the founding mythology of U.S. ‘democracy,’” Princeton University doctoral candidate, activist and minister Nyle Fort said during a Black Agenda Radio interview. Then Netfa Freeman, who represents BAP member organization Pan-African Community Action (PACA) on the BAP Coordinating Committee, interviewed Naji Mujahi, an attorney for the political-prisoner advocacy group The Jericho Movement, on WPFW’s “Voices with Vision.” 

Ahmed Malik Braxton, a PACA organizer, spoke on Pan-African Revolutionary Socialist Party’s “Africa Must Unite” podcast about how PACA is attempting to intervene into the struggle of our people in Washington, D.C.

BAP Coordinating Committee member Margaret Kimberley writes, “Kamala Harris was chosen precisely because she complements Biden’s determination to do nothing on behalf of the people.” Margaret also discussed Harris’ vice-presidential nomination on Sputnik Radio’s “The Critical Hour” (58 minutes into the show), Press TV, Lauren Steiner’s show, and the Hampton Institute’s “A Different Lens” podcast.

In the fourth episode of the Left Lens, co-hosts BAP Supporter Network Co-Coordinator Danny Haiphong and Margaret discuss some of the reasons people of conscience should oppose the U.S. cold war against China.

During Radio Sputnik’s “The Critical Hour,” BAP National Organizer Ajamu Baraka gave his general thoughts on the Democratic National Convention starting at 2 minutes into the Thursday show. Then Netfa appeared at 43 minutes into the show to discuss the U.S. relationship with Sudan while Sept. 11 victims and their families protest Congress’ impending move to take Sudan off the list of “state sponsors of terrorism.” 


EVENTS


August 26: “Free Them All: Film Screening & Panel Discussion”, will be hosted by BAP, PACA, Stop Police Terror Project, Current Movements, the Institute for Policy Studies and Eaton Workshop. The film, “Let The Fire Burn,” about the MOVE bombing will be virtually screened at 6 p.m, EST. A panel discussion featuring recently released political prisoner Debbie Africa, son of former political prisoners Mike Africa Jr., son of a political prisoner Russell Shoatz III and the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement-DC’s Jonathan Stith will take place 7:30-8:30 p.m., EST.

August 27: Netfa will speak on an Africans Rising online panel, “Black August: Standing in Global Solidarity” at 10 a.m., EST, to discuss the history and contemporary importance of Black August. Registration is required.

August 28: BAP member Dr. Karanja Keita Carroll will virtually deliver a keynote address at 5 p.m., EST, that will touch on BAP’s Black August work. Registration is required.

August 29: Cooperation Jackson is organizing an art exhibit to commemorate the 15th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina at 1 p.m. at the Ida B. Wells Plaza, 1128 W. Capitol Street, Jackson, Mississippi.

August 29: BAP member organization We Charge Colonialism will host a debate at 7 p.m., EST, on the internal colonization of Africans in the United States. Tune in on Facebook or YouTube to watch the debate between BAP member Dr. Jared Ball and Dr. Charles Pinderhughes.

August 30: Register for an online rally, “We Can’t Breathe! Keep it in the Streets – Against Racism, Evictions and War!” This is hosted by the United National Antiwar Coalition, BAP, Sanctions Kill, International Action Center, Coalition to March on the DNC, Peoples Power Assemblies NYC, and FIRE (Fight for Im/migrants and Refugees Everywhere).

September 19-20: Labor and Community for an Independent Party is organizing a two-day online conference, “Break the Grip of the Two-Party System Program Agenda.” Registration is required.

November 7-8: The Black Is Back Coalition calls on all to march, rally and convene in Washington, D.C., during the “Black People's March On White House.” Registration is required.


TAKE ACTION

  • The Black Latina Girls and Women Fund was created by BAP member organization AfroResistance, a Black Latina women-led organization in the service of Black Latinx women in the Americas. This fund offers financial support by giving money directly to Black Latin womxn, girls and femmes who are experiencing severe financial need across the region, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether in Brazil, Colombia, United States or Panama, Black Latina girls, women, and femmes are organizing in their local communities in the fight against several forms of state violence. You can donate here and people are encouraged to use the hashtag #BlackLatinaGWFund.

  • Ask your local, state and federal candidates to sign BAP’s 2020 Candidate Accountability Pledge. If you are a candidate, distinguish yourself from the other corporate warmongering candidates by signing the pledge.

  • Sign up to join BAP’s U.S. Out of Africa Network to receive the bi-weekly AFRICOM Watch Bulletin in your inbox.

  • Make sure you keep up with us throughout the week by subscribing to our YouTube channel, liking us on Facebook, and following us on Instagram and Twitter.

  • We are raising $30,000 to help expand our membership support capacity and revamp our website. Donate and share our GoFundMe campaign with your networks today.


No Compromise, No Retreat!
 
Struggle to win,
Ajamu, Dedan, Jaribu, Margaret, Netfa, Nnamdi, Paul, Vanessa, YahNé

P.S. Freedom isn’t free. Consider giving today.

Photo credit: Carlos Barria/Reuters