'The power of unity cannot be underestimated; it is our greatest weapon against injustice.' -- George Jackson.
What are we aiming for?
Organization and deeper relationships within the Black liberation movement. Summits, convenings, congresses, and gatherings are vital for cultivating Black unity, building Black political power, and building structures and organizations in our interest. These events provide a platform for collective creativity, where diverse perspectives on our communities' challenges can be shared and opportunities explored. With intentionality and alignment toward unified goals, actionable strategies can be developed.
Solidarity and shared purpose are critical for building Black political power and working toward liberation. When we meet, our leaders connect, organizations share resources and best practices, and coalitions can be built to address systemic problems and win. The exchange of knowledge, skills development, and the sheer motivational power of a united front all contribute to accelerating progress toward Black Liberation. The Black Power Conference of 1967 serves as a prime example. Bringing together hundreds of Black leaders laid the groundwork for a more unified approach to social change. These events create a space for collaboration, exchange of ideas, and building a united front – all crucial ingredients for significant advancements in the struggle toward Black Liberation.
The Importance of Black Left Unity: At its core, Black Left Unity represents a strategic alignment of ideologies and actions to confront the multifaceted forms of oppression Black people face. It transcends divisions and fosters solidarity based on a shared commitment to liberation and self-determination. In a world imbued with racism, economic exploitation, and militarization targeted at Black people, such unity becomes not only desirable but imperative for effecting meaningful change and collective survival.
Anti-Black racism has permeated all aspects of life, such as: housing, education, healthcare, policing, child care, employment, and food access. These shared struggles underscore the importance of Black unity in dismantling these systemic barriers. Said another way, ‘Racism and economic exploitation have been the intertwined axes of power that have historically underdeveloped Black America’ (Manning Marable, 1983).
The current political reality demands a critical response: a united and strategic front against the forces of oppression – the “white supremacist capitalist hetero-patriarchy" as coined by bell hooks; these interconnected systems of harm and violence imposed upon us are deeply interconnected and are not isolated systems; thus our response(s) and actions to defeat these systems can not be isolated. We must know and access our strengths, identify our enemies, know where our collective interests lie, and resist isolation. The way to overcome isolation is unity, solidarity, and cooperation. We implement these practices through sincere engagement and trust, coordination, communication, and aligning of our efforts, which are best facilitated through trusted convenings where we can work toward collective objectives and shared missions.
Past harms wouldn't define this front but instead shared values, purpose, and commitment to Black people and our collective self-determination. We are not calling for unprincipled engagement or idealism; there are instances when divisions can not be reconciled or trust restored. For example, misogyny, transphobia, or class antagonisms will not be ignored or accepted as this excludes Black people who are non-male, trans, or poor. A legitimate united front must include ALL Black people in our analysis and strategy. Building a united front requires looking beyond individual agendas and instead drawing connections to the agenda – which is a liberated, self-determined Black community. Our work may look different in practice and focus, but we share the same mission. It is why we’re the most harmed when a pandemic or economic crisis occurs; it is why we have such deplorable health outcomes; it is why we are at the bottom of almost every socioeconomic category in the United States, but first in the categories of imprisonment, homelessness, and debt.
But this is not cynicism about our current circumstances; I am hopeful. I believe in Black Power, and I believe in Black people. But we must have an intentional strategy and deliberate effort(s) to correct our conditions. This is why a united front is imperative. If we are in silos in our organizing and advocacy efforts, whether we are addressing the environment, reparations, criminal punishment, or food sovereignty as it relates to Black people, we will always be at a disadvantage fighting an uphill battle; we must make the connections. If we are fighting the same enemy–the white supremacist capitalist hetero-patriarchy– but are fighting without a shared mission and only on our issue, this puts us at half-strength and isn't tenable nor preferable if we wish to win. ‘Victory is synonymous with unity’ -- Samora Machel. Individualizing our issue is only to our detriment. The Black organization working on labor issues must be speaking with the Black service providers, and the Black queer organizations must be speaking with the Black organizations focused on self-defense. Both practically and strategically. Practically speaking, we should be in a community with all those seeking to build a world safe for Black people, but strategically, our survival depends on it. We need each other. The potential of a united front can be transformative. It could evolve beyond coalitions and become a formidable organizational structure offering a powerful alternative to the existing system(s) that oppress us.
Malcolm X's vision of unity is exemplified in his speech "The Ballot or The Bullet." In that speech, he emphasized the need for Black people and workers to unite and transcend religious divisions that could weaken our collective power. Similarly, today, we are navigating ideological divisions and varying theories of change that threaten our collective power. To realize Black liberation, we must put aside differences, repair our relationships, and recommit ourselves to collective action. The historical Black movement(s) compels us toward communal values, restorative justice, and healing practices. We must be the example of a world where our politics are embodied in our culture, institutions, and communities. The world we want tomorrow is the one we resemble and build today.
Though relationships and trust take time, the urgency of the times compels us to prioritize solidarity over division by channeling the spirit of Malcolm X, Ella Baker, Assata Shakur, George Jackson, and many others. When we embrace a shared purpose and identify our enemies, a united front will emerge as a powerful force for positive change.
Conclusion:
In a world of exploitation, oppression, and injustice, Black Left Unity serves as a beacon of hope and resilience. While we are not a monolith, we have a shared experience here in the United States and globally; from the Continent to the Caribbean to Chicago, dark-skinned people suffer due to colonialism and imperialism. Black Left Unity does not mean perfect alignment; rather, it is a commitment to each other where there is cooperation and coordination within our movement to triumph over our shared oppression. Historically, we have seen what unity can produce and the transformative potential of coordinated advocacy and community organizing. As we confront the challenges of the present moment, let us draw inspiration from past examples and work tirelessly to build a future rooted in justice and human rights toward Black liberation.
