from Anathema
In this issue:
- Considerations on Baltimore Solidarity
- Labor Each Day to Keep Freedom at Bay
- No Cop Zone Reportback
- Fracking Conference Sponsors
- A Reportback from Montreal
- Lief Erikson Day
- Re-prints of Recent Local Texts
- Local Actions
from Anathema
In this issue:
from FTW/WTF
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey has complained that “…there’s no opportunity for dialogue” after members of the Philly Coalition for Real Justice (PCxRJ) and Trayvon Martin Organizing Committee/Action Against Black Genocide (TMOC/AABG) disrupted a meeting he was speaking at last week.
He’s absolutely right: our tactics are designed to force him to do something he doesn’t want to do; they’re intended as a demonstration of power, an act of war against an enemy, not a gesture of civility in a barbarous system.
from facebook
“Having spent the 60’s as a voice for Revolution, political, cultural, artistic change I felt a need for a spiritual (not religious) dimension as well. And so Revolutionary Animism. The material domination of life is at best vacuous and must be addressed.” – Ben Morea
Ben Morea, a former major activist and revolutionary artist in the 60’s will speak on his journey from approaching activism from a place or anarchy to now coming from values of animism. He is well known historically from the 60’s for his involvement in Black Mask, Up against the wall Mother fucker, and his art. He left society for many years, spending time deep in nature, only to reemerge to speak all over the world around the ties between environmentalism and animism. This will be a special night at ahimsa as we enjoy the warm hearted and wise nature of Ben Morea as he speaks on his many years of standing up for and loving mother nature and her inhabitants.
[September 22 at 7:30pm at 5007 Cedar Ave]
from facebook
An International Panel Discussion
This panel brings together organizers from Latin America, Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and North America to discuss the significance of anarchist ideas and tactics in the 21st century.
The participants will compare experiences from the wave of protests and uprisings that has swept the world since 2010—exploring the role of demand-based politics in both catalyzing and limiting movements, examining a variety of forms of repression, and critically evaluating experiments with direct democracy. They will conclude by assessing the prospects of contemporary struggles for self-determination in an era of globalized capitalism and state control.
All of the presenters are contributors to a recent outreach and dialogue project, To Change Everything, which appeared earlier this year in over twenty languages: http://tochangeeverything.com/
[September 12 at 7pm at Wooden Shoe Books 704 South St]
from Anathema
This month’s issue is tailored to celebrate the one year anniversary of the revolts in Ferguson, MO. In this issue you’ll find:
from facebook
This August marks the 15-year anniversary of direct action against the prison-industrial complex and arrest of hundreds of activists during the 2000 Republican National Convention in Philadelphia. In response, dissidents confronted new forms of political repression by pushing legal boundaries and establishing new models of collective resistance.
Join activist and author Kris Hermes for a discussion on his new book, Crashing the Party: Legacies and Lessons from the RNC 2000, an engrossing combination of social history and courtroom drama that explains the origins of contemporary protest policing and the creative political resistance used to overcome it. Hermes will discuss his experiences on the ground in Philadelphia and how they relate to the movement today. Books will be available for purchase and signing following the discussion!
[August 20 at 7pm at Wooden Shoe Books 704 South St]
received via email
A Concerted Effort Against Gentrification
Gentrification in Philadelphia is an issue that deserves a concerted response from those of us who oppose it. The momentum of recent actions leads us to believe that now is an especially good moment to call for a focused opposition to gentrification. We would like to offer some thoughts for those interested in pushing back against the encroachment of gentrification.
Gentrification affects our survival. Many of us are touched by it: our rents are increasing, the supermarkets and stores near us are becoming more expensive, the neighborhoods where we live are transforming into monotonous havens for students and the rich. Fighting against gentrification is fighting for our own livelihood, in solidarity with others doing the same.
The violence of gentrification gets normalized and often goes unnoticed, veiling itself in the language of “progress,” “improvement,” and “development”. When we fight against gentrification, we reveal the already existing conflict gentrification has brought to our neighborhoods.
In Philadelphia, where the most dire impacts of gentrification most often result in the displacement of black people, we believe that fighting “development” and “improvement” can easily be connected in both thought and action to the Black Lives Matter movement. The preservation of black life is not limited to protesting killings by vigilantes and police; the erosion of black life begins in so many daily abuses, many of which go hand in hand with the process of gentrification.
The anti-gentrification actions that have already taken place in Philadelphia have created a momentum outside of the institutional left (political parties, non-profits, etc). This autonomous momentum is the kind that empowers and emboldens those who take part, because it come from groups and individuals deciding for themselves when and how to take action. Taking direct action allows us to realize our own power without resorting to lobbying and asking permission. The momentum and tone set by previous actions against gentrification is worth furthering.
Gentrification is happening everywhere. It is impossible to ignore the changes taking place in South Philly, West Philly or North Philly. So many neighborhoods are effected, which means to us that there are so many opportunities for people to begin fighting back. If people are openly fighting against gentrification in multiple neighborhoods at once, resistance will be harder to control, forming links across the different geographies of the city. The widespread nature of development means that the possibility of an eruption of revolt is also widespread.
These are some of the reasons we feel a specific focus on fighting gentrification is important. Below we present some ideas of what we think will be useful in the fight against gentrification.
There have already been attacks, many aimed at OCF Realty. These kinds of actions need to continue. We feel creatively scheming ways to make the material processes of development more difficult is one of the most important aspects of a struggle against gentrification. We see value in the attacks that have been highly visible and easy to understand, these kinds of attacks make the struggle visible and can gain support for those fighting. We also see value in attacks that may go unnoticed by passers-by, but sabotage gentrification in material ways. Either way, a movement based in attack is hard to co-opt or pacify, and builds it’s own autonomous power based in skill and ability.
One thing we have noticed lacking among the numerous actions that have already taken place is the spreading of ideas. Conversations about resisting gentrification with both comrades and interested people should be taking place. Marches, posters, banners, zines, assemblies, are only a handful of the channels where ideas can be shared and debated. Without a healthy dialogue surrounding how and why we fight, our actions will grow stale and we will find ourselves a small and isolated minority. Without taking the time to spread our ideas in a person to person way, we also run a greater risk of alienating with our attacks people who might otherwise understand our motives and see themselves as part of the same struggle. Conversation within our fight can be a place to share relevant information with one another, evaluate and learn from our actions, and plan together when it makes sense to do so in concert.
It’s with these thoughts in mind that we are calling for a concerted effort against gentrification.
received via email
An open letter to Philly Anti-Authoritarians and other Friends,
It’s no surprise that the current nature of most Philly street demos have failed to open up space in the streets that allowed for effective forms of autonomous participation. There were a few larger demonstrations that felt more uncontrollable than the tight-knit activist gatherings that led up to them. At these larger demonstrations there were usually a few attempts to take and hold major roads and interstates. All of these attempts failed. The fact that these attempts occurred shows an energy that hasn’t been seen at street demos here in a long time. Yet the failures can represent the shortcomings of activism, and it’s inability to understand and thwart the counter-insurgency methods deployed by the state. On the contrary these failures also represent the traps many Philly anti-authoritarians have found themselves in. The trap of total absence of building relationships and maintaining a relevant presence in the streets. Many think, “protests in Philly are liberal, small and usually don’t lead to anything more” which may arguably be the case in most instances. The problem stems from the failure to realize our own potential in shaping
things through participation, through actually making things happen. If things are going to be done they must be done with a sense of tact. Success in action builds trust, and appeals to those who have the same desires. Know that even if an action holds the spirit of insurrection, if not executed properly it will fail to resonate beyond the participants themselves and even then participants could be discouraged by easily avoidable failures. Maybe this is part of what has happened here. A few failures to connect, and a few more shady call-outs with no direction in mind could have meant a few steps back. A lesson learned is more effective when moving forward as opposed to when remaining stagnant after the fact. Since then we have seen people attempting to break this silence, which shows a few positive steps, but it isn’t enough.
Here are a few points on opening up space in the streets in the future –
1. The activist groups,NGOs and other Leftist organizations in Philly actually do not hold the means to draw the numbers people would assume they have. Many liberal-leaning organizations call for demos and see a few hundred at their peak. Anything extending beyond the smaller parades isn’t exactly representative of the numbers an activist group holds or has direct influence over. More so it always represents that particular demo being the only thing occurring combined with a timing when mad people feeling uncontrollably heated over pigs murdering black folks.
With this in mind it shouldn’t be considered strategic to wait around or to latch onto the organizing efforts of those structures. The nature of liberalism, and certain aspects of activism have worked to actively kill energy rather than amp it up – many times over the past year we have seen people rip megaphones from black women antagonizing police, people discourage youth from masking up and marching on their own path, we have seen people fight each other physically over decisions to begin pushing police lines. Rather than constantly finding ourselves within structures that have allowed these things to reproduce themselves in the streets over and over again, we should create and build alternatives, which leads us to the second and the final point.
2. Street actions that commemorate and/or capture the spirit and history of gentrifying/gentrified neighborhoods while maintaining a sense of hostility and opposition to policing are an obtainable goal. You do not have to expect or prepare for instant escalation of conflict. This would be unrealistic. Especially in a city with not much recent history of militancy. Instead… for starters don’t be the presence that discourages kids from masking up when they take interest, but instead be the presence that shares with everyone the importance of it. Be the presence that cheers on the angry black women, while denouncing anyone who would take the mic from them. In terms of street politics capacity can increase with small successes like this. In many places monthly marches have occurred at some point in time. Not all of them involved a direct heightened conflict, but their occurrence definitely opened up space for stronger relationships to form in the streets – it helped to create a space where media wasn’t welcomed, and staying anonymous was encouraged as the new norm. It helped encourage everyone to see themselves as a participant. It opened up the potential for more people to act with autonomy in the immediate future. Events that encourage art, banner making, and flag-making amongst close friends, or in a public space/event. Gathering to do smaller things, to promo a certain event works to maintain hype & trust around a future occurrence in general, whether it be passing out flyers, giving antagonistic speeches, banner making, or more. These are all things to keep in mind when making sure past mistakes aren’t repeated.
Philly Anti-Authoritarians should definitely consider the question of “What is Next?”. If leftist, reformist, and liberal elements are out there, what are we doing? Why aren’t we “out there”? There is no excuse of “we don’t have the numbers” because it is clear that even the most reformist elements in this city barely have the numbers, and they still manage to do their thing. Capacity comes from steady efforts and successful action. Instead of dreaming of the perfect moment it is time to begin shaping each moment we are already given. It is time to act with what we have and to see where that can potentially lead. Otherwise it is likely any future ruptures will dwindle down, and channel themselves within Philly’s liberal structures until they are no longer a threat. If those “perfect moments” so many people seem to dream of are to extend beyond a a single day or night then every single one of us must spring out of inaction towards more action. Or we could return to each of our own comfortable circles, and social cliques. We could remain in our bubble of irrelevancy. We could continue to observe the constant function of policing and capital dominating the city uncontested. Then… on the other hand, we could begin to develop a force worth mentioning in the struggle. The choice is up to every single last one of us. Let’s start moving forward. Let’s start doing things, and doing them in a legit way.
received via email
from facebook
What: Celebrate the publication of Crashing the Party: Legacies and Lessons from the RNC 2000 by Kris Hermes!
Hear the author, as well as former RNC arrestees, legal workers, and lawyers speak about their experiences from 2000, and how those experiences are relevant for today’s activists, street demonstrations, and movements for social change.
*Join us for free food, drinks, music, video footage, an historic slideshow, and a raffle!*
When: 2-4pm on August 1st, the 15th anniversary of direct action against the prison industrial complex and the arrest of hundreds of hundreds of activists in downtown Philadelphia
Where: William Way LGBT Community Center: 1315 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
Cost: FREE!
Let’s work together to demystify and resist the legal system! Bring your friends and help spread the word!
from facebook
Mass Incarceration, Solitary Confinement and Torture: The Case of the Dallas 6
Panel Discussion on the Dallas 6
Presenters:
Shandre Delaney: Coordinator of Justice of the Dallas 6 and mother to Carrington Keys, one of the Dallas 6
Derrick Stanley: One of the Dallas 6
Theresa Shoatz: Activist and Daughter of Russell Maroon Shoatz
LuQman M. Abdullah: Human Rights Activist
Moderated by Shesheena Bray
Where: The Rotunda, (4014 Walnut Street)
When: May 26th
Time: 6pm
SUPPORT THE DALLAS 6!
On April 29, 2010, six courageous African American prisoners in solitary confinement at SCI Dallas engaged in a peaceful protest against the widespread abuse, violence and torture by guards which they had witnessed, endured, and helped to publicly document. The abuse included food, starvation, urine and feces in their food, mail tampering and destruction, vicious beatings while electro-shock shields, taxers, fists, tear gas and pepper spray, medical neglect, use of torture chair, death threats and more. For being whistleblowers on this abuse, the state have charged these six men with rioting.
For more information on the case, please contact sd4hrc@gmail.com and/or visit @[NjQyMTgzOTU5MjA4MTA3Omh0dHBcYS8vd3d3LnNjaWRhbGxhczYuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLzo6:www.scidallas6.blogspot.com]
For more information on the event please contact Iresha.Picot@gmail.com or Natasha.Danielle86@gmail.com
from facebook
As communities around the nation take to the streets in the ongoing movement against police brutality, the question of the police and their role in society has taken on new importance. With the police killing a Black person every 8 hours a movement is emerging that challenges the idea of who they protect and who they serve. The very origins of their institution is saturated with racism and violence. From their beginning as a force to quell strikes, urban riots, and the threat of slave insurrection they have always existed primarily as an enforcer for the 1% and a protector of their property. Join the International Socialist Organization for a discussion about the origins and function of the police and their relationship to racism, class and capitalism.
[May 17 at the last drop 1300 pine st at 6pm]
from FTW, WTF
Written by: Trayvon Martin Organizing Committee (TMOC) and Action Against Black Genocide (AABG)
Baltimore has risen up following the police murder of 25 year old Freddie Gray. On April 19th, Freddie Gray died of spinal injuries sustained in the back of a police van following his racially biased arrest. Video of his arrest went viral, sparking riots and protests across Baltimore. After days of demonstrations, the six police officers involved in his murder have been charged by Baltimore’s State Attorney, Marilyn J. Mosby –- one officer with second-degree murder, and the others with assault and involuntary manslaughter. But here in Philadelphia, despite nearly weekly demonstrations and at least a dozen arrests, the police have yet to even release the names of the officers involved in the murder of Brandon Tate Brown, a black man shot by police during a car stop in Mayfair in December last year. Security footage of Brandon’s fatal encounter with police remains firmly in the hands of the PPD, while the internal investigation has cleared the officers of any wrongdoing and returned them to street duty. 1 As rage whips across the nation after yet another racialized police murder, those in Philadelphia continue to ask #WhoKilledBrandonTateBrown. The Philadelphia Coalition for REAL Justice, a coalition of #BlackLivesMatter activists and organizers forged in the heat of the Ferguson uprisings, called a march on Thursday April 30th in solidarity with the Baltimore uprising and the people claiming the streets there.
from Serve the People PHL
With the nation’s eyes turned towards militant resistance in Baltimore, Saturday, 25 April, STP – PHL took to the streets of West Philadelphia, joining comrades from SOUL and other organisations to voice collective outrage over the acquittal of the off-duty police officer who murdered Rekia Boyd.
Under SOUL’s directive, comrades used the internationally-attended sporting event known as the Penn Relays to cause major disruptions to automotive traffic on the University of Pennsylvania’s campus, performing sit-ins, die-ins and street blockades in direct confrontation with the festive atmosphere of the events. “We are not sorry for inconveniencing you,” demonstrators asserted. “Being Black in this country is an inconvenience.”