Black DNC Resistance March against Police Terrorism and State Repression

  • July 19, 2016 11:50 pm

from Facebook

The Philadelphia Coalition for REAL Justice presents:
Black DNC Resistance March against the Capitalist & Racist Government: We Have Nothing To Lose But Our Chains!!

The Democratic Party has consistently betrayed their promises to the Black community and the 2016 presidential election is not going to be any different. The presidential election is the largest electoral process in the country, and the Black community can no longer watch a few control the lives of many. Black communities have been underfunded for centuries. Black communities are under siege with militarized police terrorism, assault and murder; public schools are underfunded and do not properly educate our children; economic development means black displacement through gentrification; prison privatization and the school to prison pipeline; raising the minimum wage to a living standard; the right to proper access of quality healthcare, food, shelter and the essential means of life; protection and inclusion of the LGBTQ community, as well, the releasing of all political prisoners and the right to self-determination and control of our communities. This can only come from the unification of our voices, understanding the intersectional connections, education and support of one another and not the democratic process.

Philadelphia is a historically Black city, as well as the birth of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Both documents have kept the Black community subjugated. The American political system was organized and created by white men who supported and upheld the enslavement of Black people. These documents continue to function under the order of white supremacy and neo-liberal reformists politics. Black liberation cannot occur in a reformist society. White supremacy must be abolished and Black liberation must become a priority.

[from 2pm July 26 to 6pm July 28 at Broad & Diamond St]

Autonomous March in Solidarity with Prisoners in Philly

  • May 3, 2016 6:05 pm

from It’s Going Down

Across the country, prisoners have been pushing back against the indignities of prison. In Texas, prisoners have been on strike against slave labor for almost one month. Bubbling tensions in Holman, Alabama have erupted into prison riots at least twice and are now taking the form of a work stoppage. Three facilities around Michigan have seen mass protests, with inmates refusing meals and skipping meetings with the prison staff in protest against food quality. Louisiana has also seen hunger strikes recently. All of these actions lead toward a nation-wide prison strike on September 9th, the anniversary of the Attica uprising.

On May Day, between 15 and 20 people gathered for a short autonomous march through West Philly in solidarity with prisoners’ struggles and against prison society. The demonstration moved east behind two banners, “Prisoners to the Streets” and “REVENGE”. Music from a sound system kept the atmosphere playful.

Pamphlets expressing solidarity with struggles in prison were given to people in cars and in the street who were curious about what was happening. Stickers and tags against police and prison were put up along the way. A police substation received a few splashes of paint as the march passed it. People generally seemed enthusiastic about the demonstration and expressed their support from the sidewalks and cars.

The march ended and dispersed without incident at a nearby park. It had been promoted in a way to decrease the possibility of police presence at the meetup and no police were around for the entirety of the brief march.

Some takeaways:
-Avoiding reliance on Facebook and building networks of friends and comrades in less mediated ways makes repression harder.
-More dialogue between participants — especially during the demonstration — can make events like these less confusing in the future.
-As long as an escalation is not too drastic, sharing tools (like paint, stickers, flyers, etc) can welcome and encourage people to take action in a friendly setting.
-Bad weather is not the end of the world.

Some Photos of the aftermath of the May Day March in Solidarity with Prisoners

  • May 2, 2016 6:30 pm

Submission
Here’s a few pictures taken after the May Day March in Solidarity with Prisoners took place.



Chris Hedges Finally Comes Around at the May Day March In Solidarity with Prisoners

  • May 1, 2016 7:03 pm

Submission

Chris Hedges decided to skip his scheduled keynote speech at the boring official May Day demonstration that wanted better wages, opting to participate in the May Day march in solidarity with prisoners instead. There weren’t that many of us and the sight of this despicable fool somewhat reduced morale at first. He really brought the party though.

With a t-shirt tied securely to his head, Chris led the charge through Squirrel Hill behind a banner reading “Prisoners to the Streets.” Not wanting to be seen with Mr. Hedges, we covered our faces too and hoped no one would recognize the “cancer of occupy” marching side by side with the very person who had diagnosed us as such.

We put up lot of anti-prison and anti-repression stickers while passing prisoner strike flyers to the passersby strolling in the rain. A few strangers expressed that they were “about revenge” (in reference to a banner we were carrying that said revenge) and understood because they had family members who had been sent upstate.

In a completely unprecedented act, Chris Hedges also put up a few “fuck the police” stickers and did something mean-spirited as we passed a police substation. Good for him! He also brought some anti-everything music that brought the mood up despite the bad weather. Didn’t know Mr. Hedges had it in him but at the end of the day we’re glad he came out and got down.

No arrests 🙂
Fuck work and prisons 🙂

Take Back the Night Philadelphia 2016

  • April 21, 2016 11:15 pm

from facebook

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Thursday, April 28, 2016!

Join us in strengthening the 6th Annual Philly Take Back the Night!!!

Calling all communities to unite and take a stand against domestic and sexual violence!
• March to take back the streets starting at one of four locations heading to the First Unitarian Church.
* Participate in the “Bust the Myths” Street Action.
• Speak out and breaking the silence; storytelling and sharing about living with and surviving violence, abuse, and oppression.
* A candlelight vigil to remember those still fighting, those lost to violence, and those surviving.
* Tabling to provide networking and resources for survivors and their family and friends from a coalition of beautiful, badass organizations and people.

4 meet up points will march and converge on the First Unitarian Church — Meet up points:

North : 22nd and Fairmount.
South: 21st and Washington
East: 12th and Walnut
West: 40th and Chestnut

5:45 pm — Marches meet up
6:15 pm – join us for “Bust the Myths” street action raising awareness on the myths and facts of domestic and sexual violence at 6:15 pm at the church.

6:45 pm – 10:15 – Story Sharing/speak out/”Breaking the Silence” speak out.

10:30: Candle light Vigil

Shut Down Confederate Flag Day Rally Reportback

  • March 11, 2016 11:33 pm

from Central PA Antifa

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

March 5th was declared a national day of honor for the Confederate battle flag by those who would seek to rewrite the history of the American Civil War to present the South as benign defenders of the nebulous idea of “States Rights”. To this end, the local chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans announced that they intended to conduct a ceremony honoring that symbol of oppression at the Eternal Peace Light Memorial in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Far from being an antiquated symbol relegated to the dustbin of history, the Confederate flag remains an inflammatory representative of the white supremacist and nationalist movements, and so anti-fascists in Central PA, Maryland and Eastern PA mobilized to counter the ceremony and provide a response to the erroneous argument that “the flag is about heritage, not hate.” In addition to Antifa elements, a local professor of history and Africana at Gettysburg College also coordinated a counter-rally that was attended by less militant anti-racist elements, and was staged in conjunction with the 15-20 individuals who arrived already dressed in black bloc.

The rally and counter-rally both secured permits from the National Parks Service permitting them to gather between 2:00 and 4:00 pm on Saturday. However, by 1:00 that afternoon many of the “flaggers” as well as the counter-protesters were already staging up and beginning to occupy the spaces designated for them by the Parks Service. These spaces were roped off by steel barricades and yellow rope, and there was a 50-75 yard “free speech zone” that the Parks Service Police explained was for “tourists”. They warned that no attendees from either side would be permitted to cross this neutral area under threat of arrest; however many Confederate flaggers were later permitted to do so, although several counter-protesters attempted to cross afterwards to highlight the double standards of enforcement and prove a point. These counter-protesters were met with immediate police responses, threatened with implied threats of arrests and turned back aggressively by the police.

The flag day ceremony was well-attended, with some estimates ranging to 200 people during their event. The counter-protest was slightly smaller, but made up for that by being significantly louder and very vocally aggressive in an effort to disrupt and disturb the racists. Displaying both black and black-and-red flags, as well as banners with slogans like “Northern Aggression” and “Your Heritage IS Hate”, the multi-regional coordinated efforts of the anti-fascists proved successful in drowning out the podium speakers with chants and megaphones, despite the large distance of separation between the two groups. The megaphones were utilized to great advantage by the counter-protesters, and even national media reported that the flag rally speakers were not able to be heard during their ceremony due to the continuous noise.

The flag day ceremony ended somewhat early in response to the constant chanting, shouting and disruption from the anti-fascist counter-protesters. The staging area for the counter-protest was directly in front of the parking lot and the road leading away from the monument, therefore all of the confederate apologists were forced to walk or drive past a victorious and enthusiastic crowd cheering them on as they were leaving. This resulted in some heated verbal exchanges as well as threats of physical violence from the Confederates, which were met with invitations to come to the other side of the line. Several face-to-face confrontations and shouting matches broke out, but the Park Police were quick to step in and maintain order. Predictably, the police were much less aggressive about preventing the flaggers from harassing counter-protesters on their way out, as well as enforcing the boundaries established before either protest began.

Because of this, counter-protesters held the ground until the majority of the flaggers had departed, and then arranged group escorts to provide security for all participants returning to their vehicles to ensure their safety and show solidarity. Although outnumbered approximately two-to-one, the four groups that allied were successful in their efforts to disrupt and confront racists in an area where racism is dominant. This shows that no matter what the circumstances, no matter what the setting, racism can be confronted and shut down with the right tactics and organization. Fascism should never be allowed a platform to spread racist and nationalist views, and every effort should be made to meet them in the streets whenever and wherever they decide to show up.

ANTI-FASCIST ALERT: Racist, Xenophobic “3%ers” Rallying in Philly Tomorrow 3/5/16

  • March 4, 2016 4:01 pm

from Philly Antifa

When: March 6th, 2016
When: 12:30pm
Where: 6th and Market

This Saturday, the Three Percenters — a militia grouping with close ties to group of white supremacists, right wing ideologues and anti-Semitic conspiracy theorists that recently occupied a wildlife refuge on stolen Native land in Oregon — are coming to Philadelphia and 21 other cities across the country. They will gather in front of regional FBI offices to “avenge the death of Finicum,” the man who was shot by the FBI as the occupation ended, and to gather strength for their cause.

The circumstances of Finicum’s, or the fact that law enforcement in the U.S. clearly has been given a license to kill under any circumstances aside, this group still must be opposed whenever mobilizing in our city. In fact, their attempting to organize in Philly under the auspices of opposition to state violence is even more of a threat because it makes their group seem more relevant and reasonable (as well as media savvy) due to all of all the recent momentum in the BLM movement and other movements against state violence.

Reportback from Antifascist Demo Against “Americans First”

  • February 24, 2016 10:49 pm

from It’s Going Down

On Saturday, February 6, 2016, a measly 15 self-proclaimed “patriots” from Americans First, a quasi-fascist group, held an “End Sharia Law in the US” rally. This is the latest in a string of rallies that Americans First have held in Central PA. In January, they held a rally outside of Church World Services, a refugee resettlement organization. In response, over 250 people in Lancaster came out to let Americans First know that hate will not be tolerated in their town.

In Reading, about 100 antifascists and others came out to deliver the same message. Despite having a slightly smaller crowd than in Lancaster, the Reading event was much more militant. The group took up a position immediately in front of the “patriots” and effectively shut down the entire event, chanting “Say it Loud, Say it Clear, Refugees are welcome here” and shouting down any attempts the fascists made to spout their bigoted views. Shortly after the event started the antifascists were joined by Make The Road, a Latino rights organization, who marched in to the sound of drums. Make The Road members delivered short speeches, played music, and sang songs for about an hour, making it very clear that they were not afraid of their racist, xenophobic opponents and would continue their social justice mission.

Despite the heated exchange between the fascists and antifascists, only one shoving match broke out, which elicited no response from the local police who were posted up on each end of the block. At one point, one of the “patriots”, a former military member and current Biker, President Dawg, in a bold move, stepped up looking to fight an antifascist who had damaged his fragile ego. Instead of backing down, the antifascists stepped up as a single unit to challenge this fascist thug, and he backed down. Antifa shut down the fascist Americans First, the second time they have been shut down in as many months. The fight is not over!

Nobody is Illegal!

Refugees Welcome!

Fascists and Racists Out!

Take Away From Reading, PA:

The rally in Reading, much like the rally in Lancaster, drew a lot of support in favor of refugees and in support of the Muslim population. However, Reading was much more militant than Lancaster was. This was due to the organizing efforts of antifascists that promoted militant tactics instead of leaving planning in the hands of the progressive church leaders as was done in Lancaster. It’s essential to squash any potential fascist organizing when it is small, before it grows in size and confidence to carry out physical assaults on their victims. Organizing antifascist resistance is extremely important!

There was little opportunity to reach out to the surrounding area. The location chosen by the fascists was in an area that received little foot traffic and was shielded from most car traffic. Greater outreach allows the spread of antifascist ideas and is able to combat the narrative pushed by these hate groups.

Additionally, we have begun an informal relationship with the members of the other organizations that joined us and will continue to build on those through participation with their events and campaigns.

Central PA Antifa can be found here.

ALERT ALERT SATURDAY 2/6: Racists Rally in Reading, Misogynists/Rape Advocates Rally in Philly

  • February 2, 2016 9:36 pm

from Philly Antifa

Anti-Fascists in and around Eastern PA will have their dance card full this Saturday.

First up that morning, there is an Anti-Refugee rally being organized by whatever types of people want to be first in line to oppress and harass people fleeing for their lives under the banner of “America First: End Sharia Law.”  IDAVOX has more info on their site , but the event has the endorsement of at least one PA “politician” Berks County Republican committeeman , and is likely to draw members of the Keystone State “Skinheads” and  “3%ers” movement, a faction of the militia movement that have been in the news recently due to their involvement in the occupation of Malhuer National Wildlife Refuge, which is (of course) stolen Native land.

A counter protest has been announced by Central PA Antifa. Both rallies will take place at the Berks County Court house at Noon on Saturday 2/6/2016. Anyone who can get there to show support to our fellow Anti-Racists and Anti-Fascists should do so.

–

Finally, here in Philadelphia Saturday night, a demonstration has been called to counter a meetup by a group of internet troll misogynists and “Men’s Rights Activists” that is being organized by (among others) Daryush “Roosh V” Valizadeh. 

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Valizadeh runs a website called “Return of Kings” which specializes in Anti-Women vitriol but also features tons of Anti-GLBT and racist postings (Link is NOT to their stupid fucking site). Valizadeh has been quoted as saying he supports legalizing rape “on private property.”

The meetup is one of over 100 worldwide. If is an effort by Return of Kings members to move from strictly online crying to crying in person. Probably because of the inevitable beating these fools will receive, if not on Saturday then one day really soon.

If you were ever unfortunate enough to read their site, you know that these guys have no idea what they’re talking about. One article they had was literally just 60 sexist quotes from a book of sexist quotations written over 100 years ago as some kind of evidence of the age old wisdom of misogyny in an attempt to get everyone to roll back their concepts of gender and sexuality to the level of the most reactionary idiots publishing books during the McKinley presidency.

What it is about our society that makes us produce people who think they live in a world without consequences? Is it a fundamental misunderstanding of the intent and scope of “freedom of speech?” Who knows?

What is known is that the local Return of Kings meetup rally and redirect point is in Washington Square Park at 7:30pm Saturday night.  A protest has been called at the park for the same time and location. Already Valizadeh is decrying the worldwide effort to shut down his events and (in this author’s opinion) laying the groundwork for what will inevitably be a lot of cancellations and last minute alterations.

Antifa Philadelphia hopes to see everyone in the streets this Saturday.

we r fans of anarchy, but not prisons: a report back on the jan 22 noise demo for transes in prison

  • January 26, 2016 11:24 pm

Submission

we r fans of anarchy, but not prisons: a report back on the jan 22 noise demo for transes in prison

～(￣△￣～)

“Bandana on yea
I’m bout to thug it out
if a hater talking shit
go head and stomp em out
if you got a problem we can settle it tonight
meet me outside you ain’t bout that life”
-TT the Artist

♪(┌・。・)┌

In lieu of a solemn march we got turnt to club music outside the Federal Detention Center in downtown Philly. A bunch of freaky looking transes & queers danced around, some femmes without hats had their hair freeze to their head because there was no hat and it was snowing hard as shit. The confused COs got their feels hurt because we commented on their appearance; for example one mean bitch yelled “i shaved my dogs butt and taught him to walk backwards and he literally looks better than you”. Other COs milled in an out as we chanted shit like “QUIT YOUR JOB/SLIP AND FALL” and “U-G-L-Y YOU AINT GOT NO ALIBI YOU UGLY YEAH YEAH YOU UGLY”, their feelings visibly hurt and we assume most of them quit that night, and by milled in and out we mean they hurried off all quick cause we clearly made them nervous. The music was really good by the way, a couple cheap-ass speakers in plastic bags kept the morale up and totally stayed dry too! Someone said the prisoners were jamming cause they flicked lights and slammed windows to the beat, TURN UP! We were out there for mad long, like hours, and probably the prisoners hands were way tired from flicking so much lights & wailing on the windows the whole time

(╯°□°)╯︵ ┻━┻

here’s an itemized list of choice “rowdy” moments:
*a giant banner that features a unicorn stabbing a police thru the heart (they got hearts?) reminding us that “ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE”
*some people spray painted anti-prison slogans in bright purple on the snow face the prison
*parking lot signs and black flags turned into drums and drumsticks respectively
*the prison got a snowball makeover
*some cruisers had their detailing updated with new slogans including such favorites as “ACAB” “quit your job” & “you suck”
*when a cop finally pulled up and rolled down their window one person shouted “NO YOU CAN’T HAVE MY NUMBER’ while others behind drowned him out loudly yelling EWWWWWWWWWW until he finally gave up and drove away.
*later another cruiser pulled up to ask “what are you protesting?” which was answered: “Your bad breath” by one tall girl, then when the officer tried to intimidate her she turned away and laughed

ヽ(⌐■_■)ノ♪♬

This is the second year in a row that there’s been a noise demo at the Federal Detention Center in January, last year’s was for New Years Eve. The demo was almost entirely un-policed cause the cops were too cold to come out and be annoying, probably due to the fact that it was a TOTAL FUCKING BLIZZARD and we got that fire in our hearts (lol jk). Also a snowplow crashed into the front of the prison and everyone busted out, in solidarity. We hope we looked cute wilding out and having fun out front for the people inside because what is solidarity really?

♡*(•‧̫•⑅)♡⋆*ೃ:.✧

Any chant is the right chant if you’re sassy and mean enough,
until every CO gets “sick” and dies
until the last cop is deafened by an airhorn
weaponize your hormones, mood swing some oppressors to death?

(ﾒ｀ﾛ´)/ some absurdist tall girls with t-shirts on their heads and malice up their butts ψ(*｀ー´)ψ

PS: The other banners said “REVENGE” and “DESTROY CIS-IETY” because that’s how we feel too.

Make Noise Till Every Cage Is Empty

  • January 15, 2016 5:40 am

from Instagram

Make Noise Till Every Cage Is Empty

On Jan 22nd stand is solidarity with trans prisoners everywhere, with all prisoners here. Let them hear. They are not forgotten.

no racism, classism, sexism, homophobia, transphobie, peace police, or other bullshit.

come to support criminals and queers to destroy the society that criminalizes them
… and the prison system it maintains.

January 22nd, 9pm
Gather at Franklin Sq.
March to 7th and Arch
*bring noisemakers*

Protesters march through Center City, into stores

  • December 15, 2015 10:44 pm

from mainstream media


A group of demonstrators marched their way through Center City, entering stores and restaurants, to protest police brutality.

The marchers assembled around 5:00 p.m. Tuesday at Dilworth Park then began walking along Walnut Street toward Rittenhouse Square.

 During the march, members of the group entered stores and shouted messages associated with their cause.

According to SEPTA Police Chief Thomas Nestel, the group entered such stores and restaurants as the Gap, the Apple store, and Devon Seafood Grill.

The protest made its way to 18th and Walnut before moving on toward City Hall. It came to an end around 7:00 p.m.

Action News reporter Dann Cuellar says the marchers were seeking justice for Brandon Tate-Brown and Freddie Gray.

RALLY: JUSTICE for BRANDON TATE BROWN

  • December 9, 2015 5:08 pm

from facebook

On Dec 15th 2014 Brandon Tate Brown was murdered by 2 Philadelphia Police officers in the North East section of philly. Tues Dec 15th 2015 Join us as we demand justice for Brandon. 4pm in front of City Hall.

Black Out Black Friday

  • November 27, 2015 2:41 am

from Instagram


#Philly Coalition for Real Justice is calling on people to #BlackOutBlackFriday. For #JamarClark #LaquanMcdonald and all the others taken from us by the state and white supremacy. #4thprecinctshutdown #blacklivesmatter #acab #ftp #philadelphia

[Facebook Event]

Solidarity With Minneapolis

  • November 24, 2015 8:18 pm

from Instagram


Yesterday four white supremacists shot five people at #4thprecinctshutdownin #Minneapolis. Protesters have been at the precinct to mourn and fight for #jamarclark who was killed by police. Philly Coalition for REAL Justice is calling for a demonstration in solidarity tomorrow November 25 at Broad and Erie at 5pm.
#philly #ftp #acab #justice4jamar #blacklivesmatter #philadelphia
[Facebook Event]