Voices From The Frontlines: Recent Episodes
Eric Mann
Eric Mann is an environmental, civil rights, anti-war, labor-union activist and organizer. He is the host of www.voicesfromthefrontlines.com on Pacifica Radio's 90.7 FM KPFK, in Los Angeles. Eric is also the director of the Labor/Community Strategy Center in Los Angeles and a co-founder of the Bus Riders Union.
This week we're joined in conversation with Mark Friedman from the U.S. Hands Off Cuba Committee.Eric Mann, Channing Martinez, and Mark discuss his work with U.S. Hands Off Cuba, and discuss how Mark came to fight for the liberation of Cubans and all 3rd world peoples.
This week on Voices Radio: Eric Mann and Channing Martinez talk to Misty Pegram of Anakbayan about the Cancel RIMPAC Campaign. The Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercises are the largest joint war exercises in the world with 26 of the U.S' allies, including Israel. The RIMPAC campaign has led to severe environmental impacts, gender-based violence, and fatter pockets for weapons manufacturers. Later in the episode, Eric Mann pays tribute to Willie Mays, who passed recently on June 18, 2024. Willie Mays was one of the 'greatest' baseball players of all time according to Eric, describing his infectious personality and electrifying performances. You will also hear a reading of Ishmael Reed's essay, "Juneteenth: Why Were The Enslaved In Texas?," published on Counterpunch.And last but not least, Channing talks about CicLAvia, an event which 'catalyzes vibrant public spaces, active transportation and good health through car-free street events.'-- Want stories and updates? Follow us on @voicesfromthefrontlines on Instagram.Today's episode of Voices from the Frontlines was produced by Eric Mann, Channing Martinez, and Shane Dimapanat. Edits by Shane Dimapanat.Find our past shows and articles on our website: voicesfromthefrontlines.com/
Another case charges genocide against Israel, this time within U.S Federal courts. This week, Eric Mann talks to lawyer Astha Sharma Pokharel of the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) about their lawsuit, “Defense for Children International-Palestine et al v. Biden,” which charges that the U.S Government failed to “...exercise influence over Israel” to prevent a genocide. The plaintiffs include several Palestinian organizations and individuals, who collectively have lost over 200 family members as a result of Israel’s onslaught in Gaza. The case brings two claims against the U.S government. “The first is that these defendants, so Biden, Blinken, and Austin, are liable for failing in their obligation to prevent genocide. And they are. So that's the first claim,” Pokharel says. “And the second claim is that they're complicit in the genocide, that they're actually supporting the genocide of Palestinian people in Gaza.”Liability for the case arises under international law, which U.S courts have recognized as part of US federal common law explains Pokharel. If the case succeeds, California’s Ninth Circuit could order the U.S government to halt the flow of ammunition and weapons to Israel, which is the specific remedy the plaintiffs are seeking. “This lawsuit is part of a long history of CCR’s work seeking to hold Israeli officials as well as US actors accountable for the occupation,” Pokharel says. “For the expansion of settlements, for the violence against Palestinians in Palestine and the suppression of Palestinians and individuals advocating for Palestinian human rights here in the United States.”Hear more about CCR’s pioneering case on our latest episode.Want stories and updates? Follow us on @voicesfromthefrontlines on Instagram.Today's episode of Voices from the Frontlines was produced by Eric Mann, Channing Martinez, and Shane Dimapanat. Edits by Channing Martinez.Find our past shows and articles on our website: https://voicesfromthefrontlines.com/
What is the Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM)? And how can the genocide in Gaza be stopped? In this episode of Voices From The Frontlines, we will be talking to Remo Ibrahim, an organizer with the Los Angeles-Orange County-Inland Empire chapter of the Palestinian Youth Movement. We discuss how Los Angeles is tied to Palestine, followed by commentary by Eric Mann. In the second half, we will be hearing about several books Eric Mann is reading, ranging from topics on the Civil Rights Movement to Method Acting. Eric reads out several excerpts and reflects on his movement-building work.Want stories and updates? Follow us on @voicesfromthefrontlines on Instagram, Today's episode of Voices from the Frontlines was produced by Eric Mann, Channing Martinez, and Shane Dimapanat. Edits by Shane Dimapanat.Find our past shows and articles on our website: https://voicesfromthefrontlines.com/
What is Manzanar - the infamous World War 2 camp where 11,000+ Japanese Americans were incarcerated - like these days? Tucked between Sequioa National Park and the Death Valley, Channing Martinez took a trip up to the camp for Memorial Day and shares timely reflections as the holiday passes.And a conversation with Inés Alcazar and David Albright, two organizers with the L.A Tenants Union, about the struggle tenants are facing at Flower Drive and 38th Street, as more than 60 community members on the block face evictions. They are fighting a multi-billion dollar real estate company, Ventus Group, headed by USC Alumni Scott Gale. Want stories and updates? Follow us on @voicesfromthefrontlines on Instagram, Today's episode of Voices from the Frontlines was produced by Eric Mann, Channing Martinez, and Shane Dimapanat. Edits by Shane Dimapanat.Find our past shows and articles on our website: https://voicesfromthefrontlines.com/
This week on Voices Radio Eric and Channing speak with organizers from the USC Divest from Death Encampment. Students at USC and many major universities set up encampments to call on their institution to divest all resources from helping Israel as they carry out Genocide against Palestinians. The organizers speak about what they're doing, what they are learning, and ways that you can help.
This week on Voices from the Frontlines: Eric Mann & Channing Martinez speak about the Police State on Metro buses and trains. As there have been highlighted incidents on Metro, the Operators union has moved to call for complete barricades and more police across the Metro system. Eric and Channing speak about the Bus Riders Union campaign for urban reconstruction as a response to the hostile environment of the Metro buses and trains. Eric Mann and others on Campus Organizing from 1968 to the Present. Eric reads his recently published article in Counter Punch magazine: The Palestine Solidarity Movement is Making History: Thoughts from a 1968 Columbia University “Outside” Organizer. A participant in the recent student uprisings fighting for Palestinian liberation responds to the article.
Join Eric Mann and Channing Martinez as they discuss the LA Times Festival of Books and the Strategy and Soul Bookstore's second time hosting a booth at the Festival. Eric and Channing name a fraction of the list of books that the Strategy and Soul bookstore will host. Eric reads from Black Jacobins by CLR James and The Black Woman by Toni Cade Bambara. Join the Strategy and Soul bookstore on April 20-21 at the LA Times Festival of Books. Booth #241 in the purple section at the University of Southern California.
Listen to a conversation with Ken Loach discussing the Old Oak, Sorry We missed you, and LAnd and Freedom. Together Eric Mann, Ken Loach, and Channing Martinez share deep appreciation for the film's ability to confront racism in Europe and beyond. The Strategy and Soul Theater will host a Sneak Preview of The Old Oak on April 11th 2024 at 6pm
This week Eric Mann, Channing Martinez, and Monilade Walker are in conversation with Erin Aubry Kaplan. Erin speaks about her experience with race in politics from the US South to South LA. Erin speaks about her father, Larry Aubry, her husband Alan Kaplan, and her own recent experience with discrimination in LA. The show ends with performance of the inaugural Strategists.
Ron KovicListen to a conversation with Ron Kovic discussing his new book, a dangerous country and American elegy with Eric Mann, two veterans of the anti-war movement discuss the big lie of the US war machine, the role of taking personal responsibility inside oppressive systems, personal forgiveness, and the will to move forward.The Old Oak directed by Ken LoachEric will also be reviewing, the great Ken Loach’s new, and last film The Old Oak a beautiful film of how a Syrian refugee woman and a British working class man fight, anti-immigrant sentiment and March forward together. The Old Oak is put together by a fantastic trio: Directed by Ken Loach written by Paul Laverty, produced by Rebecca O’BrienThere will be a sneak preview of the The Old Oak at the Strategy And Soul Theater on Thursday, April 11 and a theatrical opening at the Laemmle Royal on Friday, April 12 join us that Thursday night and go to the Royal as well
This week on Voices from the Frontlines, we continue with Part 2 of Eric Mann and Channing Martinez in conversation with Marcy Winograd on her article: How Nations could and Israeli Genocide. In the second segment we listen to Songs Around the World version of Stand By Me. In the final segment of the show: We listen to excerpts from the panel at the Americonned film showing at Strategy and Soul. Akunna Uka speaks about her experience around organizing and reflections from the film. Chris Smalls speaks about his experience organizing amazon workers and power building.
Segment 1: AmericonnedEric Mann & Channing Martinez in conversation with Chris Smalls, President of the Amazon Labor Union and their long-distance struggle to bring unionism and self-respect to Amazon Workers.Sean Claffey, film-maker, on his important film, Americonned, about the disintegration of U.S. capitalism, the brutal impoverishment of the people, and the hopes for a revitalized union movementFeaturing the work of Chris Smalls and the Amazon Labor UnionSean tells terrifying stories about Amazon’s brutal speed up and police state, surveillance state against its employeesSegment 2: Marcy WinogradEric in Conversation with March Winograd of Code Pink Radio, on the terrifying military apparatus between the U.S., Canada, India, United Arab Emirates, and Israel to build structures of mass murder against the Palestinian people.She elaborates on her great article: How Nations Could End Israeli Genocide: Stop the Weapons; Stop the Oil; Stop the Tech
This week on Voices Radio Channing and Eric speak about the status of the Black Student Achievement Program. Channing speaks about challenge to implement Community based safety initiative. Channing speaks about organizing at Hawkins High School.For our music segment we listen to to Hector Lavoe's El Cantantein our final segment, Eric unpacks the conception of genocide as Israel is carrying out genocide against Palestinians. Eric also speaks about the history of Black/Palestinian solidarity.
Eric reads through the key points in his article: The Palestinian Resistance is winning, published in counterpunch. Eric concludes: The Israeli plan to annihilate the Palestinian people is as terrifying but it is strategic.The term genocide is being used rhetorically, assuming it only means mass murder.The plan for the mass murder of the Palestinian people is the latest and worst form of Israeli Genocide.The Palestinian Resistance WinningThe history of Blacks and Jews in support of Palestine reached its peak at the height of the Civil Rights/Black Liberation/anti-Vietnam war movement.
This Week on Voices from the Frontlines, we're joined in conversation with Jeff Cohen, Co-founder of Roots Action and FAIR; Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting. Jeff speaks about the creation of Fair and the impacts that media have on today's movement including the New York Times black ball of Palestine protests. Eric and Jeff speak about Presidential candidate Cornel West and the what the future holds for the 2024 presidential election.
This week on Voices from the Frontlines: 1) a recap of the KPFK fundraiser at the Culver Palms United Methodist Church, in which Eric Mann speaks about the fight for liberation from Palestine to South LA and the need for the peace movement to be in solidarity Black and Latinx led movements in South Central LA. 2) Eric Mann and Akunna Uka speak about the Strategy and Soul film Club screening of the Great Debaters followed by a live debate on the presidential election. Akunna speaks about how she came to join the Strategy Center and the work around the Black liberation Education project of the Strategy Center.3) Enjoy a great son in two languages: I will Survive; Yo Vivire.
This week on Voices Radio we're joined by Pastor Kelvin Sauls from Clergy for Black Lives. Together Eric and Kelvin speak about South Africa's case against Israeli Genocide against Palestine and Pastor Sauls' recent article in the LA Sentinel: Moral Might Over Military Might: Pathways to A Just-Peace in Palestine2) The Voices Sing along is back with Eric singing along with Johnny Ace Pledging my Love3) A film review of Brother by myself, Channing Martinez4) An Announcement about two events: Saturday January 20th 2024 1-3pm come to the KPFK fundraiser at Culver-Palms United Methodist Church.5) Strategy and Soul Film Club will host a film showing and live debate on February 1st at 6pm 6) And lastly, it’s the King Birthday week and so we’ll hear the introduction to Eric Revolutionary King Article: Dr. Martin Luther King is Marching with the People of Palestine
This week on Voices Radio Eric speaks about and reads from the 2024 introduction to Eric Mann's Article: Dr. Martin Luther King is Marching with the People of Palestine published in counterpunch magazine.Eric and Channing read from South Africa's case to the International Court of Justice against Israel. South African charges Israel with violation of the 1948 United Nations Convention on the prevention of genocide. We reflect on the significance of this case in the fight to liberate Palestine. Lastly Eric and Channing speak about upcoming events with KPFK and the Strategy center including the Strategy and Soul outdoor bookstore at the Kingdom Day parade, the KPFK fundraiser hosted by Frank Dorrel on January 20th at 3:30pm at The Culver-Palms United Methodist Church, and the First Strategy & Soul revolutionary organizing Film and Book Club on February 1st at 6pm at Strategy and Soul Theater.
Listen carefully as Eric Mann eviscerates Benjamin Netanyahu’s “Final Solution to the Palestinian Problem” in his Wall Street Journal Opinion Piece Three Prerequisites for Peace “Destroy Hamas, Demilitarize Gaza and Deradicalize the whole of Palestinian society"Eric Mann Proposes Support the Movement to Try Israel and Netanyahu for genocide against the Palestinian PeopleDemilitarize Israel End all U.S. aide to Israel. End Israel’s Occupation Of Gaza and Racist Settlements on the West Bank Reparations and Return of Territory to the Palestinian People.Eric’s commentary is followed by responses by Akunna Uka and Channing Martinez of Voices from the FrontlinesSupport Full Self-Determination for the Palestinian People
This week on Voices from the Frontlines Eric Mann, Channing Martinez, and Barbara Lott Holland speak about Ciclavia South LA, the Strategy and Soul pitstop along the route, and the realities of riding a bike as a Black and Latinx person in a police state. In February the Strategy Center will work with 7 other organizations to launch the South Central Power Up E-bike lending library. As part of that effort we are ramping up programing around Bikes and what we're calling a community run 1st class Transportation system. The program will be free for the first 6 months. Channing speaks about the controversy of riding a bike as a Black person, which includes being subject of pretextual stops and criminalization by police. Eric speaks about the idea of launching a truly 1st class transportation system while Metro runs the public transportation system into the ground. Barbara speaks about running the pitstop at Ciclavia.
This week on #VoicesRadio Join Eric Mann and Channing Martinez in conversation on Palestine, the role of 3rd party Presidential candidates, and the Strategy and Soul Bookstore. On Saturday November 11th the Strategy and Soul Bookstore will return to the Leimert Park Village Book Fair for its 16th Annual festival at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza. Eric and Channing speak about the political role that the Bookstore is playing and announces holiday book collections to support Strategy and Soul Bookstore. In this political climate Palestine will continue to be a segment on Voices from the Frontlines. Eric speaks about the frame for calling on Biden and the democratic party to free Palestine. Eric speaks about the role of 3rd party candidates and challenges the notion that they are ultimately bad, but encourages everyone to look at their candidacies. Eric also speaks about the failed democratic strategy to scare everyone into voting for them by saying if not Biden, then Trump and the fascists will take over the country.
This week on voices; we begin the conversation with Channing on his new article: Taste of Soul: Locked out of our own Black community; thoughts from a Black organizer. Channing speaks about the political implications of having a fence placed on front of Strategy and Soul during one of the largest annual events in South Central Los Angeles. In the second half of the show Eric continues the conversation about fighting for liberation and self determination for Palestine. Eric speaks about the new openings for struggle in favor of Palestine including speaking about the disagreement between former President Barack Obama, and current president Joe Biden.
This Week Eric Mann hosts part two of a conversation with Michel Shehadeh from the Free Democratic Palestine Movement. Eric speaks about the frame of defending Palestine's right of self determination in the face of genocidal conditions placed upon them by Israel. Michel speaks about the context of more than 5 years of genocide against Palestine by Israel and speaks about international solidarity with Palestine.
Eric and Channing are joined in two conversations this week that focus on the intersections of Climate Justice, Women's Rights, Self Determination and the role of US Imperialism. In the first segment Eric and Channing are joined by by Michel Shehadeh who speaks about the recent conflict between in Palestine. Michel speak about the feeling of four days of liberation and ends with acknowledging solidarity with the red nation as they too know what its like to struggle against an oppressive nation. In the Second segment, Cheyenne Antonio speak about her work in the red nation around fracking, women's rights, and climate and environmental justice. Cheyenne speak about what it means to wake up each morning to fight the system despite depressive conditions.
This week on Voices Eric is joined live from the wall of the Ohio State Penitentiary with Keith Lamar, Artist, Jazz enthusiast, revolutionary teacher, revolutionary student, and serving time on death row in Ohio. Eric and Keith are joined in conversation with Amy Gordiejew who helps is fighting the hardest to free Keith Lamar and handles many of his external matters. Together they speak about the upcoming #FreedomFirst Concert series coming to Strategy and Soul on October 5th at 7pm. You can get tickets here: https://bit.ly/Strategyandsoul
This week on Voices from the Frontlines Eric reflects on the devastating climate impacts in Libya and discuses how LA, through the neglect of the Metro is actively contributing to adverse climate events in the third world. Second a Sing Along to "Maybe" by the Chantels Third, Eric Mann is joined in conversation with Channing Martinez, who just returned from a Crenshaw Eco Club alumni trip to Yosemite National Park. Channing speaks about Bill Vanderberg, his former teacher at Crenshaw High School. Together Eric and Channing speak about what it means to travel while being Black, Volunteering in Yosemite, Ranger Shelton Johnson, deep group building, and how the Strategy Center can work to make sure more people can experience national parks to facilitate freedom dreaming.Eric concludes the show with a sing along with Jerry Butler's "For Your Precious Love".
This week on #Voices Radio Eric and Channing review sis of the Best of Voices from the Frontlines Classic conversations and we're proud to add a new excerpt from Eric's Conversation with Keith Lamar. Excerpt 1. Mumia Abu-JamalIn this excerpt Mumia and I discuss the concept of Menticide—wiping out a people’s historical memory in order to disempower them, to demobilize them. In this case, we discuss how the knowledge of movement leaders such as W.E.B. Du Bois, Paul Robeson, and Malcolm X has has not been transmitted to a new generation of black youth, or youth of any race for that matter.Excerpt 2. Diane FujinoIn this excerpt, Diane Fujino, Associate professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara discusses her recent book, Samurai Among Panthers: Richard Aoki on Race, Resistance, and a Paradoxical Life. She describes the political influences that turned Aoki into a revolutionary nationalist who joined the Black Panther Party at the very beginning. She describes how he was shaped by the Japanese internment camps, growing up in Black working class neighborhoods of Oakland, and in his early 20s by his work with socialists of the Old Left, before he joined up with Huey Newton and Bobby Seale in college.Excerpt 3. LisaGay HamiltonIn this excerpt, actor and activist LisaGay Hamilton talks about the political influences on her life that evolved into her left, antiracist politics. And she discusses the difficulties of getting work in Hollywood, let alone getting acting roles that are politically progressive and meaningful, when you are an actor who is black, a woman, AND have left politics.Excerpt 4. Aris AnagnosIn this excerpt, Aris Anagnos, the Greek and Los Angeles leftist and a major supporter of revolutionary movements around the world, discusses the growing crisis of European capitalism and what form that crisis has taken in Greece and why Greece and the Greek people have been scapegoated.Excerpt 5. Alex SanchezIn this excerpt Alex discusses the life and political influences that took him from being a working class El Salvadoran immigrant and former gang member to become an internationally known peace maker and executive director of the L.A. organization Hommies Unidos.Excerpt 6. Keith LamarIn this excerpt Eric is in discussion with Keith Lamar about the life and legacy of George Jackson and the relation of his legacy to Keith Lamar's struggle to survive in the hell that makes up solitary confinement. Keith reflects on movement building beyond the bars.
Eric Mann and Channing Martinez discuss the moral collapse of U.S. imperialism•Emmett Till—July 25, 1941—August 28, 1955—a young Black man who held his head high and sparked the civil rights movement and touched the lives of millions.•Jeffery St. Clair—Counterpunch, Roaming Charges---the Ecological catastrophe of Spokane Washington and the Katrina like racism of the system’s decimation of Lahaina.•Kirkpatrick Sale, author of the great book, SDS about Students for a Democratic Society, 50 year edition on “It’s not climate change, it’s the burning to death of the planet”.•Eric and Channing on Eric’s Book: on the 18th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Katrina’s Legacy: The Black Nation and the People of the World Confront the U.S White Settler State And its genocidal Climate Crimes.•The white racist, Ryan Christopher Palmeter and the murder of 3 Black innocents—Angela Michelle Carr, 52; Jerrald Gallion, 29; and Anolt Joseph “AJ” Laguerre Jr., 19.•Eric Mann’s commentary—if you are an anti-imperialist socialist you can’t call for socialism in the United States. You can’t socialize U.S. imperialism, can’t socialize the white settler state, can’t socialize 800 U.S. Military bases or 1 million Black people in prison—a true socialist would support socialism in China, Cuba, Venezuela, and build an anti-racist, anti-fascist, anti-imperialist Resistance against U.S. imperialism—Trump and Biden—to help protect the Third World inside and outside the U.S., the people and the planet.
This week on #VoicesRadio Eric speaks with Akunna about her trajectory into becoming a conscious organizer through her upbringings and through her training at the Strategy Center. Eric gives commentary on the Colonialism that created the unnatural disaster in Maui. Eric also gives commentary on the Youth who recently won their suit against the State of Montana for promoting fossil fuels. Lastly, tune in for a sing along with Eric signing Unchained Melody by the Drifters.
Tuesday August 1st, 2023 | 8 AM PST LIVE IN STUDIOwith Eric Mann, Channing Martinez, and Akunna Uka onOppenheimer—How U.S. built the Atom Bomb to terrorize the worldby Eric MannHello Voices listeners!This week on Voices from the Frontlines,Channing Martinez, Akunna Uka, and Eric Mann in studio to discuss Eric’s major film review and political commentary on the film Oppenheimer. It will be appearing in CounterPunch.org on August 13s, 2023; the great national and international online anti-imperialist zine. Channing and Akunna will talk about things they learned and thought about Eric’s article, read passages, and the 3 of them/us will have a conversation about the life of Robert Oppenheimer, film-maker Christopher Nolan, lead actor Cillian Murphy, and the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki whose lives were obliterated by the U.S. atom bomb and sadly, erased in Nolan’s Oppenheimer as well.From the Article:This essay is an interrogation of the history of the times. It is a political rebuttal to the central historical distortion of the film—Christopher Nolan’s conscious choice to erase the central objective of the Nuclear program— to build a weapon of terror to be used against the Soviet Union. So, I want to as much as possible, appreciate the film’s political contribution to the historical discussion and its spectacular success as political theater. But in the end, it humanizes Robert Oppenheimer and dehumanizes the 220,000 Japanese civilians who were instantly killed upon the explosions at Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
OPPENHEIMER: Christopher Nolan and Cillian Murphy have made one of the most important revolutionary films of our timeThe story of “the father of the Atom Bomb” who came to see its destruction, fought for nuclear disarmament, and was red-baited and crushed by U.S. imperialisms', post-war, pro-Nazi, anti-communist crusadeEric Mann’s reads a draft of his future Counterpunch ArticleSelection from Eric Mann’s reading of his review:Oppenheimer is a breakthrough in film’s role to rescue the heroic history of the communists and anti-fascists during the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, and to expose the two party anti-communist frenzy that marks U.S. politics today. It is one of the finest political films I have seen—up there with the Battle of Algiers, Reds, The Spook Who Sat By the Door, and all of our other 5 or ten favorites. It is the story of a brilliant nuclear physicist, Robert Oppenheimer, who was close to the Communist Party, worked for the veterans of Spanish Civil War (code for the Communist Party) worked to organize a union of scientists, and was most known as “the father of the atomic bomb. In the last great scene of so many in the film, Oppenheimer and Albert Einstein are talking. Oppenheimer, only recently canonized by U.S. imperialism, is now being red-baited and villainized for opposing the nuclear project he began, Einstein advises him, “They will punish you, then time will pass, and then when they no longer fear you they will bring you back, give you a medal, but remember, they are doing it for themselves, not you.” Oppenheimer, tells Einstein, “When I first talked to you about the Atom Bomb, I told you the worst possible outcome was that it would start a chain reaction that could blow up the world.” By that he meant that the single bomb was so powerful, like the Meteor, that it could literally trigger a series of explosions that could ignite oxygen in the air. Now, looking at the arms race and U.S. imperialisms' lead in it, Oppenheimer observes, “I was wrong about the immediate consequences, but now, the escalations of nuclear capacity are in danger of blowing up the world. What have we done?” The civilized nature of Oppenheimer and the Barbarian Democratic Party genocidal mind of Harry Truman, is reflected in the scene where, shortly after the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Truman brings Oppenheimer into this office to congratulate him. Oppenheimer that the greatest achievement of the bomb would be to create a nuclear disarmament movement where all nations agree not to build it and use it. Truman, who knowingly kept the plan to drop the Atom Bomb on Japan from Stalin at Potsdam, and did so not to end the war with Japan but start it with the Soviet Union says, “No, this is the start of a whole new expansion of our weapons to take over the world” and as Oppenheimer leaves Truman says, “Don’t ever bring that crybaby into my office again.”The Perfect TrilogyEric Mann sings Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect.”Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé sing “Perfect”Ed Sheeran and Andrea Bocelli sing “Perfect” Our First Short Tribute to Michele PrichardOrganizer, leader, group builder at Liberty Hill FoundationChanning and Eric discuss their feelings about the moving going away party for Michele
This week on Voices Radio we have 2 segments: 1) A re-cap of the KPFK Benefit hosted at Strategy and Soul. Listen to 10 min clips from Poets: Matt Sedillo and Tongo Eisen-Martin. 2) BIG NEWS ABOUT KEITH LAMAR, Reprieve granted and execution date will be moved from November 16, 2023 to January 13, 2027. Listen to a conversation between Keith Lamar and Eric Mann on the dept of the US War State within the borders of the US and internationally.
Voices from the FrontlinesTuesday July 11, 2023 | 8 AM PST Stogie Kenyatta in Conversation with Eric Mann on his one man show: The World is my Home: The Life of Paul RobesonMatt Sedillo in Conversation with Channing Martinez on the KPFK Benefit and Radical Poetry Eric Mann and Jerry Butler Sing He Will Break Your Heart Eric Comments on the CNBC interview with Amazon CEO Andy Jassy
This week on Voices Radio: Eric speaks about the recent Supreme Court Decision to outlaw Affirmative Action Channing speaks about the future of the Black Student Achievement ProgramJames Earl Jones recites What to the Slave is the 4th of July by Frederick Douglas.
VOICES FROM THE FRONTLINES: FREATURESKEITH LAMARVISIONARY, BLACK LIBERATION FIGHTER, WRONGFULLY CONVICTED, ON DEATH ROWEpisode 3In Conversation with Eric MannTuesday June 20, 2023 | 8 AM PSTFor prison reform and abolition organizersFor Black Liberation organizersFor human rights organizers"...Mass incarceration is just a reincarnation of chattel slavery..." Spoken word Poet: Eartha TerrellJoin us in a Life Watch over Keith as we value and uplift Keith's life.Help us end Ohio State prison's on-going dehumanizing, torturous, protracted death watchthat the state of Ohio has placed over Keith.Please work with the Strategy Center, Voices from the Front Lines, and of course the Keith Lamar group itself to demand full exoneration of Keith Lamar. We must prevent the unthinkable.Please listen. Please send this to others. In the next day and go on www.voicesfromtheFronlines.com to download the showWe will also have it up as a podcast on your favorite podcasting site.Please write to Keith Lamar and Amy Gordiejew who is working 24/7 on his behalfwww.KeithLamar.orgPlease contribute generously to his case. There is a donate button on his site.He is seeking last minute legal help and when there is a plan, there is hope. Eric, Channing, and everyone at the Strategy Center will be donating. Please go on the site to do the same.Please contact eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com to help with the Strategy Center’s “exoneration and release for Keith Lamar” as we work closely with his team to carry out their will.
On This Week's ShowVoices Presents: A rebroadcast of: Paul RobesonAired Tuesday, June 13, 2023 | 8am PST on KPFK Pacifica 90.7fm ON TODAY'S SHOWwe're doing a rebroadcast honoring a great revolutionary superhero and friend Paul Robeson.Some of you may remember Paul Robeson as a Great Bass baritone and actor. But as we all have come to know,Paul was also a revolutionary thinker, activist, lawyer, linguist, cultural leader, and warrior.Paul spent his life, fighting injustice, standing up against racism, imperialism, and advocating for decolonization. In 1956 Paul was call before the U.S. House Un-American Activities Committee, for just such stance. Being the warrior that he is, Paul refused to cooperate with the Committee. Hence the U.S. systemic and historic persecution of Paul.But Despite that, Paul Robeson strength and legacy lives on. Join us in this rebroadcast, as Paul helps us fundraise for KPFK, as his revolutionary spirit moves us, and lives on.Join Eric Mann, Channing Martinez, Allen Minsky and Paul Robeson in helping KPFK fundraise through your generosity and financial support.Call KPFK at 818-985-5735 to make a donation, or click HERE.
THE U.S. AS A DYING DEMOCRACYAired Tuesday June 06, 2023 | Time on KPFK Pacifica 90.7fmPlease listen to this great podcast featuringEric Mann as host and CommentatorHear Fareed Zakaria commentary. "The Rise of the Rest", in full. After which Eric puts forth his commentary and analysis that the U.S. is slowly loosing its imperial global influence- as so called third world nations-most of which were former colonies of the west collectively rejects U.S. imperialisms and globalization.Eric reads Robert Kennedy's article "Peace Platform", in which Kennedy argues against U.S. warmongering, and "imperial projects".As Kennedy Presidential campaign gains momentum, Kennedy's Anti-war policy and Anti-imperialism position, could bring the political conversation to the left. Eric give his commentary on the subject. Listen to Celia Cruz song: Yo Vivire (I will Survive).Listen to Nina Simon's : I wish I Knew How it Would be to be Free.Juneteenth is right coming soon: Eric and Queen Nina Womack discuss Juneteenth celebrationwhere African art, talent, and politics will be on display June 16th at:ART SHARE L.A.801 E. 4th PlL.A. CA, 90013Please send support and comments to eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.comListen to Voices from the Frontlines every Tuesday at 8AM PST on KPFK 90.7FM.
Eric Mann commentary—The Great Biden/Democratic Sell-Out on the Debt Ceiling NegotiationsReading from Politico, Eric exposes how Joe Biden, behind closed doors with Kevin McCarthy gave away food stamps for the poor and COVID funds for Indigenous and all people to retain The “Debt Ceiling” after pledging to give away nothing—and the Progressive Democrats As always, complain, whine, and then cave.Nina Simon’s Virtuoso Performance of “Love Me or Leave Me” on the Ed Sullivan Show recorded on September 11, 1960, when she was 27Conversation with Channing Martinez and Eric Mann on their new co-directorship of the Strategy CenterJoin us Saturday June 3 from 12-3 to celebrate the Strategy Center’s expanded leadership team Channing, Eric, Barbara Lott-Holland, and Akunna UkaStrategy and Soul Movement Center 3546 Martin Luther King Blvd (at Crenshaw) 90008 Go to www.thestrategycenter.org to rsvpEric sings his interpretation of Jimmy Ruffin’s great “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted”
VOICES FROM THE FRONTLINESYour National Movement Building Show“Wake up and smell the revolution”Tuesday May 9, 2023 | 8 AM PSTA Conversation with KikanzaKikanza Ramsey Our Bright Shining Star Is fighting for her life and needs our supportKikanza Ramsey is one of the founders of the Strategy Center, great lead organizer of the Bus Riders Union, and a brilliant polemicist and writer. Today, she is in Cancun Mexico, undergoing an experimental immunological treatment for late stage cancer. This program is a Political and Spiritual Healing Message to Kikanza, and a brilliant exposition of the theory and practice of the Strategy Center and Bus Riders Union and the political thought of Kikanza Ramsey. It is also a fundraiser for our dear comrade who needs to raise at least $100,000 in the next two weeks.Please go to FreeFunder.com, go to the page, Help Kikanza Beat Cancer. They have raised almost $30,000 so far so we can do this. Please listen to this great podcast featuringEric Mann as host and narratorKikanza Ramsey in her own words with great clips from the film Bus Riders Union edited by Julian LambMessages to Kikanza from Patrisse Cullors, Martin Hernandez, and Lian Hurst MannEric’s reading of Kikanza’s writing in struggle with the concept of “youth” as an oppressed group and instead, proposing youth and part of a multi-generational organization and movement against U.S. Imperialism.And yes, it’s a helluva podcast, thanks to Julian Lamb and Channing Martinez our producers at Voices from the Front Lines.Listen. Learn. Enjoy. Give generously.Please send support and comments to eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com
VOICES FROM THE FRONTLINESYour National Movement Building Show“Wake up and smell the revolution”Tuesday April 11, 2023 | 8 AM PSTOn todays show Voices from the FrontlinespresentIn Conversation withKamau Franklinfounder ofCommunity Movement Builders, IncKamau Franklin is an activist, grassroots organizer and podcast journalistChanning Martinez and Julian Lamb discuses with Kamau Franklin of Community Movement Builders, Inc. Atlanta's construction of Cop City.What is Cop City?Cop city is the largest law enforcement facility, designed with intentions to train law enforcement agents in the use of oppressive, suppressive, and violent militarized tactics against Black, Brown, and people of color. The construction of Cop City is an ongoing effort by the city of Atlanta, Georgia to centralized and globalize the paramilitarization of municipal law agents here in the U.S. and abroad. The backers of cop City have initiated outreach efforts and invitations to law agency from other nations such as the Israeli police force. It is an exchange program designed to import and export over-policing, racist policing, and the oppression of poor and marginalized people.True to its purpose, and even before its intended completion, Cop city has already murdered its first victim.on January 18, 2023, Manuel Esteban Paez Terán, also known as Tortuguita was shot and killedby Atlanta State Troopers during a raid against peaceful environmental activist protesting and protectingthe sight against the construction and violence of Cop City.
VOICES FROM THE FRONTLINESYour National Movement Building Show“Wake up and smell the revolution”Tuesday April 04, 2023 | 8 AM PSTOn todays show Voices from the FrontlinespresentBarbara Lott-HollandonThe Bus Riders Union FilmAndLife as a Consciousness Raising ExperienceRecruited on the bus in 1998, Barbara has been a cornerstone of the organization since then. A resident of South LA and a transit-dependent bus rider for nearly four decades, Barbara has been elected by our members to the BRU’s leadership body, the Planning Committee, for twelve years running. She has acted as Co-Chair of the Planning Committee and of the Monthly Membership Meeting for ten years. During that time, she has served as spokesperson and representative of the BRU in the media, with public officials in LA and Washington, and in national and international social movement forums. She is the only recipient of the Strategy Center’s W.E.B. Dubois Fellowship (2009-2009).Eric’s sings "In the Still of the Night” by: The Five Satins, and "Please MR. Postman" By: The Marevelettes.Eric will also read his commentary on the Democrats trivial indictment of Donald Trump, the unsettling precedent it sets, and its destabilizing implications for representative democracy. The Bus Riders Union film is a documentary about an activist group called the Bus Riders Union. Their focus is on improving the public transportation system in Los Angeles. The bus system there is in a sorry state. Busses are overcrowded. A rider will routinely see three busses pass her by, completely full, before being able to board. Handicapped riders find that the lift system on most busses is broken. Many riders need to take three or more busses to arrive at their destinations, and late night service on some routes is discontinued without any notice. On top of this, the MTA was planning a massive fare increase and focusing their energy on subways and trains that are costly and benefit mainly upper class white people. The B.R.U. views this struggle over Los Angeles busses as the new civil rights battle. The bus system is utilized almost exclusively by minorities and low income residents. Since the busses are so unreliable, workers are not able to predictably arrive on time and therefore have trouble holding jobs. This means that an already disadvantaged segment of the population is being further held back. Kikanza Ramsey, B.R.U. organizer, describes her organization as "an experiment to see if we can create a multi-racial, bi-lingual, gender-balanced mass movement of working class people." The tape follows the legal struggles of the group throughout the 90's as they battle with the city and the MTA for service improvements. ("Https://Mediaburn.Org/Video/Bus-riders-union/")It's fund drive time for KPFK, KPFK is member driven, listener supported, independent progresses public radio. With your generous financial help we can keep it that way.please donating to KPFK and help it stay on the air. You can contribute to KPFK by going to their website at kpfk.orgThank you.Become informed, politized, and moved to act, please send comments and suggestions to eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com.Listen to Voices from the Frontlines Tuesdays at 8AM PST on KPFK 90.7FM, KPFK.org.
VOICES FROM THE FRONTLINESYour National Movement Building Show“Wake up and smell the revolution”Tuesday March 28, 2023 | 8 AM PSTOn todays show Voices from the FrontlinespresentMOTHERLANDBY: Vic GeramiAn Armenian-American Journalist, Documentarian, LGBT activist, Columnist, Publisher, and OrganizerEric Mann and discuses with Vic Gerami the Powerful documentary "MotherLand". A documentary produced by Vic which informs on the historic genocide of the Armenian people throughout history by various imperialistic nations and their allies."The Armenian genocide[a] was the systematic destruction of the Armenian people and identity in the Ottoman Empire during World War I. Spearheaded by the ruling Committee of Union and Progress (CUP), it was implemented primarily through the mass murder of around one million Armenians during death marches to the Syrian Desert and the forced Islamization of Armenian women and children." (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armenian_genocide)-Eric’s sings "Lean On Me” by: Bill Withers.In brief Eric discuss the Strategy and Soul theater's film screening of "The Bus riders Union" film produce by Haskell Wexler . The screening will take place March 30, 2023 at Strategy and Soul theater. The Bus Riders Union film is a documentary about an activist group called the Bus Riders Union. Their focus is on improving the public transportation system in Los Angeles. The bus system there is in a sorry state. Busses are overcrowded. A rider will routinely see three busses pass her by, completely full, before being able to board. Handicapped riders find that the lift system on most busses is broken. Many riders need to take three or more busses to arrive at their destinations, and late night service on some routes is discontinued without any notice. On top of this, the MTA was planning a massive fare increase and focusing their energy on subways and trains that are costly and benefit mainly upper class white people. The B.R.U. views this struggle over Los Angeles busses as the new civil rights battle. The bus system is utilized almost exclusively by minorities and low income residents. Since the busses are so unreliable, workers are not able to predictably arrive on time and therefore have trouble holding jobs. This means that an already disadvantaged segment of the population is being further held back. Kikanza Ramsey, B.R.U. organizer, describes her organization as "an experiment to see if we can create a multi-racial, bi-lingual, gender-balanced mass movement of working class people." The tape follows the legal struggles of the group throughout the 90's as they battle with the city and the MTA for service improvements. ("Https://Mediaburn.Org/Video/Bus-riders-union/")In the last half of the show Eric holds a conversation with Channing Martinez, Lead Organizer at the Strategy and Soul Center, and the Bus Riders Union. Channing reports from the ground and the frontlines of the battle field. Channing will discuss the Bus Riders Union Film at the Strategy and Soul theater.
Voices from the Frontlinespresents The Eight Contradictions of the U.S. Imposed World OrderBY: Vijay Prashad and the Tri-Continental Team.Eric will read text and comment on Vijay's informative piece.Followed by: News from the Frontlines with Channing Martinez, on the Strategy Center’s film showing of "Bus Riders Union Film" and the SEIU/UTLA Strike.Join the fight for our children's education and future Wednesday and Thursday SEIU/UTLA rally at LAUSD HQ 12-3 (333 S. Beaudry)
VOICES FROM THE FRONTLINESYour National Movement Building Show“Wake up and smell the revolution”Tuesday March 14, 2023 | 8 AM PSTOn todays show Voices from the Frontlines present a conversation withDavid MonkawaVeteran Asian/Pacific Islander revolutionary organizerEric and David discuss the multiracial solidarity event hosted at Strategy and Soul Center theater, and David's long distance political life. The participant were Progressive Asian Network for Action, an organization fighting for bi-cultural healthcare and social justice, (Asian with Attitudes), AWA , AWA is a grassroot movement whose efforts are centered in uniting all Asian, building bridges of diversity to fight against racism and hate. The Nation of Islam, The Nation of Islam is a religious, Black nationalist, and liberation movement, Strategy and Soul Center and the Bus Riders Union. Strategy and Soul and the Bus riders Union are a Think /Act tank for regional, national and international movement building, founded in 1989 and based in the 10 million-person world city of Los Angeles. Its campaigns, projects, and publications are rooted in working class communities of color, and address the totality of urban life with a particular focus on civil rights, environmental justice, public health, global warming, and the criminal legal system. Strategy and Soul Center build consciousness, leadership, and organization among those who face discrimination and societal attack–people of color, women, immigrants, workers, LGBT people, youth, all of whom comprise its membership. Linking mass struggles to the need for radical, structural change, Strategy and Soul develop campaigns and demands that help build a revitalized world united front that can stop the rising tides of war, racism and imperialism, the ecological crisis and the growing police state. Strategy and Soul Center work often challenges both major political parties and takes on the organized Right. Strategy ad Soul Center fight to win.In the last half of the show Eric holds a conversation with Channing Martinez, Lead Organizer at the Strategy and Soul Center, and the Bus Riders Union. Channing reports from the ground and the frontlines of the battle field and informs the listeners on the politics of the ground work to achieving change and reforms within the imperialistic system. In particular, Channing informs the listener about a recent incident of police brutality in which excessive and unnecessary force was deployed against several High School student. And the action and works he along with Strategy and Soul Center are doing on the ground to eliminate police brutality and and bring about social justice for everyone. Become informed, politized, and moved to act, please send comments and suggestions to eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com.Listen to Voices from the Frontlines Tuesdays at 8AM PST on KPFK 90.7FM, KPFK.org.
Voice from the Frontlines present, and re-present TOO BLACK TO FAIL—a radio play, future theater script, and screenplay in Magical Realism of revolutionary hope and possibility—written by Eric Mann.Starring Toussaint L'Ouverture, Vo Nguyen Giap, Fannie Lou Hamer, Gil Scott-Heron, Emmett Till, and a cast of millions led by the Army of Underwater Revolutionaries, the 15 million enslaved Africans, who came back to help lead the revolution against the U.S. imperialist white settler state, along with the Black Communist Rebellion, from The Man in the High Castle.Performed by Kiyana Williams, Channing Martinez, Barbara Lott-Holland, Brigette Amaya, and Eric Mann.After listening, and becoming mesmerized and transfixed, please send comments and suggestions for performances to eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com.Listen to Voices from the Frontlines Tuesdays at 8AM PST on KPFK 90.7FM, KPFK.org.
KEITH LAMARBlack liberation fighter, visionary, writer and death row prisonerAuthor of the amazing book—Condemned“This isn’t a book you have in your hand. It’s my life. I’m innocent.”In Conversation with Eric MannPolitical prisoner 1970-1971 Concord State PrisonAuthor Comrade George:An Investigation into the Life, Political Thought, and Assassination of George JacksonKeith Lamar, convicted on perjured testimony, is scheduled for pre-meditated murder by the State of Ohio on November 16, 2023If we don’t stop themStop the Continued Harassment and Provocation by Prison AuthoritiesKeith is already in a solitary confinement facing state murderNow the guards ransack his cell, threaten him, provoke himBut he resists Listen to his beautiful voice.Call Director Annette M. Chambers-Smith of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction: (614) 752-1153Call Warden Donald G. Redwood of the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility: (740) 259-5544Stop all Guard harassment of Keith LamarCall off the execution
On this week show;Voices present A collection of brief Conversations Eric Mann has had in recent past with various frontline organizers from across the globe.Including Civil Right activist Janius Williams, a significant figure in the Newark N.J. Black Power Movement from 1965 to the present, director of The North, and author of Unfinished Agenda: Urban Politics in the Era of Black Power, The Black Liberation Movement yesterday, today, and tomorrow/UCLA Latinx activist Emily Zamora, A lead student organizer for UCLA Friends of the Strategy Center and Bus Riders Union on the struggle against Anti-Blackness and Academic Opportunism at the UCLA Luskin school—and the opportunities for radical reform at Luskin and all of UCLA.Kamau Franklin, an organizer with Community Movement Builders in the Pittsburgh area of Atlanta’s Black community. His work spans Afrocentric political education, alternative institutions construction, and defending the Black community against police and gentrification assaults. Check out their very impressive website, www.communitymovementbuilders.org to learn more about their cutting edge work. Check out Kamau’s important article, An Ivory Tower Assassination of Malcom X, (Black Agenda Report April 11, 2011). Civil Rights activist Hollis Watkins, about his work and efforts to organize voter's registration, and bring about social justice in the deep south of Mississippi. and Keith LaMar, a poet, a visionary, a Black prisoner, facing a death sentence with a scheduled execution date of November 16, 2023. This cannot happen. We have to do everything in our power to prevent the unthinkable.It's fundraising time and 90.7 FM KPFK needs your generous financial help. Go to kpfk.org and make a generous financial contribution to help kpfk sustain its self, and remain a strong and revolutionary consistent voice for the people.
On today's ShowAYUKO BABUDirector of the Pan African Film FestivalIn Conversation with Eric Mann Discusses the FilmsFighting for Respect: African American Soldiers in World War IIAfrica, Cradle of Humankind and Modern CivilizationsSoleil O-by Med HondoThe Five Demands—the 1969 Black and Puerto Rican Student Strike for Open Admissions at City College of N.Y.Join Eric Mann, who organized at the 1968 Columbia Strike, Channing Martinez, and other Strategy CenterAnd Bus Riders Organizers to View The Five Demands, Friday February 16, at 6:20 PMPlease introduce yourself as Voices Listeners Go to PAFF.org to see all the amazing films and the schedule of showings.All the films will be show at the Cinemark Theater at the Crenshaw Mall. This will be a full program with a Fundraising Appeal for KPFKPlease listen to the show and contribute by calling 818-985-5735 Brief History of PAFF from WikipediaThe first official festival was organized in 1992 by actors Danny Glover and Ja'net Dubois and executive director Ayuko Babu.[4] Glover and actress Whoopi Goldberg co-hosted the festival.[5] It featured over 40 films by black directors from four continents. The Los Angeles Times said the films had universal themes as well as African themes: "the overthrow of colonial governments, the clash between modern values and traditional values, and tales of gifted artists". Films at the first festival included Sarraounia, Heritage Africa, and Lord of the Street.[6] In 2013, the film festival attracted approximately 30,000 patrons, and the arts festival attracted around 75,000.[2] In 2014, the film festival featured 179 films from 46 countries. The films included feature-length documentaries, short documentaries, narrative feature films, narrative short films, and webseries.
Voices from the Frontline features: KEITH LAMARVisionary, Black Liberation Fighter, wrongfully convicted, on death row In Conversation with Eric MannKeith Lamar is a poet, a visionary, a Black prisoner, facing a death sentence with a scheduled execution date of November 16, 2023. This cannot happen. We have to do everything in our power to prevent the unthinkable.Tuesday January 31st, 2023 | 8 AM PSTFor prison reform and abolition organizersFor Black Liberation organizersFor human rights organizers"...Mass incarceration is just a reincarnation of chattel slavery..." Spoken word Poet: Eartha TerrellPlease work with the Strategy Center, Voices from the Front Lines, and of course the Keith Lamar group itself to demand full exoneration of Keith Lamar. We must prevent the unthinkable.Streaming live on the web at www.kpfk.orgPlease listen. Please send this to others. In the next day and go on www.voicesfromtheFronlines.com to download the showWe will also have it up as a podcast on your favorite podcasting site.Please write to Keith Lamar and Amy Gordiejew who is working 24/7 on his behalfwww.KeithLamar.orgPlease contribute generously to his case. There is a donate button on his site.He is seeking last minute legal help and when there is a plan, there is hope. Eric, Channing, and everyone at the Strategy Center will be donating. Please go on the site to do the same.Please contact eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com to help with the Strategy Center’s “exoneration and release for Keith Lamar” as we work closely with his team to carry out their will.
Voices from the Frontlines: KEITH LAMAR In Conversation with Eric MannKeith Lamar is a poet, a visionary, a Black prisoner, facing a death sentence with a scheduled execution date of November 16, 2023. This cannot happen. We have to do everything in our power to prevent the unthinkable.Tuesday January 24th, 2023 | 8 AM PSTFor prison reform and abolition organizersFor Black Liberation organizersFor human rights organizers"...Mass incarceration is just a reincarnation of chattel slavery..." Spoken word Poet: Eartha TerrellPlease work with the Strategy Center, Voices from the Front Lines, and of course the Keith Lamar group itself to demand full exoneration of Keith Lamar. We must prevent the unthinkable.Streaming live on the web at www.kpfk.orgPlease listen. Please send this to others. In the next day and go on www.voicesfromtheFronlines.com to download the showWe will also have it up as a podcast on your favorite podcasting site.Please write to Keith Lamar and Amy Gordiejew who is working 24/7 on his behalfwww.KeithLamar.orgPlease contribute generously to his case. There is a donate button on his site.He is seeking last minute legal help and when there is a plan, there is hope. Eric, Channing, and everyone at the Strategy Center will be donating. Please go on the site to do the same.Please contact eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com to help with the Strategy Center’s “exoneration and release for Keith Lamar” as we work closely with his team to carry out their will.
Eric Mann in Conversation with Steve Early and Suzanne Gordon on their new book, Our Veterans: Winners, Losers, Friends and Enemies on the New Terrain of Veterans Affairs.Channing Martinez on keeping the department of defense out of LAUSDEric Mann: Fire Tom ThibodeauThis week on Voices Podcast Eric speaks with Suzanne Gordon and Steve Early about the ins and out of Veterans. Together they speak about the crises of being recruited through a false pretense of promises into the US military industrial complex, only to be sent all over the world to commit war crimes on behalf of the US. Suzanne speaks about the VA system as a model for healthcare for all and speaks about the impact of PTSD on all soldiers. Steve speaks about the movement of veterans advocacy organizations. Steve also speaks about the role of JROTC recruitment in communities of color. We think this is a very important book that dives into a lot of detail in the whole VA system and recommend everyone purchase a copy. You can do so here:As a quick follow up Channing speaks about the fighting against department of defense Starbase program in LAUSD’s Black Student Achievement program. We’re excited to announce that BSAP rejected the DoD application, but more work need to be done to end all DoD ties to LAUSD including ending JROTC and ROTC altogether.To round off the show Eric speaks about the New York Knicks’ coach Tom Thibodeau. Many of the starting players are placed on the floor for almost the 48 mins of the game while all stars Cam Reddish and Obi Toppin sit on the bench for 12 GAMES STRAIGHT…
This Week on Voices Radio We wake up with Eric's reflection on the new Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy. Eric reads McCarthy's Speech and analysis it line by line. For our music break we feature Héctor Lavoe's Aguanile Eric is joined in conversation with Channing Martinez on the launch of the Bus Riders Union Fare Strike. Organizers and volunteers of the Bus Riders Union began last week getting on the Metro buses and trains to organize riders to participate in a Metro-wide fare strike. Channing speaks about the need to stop paying the fares immediately and the urgency of learning to not just study revolution, but to put your body on the line.
Eric Mann Speaks with Civil rights Veteran Hollis Watkins about his work and efforts to organize voter's registration, and bring about social justice in the deep south of Mississippi.
Tune in for episode 2 of the Newly reformatted Voices from the Frontlines - Wake up and smell the Revolution. This week we're joined by Frankye Adams Johnson, a veteran of the Black Panther Party and the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee. Frankye speaks with Eric about her experience in helping to build a movement for Black power from the South in Mississippi to the North in New York. In the second segment, Eric Joins Channing in conversation about his family heritage in Belize and the Garifuna Nation. Channing speaks about the history of the Garifuna Nation and what it was like running his first electoral campaign as a Black, Queer Garifuna organizer. Barbara Lott Holland invites us to the Strategy and Soul Holiday Block Party on December 17th at 3546 w Martin Luther King Blvd. In the Sign Along Segment Eric and all of us joins the Five Satins in singing their fantastic "In the Still of the Night"And Finally, It's time to GET UP AND DANCE, with Abba; Dancing Queen. Tune into Voices from the Frontlines live from in studio on KPFK Pacifica 90.7fm or streaming live on the web at www.kpfk.org
We Are Back!The New Voices from the Frontlines—Wake Up and Smell the RevolutionEvery Tuesday, staring Tuesday November 29 2022 at 8 AM pst.Host Eric Mann, co-host and producer Channing Martinez, and co-producer Julian Lamb are excited to bring you a new format to continue our political and cultural revolutionary politics.This week on Voices from the Frontlines with Eric Mann:A Conversation with Junius Williams—significant figure in the Newark N.J. Black Power Movement from 1965 to the present, director of The North, and author of Unfinished Agenda: Urban Politics in the Era of Black Power, The Black Liberation Movement yesterday, today, and tomorrowA Conversation with Emily Zamora, lead student organizer for UCLA Friends of the Strategy Center and Bus Riders Union on the struggle against Anti-Blackness and Academic Opportunism at the UCLA Luskin school—and the opportunities for radical reform at Luskin and all of UCLASing Along with Jerry Butler—For Your Precious LoveGet up and Dance with Peaches and Herb “Shake Your Groove Thing”Channing Martinez on the Strategy Center and Bus Riders Union Holiday Block Party—Saturday December 17 2022 from 12 to 4pm at Strategy and Soul Movement Center 3546 Martin Luther King Blvd LA 90008, confirm if you can at www.thestrategycenter.org and bring family and friends. RSVP TodayAre you listening? Send your comments, questions, and suggestions to eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com.Listen to Voices from the Frontlines beginning November 28th, 2022 at 8AM PST on KPFK 90.7FM OR click below to stream the show live on KPFK.
Channing Martinez in Conversation with Amber-Rose Howard on Closing 10 prisons
Eric Mann on Defending Women's Right to Live; the conversation on Abortion Rights Aired Tuesday May 10th @3pm pst. on KPFK Pacifica 90.7fm
Today on Voices Radio Channing is in conversation with Amber-Rose, Executive Director of CURB CA (Californians United for a Responsible Budget. Amber-Rose speaks about her own history with the carceral state and how that helped to lead her to the work she’s leading now. CURB has spent years stopping the increase in funding toward prisons and in 2021 launched a campaign to close 10 CA prisons by 2025. More details on this campaign can be found in the People’s Plan for Prison Closure. Governor Gavin Newson has moved to close on institution in 2021; Deuel Vocational Institution.
In the second half of the show Eric begins the conversation on Voices around Women’s Rights. Given the Supreme Court’s “leak” of an upcoming initiative to strike down Roe V Wade there has been an up surge of attention to what’s next for abortions rights. Eric and Channing speak about the Democratic Parties weak organizing around the right for Women to live and control their own bodies. Eric reads from an article detailing updates around this leak. We plan to invite a guest from the frontlines next week to the show to speak about their work on abortion rights for women. Please feel free to reach out with any leads. Email eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com or channing@voicesfromthefrontlines.com
Join us for a dynamic conversation with Eric Mann, Channing Martinez, and Ayana Morris on the film Why is We Americans? Ayana Morris is the Co-Director of Why is We Americans? along with Udi Aloni. The film is an exploration of the history of Newark through the eyes of the Baraka Family. From the 1967 Newark rebellion in which Black people were placed under martial law and lived under beyond oppressive conditions to the Black Radical Organizing Tradition of Amiri and Amina Baraka to the election of Ras Baraka as the current Mayor of Newark. Why is We Americans? explores various Black movement traditions from Black nationalism, Black communism, the Black power Movement all through Organizing, activism, art, spoken word and electoral politics. Eric, Channing, and Ayana speak about all of the aforementioned themes as well as the production and editing of the film, great stories on the cutting room floor, and the beautiful process of working with the Baraka family to create a masterpiece. On April 22nd the Strategy Center sponsored the showing of Why is We Americans at the 30th Annual Pan African Film and Art Festival. The Strategy Center is looking forward to working closely with Ayana to host a screening of Why is We Americans at the Strategy & Soul Film Theater. Stay tuned for an invite, but today, tune into a great exchange intellectual, cultural, and emotional chemistry.
Join Ayuko Babu, director of the Pan African Film Festival, Eric Mann, and Channing Martinez in conversation on the 30th Annual Pan African Film Festival.
The Pan African Film Festival will host a hybrid festival this year from April 19th to May 1st 2022.
Film Screenings will take place at the Cinemark Baldwin Hills 4020 Marlton Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90008
There will be a an accompanying Artfest in the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza 3650 MLK Jr. Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90008
Tickets for films can be purchased online at paff.org
Voices from the Frontlines strongly encourages you to attend in person as much as you can.
Babu, Eric and Channing speak about what it means to host a Black film festival in 2022 in the mists of COVID 19, and during a international conflict between the U.S., Nato, Ukraine, and Russia. Babu tells us of the history behind this conflict and speaks about how film is one of the most important mediums to speak about and learn about international struggles and national liberation movements across the African diaspora and beyond.
Films we speak about: Cuba in Africa: The dramatic untold story of 420,000 Cubans– soldiers and teachers, doctors and nurses– who gave everything to end colonial rule and apartheid in Southern Africa.
Famadihana (Lève tes morts): In 1752 in La Reunion, Soa, a formerly enslaved Malagasy woman, thinks she has found a tunnel that would take her back to Madagascar. When her maroon village falls under the threat of slave hunters, Soa has to face an inevitable choice, abandon her family or flee to finally return home.
Fanon Yesterday, Today: Legendary Martiniquan intellectual Franz Fanon died in December 1961, but his thoughts and writings still reverberate throughout many social movements and struggles across today’s world. Through the testimonies of Fanon’s comrades and the people who knew him, Hassane Mezine explores Fanon’s eventful life, providing new insight into Fanon - the freedom fighter, the intellectual and the man.
Ferguson Rises: Before an explosive global uprising condemned the murder of George Floyd, there was a small town in Missouri that erupted in protest after the murder of Mike Brown Jr. It was this small town and its people that propelled Black Lives Matter to international prominence and inspired a new global civil rights movement....
Grandpa Was An Emperor: Follow Yeshi Kassa, great-granddaughter of Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, as she embarks on a personal quest to discover what happened to her closest relatives during the coup of 1974....
Doctor Gama (Doutor Gama): Based on the biography of Luiz Gama, one of the most important characters in Brazilian history, a Black man who used laws and courts to free more than five hundred enslaved people....
Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story: (OPENING NIGHT FILM) An insightful look into the life and ascent of legendary, iconic, and mystic Gospel Singer Mahalia Jackson. This film focuses on her search to balance her gift, love, and her activism during the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s.
Listen in on a deep conversation and introspection on Black film and revolutionary organizing using your favorite podcasting app. Then send your comments and reflections to eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com and channing@voicesfromthefrontlines.com
Join Kamau Franklin, Channing Martinez, and Eric Mann in a great conversation about Black Liberation, Black Revolutionary Nationalism and Third World anti-imperialist movement strategy. JOIN US NOW for a discussion about revolutionary strategy in the age of counter-revolution. The conversation goes all over the world back and forth through history. But the unique attraction of this conversation is all three are very successful organizers in the Atlanta and South Central L.A. communities. Kamau Franklin, is an organizer with Community Movement Builders in the Pittsburgh area of Atlanta’s Black community. His work spans Afrocentric political education, alternative institutions construction, and defending the Black community against police and gentrification assaults. Check out their very impressive website, www.communitymovementbuilders.org to learn more about their cutting edge work. Check out Kamau’s important article, An Ivory Tower Assassination of Malcom X, (Black Agenda Report April 11, 2011). Channing Martinez speaks about the growing attacks on the social structure of the Black community especially Black bus and train riders suffering 50% of all tickets and arrests, so police occupation and brutality reinforce massive poverty and an epidemic of houselessness. Eric Mann, a veteran of the Congress of Racial Equality, is the author of Playbook for Progressives: The 16 Qualities of the Successful Organizer. All three discuss a common view, building social movements independent and to the left of the Democratic Party—exciting ideas of building real revolutionary movements in the real world.
Eric Mann’s commentary on The U.S. NATO Russia, and the Ukraine. The Russian invasion of the Ukraine is an attack on their sovereignty, sadly in the ugly traditions of the Soviet invasions of Hungary and Czechoslovakia. Russia must withdraw all troops from its invasion of the Ukraine. NATO should disband—it is a U.S. dominated cabal of colonialists, NATO should cease its encirclement, attacks and provocations against Russia. NATO should pay reparations to the nations of Africa, Asia, and Latin America where they continue to carry out genocide and colonialism. Joe Biden and the Democrats should be brought up on international human rights charges for demanding the removal of Russian President Vladimir Putin, hysterical escalation of war rhetoric, providing weapons to the Ukraine, the mass imprisonment of Black people, and the forced starvation of the people of Afghanistan. It is not just pathetic president Biden who is determined to destroy Russia and China. The U.S. people better look into the mirror to see how they are becoming fascists and warmongers. The majority are willing to risk nuclear war over a conflict that is being escalated rather than negotiated by the U.S. government with their active support and participation. For peace activists, Black Liberationists, and anti-imperialists, the central contradiction is always the crimes of our own government and the mass complicity in the systematic genocide against the Third World. The call for Russian withdrawal from the Ukraine is imperative, The primary focus must be to oppose the war mongering of the U.S. white settler, one party state. Stand up to state run mass media and demand that CNN and CNBC register as official spokespeople for the U.S. CIA, Department of War, and State Department. Declining U.S. imperialism demands a Unipolar World because it can’t live in peace or effectively compete economically with Russia and China. No matter how small the voice, we need to put the primary focus on the crimes of the U.S.
REBROADCAST OF Internationalism as Defense against Fascism and Imperialism A reading from Eric Mann's The Ghosts, Dreams, Bones, and Lives of the Oppressed Peoples must shape the Nightmares and Hopes of The Revolutionaries in the oppressor nations Tuesday March 29, 2022 | 3 PM PST
This week on Voices we present a rebroadcast of Internationalism as Defense against Fascism and Imperialism. Originally aired January 2021, we think this show is now even more relevant as ever given the US/Nato driven conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Take a moment to read the original text we sent and please send us your comments and reflections to eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com and channing@voicesfromthefrontlines.com Original announcement: In this episode of Voices from the Frontlines, Eric Mann reads from his article published as the introduction to the German edition of Playbook for Progressives: The Ghosts, Dreams, Bones, and Lives of the Oppressed Peoples must shape the Nightmares and Hopes of The Revolutionaries in the oppressor nations This article is the author’s introduction of Road for Revolutionaries: the 16 Qualities of the Transformative Organizer, the German translation of Playbook for Progressives: 16 Qualities of the Successful Organizer, by Eric Mann. In this episode, Eric urges for more internationalism, as both perception and praxis, as he grapples with Europe’s, specifically Germany’s, history of fascism, imperialism, colonialism, and racism, and the undeniable parallel within the United States. “If we’re trying to understand why 74 million people voted for Donald Trump … the roots between the Germans and the United States whites, the so called founding fathers, where they both had a theory of being a master race. As did the Spanish, as did the Portuguese. The role of Christianity, the role of whiteness, the role of perceiving the world as populated by people that were simply pre-German or pre-Portuguese, you know they were just there until the chosen people of their God will annihilate them.” Eric situates the contemporary revolution of anti-fascists and anti-imperialists within the history of European colonialism, and presents internationalism as a necessary factor for true liberation. We must acknowledge and understand the atrocities committed under the rule of imperialism, the highest form of capitalism, both globally and locally. “We have the rise of fascism in Germany. We have the rise of fascism in every European country, and God knows we’ve had this close to a fascist seizure of power in the United States. But please don’t read me stories about genocide, I want to have a more pleasant day.” Eric Mann provides archival and anecdotal evidence, and lays down the framework to enhance one’s capabilities to be a truly transformative organizer. “It’s the moral responsibility of Germans, and people all over the world to make sure that the German genocide in Africa is not lost in the so-called exalted silence of eternity, and to ensure the ghosts, dreams, bones and lives of the oppressed people must shape the nightmares and hopes of revolutionaries in the oppressor nations.”
Voices from the Frontlines presents a special broadcast on Instagram Live. KPFK will be covering the senate judiciary hearings until 4pm, pre-empting Voices from the Frontlines. In that the Walter Rodney Symposium is this weekend on March 26th @ 10am EST. It is very important for the show to go on! Join us today on Instagram for a pre-recorded conversation with Eric Mann, Channing Martinez, and Charisse Burden-Stelly on the upcoming Walter Rodney Symposium and neocolonialism in the heart of South LA. Charisse is a critical Black Studies scholar of political theory, political economy, intellectual history, and historical sociology. She is the author of the forthcoming book Black Scare/Red Scare and has co-authored and edited alongside Gerald Horne, Dr. Jodi Dean, and Aaron Kamugisha. RSVP for the Walter Rodney Symposium on the Walter Rodney Foundation Website.
On the one year anniversary we rebroadcasted Key Selections from the Cold War Truth Commission. The Commission was a virtual event last year in the middle of COVID hosted by Rachel Bruhnke and Frank Dorrell. Now more than ever as the Biden Administration contemplates the expansion of NATO, and the ongoing conflict between Russia, Ukraine, the U.S. and the U.S. and China, these key selections are even more prescient now than ever. Selected Clips: Gail Walker/IFCO Pastors for Peace:The Historic Legacy of My Father: Rev. Lucius Walker Medea Benjamin/Code Pink: The U.S. Cold War vs. African Liberation Struggles Jodie Evans/Code Pink: Historical and Current U.S. Cold War Against China Eric Mann/Labor/Community Strategy Center Fighting Democratic Party Imperialism from Kennedy/Johnson to Clinton/Obama/Biden today: The Challenge to the Movement We are deeply appreciative of the visionary leadership and generosity of spirit of Frank Dorrell of Addicted to War and Rachel Bruhnke of Witness for Peace for their steadfast hosting of a 9 hour marathon of brilliant and deeply moving testimony of some of the best anti-imperialist fighters challenging the Endless Wars of the U.S. imperialist white settler state. Please take time to explore the full Cold War Truth Commission on Code Pink's Website: https://www.codepink.org/coldwartruth
Send your comments, questions, and suggestions to eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com.
Final Segment: How Europe Underdeveloped Africa and the Genius of Walter Rodney. Aired on Tuesday March 8, 2022 | 3 PM PST
This week we'll listen to the last four talks in this series: Eric Mann, Co-Host of Voices from the Frontlines, Director of the Strategy Center The National Leadership School for Strategic Organizing as a center grounded in Pan-Africanism, Black Nationalism, Anti-Imperialism, and pro-Communism. The School as a center for political and ideological dialogue and movement building. Imani Countess, Director of the US/Africa Bridge Building Project The Western theft from African Nations today through the process of illicit financial flows (the movement of money across borders that is illegal in its source), that is illegally mining for resources in Africa and not paying any taxes, or fees to the nations in which the mining has occurred. Jamala Rogers, Founding director of the Organization for Black Struggle Shattering the romanticism of Africa from the rest of the world to see the neo-colonialism playing out today. Neo-Colonialism from Africa to St Luis, and city centers in the U.S., Governance of the Black community and the National School as a pivotal next step for the movement. Akunna Uka, Administrator at New Roads School, Leader with the Strategy Center Summing up the whole event and speaking about her induction into the movement via Channing Martinez' 2020 City Council race. From understanding underdevelopment in higher education as a Nigerian American student to learning about colonialism, underdevelopment, and neo-colonialism at The Strategy Center. Voices is an Organizer sponsored show, not listener sponsored. We want to hear from you, please send us your reflections, questions, and comments to eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com and info@thestrategycenter.org
Stand up to U.S. and NATO Encirclement of Russia and Provocations in the Ukraine. Highlights from How Europe Underdeveloped Africa and Genius of Walter Rodney. Aired on Tuesday March 1st, 2022 | 3 PM PST
Highlights of the Strategy Center and National Leadership School for Strategic Organizing Webinar The Genius of Walter Rodney—How Europe Underdeveloped Africa February 17, 2022 Last week we played the full presentation of Professor Robin D.G. Kelley’s brilliant presentation (please go to our podcast at Voicesfromthefrontlines.com if you missed it.
This Week the Stars Continue Channing Martinez—director of organizing of LCSC—How Europe Underdeveloped Africa helped me better understand neo-colonialism in Belize and South-Central Los Angeles Patricia Rodney—Chair of the Walter Rodney Foundation—Personal Insights into Walter the man and the writing of How Europe Underdeveloped Africa Asha Rodney—Organizer of the Annual Walter Rodney Symposium—March 26, 2022 Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson—co-executive director, the Highlander Research and Education Center—How Europe Underdeveloped Africa and the Black struggle in the South today
Commentary by Eric Mann Stand up to U.S. and NATO Encirclement of Russia and Provocations in the Ukraine. Eric will read with great appreciation, Chris Hedges’ Chronicle of War Foretold—Counterpunch, February 25, 2022
This week we highlight Robin Kelley's keynote talk on movement lessons from Walter Rodney in How Europe Underdeveloped Africa. Walter Rodney's text as the perfect case for reparations for the Black Nation inside and beyond the borders of the U.S.
On Thursday February 17th, 2022 the Strategy Center launched its National Leadership School for Strategic Organizing with a hybrid event featuring the legacy of Walter Rodney. Speakers included Channing Martinez, and Eric Mann. We're proud to have been welcomed by the Walter Rodney Foundation. Robin D.G. Kelley gave a keynote talk along with Panelists: Imani Countess, Jamala Rogers, Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson, and Akunna Uka.
The event hosted 22 people in person and more than 200 online.
Join us in re-listening and please send us your reflections, thoughts, and questions to info@thestrategycenter.org.
For those who did not get to join the event, there will be a video recording posted soon, please make sure to subscribe to our newsletter (www.thestrategycenter.org)for updates
This week on Voices from the Frontlines, Eric Mann gives a scathing film review of Belfast, which he argues glosses over the great history of the Northern Ireland, Irish Catholic fight for Civil Rights, yes, in Belfast.
“Belfast, written, invented, and directed by Kenneth Branagh, is the story of a white, Protestant family in Belfast in 1969—In Northern Ireland—at a time of mass, Catholic civil rights demonstrations against British-supported Fascist Protestant 'Unionists'."
Belfast ultimately sends the viewer the message that you should turn your back on the oppressed, raise superficial criticisms of the occupying Protestants and British, stay inside your pathetic, nuclear family, and get the hell out of there when the opportunity arises.
It is only because we are in the midst of a great Counter-revolution in which imperialism is on the ideological ascendancy against the colonized masses that a film like Belfast could ever have been made. Today, Belfast may be nominated for an Oscar. But the only award his film deserves is a Thatcher.”
Don't miss this important historical lesson and a critical view of Hollywood's imperialist white washing.
ALSO,
Ernesto Arce on South Central Third World News Santa Monica police use aggressive intimidation tactics against street vendors but the sellers are fighting back. The current capitalist capitulation to private industry has left a crumbling infrastructure as witnessed in this weekend's Pittsburgh bridge collapse. Also, Burkina Faso's coup leader appears to be a thoroughly U.S.-trained Pentagon asset.
Are you listening? Send your comments, questions, and suggestions to eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com.
Listen to Voices from the Frontlines Today at 3PM PST on KPFK 90.7FM
Join us TODAY for a Revolutionary Rhapsody to celebrate music of defiance and protest against injustice and oppression. Eric Mann and Ernesto Arce take you from Cuba to Detroit, Ghana to Jamaica for a liberation of the body, mind, & soul as well as a dance marathon.
Eric's musical selections are: Languta by Hugh Masekela and the Hedzoleh Sounds, Quimbara by Celia Cruz & the Fania All Stars with Johnny Pacheco, and Mississippi Goddamn followed with Pirate Jenny both by the beloved Nina Simone.
Ernesto's musical selections include Turn Me Loose by Al Campbell, Home is Where the Hatred Is by Gil Scott Heron, Solidarity by Black Uhuru, and Send Me by Hugh Masekela.
South Central Third World News Solidarity with Cuba and the People's Forum U.S. defies the embargo to deliver a huge shipment of powdered milk to Cuba. U.S. intelligence agencies admit the Havana Syndrome is a fabrication. Wells Fargo gets called out for its lip service in honoring Dr. King, and Africa and the world remember the revolutionary legacy of Burkina Faso's Thomas Sankara.
Are you listening? Send your comments, questions, and suggestions to eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com.
Listen to Voices from the Frontlines Today at 3PM PST on KPFK 90.7FM OR click below to stream the show live on KPFK.
We’re proud to present Eric Mann’s “All the Revolutionary King” article with a new introduction to bring into the present the everlasting legacy of Dr. King on the civil rights, Black Liberations, internationalist 3rd world movements of today.
Eric Mann will read this great new introduction and piece of the article on Voices from the Frontlines tomorrow at 3pm PST on KPFK Pacifica 90.7fm (kpfk.org to stream the audio live at 3pm).
Tune into the full show and please send your thoughts, reelections and even your enthusiastic plans of how you plan to help rebuild a world movement against “Racism, Poverty and Militarism” to eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com and channing@thestrategycenter.org
Ernesto Arce on South Central Third World News LAPD gets caught playing games on duty while blaming “defunding” on the shutdown of a local precinct station. With the west coast on tsunami alert, Santa Monica bosses want their workers to show up for the job regardless, and Russia says U.S./NATO need to stop issuing threats.
Stevie Wonder wishes Dr. King a very happy, happy birthday
Are you listening? Send your comments, questions, and suggestions to eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com.
Listen to Voices from the Frontlines Today at 3PM PST on KPFK 90.7FM OR click below to stream the show live on KPFK.
Join us this week for a a conversation with Eric Mann, Channing Martinez, Barbara Lott-Holland and MaryLouise Patterson. MaryLouise is the Co-editor, along with Evelyn Louise Crawford, of Letters from Langston: from the Harlem Renaissance to the Red Scare and Beyond. Originally broadcasted in 2021, join us as we rekindle memories of a revolutionary conversation on Letters from Langston. Eric Mann will introduce the segment with a commentary on The Man in the High Castle and the fight to retrieve our stolen revolutionary memory. The Labor/Community Strategy Center has its roots in the deep revolutionary traditions of Black and Third World people. Inside that vaunted group were the Black Communists, true Black Red Giants—friends and members of the CPUSA whose names include (with many others of great import) Cyril Briggs, Harry Haywood, W.E.B DuBois, Paul Robeson, Claudia Jones, Benjamin Davis. This list also includes the writers of these letters, the prolific Langston Hughes along with William L. Patterson, defender of the Scottsboro Boys and author of We Charge Genocide, Louise Thompson Patterson who was a brilliant charismatic figure and organizer of movements, plays, and the Harlem projects for Black actors and playwrights, Matt Crawford, one of the Black 22 who went to make a film and study in the Soviet Union, and Nebby Crawford who was a great friend and confidante of Langston. Join us as we discuss and make history. Ernesto Arce on South Central Third World News Advocates for the unhoused expose a troubling collaboration between CHP and CalTrans to harass, criminalize, and ultimately remove homeless residents from areas near and around Los Angeles freeways. Also, a big victory for Palestine activists, and healthcare workers at vaccine sites are under attack. Nina Simone will lead our revolutionary music segment today with To Be Young Gifted and Black.
Are you listening? Send your comments, questions, and suggestions to eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com.
Listen to Voices from the Frontlines Today at 3PM PST on KPFK 90.7FM OR click below to stream the show live on KPFK.
Today on Voices from the Frontlines: Voices Radio First Show of 2022 Voices in the Tradition of Summer of Soul Eric in conversation w/ Mumia Abu Jamal Eric in conversation w/ Julian Bond South Central Third World News
In the Spirit of Summer of Soul, an amazing film about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, Voices from the Frontlines fights to protect and publicize our revolutionary history. Stop complaining about fascism if you are part of the anti-communist, revisionist, “social justice” tendency that rejects the revolutionary achievements of the U.S. Communist Party, the Soviet Union, the People’s Republic of China, the Black Power Movement, and the Black Panther Party (who did security at the Festival.
Today on Voices we reprise two wonderful revolutionary Voices Mumia Abu Jamal in a conversation with Eric Mann critiquing Stephen Spielberg’s white savior film Lincoln, (with no Frederick Douglass) and elevate the teaching of W.E.B. DuBois with Eric’s favorite Black Reconstruction in America and Mumia’s, favorite, Darkwater, Voices from within the Veil. Please work to help Mumia Abu Jamal get out of prison, Free Mumia can be reached at prisonradio at gmail dot com Please get involved
Julian Bond in conversation with Eric Mann at the 50th Anniversary of Mississippi Freedom Summer, 1964 in Jackson, Mississippi in the summer of 2014. Great appreciation to Catherine Murphy, William Sabourin, and Julian Lamb, our amazing team that audioed and videod 10 wonderful conversations with veterans of the Civil Rights Movement. Julian Bond was a major leader of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, of whom, as Julian tells us, President John Kennedy called “those sons of bitches.” Check out his amazing bio on Wikipedia. It is very moving that in 2014, Julian and I had a discussion about the essential role of memory, as we keep losing comrades along the way. Julian said, “Many people here I will never see again” and at the time, I thought his reference was to “others” but very sadly, Julian died in 2015.
Check out Ernesto Arce’s terrific “South Central/Third World News” segment every week on Voices.
The Strategy Center and Voices are working to build a Black Liberation, Third World Liberation, pro-communist, anti-imperialist, climate justice united front. Please join us.
Reach out to eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com & Channing@thestrategycenter.org
Please help us build our podcast! (links below)
Listen to Voices from the Frontlines Today at 3PM PST on KPFK 90.7FM OR click below to stream the show live on KPFK at 3pm pst.
On today's edition, Eric Mann is in conversation with Mark Masaoka, this is the final of a three-part series with the UAW and Japanese-American leading organizer on the future of the Movement.
Alan Minsky, Executive Director of Progressive Democrats of America discusses the future of Democratic Party radical transformation.
Ernesto Arce and the South Central Third World News covers more exposed racism among police departments in Torrance and Long Beach, the unjust extradition of Julian Assange, and Amazon being held responsible for the death of several of its workers after the recent tornado disaster.
The Revolutionary Symphony features Fela Kuti—Water no Get Enemy.
Vicente Fernandez, an homage to Latin@ giant who just passed at the age of 81, who gives us our opening and closing themes
KPFK is currently in Fund Drive with Alan and Eric asking for your financial support.
For a $100 contribution, you'll get a copy of Eric Mann’s Playbook for Progressives: The 16 Qualities of the Successful Organizer
For a $250 contribution you'll get Paul Robeson: Portrait of an Artist, an amazing 4 DVD set
Please call 818-985-5735 between 3 and 4 today to support Voices and KPFK
Hello Voices Listeners! On this edition, we feature Channing Martinez and Barbara Lott-Holland on the MTA’s Anti-Blackness and the Bus Riders Union campaign for Black Liberation
We're joined in discussion with Scott Houldieson and Michael Cannon, master organizers with UAWD, Unite All Workers for Democracy, on their historic victory to win the direct election of national officers in the United Auto Workers. Please support their work at www.UAWD.org
Ernesto Arce and the South Central Third World News explores the city of Los Angeles' crime data and how law enforcement agencies are using it to push for more policing budgets. Plus, the ongoing tragedy of police brutality especially when it joins forces with its corporate partners as was put on display last week during a police killing of an elderly disabled man at a Walmart in Arizona. Also, hunger and starvation across Latin America and the Caribbean increases to catastrophic levels.
Also, we'll hear Nina Simone's rendition of “I wish that I knew how it would feel to be free”
Please forward this notice that tomorrow, December 7 at 3 PM you can listen to Voices on KPFK 90.7 FM, Streaming Live on the Web at KFPK.org
Then Wednesday, listen to and forward the podcast from VoicesfromtheFrontlines.com
Are you listening? Send your comments, questions, and suggestions to eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com.
Listen to Voices from the Frontlines Tomorrow at 3PM PST on KPFK 90.7FM OR click below to stream the show live on KPFK.
On this edition of Voices from the Frontlines, Eric Mann and Channing Martinez urge the MTA to “Stop Genocide Against Black Passengers". They say it's time for Voices listeners to get off the sidelines and join us on the Frontlines.
Support the Bus Riders Union motion to this Thursday’s MTA board by contacting Channing Martinez at Channing@thestrategycenter.org
We also have part two of a three-part discussion with Mark Masaoka, in conversation with Eric Mann. They share memories and analysis of the great work in the United Auto Workers by socialist and communists in the auto factories of Ford Pico Rivera, GM Southgate, and GM Van Nuys—Mark’s and UAW Local 645 in the fight against anti-Japanese chauvinism.
There are also segments with Ernesto Arce and the South Central Third World News, Vijay Prashad on the hypocrisy of US climate criminals passing the buck to China and India.
We'll hear the Great Horace Silver playing “Song for My Father” and a bit of background on the bop classic.
Also, Channing Martinez joins us to invite listeners this weekend to Strategy and Soul located at 3546 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, just around the corner from the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza.
Welcome to Voices from the Frontlines, your national movement building show. We’ll begin with Victor Wallis, a long-time comrade who is doing a zoom exhibition of his mother’s painting—The Art of Diane Esmond—An appreciation by her son, to be video cast this Friday, November 26 at 11 AM PST. Please go to the Marxist Education Project Website and scroll to November 26 to register.
Then we’ll hear from Ernesto Arce and his dynamic South Central/Third World News as he discusses the commutation of the death penalty of Julius Jones and now the fight for his release for a murder he did not commit at the same time as Kyle Rittenhouse was release even before his trial for murders he did commit!
Then Eric will have a moving conversation with Mark Masaoka, one of the long-time leaders in the Japanese American community and United Auto Workers as we discuss his formative years and how we joined paths as auto workers and members of the League of Revolutionary Struggle. Part II of this III part conversation will play on subsequent shows.
Then, we’ll go out with Aguanile, the amazing, hypnotic, Afro-Cuban, Guaguanco, Santeria, orisha embodied by the Fania legend Hector Lavoe
We hope you enjoy our efforts and more complex, more time-consuming to produce, programming.. Please send us appreciations and comments at eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com and go on our site, Voicesfromthefrontlines.com to register so we know who you are and you can get our weekly mailings on the day of the show and later with the link to the podcast. Thanks to Ernesto Arce and Channing Martinez for production and publicity.
The United States is by far the most irresponsible nation regarding its primary contribution to climate change which is making life on planet Earth almost unbearable for most nations, including the US, but particularly nations in the global south - which, for hundreds of years now, continuously suffer social and economic infiltration, resource extraction, exploitation, sheer savagery, and genocide by the US!
In this episode Eric and Meena dig deeper into the conversation regarding the US and its creation and fueling of climate change coupled with the US's audacious refusal to acknowledge its central role in climate change.
Meena provides very compelling data and global perspectives on this administration and other major players in the theatrics of climate talks, whose results are nothing more than backdoor coal-mining deals and other mineral-extraction contracts at the end of corporate/political handshakes.
In addition to Eric and Meena's conversation, Ernesto Arce provides the Voices from the Frontlines South Central/Third World News update.
We are VERY excited to have him on the team!
Tune in, welcome Ernesto, share your thoughts with us, and join the movement!
This week on Voices from the Frontlines... THE TRIO IS BACK; Alan Minsky, Channing Martinez, and Eric Mann speak with Meena Roman from the Third-World Network, about moving forward the Black Nationalist, Third-World Alliance movement. The white-settler state that is the United States that has raped, pillaged, and created what they now call the "third-world" is afraid of being called the genocidal white-settler state that it is. Malcolm X began shifting the base of his leadership position from the Nation of Islam to one that was rooted in Black Nationalism. He understood that religion, at the base of his leadership, couldn't unify the Black nation in the United States, but a Black Nationalist platform could unify the Black Nation.
The Pacifica Radio Archives is a massive collection of audio content from voices like Malcolm X, the last recording of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Angela Davis, Fannie Lou Hamer, James Baldwin, W.E.B. DeBois, Lorraine Hansberry, and thousands more.
During this episode we are also raising money for the Pacifica Radio Archives to preserve these voices and so many more, which are being obliterated by this white-settler state that under no circumstances wants to be called out for its atrocities and on-going oppression.
Call (800)735-0230 and donate $250 to the Pacifica Radio Archives and get the Encyclopedia of Sound; 1600 hours of audio content from the most powerful voices in the world. The archives is working to digitize the ONLY recordings of these historic and massively powerful voices.
DIRECT FROM GLASGOW AND THE COP 26 CLIMATE CONFERENCE, THIRD WORLD NETWORK LEADER MEENA RAMAN IN CONVERSATION WITH ERIC MANN, LEADER IN UNITED NATIONS NGO STRUGGLE SINCE THE 2001 WORLD CONFERENCE AGAINST RACISM.
Spoiler alert: The United States and the European Union and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson are lying, cheating, and stealing, as they make false promises about dramatically reducing CO2 emissions and worse, oppose any climate reparations, or payment for climate “loss and damages” or taking responsibility for the West’s creation of the climate catastrophe.
Meena Ramen of the Third World Network provides the most incisive and thoughtful assessment of COP 26 from the point of view of The Third World and The Global South. Eric's conversation on Voices today is produced by Ernesto Arce, the Strategy Center and Voices from the Frontlines' new producer and news director. He will also be doing his own 5 minute Voices South Central/Third World News on the podcast.
Photo from COP26 courtesy of AKGUL/AFP
NEW AND EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS!!! Are you with us??? The primary conversation will be about Judas and the Black Messiah, and the very complex relationships that existed in the Black movement between women and men.
The Strategy Center has formed the Strategy and Soul Thursday Night Revolutionary Organizers Film and Book Club. Also, the newest addition to the Strategy Center and Voices From the Frontlines is a feature with KPFK’s former News Director, now The Strategy Centers News Director, Ernesto Arce, called South Central/Third World News.
In addition we hear from Barbara Lott Holland and clips from the film Judas and the Black Messiah.
KPFK is also in their winter fund drive. Donate to Voices from the Frontlines and other amazing independent and revolutionary voices on KPFK by calling (818) 985-5735.
Nathan Thanki @n_thanki of Demand Climate Justice @gcdcj talks about the COP 26 in Glasgow 10/31-11/12. The people of the third world will be fighting to improve climate change. The US and the EU will be working to maintain capitalist, imperialist climate change.
We hear a clip of a call that Eric Mann, Channing Martinez, and Barbara Lott holland had with Nathan Thanki regarding the Green Climate Fund.
Eric Mann - “The first thing is that we are asking the governments of the World, as he is, that they have these intended goals and these intended goals must be mandatory, secondly there must be loss and damages paid to the third world, third is, the climate is moving towards 3% let along 1.5%. The strictest enforcement has to be begun with the United States and there has to be penalties for non-compliance, and it all hinges on giving the third world power at the United Nations, and that’s what Demand Climate Justice is all about.” @EricMannSpeaks
We also hear a report from Channing Martinez and the Bus Riders Union @BusRidersUnion on the racism on the Metro and the LAUSD.
The Strategy Center had a meeting with Metro CEO, Stephanie Wiggins @stephwiggins. The Strategy Center demands... @metrolosangeles WE WANT: - Free public Transportation - No police on the buses and trains - No enforcing of the fares and codes of conduct
We hear a song called Stimela, by Hugh Masekela @hmhf_za
@FightSoulCities
Voices Radio; United All Workers for Democracy, and Defund Police in LA City Schools. by Eric Mann
On this day, Voices From the Frontlines Radio puts our beloved Paul Robeson on his rightful pedestal! Paul Robeson is a writer, scholar, athlete, film star, Pan Africanist, activist, and brilliant vocalist. A person of such magnitude, he and W.E.B DeBois fought the color lines of US imperialism on the global scale and were punished unmerciful for their proletarian internationalism; the US government withdrew their passports in an attempt to prevent them from continuing their work all over the world.
Tune in to listen to clips of Paul Robeson’s Portraits of the Artist box set and Eric Mann’s Playbook for Progressive, The 16 Qualities of the Successful Organizer, Katrina’s Legacy.
We also have Alan Minsky and Channing Martinez in the studio joining us for this amazing conversation about the masterful life, and work of Paul Robeson!
How do we stop the Biden administration from creating and implementing a new imperialist cold war against The People's Republic of China?
Also, as we create a Black and Brown, South Central Los Angeles, Third-World Alliance we talk about what it will take to bring oppressed people of the world together in solidarity, working toward peace and self-determination.
Good Morning Voices listeners! Tune in today at 3pm PST for a conversation with Eric Mann, Channing Martinez, and Jessica Meany from Investing in Place. Jessica and Channing will discuss the recent motion passed by the Metro Board for fareless transportation for k-12 and community college students and the newly introduced Bus Riders Union Motion for Free Public Transportation. Please find the full text of the Bus Riders Union Motion below. Please read the full text of the Bus Riders Union Motion and consider signing up to become a dues paying member of the Bus Riders Union Today. The Bus Riders Union Motion for Free Public Transportation The Bus Riders Union calls on Metro to implement complete free public transportation on buses and trains until January 2022. Thereafter we urge Metro to continue Free Public Transportation permanently. We urge board members who are not ready to continue the program to at the very most implement a $26 cap on any monthly passes indefinitely on the way to implementing a universal Free Public Transportation system. The universal $26 dollar pass shall not be tied to any low income programs and absolutely no income tests or self-attestation processes. We further call on Metro to implement a universal honor system and no enforcement of fares. Any additional dollars received by the Metro from state and federal sources shall be directed to support a Universal Free Public Transportation System.
This week on Voices From the Frontlines we hear from Marcy Winograd of Code Pink on the US's war economy, and California's recall election. We also get an update on Channing Martinez' work with the Police-Free Schools Coalition and their defunding of LA schools by 35%. Then Eric talks with us about the work that he is doing with China's Not the Enemy.
This week on Voices From the Frontlines, Eric and Channing speak with @DesireéLuckey, Director @URGE_org - Unite For Reproductive & Gender Equity, about Texas' new SB 8 anti-abortion law that went into effect last week, and may be a foreshadow of the Supreme Court overturning Roe V. Wade., thus amplifying and nationalizing the war on women.
We also hear Eric's recount of his friendship with the late Ed Asner and their work with United Auto Workers. Eric plays clips of Ed Asner’s narration, from the Film Tiger by the Tail, where he narrates the story of a union (United Auto Workers) trying stop GM from closing the Van Nuys plant.
We hear from Eric Mann speaking about his book Comrade George, and another excerpt from Angela Davis on her thoughts on George Jackson. Opening the show we hear a ballad from Matt Callahan and Yvonne Moore who wrote a book about the 99 books series.
We recap last weeks show, Part 1, and Eric goes through the 99 books that were found in George Jackson’s prison cell after he was assassinated.
This week on Voices From the Frontlines, Eric and Channing speak with Claude Marks and Nathaniel Moore of the Freedom Archives, about the life and legacy of George Jackson. We celebrate Jackson on the 50th anniversary of his assassination.
George Jackson was assassinated in San Quentin prison on August 21, 1971. The following week, the prison released an inventory of the items in his cell, including his library of 99 books.
FREE KEVIN “RASHID” JOHNSON AND ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS Eric Mann and Channing Martinez in Conversation with Shupavu Wa Kirima, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Intercommunal Black Panther Party, and wife and comrade of Rashid.
Eric Mann is in conversation with James Burke about lessons learned from the Just-Concluded New York City Mayor and City Council Elections: - On June 22nd, New Yorkers voted across the state in primary races New York City the largest city council in the U.S. (51 council members) voted to elected a new Mayor, new council members, borough presidents, District Attorney, and Comptroller - DSA and progressive/left groups worked from Buffalo to Brooklyn to elect socialist candidates aligned with Defund the Police, Green New Deal, and other key issues like social housing and funding for mass transportation - New York City voters experimented with Ranked Choice Voting which for the first time allowed voters to choose up to 5 candidates on their ballots - AOC and her affiliated PAC made key endorsements but failed to win the Mayor's race in which Eric Adams and former NYPD officer won on a campaign built on public safety - Progressive organizations put forward various slates of City Council endorsements, often overlapping in their endorsements. In some cases, as with the Working Families Party and the Democratic Socialists, an endorsement comes with different types of institutional support, from strategy consulting to volunteers to fundraising assistance. - The New York City Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), meanwhile, supported only six candidates in separate Council districts, concentrating resources on those who explicitly identify as socialists and noting that “12% of the City Council could be socialist.” Despite progressives losing the NYC Mayor's race in Buffalo, India Walton is on the path to becoming the mayor of Buffalo, New York – the first socialist mayor elected to a US city since 1960, when mayor Frank Zeidler of Milwaukee, Wisconsin left office.
James Burke, a long-time organizer in Harlem who worked on city council races will offer his insights into the role of progressives trying to impact the electoral arena and answer Eric’s and your questions.
This week Voices Radio rebroadcasts this incredibly important interview with Mary Louise Patterson.
She’s speaking with us about her book that she co-authored with Evelyn Louise Crawford, Letters From Langston; From the Harlem Renaissance to the Red Scare and Beyond!
Mary Louise Pattesron will in conversation with Eric and Channing about growing up with famous and most heroic parents, William L. Patterson and Lousie Thompson Patterson!
This interview is very moving. Mary tells us how she became aware of who her parents were in the world as she, herself, grew into the world. At different times her father was imprisoned and Mary was VERY grateful to have such political heavyweights in her life as extended Auntie’s and Uncle’s; Langston Hughes, Paul Robeson, W.E.B. De Bois, Altheus Huntons, James Jackson, Luis Bernum, etc. They were the best in the Black radical tradition who were comrades, friends, and extended family who were very close to Mary as she was growing into the world. As a Black person myself with a seemingly unlimited amount of “extended” (but we don’t call them extended) Auntie’s and Uncle’s, I/we know very well how important every last one of our Auntie’s and Uncle’s are in our lives, which makes us whole!!! Mary had some of the most prolific and monumental Black revolutionaries!
”At some point in one’s childhood or early adolescence, as one is intellectually maturing and becoming socially and politically conscious, one is faced with the need to accept or reject being or becoming like one’s parents. One can either accept or reject one’s parents place in history. I chose to accept mine, and in so doing, I was admitting a profound indebtedness to their major contribution to who and what I became—to whom I am today.” - MaryLouise Patterson
Give this episode a complete listen, comment, and email us at eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com and kiyana@voicesfromthefrontlines.com. We would love to hear what you think. We will be doing a lot more work with Mary and many other Black revolutionaries, past present, and future! JOIN US, the fight for liberation isn’t over!!!
This is SUCH an amazing show! This week on Voices From the Frontlines, Eric and Channing have a guest star; THE GREAT Mary Louise Patterson!!!
She’s speaking with us about her book that she co-authored with Evelyn Louise Crawford, Letters From Langston; From the Harlem Renaissance to the Red Scare and Beyond!
Mary Louise Pattesron will in conversation with Eric and Channing about growing up with famous and most heroic parents, William L. Patterson and Lousie Thompson Patterson!
This interview is very moving. Mary tells us how she became aware of who her parents were in the world as she, herself, grew into the world. At different times her father was imprisoned and Mary was VERY grateful to have such political heavyweights in her life as extended Auntie’s and Uncle’s; Langston Hughes, Paul Robeson, W.E.B. De Bois, Altheus Huntons, James Jackson, Luis Bernum, etc. They were the best in the Black radical tradition who were comrades, friends, and extended family who were very close to Mary as she was growing into the world. As a Black person myself with a seemingly unlimited amount of “extended” (but we don’t call them extended) Auntie’s and Uncle’s, I/we know very well how important every last one of our Auntie’s and Uncle’s are in our lives, which makes us whole!!! Mary had some of the most prolific and monumental Black revolutionaries!
”At some point in one’s childhood or early adolescence, as one is intellectually maturing and becoming socially and politically conscious, one is faced with the need to accept or reject being or becoming like one’s parents. One can either accept or reject one’s parents place in history. I chose to accept mine, and in so doing, I was admitting a profound indebtedness to their major contribution to who and what I became—to whom I am today.” - MaryLouise Patterson
Give this episode a complete listen, comment, and email us at eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com and kiyana@voicesfromthefrontlines.com. We would love to hear what you think. We will be doing a lot more work with Mary and many other Black revolutionaries, past present, and future! JOIN US, the fight for liberation isn’t over!!!
George Jackson, political prisoner, member of the Black Panther Party, author of the celebrated book Soledad Brother, was murdered by prison guards on August 21, 1971. This year, 2021, and this August, there will be celebrations of his life and work.
Eric discusses the life and work his comrades and Soledad Brother George Jackson.
While we think the Metro tried to do a good thing in passing the Fareless transportation initiative for K-12 students and for Community College students, we realize that in fact Metro board members simply can’t help themselves; they must have a “but”, the excuse for their infamous oppressive policies in everything they do. This is why in the same program includes the addition of self attestation of poverty, forcing 70% of its riders to prove poverty, an obvious civil rights and human rights violation. Then Board members go on to say yes, but only if we can find the money, and that's not counting the money for the shitty rail project in my district.
This week on Voices From the Frontlines:
Channing Martinez who is the Director of Organizing for the Labor Community Strategy Center, joins Eric remotely from the frontlines! In front of the Los Angeles Unified School District headquarters Channing is leading a rally in an effort to defund the police from Los Angeles schools and end the racist MTA apartheid.
The rally is calling for two things; #1 An expansion of the Black Student Achievement program, and an increase in the number of schools in the program. #2 Defund the Los Angeles Police Department from Los Angeles Unified School District schools entirely!
The Labor Community Strategy Center is at the intersection of challenging the police state, war-fare state, the climate justice liberation, and fighting for Black Liberation!
Eric shares with us a soon-to-be-published story that he wrote called The Black Moses and the Civil Rights Organizer; A Beautiful Connection, but Worlds Apart.
We also hear from listeners who are intersted in speaking up about issues in their communities, and what they think should be done about it.
Today on Voices From the Frontlines, we learn that Derek Chauvin, the finally convicted murderer of our dearly departed George Floyd, charged with three counts of second degree murder. Following the verdict, we outline our organizing efforts and next steps in removing police from LAUSD schools, and abolishing the police in general.
We also speak with Noel Hanrahan from Prison Radio. She gives us an update on Mumia Abu Jamal, who had open-heart surgery on Monday. We learn that Mumia's surgery was said to be a success, but we await his confirmation in that regard. We also outline our demands for Mumia's human rights to be restored which will allow for his healing; remove the shackles from his hands and feet, let him speak to his family, lawyers, spiritual council, and friends, give him proper healthy food, water, and healing medications if necessary... to name a few.
We continue the hour addressing the culture of militarized brutality in local police as well as the construction of the jails and prisons in the US.
Take a listen and let us know what you think.
Email us at: eric@voicesfromthefrontlines kiyana@voicesfromthefrontlines
And join us every Saturday at our Community Block Party from 10am-2pm at 3546 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Los Angeles, 90008
This week on Voices from the Frontlines: We honor Reese Erlich! Our dear friend Reese helped to initiate the Stop the Draft Week in Oakland, who worked for the Unity Newspaper of the League of Revolutionary Struggle, and became a well-respected journalist in support of the people of the Third World, died on April 6th, 2021. Eric & Reese remained friends for more than 40 years and Eric will be playing the last interview they did together, telling his reminiscences of him and Reese. Reese was a prolific author, with his most popular publication being Dateline Havana: The Real Story of US Policy and the Future of Cuba.
Eric will also tell the story of how he organized a successful group insurgency at the DMV.
“What kind of a police state we live in, that the FBI is in every organization, that everyones phone is tapped, that any organization is infiltrated by its very nature, and its virtually impossible to carry out good work without informants… with informants who are coming there purposely to intervene in the internal affairs of your organization, to take advantage of the conflicts, the so-called intelligence they’re getting, they’re watching… and of course, the very destructive role they played in the murder of Fred Hampton.” Eric Mann
Jacobin Magazine published an article attempting to seemingly provide an excuse or a reason for Fred Hampton's murder. Yet another one of America's smear campaigns against the prominent Black Panther leader. It's interesting how no smear campaign are created about the FBI who are entirely responsible for the murder of most if not ALL prominent Black leaders in the US and around the world... even today.
Madison Tang of Code Pink's "China is not the Enemy Campaign" speaks with Eric Mann about the challenge of changing the US' racist, imperialist, disinformation, and propaganda tactics regarding China's position on the global economic stage, relative to that of the the US', and its people.
Barbara Lott Holland, of The Bus Riders Union joins Eric in discussion regarding the "Call Out" for community members to speak out against the MTA Apartheid; MTA's proposed tests to see how a "no-fare" system would work, by requiring that riders prove their level of poverty. This will result in increased, radicalized transit-harassment, police brutality, and intimidation.
This week on Voices from the Frontlines, Eric Mann reflects on Sunday's Cold War Truth Commission panel discussion.
Beginning with talks from: Gail Walker/IFCO Pastors for Peace: The Historic Legacy of My Father: Rev. Lucius Walker, Medea Benjamin/Code Pink: The U.S. Cold War vs. African Liberation Struggles, Jodie Evans/Code Pink: Historical and Current U.S. Cold War Against China.
We then hear from Eric Mann: The Labor/Community Strategy Center Fighting Democratic Party Imperialism from Kennedy/Johnson to Clinton/Obama/Biden today: The Challenge to the Movement
We are deeply appreciative of the visionary leadership and generosity of Frank Dorrell of Addicted to War and Rachel Bruhnke of Witness for Peace for their steadfast hosting of the 9 hour marathon of brilliant and deeply moving testimony of some of the best anti-imperialist fighters challenging the Endless Wars of the U.S. imperialist white settler state
Tune in every Tuesday at 3:00p.m on 90.7 FM KPFK, and www.kpfk.org/player. Comments/question during the show? Call in at 3:45 to go live with Eric,(818) 985-5735. You can also email your comments, questions, and suggestions to eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com.
THIS SUNDAY... Join Eric Mann, Channing Martinez, Rachel Bruhnke, and Frank Dorrel; the co-chairs of this virtual event and conversation about the Cold War, at 1:00pm - 8:00pm, https://www.codepink.org/03212021
This is a public plea to hear the truth about the Cold War. The United States has been in covert and over wars for the last three generations. Find out WHY..., but more importantly come and learn from those whose shoulders we stand on, who fought against the system and succeeded in ways that allow you and I to be here. It's up to us now, to learn this fundamental history and to do our part to STOP these covert wars against humanity... starting with capitalism; the fuel of the Cold War.
Leonardo Flores and Marcy Winograd, from Code Pink, in conversation with Eric Mann in demand for the the US to end illegal sanctions against Venezuela.
https://www.codepink.org/03092021
- End Sanctions Against Venezuela
- U.S. Hands off Venezuela, Self-Determination for the Venezuelan people
- Support the rights of Afro-Venezuelans and Indigenous people and progressive people in Venezuela whose lives are being threatened by the U.S. government, Joe Biden, and Kamala Harris.
Learn about Bus Riders Union No Police on MTA Buses and Trains, Stop MTA Attacks on Black Passengers, Free Public Transportation, No Cars in L.A. Campaign MTA Board meeting March 25
- Vote No on MTA Motion to add another $110 million to the MTA policing budget used to attack Black, Latin@, women, disabled, and houseless passengers
- Stop MTA Transit Racism Now.
Eric Mann and Ayuko Babu, Director of the Pan African Film Festival, discuss some of the greatest films for immediate viewing for Voices From the Frontlines listeners, as well as some of the films which will be featured in the festival, currently under way. Dates: February 28th - March 14th.
In this episode of Voices from the Frontlines, Eric Mann talks with Jonah Raskin, a long-time comrade and friend, marijuana author and advocate. Raskin is a veteran of the Civil Rights Movement, the Ban the Bomb Movement, the environmental movements, the anti-imperialist movements. Eric and Jonah were both active with the Weather aboveground organization and discuss the lessons from their own perspective in support of Black Liberation and against the Vietnam War and U.S. imperialism. Jonah wrote “Out of the Whale: Growing up in the American Left and Eric wrote Comrade George: An Investigation into the Life, Political Thought, and Assassination of George Jackson.
Eric Mann also discusses the Bus Riders Union's organizing actions to stop the LA Metro Board's anti-Black proposal to expand the police budget by $110 million. Due to public pressure, led by the BRU, the MTA Board vote has been postponed until March 2021.
"We frame a lot of our work around two kind of framing slogans: We want the Social Welfare State, not the police state. We want the Climate Justice State, not the warfare state. And that allows us to deal with pretty much everything. Because the United States is a police state. It is a warfare state. And it is a climate criminal."
Support the Strategy Center's Campaign for Urban Reconstruction 1. FREE Public Transportation 2. STOP MTA Attacks on Black Passengers 3. NO Police on MTA Buses and Trains 4. NO Police in LAUSD Schools 5. NO Cars in LA
"We want a world without cars, without police pretty much. With a lot of Black and Latino people being able to breathe politically and biologically, as well.""
In this episode of #VoicesfromtheFrontlines, Channing Martinez discusses the struggle for Black Futures today at the LAUSD Board. Eric Mann reviews Judas and the Black Messiah, a great film, and reflects: "I was there at Fred Hampton's funeral."
Listen to #VoicesRadio LIVE every Tuesday from 3-4PM PST on KPFK / KPFK.org / 90.7FM. Call KPFK at (818)985-5735 or click here to donate $100 to KPFK and receive a complimentary copy of Playbook for Progressives: 16 Qualities of Successful Organizer.
All shows are archived on voicesfromthefrontlines.com. Please like, subscribe, and comment if you enjoyed the show. Stay connected with us on Spotify, Soundcloud, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen.
🎙Are you listening? Join the conversation with us! Call in on Tuesdays to (818)985-5735 to talk with Eric live, or email comments, questions, and suggestions to eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com.
Follow @EricMannSpeaks on Twitter for live tweets during the show.
Tune in to your Anti-Imperialist InvestmentAdvisor as Eric breaks down piece by piece an understanding of the Stockmarket, the role of shorts, what it means to squeeze shorts, hedge funds, and the importance of Black and Latinx working class investment in the Stock Market.
This is also a Fund drive show in which all listeners, including podcast listeners are encouraged to log on right now to kpfk.org to give a generous contribution to support KPFK and maintain important political programing like Voices from the Frontlines.
In this episode of Voices from the Frontlines, #EricMann reads from his unpublished #article:
"The Ghosts, Dreams, Bones, and Lives of the Oppressed Peoples must shape the Nightmares and Hopes of The Revolutionaries in the oppressor nations"
This article is the author's introduction of "Road for Revolutionaries: the 16 Qualities of the Transformative Organizer", the German translation of Playbook for Progressives: 16 Qualities of the Successful Organizer, by Eric Mann.
In this episode, Eric urges for more internationalism, as both perception and praxis, as he grapples with Europe's, specifically Germany's, history of fascism, #imperialism, #colonialism, and #racism and the undeniable parallel within the United States.
“If we’re trying to understand why 74 million people voted for Donald Trump … the roots between the Germans and the United States whites, the so called founding fathers, where they both had a theory of being a master race. As did the Spanish, as did the Portuguese. The role of Christianity, the role of whiteness, the role of perceiving the world as populated by people that were simply pre-German or pre-Portuguese, you know they were just there until the chosen people of their God will annihilate them."
Eric situates the contemporary revolution of anti-Fascists and anti-Imperialists within the history of European colonialism, and presents internationalism as a necessary factor for true liberation. We must acknowledge and understand the atrocities committed under the rule of imperialism, the highest form of capitalism, both globally and locally.
“We have the rise of fascism in Germany. We have the rise of fascism in every European country, and God knows we’ve had this close to a fascist seizure of power in the United States. But please don’t read me stories about genocide, I want to have a more pleasant day.”
Eric Mann provides archival and anecdotal evidence, and lays down the framework to enhance one's capabilities to be a truly transformative organizer.
"It’s the moral responsibility of Germans, and people all over the world to make sure that the German genocide in Africa is not lost in the so-called exalted silence of eternity, and to ensure the ghosts, dreams, bones and lives of the oppressed people must shape the nightmares and hopes of revolutionaries in the oppressor nations."
If you enjoyed the show, please like, comment and subscribe to our #podcast wherever you listen.
VoicesRadio airs LIVE from 3-4PM PST on @kpfk / KPFK.org / 90.7FM. All shows are archived on voicesfromthefrontlines.com.
🎙Are you listening? #jointheconversation with us! Call in on Tuesdays to (818)985-5735 to talk with Eric live, or email comments, questions, and suggestions to eric@civilrightsorganizer.com, or eric@voicesfromthefrontilnes.com
Originally aired 1/26/21.
On this episode of #VoicesRadio #EricMann reads his latest Counterpunch article: "Dr. #MartinLutherKing's challenge to the #movement as the Fascists Storm the #Capitol."
For the past 5 years, Eric Mann has been reflecting, re-publishing, and re-establishing the legacy of the great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“This year as with every year, we work to protect and expand Dr. King’s legacy from those who would bury it in a grave. We celebrate Dr. King as one of the great revolutionaries in U.S. and world history whose challenge to all of us shapes our work and should shape yours. Every year I reframe and publish this essay with the goal of expanding the discussion and debate about a Black and Third World led anti-racist, anti-imperialist, climate justice united front.”
Take #action as we continue to fight for #BlackLiberation, and #rights to the left of the #Democrats.
Directaction organizing is what we need. Agreement, trust, and willingness to fight is what we need. #You are who we need.
"... as our government practices "civil liberties" for the whites and mass round ups of the Blacks,, I urge readers from veterans of the #civilrightsmovement to the #young, #gifted, and #Black, #Latinx, #Indigenous leaders, to drill deep into Black #revolutionary history to present our choices."
TOMORROW, Thursday, January 21st, The Strategy Center will host it's first #virtualevent of 2021. Join us as Eric discusses, elaborates on, improvises from, and experiments with key ideas from this important article. We host movement #conversations to move us all to #action.
-
RSVP NOW: bit.ly/38XhWG5
- Read the full article on Counterpunch here: https://www.counterpunch.org/2021/01/18/dr-martin-luther-kings-challenge-to-the-movement-as-the-fascists-storm-the-capital/
Listen to #VoicesRadio LIVE from 3-4PM PST on @kpfk / KPFK.org / 90.7FM. All shows are archived on voicesfromthefrontlines.com.
🎙Are you listening? #jointheconversation with us! Call in on Tuesdays to (818)985-5735 to talk with Eric live, or email comments, questions, and suggestions to eric@civilrightsorganizer.com.
Originally aired 1/19/21.
It's time that the Civil Rights Movement once again confronts the Democrats and leads the fight against white fascists.
"So let's get it straight. Armed white fascists can protest, but the Civil Rights Movement cannot "counter-protest?" So much for painting Black Lives Matter on the street if the Black movement is barred from marching."
Eric reads from his latest Counterpunch article, and proposes a people's movement against Fascism.
"As I watch the fascist mobs with their white power confidence, I am asking myself how much more fight do I have in me? ... And yet, I want to fight. I want to push myself to put my body back on the line because I do not want the fascists and neoliberals to keep getting away with murder." - Eric Mann
Read the full article on Counterpunch here: https://www.counterpunch.org/2021/01/08/its-time-for-the-civil-rights-movement-to-once-again-confront-the-democrats-and-lead-the-struggle-against-the-white-fascists/
Email eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com to weigh in. Listen to Voices from the Frontlines every Tuesday at 3PM PST on KPFK / KPFK.org / 90.7FM.
Originally aired 1/12/21.
Happy to be back for a hopeful new year — less Trump, more Biden, and a lot more BLACK/LATINX/THIRD WORLD REVOLUTIONARY MOVEMENT BUILDING!
Towards that end, we present, and re-present Too Black to Fail—a radio play, future theater script, and screenplay in Magical Realism of revolutionary hope and possibility—written by Eric Mann.
Starring Toussaint L’Ouverture, Vo Nguyen Giap, Fannie Lou Hamer, Gil Scott-Heron, Emmett Till, and a cast of millions led by the Army of Underwater Revolutionaries, the 15 million enslaved Africans, who came back to help lead the revolution against the U.S. imperialist white settler state, along with the Black Communist Rebellion, from The Man in the High Castle.
Performed by Kiyana Williams, Channing Martinez, Barbara Lott-Holland, Brigette Amaya, and Eric Mann.
After listening, and becoming mesmerized and transfixed, please send comments and suggestions for performances to eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com.
Listen to Voices from the Frontlines every Tuesday, 3PM PST on KPFK kpfk.org / 90.7FM. All shows are archived on voicesfromthefrontlines.com
Eric Mann and Channing Martinez explore The Black Movement with this week’s Voices guests, Justin Blake, Tanya McLean, and Gregory Bennett Jr.
As an uncle, a family friend, and an organizer of Peace in the Streets Kenosha, our guests are primary sources for understanding Jacob’s situation. Throughout the interview, these activists emphasize Kenosha’s organizing actions, like the upcoming 30-mile protest, Walk for Justice, and how we all can help support Jacob, his family, and The Cause.
You can support Jacob Blake via Cashapp: $AERFoundation PayPal: education_youth@yahoo.com
Justice for Jacob's demands include District Attorney Michael D. Graveley pressing charges of Rusten Sheskey, as well as his arrest, indictment, and firing. They also demand Kyle Rittenhouse be tried in adult court, and that his mother be arrested.
Contact Erica Ness, Gregory Bennett Jr., and Tanya McLean for more information about how you can lend your support.
erica.ness@aerfoundation.com peaceinthestreetskenno@gmail.com tanya.mclean@aerfoundation.com
Listen to Voices from the Frontlines LIVE every Tuesday, 3PM PST on KPFK, 90.7FM, kpfk.org.
Support KPFK: https://www.kpfk.org/support-kpfk/
This week on Voices From the Frontlines, Eric Mann reads over 2020 Voting tips written by Lian Hurst Mann. Lian had has written a Make A Plan Today to Make Sure your vote counts paper explaining the multiple ways to get you vote to the elections office. In the second half of the show Channing Martinez and Eric Mann are joined in conversation with Veronica Carrizales, Policy and Campaign Director of California Calls, on Proposition 15, that would tax corporate real estate at higher levels while keeping home property tax the same. The Strategy Center urges "Yes!" on Proposition 15. Veronica ends with three ways to jump in the fight to pass prop 15. This Thursday October 8th join a Prop 15 Virtual Ballot Party: https://www.prop15forthefuture.com/ This Saturday October 10, 2020 Join Community Coalition at their Power Fest to support Prop 15: https://www.southlapowerfest.com/
Visit: https://www.mobilize.us/millionvotersproject/ to see all future Prop 15 related events including virtual phone banking
This afternoon, Eric Mann will speak on the terror of the new Supreme Court, the daily terror that Black people face, the challenges of the 2020 election, and the struggle for countervailing power on Voices from the Frontlines.
Eric will be in conversation with Alan Minsky, long-time great Program Director at KPFK and a representative of the Progressive Democrats of America.
Today's show serves as an organizers introduction to the progressive anti-Trump organizations. Together, we will examine the Progressive Democrats of America, Justice Democrats, Our Revolution, the Sunrise Movement, Democratic Socialists of America, and the Working Families Party. We will also highlight important Senate and Congressional races.
Eric Mann in Conversation with Reese Erlich
The 2020 elections -- What is at stake for those who want peace and non-U.S. intervention with China, Russia, Venezuela, Iran, and the Third World
September 29, 2020 | 3PM PST
September 29th at 6pm is the debate between Joseph Biden and Donald Trump. Much is at stake for the movement, and the country. But for those who support a Biden presidency, and those who care about the lives of people in the Third World (and some are both), this conversation is important as to what we can hope for, and what we can expect.
This afternoon, Eric Mann and Reese Erlich will examine the 2020 elections, specifically: what is at stake for those who want peace, and non-U.S. intervention with China, Russia, Venezuela, Iran, and the Third World?
Reese Erlich is a long-time activist/organizer/writer whose work goes back to the 1965 Stop the Draft Week in Oakland, and continues to this day. In 1968, he went to the Republic of Cuba, and has been a friend of their democratic, socialist, and anti-imperialist revolution ever since. This is reflected in his important book Dateline Havana: The Real Story of U.S. Policy and the Future of Cuba that Reese wrote with Stephen Kinzer.
Voices from the Frontlines is Excited to Feature
State Senator Maria Elena Durazo in Conversation about the bill she introduced
SB 1257 that grants Occupational and Safety Rights to Domestic Workers. Right now the bill
Is in front of Governor Gavin Newsome who has to sign it into law. While he may be predisposed to do the right thing we need every Voices listener to
Call Governor Newsome: 916-445-2841 to Sign SB 1257!
We will also be in conversation with an organizer and member of the National Domestic Workers Alliance who are providing great leadership on this campaign.
Let’s get 100+Voices listeners to call the Governor, “I support health and safety rights for domestic workers. Please sign Senate Bill 1257!”
Chisme Alert—Back in the day in 1989, four friends worked together— Maria Elena Durazo, in an historic fight, was elected president of Hotel and Restaurant Workers Union Local 11, now City Councilman Gil Cedillo was a staff person at Local 660 SEIU, Antonio Villaraigosa was an organizer for UTLA and Eric Mann was the director of the just formed Labor/Community Strategy Center.
Channing gives us an in-depth review of the film LoveCraft Country; a film about the racist 1950's in Chicago. Moreover, the show speaks to imperialist nature and culture of the United States through the lens of black people, echoed in the words of James Baldwin. Please take a look at this film and let us know what you think.
Eric talks to us about the Republican and Democratic parties and all of their false claims about and solutions to climate change, racism, and the United States' nefarious involvement in China and Taiwan.
Eric and Channing host a conversation on the national conversation around the upcoming elections. Trump, Joe Biden and his the newly announced Vice Presidential running mate, Kamala Harris, and the Democrats have all put out clear and dangerous agenda's for the country, where is the movements national agenda.
We think the upcoming August 28th Black National Convention hosted by Movement for Black Lives will be an important milestone.
In light of the president's private police force storming into cities, Biden not defending the national surge of energy around defending the police, and the Democrat's ambivalence, we'll speak about the importance of bringing demands for Black people to the national level to challenge Biden and the Democrats.
Tune in to hear the full show!
An amazing conversation with an amazing man who has lived an amazing life and written 2 amazing books.
In 1952, a Communist, a Jew, and a U.S. soldier stationed in Germany, fearing imprisonment under the McCarren Act if he returned, decided to defect to East Germany. Not as the dancers or athletes from the Soviet Union whose defection, orchestrated by the CIA, are made into front page news in praise of U.S. imperialism, but simply as a man swimming across the Danube River to an uncertain future in a nation and system he had only imagined. He lived, loved, and built East Germany from 1952 until its final defeat by the capitalist west in 1990, and even now, 30 years later, he is able to discuss, dissect, and defend, not without a critical eye, The German Democratic Republic (GDR) was the anti-Fascist Germany that was finally defeated by the Fascist U.S. and West Germany. Grossman’s brilliant exposure of how almost all the anti-fascists went to East Germany and almost all the German fascists went to West Germany and the U.S. is almost too painful to read.
I met Victor Grossman (born Stephen Wechsler) through my dear friend Victor Wallis, long-time editor of Socialism and Democracy who introduces me to a lot of great people. When Lian Hurst Mann and I were in Berlin as guests of the Rosa Luxembourg Foundation that had invited her to speak I was able to visit Victor Grossman in his modest but more than ample apartment in which he has lived for decades—now on Karl Marx Allee. Victor puts out a monthly political commentary on Germany and the world that is brilliant. He is 92, goes for long walks, has a sharp mind and wit, and I am honored to know him. He will be up at midnight Berlin time so he can speak to Voices Listeners. I strongly urge you to get his book: A Socialist Defector: from Harvard to Karl Marx Alle (thanks to Monthly Review Press) online, as I hope it will also be in our Strategy and Soul bookstore very soon.
My main takeaway from reading his brilliant history is that East Germany, with only 1/3 of Germany, the least wealthy part of the nation, surrounded by the U.S., the West Germany economy propped up by U.S. imperialism right after the war at the same time it tried to destroy the Soviet Union, really had no chance to breathe and was fortunate, through its own courage, to last 45 years! As the U.S. now moves to war with China, Russia, Iran, Venezuela, Cuba, and any other country that simply wants to live in peace without U.S. intervention, we need to listen to Victor’s dire warnings about U.S. plans to start another world war if needed to destroy any semblance of opposition to its objectives.
In 2014, after the 25th anniversary of the Strategy Center, Eric Mann went to Jackson Mississippi, along with Julian Lamb
This week on Voices From the Frontlines, I had a wonderful reunion with some Voices listeners, and as we celebrate the life and mourn the death of civil rights giant John Lewis, I choose to also celebrate the life and mourn the death of Julian bond, as the two of their lives were deeply intertwined. John Lewis died on July 17, 2020. Julian Bond died on August 15, 2015. John Lewis, along with Julian, was a founder of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. He was an influential member of Congress and the subject of many books and films—including the excellent just-produced John Lewis, Good Trouble. The film recounts the historic race for the U.S. Congress in 1986 in which John Lewis defeated Julian Bond.
Bond had won a seat in the Georgia state legislature in 1965% but the racist body refused to seat him because of his endorsement of SNCC’s statement opposing U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. The voters in his district reelected him in both a special election and a regular election in 1966, but the legislature barred him each time. Finally, in December 1966, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the exclusion unconstitutional, and Bond was sworn in on January 9, 1967. In the film, it brings back the historic race for Congress between two old friends and comrades, Bond and Lewis, and explains, painfully, some of the conflicts between them. Also, Lewis makes clear he rejected the teachings of Malcolm X, rejected Black nationalism, and also rejected the concept of Black Power put forth at the time by Stokely Carmichael and Willie Ricks at the time. It also makes it clear that Bond, who had been elected to the Georgia State Legislature, was favored by Black voters by a 60% to 40% margin over Lewis. But Lewis received 80% of the white vote and Bond only 20% that created Lewis’ margin of victory.
Tune in, listen to the show and tell us what you think; eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com!
This Week on Voices Eric presents three great news bits on movements around the nation.
1) SF Bay View needs your help to continue the wonderful work they're carrying out in a moment of both transition, and hardship. Eric reads a great appeal from Mary Ratcliff. You can go on even before the show to support here: https://bit.ly/38SOvDD
2) In a great victory for Indigenous Land Rights, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Muscogee (Creek) nation today 5-4 rule in a significant portion of Oklahoma is indeed Indian Territory.
3) A Great Berlin Bulletin from Victor Grossman, currently in East Germany entitled BreakUps and Leaks on the breaking down of the relationship between the U.S. and Germany via the German Federal Republic.
Eric and Channing put in a lot of work to making the show happen each week, but haven't had the response sought after. we really want to hear from you this week. Please email your show responses to eric@voicesfromthefrontlines and channing@thestrategycenter.org
Listen to Voice from the Frontlines today at 3pm PST on KPFK 90.7fm OR use the button below to Stream the show live on KPFK.
In 1949 Paul Robeson was forced to testify in front of the House Committee on Un-American Activities Committee (disgusting just by its name) but Robeson turned the tables and put them and the whole country on trial. In our present period, Robeson shows the great value of Black, pro-communist, Pan Africanist, anti-imperialists. His dignity and courage in the face of what barbarism is almost impossible to imagine. But do imagine and do tune in.
In the second segment Eric and Channing reflect on the Strategy Center’s role in the united front to Defund the LA School Police Department—led by Black Lives Matter LA and Students Deserve and board member Monica Garcia—and our historic victory that cut $25 million from their budget—a 37% cut and the resignation of its police chief. We study history, we write history and we make history.
We are very enthusiastic that LAUSD School Board member Monica Garcia will introduce a motion at the 2020 Budget Vote to cut the LASPD budget by 50%—$35 million from their $67 million budget
Please work with Black Lives Matter, Students Deserve, Brothers Sons Selves, Inner City Struggle, and yes, the Strategy Center
To get the LAUSD tomorrow to cut $35 million from their $67 million or more budget and move those funds to Black students and schools.
This is not just about cutting their budget, it is cutting their power in more than half, a massive vote of no confidence in the LASPD, a massive victory for the Black Liberation Movement,
For the Black, Latinx, and third World Alliance. We want more than taking Aunt Jemima off the box. We don’t care that Amazon now says Black Lives Matter next to an ad for Amazon Prime. We want to Defund Police, Defund the LASPD now.
Here is how you can help
Call in at 8:30am to make a Public Comment Call 1-669-900-6833 and enter Meeting ID 981 7435 3474 from their telephone keypad. Then press #, and then # again when prompted for the Participant ID. Callers will be placed on hold until it is their turn to speak. Send a Tweet to the Board Today Call the Board Members Right Now
Call the Board Members right now to urge them to vote for a $35 Million cut to the LASPD Budget at tomorrows board meeting, and email us to let us know.
Austin Beutner, Superintendant (213) 241-7000
George McKenna, Board Member District One (213) 241-6382
Monica Garcia, Board Member District Two, (213) 241-6180
Scott Schmerelson, Board Member District Three, (213) 241-8333
Nick Melvoin, Board Member District Four, (213) 241-6387
Jackie Goldberg, Board Member District Five, (213) 241-5555
Kelly Gonez, Board Member District Six, (213) 241-6388
Richard Bladovic, Board Member District Seven, (213) 241-6385
In June of 2020 a group of Black and Third World revolutionaries, from Harlem, South Central, Minneapolis, Cape Town, London, Beijing, Caracas, Havana, met in Nairobi, Kenya at a clandestine strategy meeting. Already in deep dialogue, one of the delegates began cautiously, to share her dream. But as she told it to the first comrade, he said, with excitement but also a sense of self-protection to avoid being seen as delusional, that he had also had that dream. But there was a too impossible to believe outcome. Dozens, not hundreds, not thousands, but yes, dozens of people—all leading the Black and Third World resistance to the present racist onslaught—had experienced the same dream. Not sort of the same, but word by word, step by step, the same. And each time one person described a point in the plot the next person could finish the sentence. That lead to an escalation of the resistance and if it can be believed, a future belief that a collapse of the U.S. Imperialist White Settler state was possible and a revolutionary government could come to power. I have been honored that they shared this story with me. And after going through channels, they have allowed us to tell their story. It is being recorded in June 2020 but as you will see, the events we describe have already happened—for now we are in January 2021. They allowed us to record their dreams with the hope that their revolutionary experiment in magical realism could come true. But also to document their visionary power. For who would have believed in January 2021 that a group of Black and Third World revolutionaries could not just predict the future of history— but make that history happen! And as you will see, they did. If for any reason you learn of this before the events of July 2020 to January 2021 take place, you must swear yourself to secrecy. This entire scenario was actualized because the revolutionaries kept their dreams to themselves—until they made them happen. But what a story. It begins with how the Too Black to Fail Movement added another battalion to the growing revolutionary army against the U.S. Imperialist white settler state and how the Army of Revolutionary Ancestors… but I am getting ahead of my story. Listen, as the Black and Third World revolutionaries tell their own story. But you must swear that you will not tell others about it. Eric Mann
The Strategy Center is seizing the moment with grateful love for Black protest and the work of Black Lives Matter LA, LA Schools Students Deserve, Alliance for Educational Justice, CJSF, and others. Eric Mann, Channing Martinez, Brigette Amaya, Gionna Magdelano, Kim Rochal, Angeles and Kassandra Soriano take time to read the powerful letter just sent to LAUSD demanding No Police in LAUSD Schools. Tune in today at 3pm PST and don't forget to make a contribution to KPFK. #PoliceFreeSchools #NoPoliceinLAUSD #Defund #Decriminalize #Demilitarize #EndWarOnYouth
Eric and Channing host a conversation about the great 2020 Black led rebellions happening now nationwide. Eric speaks about the role of the Media, the Democrats, and Los Angeles Bernie Sanders Supporters in the time of mass protests and attacks on the Black community.
Channing speaks about his LA CD10 electoral campaign in which one of his primary platform demands called for a 50% cut to the LAPD budget.
Eric Mann and Channing Martinez hoist a conversation with Gregory Jenkins on Climate change and COVID 19 in Africa. Gregory Jenkins is a professor of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science, Geography, and African Studies at Penn State University. Dr. Jenkins also works closely in African nations to create infrastructure to combat the effects of climate change on the African continent.
The second half of the show is a rebroadcast of our 2018 tribute to the great Lorraine Hansberry. in the Clip Eric Mann praises the role to the Black Anti-Imperialist Pro Communist Pro Feminist tradition and its role in the Black Freedom Movement as we listen to a clip of Lorraine Hansberry making the decision to support the 1960's Stall In Actions.
Tune in and engage! eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com
A Compelling, Challenging, and Urgent Discussion of COVID 19 and the great challenges for social, racial, and climate justice organizers Laurie Barrett—author of the The Coming Plague: Newly Emerging Diseases in a World Out of Balance
Her hair-raising, sober, and chilling assessment of the COVID 19 Virus in discussion with Anderson Cooper and Dr. Sanjay Gupta
COVID 19 and the Challenge to Organizers in Black, Latino(a) and low-income communities
And all racial, social, and climate justice organizers IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT, PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE SHOW FROM OUR GREAT WEBSITE, VOICESFROMTHEFRONTLINES.COM AND REGISTER ON OUR WEBSITE,
CHECK US OUT OUR PODCAST ON APPLE, SOUNDCLOUD,STICHER
YOU HAVE 168 HOURS THIS WEEK AND EVERY WEEK—MAKE ONE OF YOUR BEST LISTENING TO VOICES EACH WEEK
Eric’s summary of key points that will be discussed based on Laurie Barrett’s brilliant assessment
This is a brand new microbe never seen on planet earth before.
The U.S. death toll is 75 thousand and the world death toll is 316,000 always getting larger
We need a vaccine that is a “home run” and must be produced for all 7.5 Billion people on the planet
If not successfully eradicated may get out slowly all over planet and hope the virus does not mutate
The Rich countries must give massive aid and income transfers to the poor countries.
Eric adds this is an anti-imperialist challenge to today’s movement-every social justice group must be evaluated by its concrete aid to the Third World
The Strategy Center is raising this challenge to ourselves
The leadership of the Cuban medical brigades must be acknowledged and emulated.
We urge all members, staff, and organizers to listen to this compelling conversation and send email responses to Eric@Voicesfromthefrontlines.com and Channing@thestrategycenter.org
We hear two of Voices From the Frontlines greatest conversations with Mumia Abu Jamal about the Manticide of the youth, followed by a report by Channing Martinez from the Youth Justice Coalition (YJC) and the treatment of people in the justice system during this pandemic.
Tune in to www.kpkf.org/player for full content.
Eric Mann and Channing Martinez host an organizers conversation with Gionna Magdelano, Angeles Soriano, Kassandra Soriano, students at Ouchi High School and Graduates of the Strategy Center's Transformative Organizing Summer Internship Program. Gionna, Angeles, and Kassandra lead the Taking Action Club at Ouchi High School and are Strategy Center Interns working with lead organizer Brigette Amaya.
together they host a conversation on The Strategy Center’s Campaign for Urban Reconstruction--Free Public Transportation/Stop MTA Attacks on Black Passengers/No Cars in LA
Learn about this organizing work at www.thestrategycenter.org
Please join our movement by emailing us at info@thestrategycenter.org.
Leave a phone number and we'll call you back! Listen to Voice from the Frontlines today at 3pm PST on KPFK 90.7fm OR use the button below to Stream the show live on KPFK.
The Covid-19 Virus and the Attack on Black People in Amerika
The victory of Students Deserve. BLMLA, the LAUSD Board and Superintendent Austin Beutner—
Agreeing on Universal Passage for all Students for All Classes and Move to Graduation
The Bus Riders Union Campaign for Free Student Passes for All LAUSD Students and Free Public Transportation for All MTA Bus and Rail Riders
Social connection amid Social Distancing and the Revolutionary role of parenting, grandparenting, family and Diary of a Wimpy Kid at this point in history
Listen to the full show
Go to www.BLMLA.org for more information on Black Lives Matter's current campaigns and work. Visit their social media profiles: Twitter: @BLMLA Instagram/Facebook: @BLMLosAngeles
Go to www.thestrategycenter.org for more information on the Bus Riders Union's current campaigns and work. Visit their social media profile: Twitter/ Instagram: @Fight Soul Cities Facebook: @BusRidersUnion
Conversation with Talia Shire on her new film Working Man
Talia Shire, best known for her role as Connie Corleone in the Godfather Films and Adrian Balboa in the Rocky films discusses her new film Working Man. Also starring Peter Gerrety as Allery Parker and Billy Brown as Walter Brewer Working Man is a moving film about what happens to workers when their plants close down—a never ending story under capitalism with so many different plots and endings. This is a fine film and we thank Richard Alaniz from the KPFK Film Club for making the connection with the producers. Also reach out to the Strategy Center for the story of the most successful movement against plant closings in which Voices host Eric Mann was the lead organizer—along with Pete Beltran, Mark Masaoka and Jake Flukers, the Campaign to Keep GM Van Nuys Open. This is reflected in the wonderful film Tiger by the Tail directed by Michal Goldman. Working Man will be released on May 5th to video on demand. For more information visit www.workingmanmovie.com
Fly Michael Fly
Eric Mann discusses The Last Dance—HBO’s 10 Part Documentary on the Chicago Bulls’ struggle to win their 6th NBA Title in 1997-1998 starring Michael Jordan. While there are many political themes that he will discuss throughout this commentary focuses on Michael Jordan’s impossible-to-believe-without seeing phenomenal athleticism, will, and athletic intelligence—and the great role played by University of North Carolina coach Dean Smith in helping Michael hone his skills and his worldview.
No Cars in LA and Free Public Transportation in LA—an Idea who’s Time Has Come
Join Eric as he asks your involvement in the Strategy Center and Bus Riders Union Campaign for No Cars in LA/Free Public Transportation campaign with the chance to win real victories during the COVID 19 crisis in which those demands are as practical s they are visionary and revolutionary. Check this out at theStrategycenter.org
The Covid Virus and the Attack on Black People in Amerika The victory of Students Deserve. BLMLA, the LAUSD Board and Superintendent Austin Beutner— Agreeing on Universal Passage for all Students for All Classes and Move to Graduation The Bus Riders Union Campaign for Free Student Passes for All LAUSD Students and Free Public Transportation for All MTA Bus and Rail Riders Social connection amid Social Distancing and the Revolutionary role of parenting, grandparenting, family and Diary of a Wimpy Kid at this point in history
Voices from the Frontlines: In Conversation with Gina Womack Director of Families and Friends of Louisiana's Incarcerated Children
Aired: March 31, 2020 @3pm PST
Today on Voices radio Eric will be hosting a conversation with Gina Womack, Director of Families and Friends of Louisiana's Incarcerated Children (FFLIC). Gina will speak about FFLIC's work to release all incarcerated youth in Louisiana in light of the Corona Virus Pandemic.
We're working to have Voices from the Frontlines stay relevant during the COVID19 quarantine and encourage you help us builf the show. Please visit www.voicesfromthefrontlines.com to listen to all past shows. You can access the podcast of the show on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Google Play, Stitcher, Tune In, and Blubrry.
Eric and Channing want to hear from you, please send letters to eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com in the next few weeks we're working to highlight the work of organizers working around issues exasperated by the COVID19 pandemic, and to bring you the latest medical news around COVID19, please reach out to us if you're working in this capacity, or want to make a connection. We have to have a better connection with groups, we'll also consider having regular corespondents on the show.
Eric offers a detailed review of our society as reflected by these two films. Listen to Eric and Channing talk about the film Sorry We Missed You, as they draw out the critical thought that takes place in the film, meant to make us think about our roles as consumer in this consumer culture.
We also welcome back Co-Host and Producer of Voices From the Frontlines, Channing Martinez. He talk to us about his City Council campaign. Welcome back Channing!!!
Read Eric's articles from CounterPunch, and take a listen to the show.
https://www.counterpunch.org/2020/01/31/films-from-the-frontlines-bong-joon-hos-parasite/
https://www.counterpunch.org/2020/03/06/films-from-the-frontlines-sorry-we-missed-you-ken-loachs-stirring-exposure-of-capitalist-speed-and-consumers-greed/
Eric in conversation with Zach Norris, author of the new book We Keep Us Safe: Building Secure, Just, and Inclusive Communities, an investigation of new ideas in ending the prison system and the mass incarceration of Black and Latino people.
Zach is the director of the Ella Baker Center in Oakland, a young veteran now in the larger social justice movement, and a graduate of the Labor/Community Strategy Center's National School for Strategic Organizing. We look forward to later "going to the phones" to hear the voices of our wonderful listeners who we hope are taking very good care of themselves and have our best wishes and love.
Today on Voices from the Frontlines:
Conversation with Yves Piat, director and screenwriter “Nefta Football Club–nominated for best short film for Academy Award Nefta Football Club–nominated for best short film (live action) for Academy Award.
Eric Mann, in-studio conversation with Yves Piat, director and writer of Nefta Football Club, nominated for Academy Award for short film, live action. In the south of Tunisia at the border with Algeria, two football fan brothers bump into a donkey lost in the middle of the desert. Strangely the animal wears headphones over its ears. The brothers journey to discover the significance of the white powder in its backpack while the donkey’s original masters desperately try to find it as well. This sets the scene for the brothers magical resolution of the mystery.
This is a clever, very funny, thoughtful, film set in Tunisia, along with another nominated film, Brotherhood by Meryam Joobeur that Eric has also viewed.
The Great Hope for a Free Student Pass on MTA Buses and Trains Eric reports from the recent MTA meeting and the exciting motion for free student passes introduced by MTA board member Hilda Solis with support from Mayor Eric Garcetti and City Councilman Mike Bonin with the initiative of by LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner and LAUSD board members. This builds on the Bus Riders Union’s 20 year campaign for free public transportation for all MTA bus and train passengers. If this is passed in June it could be a great gift to students and parents and a chance to dramatically increase MTA ridership and dramatically decrease Greenhouse gases. We need Voices listeners to join the Bus Riders Union Free Public Transportation Coalition.
Eric will read sections from his essay, All Hail the Revolutionary King
Martin Luther King Jr. and the Black Revolutionary Tradition
Review of Parasite by Bong Joon-ho: A brilliant, terrific, pathbreaking film that raises the questions, "Who exactly is the parasite?" "Who are the parasites?" And, the hardest one of all, "How do you know that you are not a parasite????"
And if time allows, "The New York Times endorsement of Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar--who gives a damn!" (and if not, you get the point already).
Today on voices: How do we build a movement against assassinations, and defending the humanity of General Quasem Soleimani.
As the strongest military power in the world with virtually no history of fighting a war on its own stolen soil, the U.S. is virtually impervious to the consequences of its brutality. The assassination of Iranian General Kasem Soleimani was a terrible act of inhumanity but even Iran's measured and in fact muted response indicates a terrible reality--after the U.S. murdered General Soleimani, even if one "American" life would be lost in self-defense the U.S. would launch merciless air strikes and murder countless civilians and soldiers. The U.S. does not a viable anti-war movement and with all the self-righteousness of groups calling for "no war in Iran" Nancy Pelosi dresses up to mock Arabs and Muslims and Bernie Sanders opposition to the murder as "an assassination that violates international law" is followed by the most racist and hawkish slander of every other government in the world—creating a de-facto support for or at least justification of Trump's act of murder.
Today we will examine this in great detail and again ask the supporters of Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Elizabeth Warren to engage this catastrophe with a sense of introspection and activism inside those campaigns.
(CNSNews.com) - Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), a 2020 presidential contender, told CNN's Anderson Cooper Monday night that the missile attack on Iran's Gen. Qasem Soleimani was an "assassination" that violated "international law."
This week on Voices Radio: Eric talks about building up Voices From the Frontlines. We want feedback for the show. Email us at eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com with ideas, comments, questions, concerns, community information, etc. We are building a community and a movement. Also, if you hear us talking about organizations that are doing great work, please contact them and tell us about it. Change happens from every angle. Become a change maker.
CHALLENGE OF THE DAY: Get 5 friends to become Voices listeners, by first signing up on www.voicesfromthefrontlines.com, listen to us on Sound Cloud, Tune In, Apple Podcast, Stitcher and Google Play. Then like and follow up on Facebook and Twitter at EricMannSpeaks, and on IG, voicesfromthefrontlines. Here are the 5 asks;
Send Eric an email Get people to listen to the show, Tuesday’s from 3pm-4pm Listen to the show. Help others in the movement Listen to the podcast if you don’t listen to the show. Eric offers some really deeply rooted wisdom: The headline that the Nation Magazine published, “Trump’s Distraction by Assassination: The killing to Iran’s Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani [Qasem Soleimani] took the public’s attention away from Trump’s upcoming trial in the Senate. This new crisis, though, has no visible off-ramp. Eric points out omission of Soleimani’s humanity, by Nation Magazine, in this headline. Soleimani is a human being that was murdered by the US, not some excuse for a distraction. We must learn to recognize each others humanity FIRST!!! Eric talks about his commentary about Gen. Soleimani: The murder of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, is the latest of so many murder and assassinations beginning with the assassination of Native American leaders is part of the long tradition of the barbarism of US assassination of its political opponents. This democratic and republic tactic raised to a horrible crescendo by President Barak Obama through is escalation of his use of drone murders is rooted in the US imperialist effective ideology that the US is always under attack. The US has a department of defense. It used to be called the department of war, at least then, it was honest. The US doesn’t need any defense. The US is attacking every siege country. The US has CIA agents in the every country n the world. The work id under attack by our government and our system. This intern is deeply rooted in the mindset of the white-settler state and the white settlers themselves. When the US was built, it was built by white people coming from Europe to invade the Americas where there were already 100 million indigenous inhabitants. How can people come onto a continent of 100 million people and murder 90 million of them? The reason is because they believe that they were being attacked by the indigenous people? How can people believe that? Because the indigenous people rejected christianity so we have to murder them because they are attacking our religion. That is the thinking of the white-settler state. The aggressor is always the hurt party in the psychopathology of imperialism! Please note: No longer can we say that the white-settler state is white people anymore. At this point, it the the white settler state is a social formation of imperialism that implicates all of us unless we are active to resist it’s ideology, privileges, benefits and the complicity that we all share.
Eric also examines Gwyneth Paltrow’s interview about her new luxury lifestyle brand, Goop. He reenacts the interview in a way that communicates the absurdly superficial and damaging parts of this society that prevent us from becoming self-aware and renders us hypnotized, complicate and active in imperialism.
We also examine the new film Just Mercy about the life of Civil Rights Attourney Brian Stevenson. A film about courage, the racism of the US society, the cruel and unusual punishment of the death penalty, and the world.
Take a listen to the whole show and tell us what you think!
Call on Bernie Sanders to withdraw his call to overthrow the government of Venezuela.
"Let me be very clear. Anyone who does what Maduro does is a vicious tyrant. We need international and regional cooperation for free elections so the Venezuelan people can create their own future."
- Bernie Sanders, Democratic Debate Sunday September 12, 2019
Call his office today, Bernie Sanders: (202) 224-5141 also try 202-866 220 0044 which works well especially between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. Pacific time to get to them during working hours, 9-5 in Eastern time zone
Eric Mann thanks Voices listeners who called Senator Sanders to repudiate his position on Venezuela. Eric engages his critic who believes that his statement that Senator Sanders is calling for the overthrow of Venezuelan President Maduro is exaggerated and "fraudulent".
Keep Calling Senator Sanders and demand he stop his call for the overthrow of the government of Venezuela.
I was dismayed to find in my morning email the demand that Bernie Sanders "withdraw his call to overthrow the government of Venezuela." While there is reason to object to Sanders’s answer to moderator Jorge Ramos's question on why he refuses to call Nicholas Maduro a dictator, to conclude that Bernie made such a call to overthrow a government is fraudulent.
Sanders in fact supports the opposite position. Rather than backing the U.S. practice of inserting a leader it "likes," he has never once deviated from his belief that it is the right of the people of Venezuela to decide what kind of government they want.
People who took umbrage at Sanders’s remarks should call his office to complain. That is what a healthy democracy looks like. Sanders deserves to be called out for his erroneous profile of Venezuela, and many of us did not waste time to do so. On the morning after the debate, several of us contacted members of Sanders's team. We took the trouble to supply them with recent and reliable information, and forwarded articles and the names of informed sources for their further investigation. But loosely applied pejoratives like “vicious tyrant” cannot be criticized more than loosely applied pejoratives like “racist” and “lunatics.” As a point of fact, I have not identified myself as a Sanders supporter. I offer my comments in the strict belief that these important issues should be met with hard facts, not easy mockery. --Patricia Dahl
As a Sanders supporter, I applaud your opinion on his position on Venezuela. Sanders is WRONG on this one. Thank you and continue the fight!!!! --Nelson P.
--Frank Dorrel addicted to war circulated it Sent from Rachel Bruhnke: sojournerrb@yahoo.com. Dear Eric: I'm with you 100% on demanding Sanders withdraw his call to overthrow the government in Venezuela!
Hi Eric! I’m great Sanders supporters but I’m 100% agree with regarding Venezuela as we’ll Syria. I just hope he hires someone with more knowledge about foreign Policy --Jorge M.
I have been a Bernie fan since before the last election. I voted for Bernie in the last election primary. I have been an enthusiastic supporter of and donator to his campaign this time around. But the remarks on Maduro and Venzuela in the last democratic debate have made it impossible for me to contribute further. I call on Bernie Sanders to back down his repudiation of Maduro, and his call for foreign intervention in Venezuela - not his exact words, but let's not play dumb here. --Vince M.
Listen to Voice from the Frontlines today at 3pm PST on KPFK 90.7fm OR use the button below to Stream the show live on Facebook.
Call on Bernie Sanders to withdraw his call to overthrow the government of Venezuela.
"Let me be very clear. Anyone who does what Maduro does is a vicious tyrant. We need international and regional cooperation for free elections so the Venezuelan people can create their own future."
Bernie Sanders, Democratic Debate Sunday September 15
Call his office today, Bernie Sanders: (202) 224-5141
"Senator Sanders. Withdraw your demand for an international force to invade Venezuela. U.S. Hands off Venezuela. Stop your slander of President Nicolas Maduro, issue an apology to the Venezuelan people, and join the anti-intervention movement now!"
Sanders attack on Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro was in response to the challenge to his socialism by anti-communist Univision commentator Jorge Ramos.
"You admit that Venezuela does not have free elections and yet you refuse to call Maduro a dictator. Can you explain why and what are the differences between your kind of socialism and that being imposed on Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua."
Sanders imperialist socialism is an attack on the self-determination of the people of Venezuela and Latin America and the peace, non-intervention, and anti-imperialist movements
This is the answer that any decent human being and any decent Sanders supporter would have expected. It is the retraction and new statement that we demand he make now!
"To begin with, his name is duly elected President Nicolas Maduro. Calling him "Maduro" is racist and insulting. I believe that the nations of Latin America have the right of self-determination. It is our government our CIA, that is destabilizing the government of Venezuela the way they have done so to El Salvador, Nicaragua, Cuba in the past since the Monroe Doctrine. I am worried that we have so many Black people in prison in the U.S., have violated the human and voting rights of Black and Latinos, that we cannot have free elections in the U.S. I call on the U.N. to intervene in the U.S. to protect our voting rights now. I would never call for a "regional and international force" (which simply means the U.S. government) to call for "free elections" when in fact Nicolas Maduro was elected through free elections. I do not want to in any way lead to the violent overthrow and possible assassination of President Maduro by repeating the lies of calling him a "vicious tyrant'" I want to distance myself from the U..S. ideology expressed by Henry Kissinger just before the fascist coup in Chile that assassinated duly elected President Salvador Allende." “I don’t see why we need to stand by and watch a country go communist because of the irresponsibility of its own people.” —Henry Kissinger, June 27, 1970
Listen to Voice from the Frontlines today at 3pm PST on KPFK 90.7fm OR use the button below to Stream the show live on Facebook.
Left Coast Forum: The Centrality of Race and the Urgency of Movement-Building.
Friday to Sunday, October 11-13, 2019
Where: Occidental College, 1600 Campus Road, Los Angeles
Register: https://lcf-19-tickets.eventbrite.com
Keynote speakers include Marianne Williamson, Melina Abdullah, Sonali Kolhatkar, Mario Solis Marich, Dominique DiPrima, and Lisa Bloom
Check out the Voices from the Frontlines Plenary Panel
Saturday October 11 at 2:30 PM
How the Racial, Social, and Climate Justice Movements can play an independent role in the 2020 Presidential Election Eric Mann, panel chair, host, KPFK Voices from the Frontlines and panel chair, author, Playbook for Progressives: The 16 Qualities of the Successful Organizer
Channing Martinez, producer of Voices and candidate for the 10th City Council District in L.A.
Sharon Kyle, co-editor L.A. Progressive, co-chair Left Coast Forum
Dick Priceco, editor L.A. Progressive, co-chair Left Coast Forum
Brigette Amaya, Lead Organizer Labor Community Strategy Center in L.A. high schools
We need a broad united front to defeat Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election.
We need an independent social movement to the left of and independent of the Democratic Party to put forth a clear anti-racist, anti-imperialist, climate justice program to pressure the candidates and strengthen our own movement.
How can we bring an independent political program into the 2020 elections?
Whether the Democrats or Trump are elected what is our own long-term plan for influence and power?
Stop the US Wars against Russia and China.
Reparations for Black People for the Continuing Crimes of the Transatlantic Slave Trade Today.
Immediate Hiring of Black People for 50% of all public and private sector jobs now!
U.S. Out of Venezuela, Afghanistan, Iraq and the World.
Stop all US. Aid to Israel, stop the Israeli blockade of Gaza, support the Palestinian Resistance, Support Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions.
Shut down all 800 U.S. military bases and 1,719 state prisons, 102 federal prisons, 942 juvenile correctional facilities, 3,283 local jails, and 79 Indian Country jails as well as in military prisons, immigration detention facilities, civil commitment centers.
Free the U.S. 2.3 million prisoners.
U.S. Must cut all greenhouse gas emissions by 50% of 1990 levels by 2025.
Free Public Transportation and No Cars in L.A.
Free, safe, and legal abortions for all women.
Full rights, sovereignty and reparations for all Indigenous peoples.
Open borders for all immigrants now.
Listen to Voice from the Frontlines today at 3pm PST on KPFK 90.7fm OR use the button below to Stream the show live on Facebook.
We are honored to have Altossa Soltani, Amazon Watch founder and board president today on the show! Take a look at our correspondence with Amazon Watch for today's show.
Fight the Fascist Fires in Brazil
Take Action Thursday September 5 at the Brazilian Embassy in Los Angeles at 11 AM
Correspondence from Leila Salazar Lopez, Executive Director of Amazon Watch:
Since the news of the fires broke on August 21, Amazon Watch has been working around the clock responding to the fires by amplifying this emergency and continued threats to the Amazon, indigenous peoples’ rights, and the climate at an international level. In solidarity with indigenous partners in Brazil and Bolivia, we are expanding our international advocacy work and redirecting funds to provide direct support for indigenous peoples’ defending their rights and rainforest territories, including the Articulation of Indigenous Peoples’ of Brazil (APIB), via our Amazon Protectors Fund and Fundo CASA to support indigenous communities directly affected by the fires and to CEJIS in the Chiquitano Forest in Bolivia. Over 900,000 hectares have burned there!
We are recommending 3 concrete ways to help Stop the Amazon Fires and Support our Work:
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Sign Pledge of Resistance with Brazil's Indigenous Movement
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Join Global Day of Action for the Amazon on September 5, Amazon Day.
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DONATE to support Amazon Watch’s response to Amazon Fire Emergency, including expanding international advocacy work and direct support to indigenous peoples on the frontlines.
On the campaign front, we released a list of the primary companies complicit in the destruction of the Amazon. They will be targets of our global day of action on September 5. Here’s our press release: http://bit.ly/2jX6dkh
And, here’s our latest video to share: http://bit.ly/2lXATTf
Also, Take a look at this great article from Felipe Libório
Brazil: death and destruction in Bolsonaro’s Amazon
In the last month, the Amazon rainforest has been the centre of attention for Bolsonaro’s government. After a prolonged arm-wrestling match that culminated with the sacking of Ricardo Galvão as Director of the National Institute for Space Research (INPE), the Bonaparte wannabe is putting on a show of bravado in a spat with some of the wealthiest countries in Europe about the region’s conservation.
Please CLICK HERE to read the full article
Listen to Voice from the Frontlines today at 3pm PST on KPFK 90.7fm OR use the button below to Stream the show live on Facebook.
Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders were the only two candidates to attend the Native American candidates forum. They both supported criminal charges against the U.S. government for the Wounded Knee massacre and began discussion of U.S. paying reparations to the Indigenous Peoples—reflecting their humanity and introspection and their best day as candidates. Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders were the only two candidates to attend the Native American candidates forum. They both supported criminal charges against the U.S. government for the Wounded Knee massacre and began discussion of U.S. paying reparations to the Indigenous Peoples—reflecting their humanity and introspection and their best day as candidates. Eric and Channing review and analyze the Native American Presidential Forum, candidates Mark Charles, Bernie Sanders, and Elizabeth Warren.
This week on 90.7 FM KPFK, Eric Mann of Voices From the Frontlines offers the Pacifica Rain Archives Paul Robeson compilation, from the Criterion Collection, as well as his book titled Playbook For Progressives; The 16 Qualities of a Successful Organizer.
If you are one who admires the black communist tradition and the amazing works of Paul Robeson tune in to this weeks episode of Voices From the Frontlines, featuring Eric Mann and Alan Minsky.
Paul Robeson, Portraits of the Artist: https://bit.ly/2LCofod
Playbook For Progressives: https://bit.ly/32QgRLm
Tune in to hear the entire show!
This week on Voices Radio Eric and Channing carafe out the truth that is highly woven into the racism and racist propaganda that the current president continues to spew, and highlights the steadfast and courageous consciousness of Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Rashida Tlaib, affectionately know as The Squad (Sisters).
Eric reads a letter from a listener named Matthew, aka, “Last Time Listener”, who criticizes Eric position with respect to Bernie Sanders, we also hear from listeners who wanted to weigh-in on the debate and offer their take on this highly charged racial climate and those within, that they support.
Eric and Channing GO DEEP, analyzing the presidential candidates and their massive shortcomings and narrow-minded, white, racist, imperialist, and nationalist perspectives!!!
This conversation is SO important to get involved in. The lives of all living things (people, animals, and our environment) are at stake. This CANNOT be seen as a popularity contest. We must think and act deeper!
Listen to the show, tell us what you think, and REGISTER!
Eric and Channing speak with Anna Kunkin, daughter of journalist, political organizer, and founder of the Los Angeles Free Press, Art Kunkin, about her father's triumphs and legacy in society and media during a particularly socially tremulous era. Anna discusses her childhood growing up with a revolutionary father and what is was like for her to be exposed to historical people and events, in the making. In this tribute to the late Art Kunkin, who passed away on April 30th, of this year, 2019, we also hear from listeners who recall the late great Art Kunkin.
Eric talks about his new blog called Sports and Revolution. Today Eric talks about the NBA, the New York Knicks specifically, support for Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Black Brain Trust, The Lakers, and invites callers like Ruth, and our good friend Morris From Long Beach to join the conversation.
Join the conversation and the revolution!
Register and email at:
Website: www.voicesfromthefrontlines.com
Email: ericmann@sportsandrevolution.com
Twitter: @ericmannspeaks
Facebook: #ericmannspeaks
Tune in to listen to this special Sports and Revolution conversation.
This week on Voices From the Frontlines, we'll hear from Akinyele Umoja, founding member of the New Afrikan People's Organization and the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement and author of We Will Shoot: Armed Resistance in the Mississippi Freedom movement.
The strategy center Co-Hosted a Night in Conversation with Akinyele Umoja and Eric Mann, hosted by Professor Robin Kelley May 2019. Tune in for a great conversation on Movement Building, revolution and Akinyele's book We Will Shoot Back.
Voices from the Frontlines needs your help to dramatically expand our audience and to create a core group of Voices-Radio Action Organizers. Today Eric and Channing will speak about building an organizing team among listeners of Voices from the Frontlines to expand the audience and influence of Your National Movement Building Show.
Take a listen.
This week on Voices From the Frontlines, in light of this deeper examination of Ava DuVernay's powerful documentary of the Central Park 5 case, When They See Us, Voices From the Frontlines and the Labor Community Strategy Center has two major demands:
Bring the US government up on charges of genocide in violation of the 1948 genocide statutes established by the United Nations... End the police presence on LAUSD schools, busses, and MTA trains, and cut the police-state budget and agencies (LAPD, Sheriff's dept., probation institutions, and the prison dept.) by 50 %... Then cut all of these agencies and their budgets by another 50%... followed by another 50%, etc., until the police-state in these United States is no more. This campaign is the only way to end the abusive relationship that the US government has created. "We don't want better treatment within the apartheid, we want to end apartheid".
PLEASE READ: Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
Also watch this highly important film When They See Us. You will understand that the system in which we live was and is in no way meant to be one of kindness nor fairness. This white-settler state was birthed from the depths of terror and genocide and still operates in the exact same way, around the world. No one chooses to live with cancer in hopes that it decides NOT to kill you... The most radical attempt at surviving cancer is to no longer be the host. That is to say that you have to remove it ENTIRELY!!!
Join this campaign if you no longer want to host this cancerous system which aspires to spread throughout the entire world!
Eric and Channing delve into the racial complexities that continue to plague our world, which led to the excruciatingly painful Central Park Five story upon which Ava DuVernay's documentary, When They See Us, is based.
In this episode, Eric and Channing detail certain elements of the film that illustrates the most phenomenal expose's of this brith to prison system for black and latino lives.
To get involved with The Strategy Center's Civil Rights/Climate Justice Campaign for Urban Reconstruction, Email: info@thestrategycenter.org, Twitter: @ericmannspeaks
"Any great film only comes to life through the demands of changing the system". - Eric Mann
Take a listen.
Eric, Channing, Kiyana Williams, and Alan Minsky offer their review and analysis of this important documentary. We also hear some clips from the film that feature some shocking elements of this global problem and what actions we, individually, can take to be instrumental in dissolving this problem of child labor.
Pledge your support to Voices from the Frontlines and 90.7 KPFK, get this DVD and attend the screening and Q/A.
This is your chance to be the change that you want to see in the world!!! Knowledge equals responsibility. Knowledge is a choice!
Celebrate National Children’s Day
By Arming Yourself with Important Information That Can Help Stop Child Trafficking and Child Labor!! INVISIBLE HANDS— Special KPFK May Fund Drive Premium… A Special Event Screening + DVD Offer!!! Sunday June 9, 2019, 2PM (doors at 2PM; 3PM Screening) At the Beautiful Choi Auditorium Occidental College (1600 Campus Road, Los Angeles) This Special Event Includes A Q&A with Director Shraysi Tandon Moderated by KPFK’s Christine Blosdale!! SUBSCRIBERS FOR THIS EVENT WILL ALSO GET THE INVISIBLE HANDS DVD SENT TO THEM. --Tickets available to the public by pledging a subscription to KPFK during the May Fund Drive at 818-985-5735, or pledge online at http://catalog.kpfk.org/product-list.html (The INVISIBLE HANDS DVD alone will be also be available!)
Eric pays tribute to his friend and super hero, Paul Robeson during this KPFK fund drive show on Voices From the Frontlines.
Eric remarks about how magnificent and undefinable Paul Robeson was and still is: Scholar, athlete, film star, baritone singer from heaven, pan-africanist, black fighter, pro-communist, a friend of working and oppressed people all over the world, defiant black man, and political prisoner in his own country.
Eric, Channing, and Alan Minsky offer the Paul Robeson 4-DVD box set, narrated by Sidney Poitier, along with two of Eric’s books; Playbook for Progressives and Katrina’s Legacy.
Channing created a brilliant slideshow of Paul Robeson that we can watch on the Eric Mann Speaks Facebook page through our MEVO.
Have a listen to the show, get the DVD collection.
Paul Robeson favorite languages and people are the Afrikans. “In the early part of 1934 Robeson enrolled in the school of Oriental and African studies, a constituent college of the University of London, where he studied phonetics, Swahili, and other African languages. His growing interest in African history and its impact on culture was influenced by African revolutionaries in England reflected in his essay “I Want to be African”, where he rejected US and European colonialism and his own internalized oppression by fully embracing his Afrikan roots.”
Listen to the show, get to know the brilliance that is Paul Robeson.
This week: Voices Radio speaks with Jeanette Charles, the daughter of the Haitian Diaspora popular educator, journalist, and organizer, long time member of the Chiapas support committee, And international solidarity liaison with Venezuela Analysis.
Jeanette talks to us about the U.S. lead coup in Venezuela against the Bolivarian Revolution and elected president Nicolas Maduro.
This week on Voices From the Frontlines Eric remembers and honors his dear friend Gary Stewart, "Rhino and iTunes music magician, progressive activist, and organizer philanthropist, funny and witty Mensch", and dear friend.
Eric reads a blurb that he wrote about Gary and features clips from a show that Eric and Gary aired together in 2013/2014.
Listening to the clips of Eric and Gary, you really get a sense for the the depth of their relationship, love of thought and theory, and the shared experience between the two of them, therein.
Take a listen.
This week on Voices From the Frontlines, Eric talks about sports being the largest cultural intervention in our society, even more than film; for black people, women, people in other countries, etc. The theme of today’s show is "EVERYTHING IS POLITICAL"! But also, sports is just fun!!!
Tune in to hear great commentary on Magic Johnson, his mistakes and victories, the New York Knicks, The Pittsburg Steelers and how they put a franchise tag on Le'Veon Bell, listener calls, and so much more.
Take a listen...
Today on Voices From the Frontlines, Eric deconstructs the film, Green Book, and offered us an alternative to the racist narrative portrayed in the film. Eric details the falsehoods told in this film that do nothing more than reinforce the racist lens through which the film makers views Shirley - and probably black people in general - while making every attempt to omit the genius and virtuoso that Don Shirley was. Eric talks about the anger that Don's family, as well as the black community, expressed after seeing this film. Eric's alternative narrative is refreshing, and revolutionary. If only the filmmaker had the same vision...
Eric also speaks to Fran Durrell, a fantastic peace activist, about the passing of KPFK's and the greater social justice world's dear friend, peace activist Blase Bonpane. Blase transitioned to the other side of life this past Monday, April 8th. While he will be missed, his legacy will love on through us! We must now carry the torch.
Tune in for yet another expansive episode of Voices From the Frontlines.
This week on Voices Radio, Eric and Channing conduct another really great film review on two films that stood out to them in very particular ways, for them, as organizers and more so as people who think deeply and critically about life in all of its many complexities.
Film is very important in the telling or human story through our individual lenses; its struggles, complexities, visions, successes, contributions to our species, teaching capabilities, etc. The best part of film takes place when the viewers have the opportunity to dissect the film, extract lessons, bring to light greater truths, correct the ill-perceived, and lend a hand in re-shaping humanity for the better.
Channing’s review/critque is on a film called Mapplethorpe; A film about Robert Mapplethorpe, a queer artist and photographer. The film takes a look at his life, from his rise to fame in the 70’s through his decline and death in 1989. Channing discusses Mapplethorpe’s illustrations through his eyes, as a Black, Queer, male, and what they really mean to him, rather than what the element of Mapplethorpe’s fame has disillusioned.
Eric reviews Captain Fantastic; A film about a husband (Ben Cash) and wife (Leslie Cash) who completely devote their entire lives to raising their 6 children in the wilderness of Washington State, completely isolated from society. They are trained to be physically fit and athletic, to think critically, co-exist with nature, and live without technology. When Leslie dies suddenly, Ben is forced to take this sheltered children into the outside world for the first time.
Eric, as a father and organizer, focuses aspects of the film that make him think about raising his children, and how people in general expose their children to some really difficult aspects of life.
Tune in to Voices From the Frontlines, watch the films, and tell us what you think.
BOOK SIGNING - POSTPONED!!!
Eric and Channing speak with Florence and Charles Bracy, the parents of Brad Bracy, who has autism. Florence takes us through her book, Help Me Understand My Child; A Mother’s Truth About Autism. She walks us through her family's path to cope; from her sons diagnosis, the struggle of acceptance, learning about her sons autistic traits, and how to help him. Florence also provides information about resources and services available to assist individuals with autism and families.
We also hear from listeners who have experience with autism.
Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the world. One in fifty-nine people are born with autism, and roughly forty-two are boys. One percent of the worlds population is autistic. Three and a half million Americans are autistic, and 100,000 live in the Los Angeles county alone.
Tune in to this weeks Voices From the Frontlines.
If you haven't already, you very well may encounter someone with autism. As Florence stated, you may not always know it. Equip yourself with the necessary knowledge to ensure a positive interaction.
Voices Radio features and celebrates the voices of those who sacrificed themselves for you and I. by Eric Mann
Eric, Channing, and Alan discuss the importance of this film, featuring the success of the people of the Bus Riders Union and those in support of the movement. The film shows us just how important it is to demand what you want, get organized, and remain diligent in the fight. Eric makes a really good point when he said that most documentaries make you aware of a problem, but this film shows you the problem AND the solution! This is a documentary that is showing you a movement that won and continues to win its fight. It is phenomenally inspiring.
We hear from from organizers like Della Bonner, Rosalie Mendiola, Eric Mann, and Kikanza Ramsey; "The Bus Riders Union in some ways is a political, social experiment, if you will, to see if we can build a multi-racial, bi-lingual, gender-balanced, mass movement of working class people that is willing to fight for a set of demands that challenges corporate capital.” - Kikanza Ramsey.
The brilliance of this film should move you to take action in your community!!! Join Voices From the Frontlines and The Strategy Center in the fight for humanity and elevation of the perpetually disenfranchised human and environmental population!
To get this film call (818) 985-5735, by 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday March 19th to pledge your support to KPFK and Voices From the Frontlines. After March 19th, call Strategy and Soul at (323) 903-6238.
Today on Voices From the Frontlines - we learn that civil rights leader and Black Lives Matter activist and Founding member, Dr. Melina Abdullah faces 8 felony charges… Why are our civil rights leaders facing prosecution in “liberal” L.A., you ask??? Find out… Join your community members, and The Strategy Center on Thursday, February 8th, 9 a.m., at 210 W Temple St. Dept. 43. Los Angeles, Ca., as we fight for Melina and request that Los Angeles City Attourney Mike Feuer drop ALL charges against Dr. Melina Abdullah, because criminalizing and silencing black voices WILL NOT HAPPEN!!! To sign the petition requesting that Mike Feuer drop these charges please click bit.ly/freemelina. For more background on these charges, and Melina’s diligent stand for justice, please visit https://thelandmag.com/the-people-v-melina-abdullah/
Eric and Channing talk about the Bus Riders Union film with Ayuko Babu. Eric talks about his encounter with Haskell Wexler and the making of this film which addresses the challenges faced during the fight to end transit-racism. The film has films within it, vignettes of real people, doing the work, and whose individual stories impact the overall narrative; Della Bonner - leader of Bus Riders union, Rosolio Mendiola, was a room-service waiter who was highly dedicated to the movement, and several others.
The Bus Riders film is in part a tribute to Haskell Wexlers legacy. Bus Riders Union film, Tuesday Feb 12th 6 p.m. during the Pan African Film Festival at Cinemark on the corner of MLK and Crenshaw. To request information write to info@thestrategycenter.org, or visit www.paff.org for more details.
In closing Eric and Channing talk with Ayuko Babu about the new documentary about the late, great, Aretha Franklin on, called Amazing Grace, which airs opening night of the PAFF at the Directors Guild of America (DGA). Ayuko also mentions three, of many, powerful films that you must see…
- Power To Heal - by Director Charles Burnett. It’s a story of the fight by the civil rights movement to fight to expand health care and the fight for medicare.
- Dare to Dream - Cubas Latin American Medical School - Is the largest medical school in the world, training nearly 30,000 doctors since 1999.
- Boss - The Black Experience in Business by Stanley Nelson; the struggle to create black business in America. The untold story of African American Entrepreneurship where skills, industriousness, ingenuity, and sheer courage in the face of overwhelming odds provided the back bone of nations economy and social growth. Take a listen and join the revolution!!!
Today on Voices Radio Channing Martinez, Producer and co-host of Voices From the Frontlines, and Barbara Lott Holland, long time member of the Bus Riders Union and Associate Director of the Labor Community Strategy Center, review The Strategy Center’s Bus Riders Union film, and the economic racism that is at the core of MTA’s transit-racist narrative. Some of the featured fighters are The Labor Community Strategy Center’s Director, Eric Mann, Della Bonner, Rosio Mendiola, Kwanza Ramsey, Connie Rice, and many others.
The film will be featured on the opening night of the Pan African Film Festival. https://www.paff.org/films/#!/film/bus_riders_union
They discuss the issues that were part of the fight to create a better more sustainable Los Angeles, starting with the MTA, a decent decree which was won in court, and the fight that the union had to continue in the streets in order to keep the MTA accountable. The union won $2.5 billion in transit improvements. The union still maintains the fight. Take a listen to the show and tell us what you think and join the fight!
Accompanying this review of the Bus Riders Union film, and the continued fight to end transit-racism, is a poem about Aretha Franklin, by Nikki Giovanni.
Take a listen.