This latest edition of Hard Knock Radio revolved around the discussion of a court case involving the Uhuru Movement and its leaders, Chairman Omali Yeshitela and Penny Hess. The pair expressed concern that the case could set a dangerous precedent by infringing on the first amendment rights to free speech, opening the way for anyone to be charged for expressing any political viewpoint. The case was seen as part of a series of attacks on the African Liberation movement, which the colonial state has been carrying out for many years.
Raid and Confiscation: A Traumatic Experience
Chairman Omali Yeshitela shared his experience about his home being raided by the Federal Government on July 20, 2022. He described being awoken by a loud commotion and flash-bang grenades being thrown around his house. He expressed concern over the intimidating and traumatic experience of being confronted by armed men in military gear, having his phone and other communication devices confiscated, and being handcuffed along with his wife. He also mentioned that nine months after the raids, no charges had been filed against him and his colleagues. Chairman Omali Yeshitela expressed concern over the potential misuse of the confiscated materials and the restrictions imposed on him and his colleagues, including the requirement to surrender their passports and seek permission for travel.
Hands Off Uhuru Defense Campaign Discusses Russian Agent Charges
Chairman Omali Yeshitela and members of the Hands Off Uhuru Defense Campaign discussed their experience being charged with being Russian agents. Chairman Omali Yeshitela shared his trips to Moscow in 2015 and 2019, as well as campaigns he participated in for office in St. Petersburg in 2017 and 2019. He argued these activities were part of his struggle for self-determination and not indicative of being a Russian agent. He also highlighted the absurdity of the claim, as there has never been a movement of black people in the United States calling for separation from the United States. The discussion ended with concerns about the chilling effect these charges could have on political activism.
White Support for African People’s Socialist Party
The chairperson of the Hands Off Uhuru Defense Campaign, an organization of white people supporting the African People’s Socialist Party, discussed the party’s significant achievements in building economic institutions for political and economic power in the African working class. The campaign is focused on raising reparations and resources for the party’s programs. The chairperson highlighted the party’s program, the Black Power Blueprint, which includes the renovation of a condemned building, the Uhuru House, into a center of political and community activity, a community garden, and a women’s center. The chairperson emphasized the importance of white people actively supporting this cause,
Leave a Reply