First Published: Unity, Vol. 3, No. 13, Jne 20-July 3, 1980.
Transcription, Editing and Markup: Paul Saba
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Atlanta– “Black power, Self-determination and Land” was the theme of a program that drew over 100 people here on June 14. This program was sponsored by the Ad Hoc Committee for Black Power, Self-determination and Land, composed of four organizations: the Afrikan People’s Party, the League of Revolutionary Struggle (M-L), the Republic of New Afrika, and the United League of Mississippi.
The Ad Hoc Committee came together to “bring a message, a message of struggle and inspiration in these critical times of Black people.” The four speakers – Brother Akinshegun of the Provisional Government of the Republic of New Afrika, Pili M. Humphrey of the League of Revolutionary Struggle, Akbar M. Ahmed of the Afrikan People’s Party, and Alfred “Skip” Robinson of the United League of Mississippi – delivered this message in a powerful oratory, and held the audience’s attention and kept people fired up throughout the program.
One participant stated, “It was like a ball game with four cleanup hitters. Every speaker was powerful and strong and delivered an important message.”
Each speech emphasized the need for Black unity and for organized struggle by Black people in the 1980’s. The call was put out to build and support the National Black United Front, and was heard throughout the evening. The necessity of Blacks having political power based upon control of the land in the Black-belt South was one of the most well-received and popular ideas presented at the program.
The speakers also emphasized the need for an upsurge in cultural activity of Blacks to gain a knowledge of self, to study Black history and culture, and to understand Black identity.
Also raised was the importance of Black people upholding Malcolm X’s line of struggling for Black freedom by any means necessary.
In the face of the rise of reactionary racist violence and attacks on Black people, it was also made very clear that Black people must organize and prepare for intense and violent times in the 1980’s.
Everyone left this program on a very high and positive note. Many people signed up on mailing lists, bought literature, and made commitments to participate in the local Black United Front-type formation, the Coalition for Black Unity.
Black power, self-determination and land will definitely be the program for the 1980’s for the Black Liberation Movement.