http://www.workers.org/2017/08/24/a-statement-from-the-durham-branch-of-workers-world-party-on-the-toppling-of-confederate-statue/

“…It is crucial at this time of the rise of neo-Confederate forces that our movement not just retreat to defensive measures. The far-right is emboldened by Trump and an entire administration that supports and protects white supremacy, and is also desperate because of the rotten conditions resulting from capitalism at a dead end.

We had to have a bold answer to the white supremacists killing an anti-racist protester. Without this bold action — which has now spawned many more offensive actions — there was a serious risk of white supremacist and paramilitary right-wing organizations continuing to snowball and recruit.  We had to stop them in their tracks, and not allow them one inch or one moment to breath without their feeling the power of the people reclaiming our righteous course of history.

Resisting genocide and reclaiming public space for the working class

Confederate monuments were erected across the U.S. South directly after the post-Civil War period of Reconstruction, an unfinished revolution where Black people fought for their freedom. When the federal government betrayed Black people and pulled out its armed support for their freedom, the white slave owning landowners did everything in their power to recapture Black people and hold them in bondage again. This was the period of enforcement of the Black Codes. During this period, the Ku Klux Klan and other white supremacist organizations were utilized as paramilitary shock troops. The Confederate statues were erected to re-establish white power and were a public expression of white supremacist ideology.

The Confederate monument was placed outside of the Durham County Courthouse in 1924 during the Jim Crow era, long after the Civil War and at a time of massive growth of the KKK.  It was a deliberate attempt to intimidate Black people and remind them that their relationship to power had changed very little since “Emancipation.” It was also a clear expression of the purpose of the courts and the prisons: to continue the institution of slavery. As Marxists, we understand the evolution of the repressive institutions of slavery into the prison-industrial complex in today’s stage of capitalism.

Durham’s Confederate monument was dedicated “to the boys who wore the grey.”  Comrade Takiyah Thompson commented, “The boys who wore the grey are the boys who wear blue today.” In the U.S. South, the police have their origins in slave patrols sent out to recapture freed Africans. This legacy is deeply embedded in the police today. In fact, many police departments actively recruit from white supremacist organizations and collaborate with them in secrecy. This was documented as having occurred during the 1979 Greensboro Massacre…”

http://www.longshoreshippingnews.com/2017/08/ilwu-international-executive-board-releases-statement-of-policy-on-donald-trump/

International Longshore and Warehouse Union

International Executive Board

Vancouver, British Columbia

August 17 – 18, 2017

STATEMENT OF POLICY ON DONALD TRUMP

President Trump’s reaction to the protests and violence in Charlottesville, Virginia is so unacceptable, so beyond the bounds of human decency, and so revealing that it calls into question his suitability to continue as President of the United States. There can never be an acceptable reason to defend white supremacists, neo-Nazis, and racists KKK members and sympathizers. What President Trump has done with respect to the Charlottesville protests is no different from those who defended the Nazis in the 1930’s, except that it is coming from the President of the United States.

During the election, candidate Trump referred to Mexican immigrants as rapists and criminals, mocked a disabled reporter, bragged about groping women, and otherwise put women down because of their appearance and weight. He has tried to ban Muslims from immigrating to the US because of their religious beliefs.

To those looking at Trump for alternative leadership, he managed to explain away these bigoted statements through carefully crafted press statements. This gave Trump supporters the political cover to continue their support of him. His statements following the protests and violence in Charlottesville have to cause his supporters to re-examine their views of Trump and explicitly renounce his views.

After nearly seven months in office, Trump has clearly demonstrated his lack of ability to carry out the duties of the President of the United States for the benefit of all Americans — black, brown, women, LGBT community, Jews, and Muslims. His behavior has reached the point that he is not suitable to continue as President of the United States.

Hosted by Occupy Peoria

Peoria No Ban No Wall

Black Lives Matter Peoria

100 NE Monroe Street, Peoria, IL, 3:30 P.M. 

Enough is Enough! Central Illinois Against Fascism & Racism!

Enough is enough. Since the candidancy of President Trump, we have noticed a growing and alarming resurgence in fascism in this country. And his victory in November only strengthened the already present white supremacy that lies at the foundations of American history.

Groups and activists from all across Central Illinois will be gathering at the Federal Building in Peoria on September 9th, Saturday, at 3:30PM to draw a line in the sand: NO TRUMP! NO KKK! NO FASCIST USA! History has shown us multiple times that when fascism and bigotry are allowed to organize, to infiltrate the government, and build a platform the consequences are devastating. We refuse to repeat history. “Never again” is our motto.

Our demands:
— The immediate impeachment and removal of President Donald Trump and Vice-President Mike Pence.

— The classification of white supremacy as a form of terrorism, and its prosecution by the DOJ & FBI.

— The immediate removal of all white supremacists elements of the government (including Jefferson Beauregard Sessions, Stephen Miller, Kris Kobach, Julie Kirchner, and Sebastian Gorka).

— The immediate removal of Rex Tillerson, and any other individual within the executive, with direct ties to Russia.

— An end to the state terrorism committed against black, brown and immigrant individuals in this country.

Join us in this nonviolent, direct action. Bring signs, flags, posters, instruments, loudspeakers, and most importantly your voice.

More info coming soon.

Freedom Fighters topple Confederate statue in Durham, North Carolina August 14, 2017

2017 Wisconsin Labor Day

Events take place on Monday, September 4, unless otherwise specifically stated

Milwaukee

Parade: 11:00 am; LaborFest: 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Parade begins at Zeidler Union Square Park. We will march to LaborFest at Henry Maier Festival Park.

FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Come celebrate Labor Day with those who created it: organized workers at the festival built with volunteers and donations. Starting with a parade at Carl Zeidler Square Wisconsin Union Memorial in Downtown Milwaukee featuring union affiliates, partners and allies at 11 am. The festival opens at noon at the Summerfest grounds with free entertainment all day long for the kids and family.

Racine

12:00pm to 4:30pm at Mt. Pleasant Park, 9614 Northwestern Avenue, Franksville, WI 53126

A non-perishable food donation entitles you to one free food plate ticket and two free beverage tickets. Additional tickets are available for purchase for $5.00 (food) & $1.00 (beverage).

Join us for food, fun and great company while celebrating our wonderful labor community!

Kenosha

11:00 am to 5:00 pm, St. Therese Picnic Grounds, 9005 22^nd Avenue, Kenosha, WI 53143

The annual Kenosha Laborfest features booths from all labor organizations in the Kenosha area. Raffle prizes, beer tent, and activities for the whole family are offered. The Labor Person of the Year will be recognized, too! Rain or Shine! Food items for the Shalom Center are needed and earn raffle tickets at the event. Contact: Kenosha Area Labor Council President, Rick Gallo at 262-652-6242,  kenosha.afl-cio@wi.rr.com

Janesville

Date: 9/2/2017 through 9/4/2017

Location: 1795 Lafayette Street, Janesville, WI 53546

Saturday, September 2nd

8 am                           Grounds Open
8 am – all day Adult Co-Ed Mud Volleyball

10 am  –  6pm Kids Games – Bounce Houses

10 am – noon               Fire Department Display

11 am                         Junior Ninja Warrior Course
1 pm                           5-6-7-8 Dance School Interactive Dance
1 pm – 5 pm                 Face Painting

3 pm                           Junior Ninja Warrior Course

Saturday Bands:

9:30 am – 5:30 pm       DJ Music (Mud Volleyball)

4 pm – 6:45 pm           Bass Creek Boys  (Beer Tent)

7:15 pm – 11 pm         Zac Matthews Band (Beer Tent)

Sunday, September 3rd

8 am – all day Bags Tournament

10 am – 6 pm   Games – Bounce Houses

11 am                         Junior Ninja Warrior Course

1 pm – 3 pm                 Janesville Police Department  K9 Demonstration

1 pm – 5 pm                 Face Painting

3 pm                           Junior Ninja Warrior Course

8 pm                           Raffle Drawing (Main Stage)

Sunday Bands:

9:30 am – 2 pm        DJ Music

2pm – 4pm               Shawn Sharpe (Beer Tent)

4 pm – 6 pm                 Gas Can Alley  (Beer Tent)

7 pm – 11 pm   Done Deal  (Beer Tent)

Monday, September 4th – Downtown Parade

10 am                         Car Display (Dee’s Barber Shop – 510 W Centerway)

10 am                         Parade Registration (Academy & Milwaukee)

1 pm – 3 pm                 Parade (Milwaukee St & Main St)

Madison

12:00 pm to 5:30 pm at the Madison Labor Temple Grounds, 1602 S. Park Street, Madison, WI 53715

South Central Federation of Labor presents: LaborFest. Harley Davidson Motorcycle Raffle, Magic Shows, Bounce House, Face Painting, & Caricature Artist. Featuring: Chris Plata w/ Extra Hot at Noon; Natty Nation at 3pm.

Special Labor Day collection to help students who are homeless in the MMSD Transition Education Program. We are collecting deodorant, small bottles of laundry detergent, liquid body wash, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hand/body lotion, and food gift cards.

For more information, visit www.scfl.org.

La Crosse

10:00 am to 2:00 pm, Copeland Park, 1130 Copeland Park Drive, La Crosse, WI 54603

Sponsored by the Western Wisconsin Central Labor Council, ten-block family-friendly parade beginning at the intersection of Gillette Street and Kane Street. After the parade, festivities will move to Copeland Park with free kids games, face painting, and other activities. Soda, beer, brats, and snacks will be offered for sale.

Eau Claire

10:30 am to 3:00 pm, Phoenix Park, 330 Riverfront Terrace, Eau Claire, WI 54703

Solidarity walk at 10:30 am, rally at 11 am, picnic and prizes from Noon to 3 pm.

Wisconsin Rapids

11:00 am to 6:00 pm, Robinson Park, 1150 17^th N Street, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494

Come on over to the park to enjoy a family event featuring free band music, free children’s rides, food, bingo, ice cream, popcorn, and raffle. We will have two bands playing, the first with polka music from 11 am – 1 pm and Rumours from 2 pm until 5 pm. Free children’s rides will be available from noon until 4 p.m.

Wausau

4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Wausau Labor Temple, 318 S. 3^rd Avenue, Wausau, WI 54401

Wausau Labor Day Parade. Parade starts at 4:00pm (line up starts at 3pm) and will go down 3rd Ave and end at the Wausau Labor Temple @ 318 s 3rd Ave. Bring a chair to sit. The Marathon Co. Central Labor Council will recognize Grand Marshal, Citizen of the Year, and Business of the Year at the end the parade in the Labor Temple parking lot.

Line up for parade is @ 3pm from 3rd Ave to Cherry St along West Wausau Ave.

Food Drive: IBEW will be collecting non-perishable food Items and cash donations, which will be donated to the Neighbors Place. Look for IBEW Local 388 workers pushing shopping carts in the parade, or drop off at the Labor Temple; 318 S 3rd Ave Wausau, WI 54401

Green Bay

11:00 am to 4:30 pm, Bay Beach Amusement Park, Shelter #2, 1313 Bay Beach Rd, Green Bay, WI 54302

Join the Greater Green Bay Labor Council for the Annual Family Labor Day Picnic in Green Bay. Tickets are $10 for adults and kids over 13, $5 for kids ages 3-12, and free for kids under age 3. A family package for 2 adults and 4 kids is $25. Tickets are available by calling 920-432-0053. Proceeds from the picnic go to food pantries and homeless shelters in the area.

Neenah

10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Neenah Labor Temple, 157 S. Green Bay Road, Neenah, WI 54956

Join the 35th annual Fox Valley Area Labor Day celebration on Sept. 4th at the Neenah Labor Temple. Parade goes from Menasha-Neenah at 10am. Live music available with Desperate Ottos playing 11:30-2pm and Beaker Street 2-3pm. There will be casino style games 12-3pm, beverage and food tents, family fun entertainment, retiree’s club food tent, and a huge crafts and white elephant sale. Raffle drawing is at 6pm.

Oshkosh

11:00 am to 5:00 pm, South Park, 659 W. South Park Avenue, Oshkosh, WI 54902

Come celebrate Labor Day with Winnebago Co Central Labor Council and the community. This year marks the 17th annual car show. There will be food for sale, starting at 11am, a live band: Bobby Evans Band in the afternoon, afternoon raffle drawing, and fun for the kids (playground, splash pad, and book prizes). If you’re showing an antique, classic, or special interest vehicle registration is at 9am.

Fond du Lac

11:00 am to 5:00 pm, Lakeside Park, 555 N. Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI 54935

The Fond du Lac County Labor Council will have the annual Labor Day parade and the picnic at Lakeside Park this year. The parade line up is at 9:30am and the Parade starts at 11am., beginning at Rees and Main Street traveling north on Main Street past Scott Street.

The picnic on Oven Island at Lakeside Park begins at noon and ends at 5pm. There will be live music. This event is free and open to the public.

Hosted by Chicago Workers World Party

Jesse White Community Center and Field House, 412 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago

Endorsed by: Anakayan Chicago, Black Lives Matter Chicago, Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, Trans Liberation Collective, Workers World Party Chicago

Freedom fighters in Charlottesville & Durham have inspired people across the country to take action against white supremacist monuments. We are in solidarity with R3 Against White Supremacy in Bronzeville and the growing momentum to remove the fascist Balbo Monument.

Confederate Monument in Oak Woods Cemetary in Hyde Park was built during the Jim Crow era to reinforce racism. It goes far beyond commemorating the 4,000 dead soldiers buried there – it glorifies the Confederacy.

Chicago-born Emmett Till was tortured and lynched by whites in 1955, at age 14. The only memorial to him here is the honorary Emmett Till Rd (71st St), which borders Oak Woods Cemetary.

Smash White Supremacy – Chicago is a coalition of anti-racist individuals and organizations working for the removal of Confederate Monument. We also demand an Emmett Till Memorial in Chicago. Join us!

HONOR EMMETT TILL, NOT SLAVERY!

To endorse, email chicagowwp@gmail or text/call 312.620.2305

http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2017/08/23/532709/US-Politics-Racism-Trump

Racism and white supremacy is “coming from the top down, it is coming from people who control the means of production, who control the White House and the Congress,” said Abayomi Azikiwe, Editor of Pan-African News Wire.

Trump “utilizes and fuels racism and white supremacy, and other forms of bigotry … [and] is very much in tune with these racists, xenophobic and pro-capitalist sentiments,” Azikiwe said in an interview with Press TV on Wednesday.

“The United States itself, as a nation state, was founded on racism and genocide,” he said.

Slavery in the United States existed from early British colonial days until the end of the American Civil War in 1865. The enslavement of Africans, African Americans and Native Americans by whites was legal and common from the 16^th century until the ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment in December 1865.

https://www.youcaring.com/joemchahwar-905174

Joe is a Syrian-American organizer with Workers World Party from Detroit Michigan. He has participated in struggles against police terror, water shut offs, war, and other injustices. Joe has spoken and written dozens of times about the war against Syria. He looks to use his experience in Cuba to build solidarity and help further the global anti-colonial struggle.

Joe will be going to Cuba as part of the “In the Footsteps of Che” International Brigade in October to mark the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Che Guevara. The trip will include volunteer work at various work places as well as meetings with Cubans and visits to sites of significance to the Cuban Revolution.

Please help Joe raise funds for this trip by donating today.

If you prefer you may write a check or money order to Workers World and mail it to 5920 Second Ave., Detroit, MI 48202. Write Joe M in the memo line.