James Baldwin Speaks!

One of the most brilliant minds of the twentieth century, James Baldwin’s voice is utterly honest in his description of the reality, the horrible reality, of America. The horror inspired the best in him and Baldwin also speaks to the possibilities of black and human liberation. These talks include Baldwin’s reflections on the revolutionary abolitionist, John Brown as well as Baldwin thoughts on the century since emancipation and a stop in Los Angeles while touring the country in the aftermath of The Fire Next Time‘s publication.

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Farrell Dobbs recounts the rise of the Teamsters

Farrell Dobbs Speaks! Teamster Battles of the 1930s. Farrell Dobbs recounts the struggles of the 1930s, the founding of the Teamsters and the Minneapolis General Strike of 1934. Dobbs was a leading member of the Socialist Workers Party and secretary-treasurer of Teamster Local 574. He was jailed under the Smith Act for his revolutionary activities. In four parts.

James P. Cannon Speaks

A recent project if mine is getting available historic audio speeches more widely available. Here is the first of the series. Historic leader of US Trotskyism, early Socialist Party member, founding member of the I.W.W. as well as the Communist Party James P. Cannon had an eventful, long career in the American workers movement. And he was one helluva talker.

AJ Muste Speaks: My Experience in the Labor and Radical Struggles of the Thirties

A remarkable historical record; a 1966 remembrance by Michigan’s own AJ Muste, leader of the 1930s American Workers Party, the Toledo Auto-Lite Strike and a leading radical pacifist whose legacy was carried on by the likes of Dave Dellinger and Bayard Rustin. Muste is a reminder in what is best in the American radical tradition, a voice that has echoes of the, reformers, abolitionists, labor agitators and egalitarians of his native Midwest. A must listen for all of those interested in the history of the American workers movement and the struggle for social justice.

Black Lives Matter: Detroit Marches for Terrence Kellum

Terrence Kellum was an unarmed, black twenty-year-old shot ten times by an Immigration officer serving a warrant with Detroit Police at his home. The march wound through the neighborhood around Chicago and Evergreen where the killing happened. Young, spirited, angry and aware.

James Baldwin on John Brown and Historical Memory

James Baldwin in conversation with Fran Shatz while living in France,1973. In this portion, Baldwin discusses John Brown, historical memory, white guilt, and the institutional survival of white supremacy. A profound ten minutes.

Some days it’s only Curtis Mayfield

Began the day early with coffee and continuing Curtis Mayfield. A perfect countersoundtrack to accompany reading the news of the day. Kobane, Hillary, Ebola. Some days it’s only Curtis Mayfield.