FORUM | AFTER TRAYVON’S MURDER: CHALLENGING INSTITUTIONAL RACISM IN THE OBAMA ERA

7:30PM TUESDAY, APRIL 3RD
@ MAYDAY BOOKS (301 CEDAR AVE S) 
 

SPEAKERS:
* Rose Brewer, Professor of Afro-American & African Studies at the University of MN
* Mel Reeves, longtime community organizer against police brutality and racism
* Ty Moore, organizer with Socialist Alternative and on the Editorial Board of Justice newspaper


 

The murder of Trayvon Martin and the police attempt to protect George Zimmerman is exposing the institutional racism at the heart of U.S. capitalism. Over 5,000 marched in Minneapolis Thursday, with similar major protests erupting across the country. When Obama was elected, many hoped the horrific legacy of racism in America could be put behind us. But for most communities, nothing has changed. The mass movement to demand justice for Trayvon is already asking deeper questions. Now we need to make deeper demands for real system change. Join us for a participatory panel discussion on how to take the movement for racial justice forward.

Read our analysis and program to fight back HERE.

Dismantling Rape Culture, Dismantling Capitalism

As the right-wing attacks on women’s reproductive health intensify, many republican politicians have claimed that the issue of women’s access to contraception is second to the discussion on religious practices. Yet, this week, Rush Limbaugh has used his radio show to play out the disgusting reality of this debate - of trying to control women’s bodies and sexuality. At this crucial time for women’s reproductive justice, come discuss the way forward, and how to combat all attacks on women’s lives under capitalism. 

Dismantling Rape Culture, Dismantling Capitalism

An International Women’s Day Event
FEATURING SPOKEN WORD BY GUANTE!

The third and final installment of this panel and open discussion.

Across the globe this year, tens of thousands have marched to demand an end to rape and a culture which tolerates systemic gender-based violence. But where should the movement go from here? How can real progress be made to stop epidemic levels of rape and pervasive sexual objectification when the corporate media, most politicians, and the legal system treat these problems as inevitable? 

Socialists argue that the oppression of women and LGBTQ people are intimately linked to capitalism, and dismantling the rape culture means dismantling the wider systems of exploitation and oppression. But is a socialist transformation of society possible? And how can the fight for LGBTQ and women’s rights be linked with the fight against capitalism? Join us for this important discussion.

Dismantling Rape Culture, Dismantling Capitalism An International Women’s Day EventFEATURING SPOKEN WORD BY GUANTE!The third and final installment of this panel and open discussion.Across the globe this year, tens of thousands have marched to demand an end to rape and a culture which tolerates systemic gender-based violence. But where should the movement go from here? How can real progress be made to stop epidemic levels of rape and pervasive sexual objectification when the corporate media, most politicians, and the legal system treat these problems as inevitable? Socialists argue that the oppression of women and LGBTQ people are intimately linked to capitalism, and dismantling the rape culture means dismantling the wider systems of exploitation and oppression. But is a socialist transformation of society possible? And how can the fight for LGBTQ and women’s rights be linked with the fight against capitalism? Join us for this important discussion.
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Dismantling Rape Culture, Dismantling Capitalism

An International Women’s Day Event
FEATURING SPOKEN WORD BY GUANTE!

The third and final installment of this panel and open discussion.

Across the globe this year, tens of thousands have marched to demand an end to rape and a culture which tolerates systemic gender-based violence. But where should the movement go from here? How can real progress be made to stop epidemic levels of rape and pervasive sexual objectification when the corporate media, most politicians, and the legal system treat these problems as inevitable? 

Socialists argue that the oppression of women and LGBTQ people are intimately linked to capitalism, and dismantling the rape culture means dismantling the wider systems of exploitation and oppression. But is a socialist transformation of society possible? And how can the fight for LGBTQ and women’s rights be linked with the fight against capitalism? Join us for this important discussion.

Foreclosure Free Block Party! Friday, February 17th 4pm-8pm @ Bobby Hull’s House (3712 Columbus Ave S) RSVP on Facebook! On the anniversary of the Minnesota Moratorium of 1934, passed during the last great depression, we’ll be throwing a massive block party to celebrate the defense of the home of Bobby Hull. He’s a former Marine and Vietnam era vet who’s been in his home since 1968 and is facing foreclosure. Feb 17th is the last day of his Redemption Period after which he could face eviction. On this day we’ll pitch a tent and a stage, invite friends, neighbors and supportive community members to Bobby’s home and block. We’ll treat the event like a celebration-Either be celebrating a good faith negotiation by the Bank (US Bank or Bank of America) or we’ll be celebrating the fact they we’re not leaving anyway. Come stand in solidarity with Bobby and help to send a strong message to the big Banks: We will NOT be moved from our homes without a good faith negotiation and fair resolution to the foreclosure crisis.Come and join hundreds of community members in solidarity. Enjoy some amazing artists, great food, and the warmth and protection that only comes when neighbors stand together in unity. We’ll be live streaming the event to our friends around the country as we proclaim; Who’s House? Bobby’s House! Special Guests:Grant Hart (from Husker Du): http://www.granthart.com/Toki Wright (DJ Set): http://rhymesayers.com/tokiwrightMayda: http://www.imaydasong.com/The Lioness: http://www.thelionessmusic.com/Phillip Morris: www.myspace.com/phillipmorrisTurn Back Now: www.reverbnation.com/turnbacknowGuante: www.guante.info/Nick Mastermind Muhammad, Jayanthi (from Black Audience), Sol Rebel Ras, Rob Weekend, Wayne McFarland, homeowners, pirates, and much MORE!!
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Foreclosure Free Block Party!

Friday, February 17th 4pm-8pm @ Bobby Hull’s House (3712 Columbus Ave S) RSVP on Facebook!

On the anniversary of the Minnesota Moratorium of 1934, passed during the last great depression, we’ll be throwing a massive block party to celebrate the defense of the home of Bobby Hull. He’s a former Marine and Vietnam era vet who’s been in his home since 1968 and is facing foreclosure. Feb 17th is the last day of his Redemption Period after which he could face eviction. On this day we’ll pitch a tent and a stage, invite friends, neighbors and supportive community members to Bobby’s home and block. 

We’ll treat the event like a celebration-Either be celebrating a good faith negotiation by the Bank (US Bank or Bank of America) or we’ll be celebrating the fact they we’re not leaving anyway. Come stand in solidarity with Bobby and help to send a strong message to the big Banks: We will NOT be moved from our homes without a good faith negotiation and fair resolution to the foreclosure crisis.

Come and join hundreds of community members in solidarity. Enjoy some amazing artists, great food, and the warmth and protection that only comes when neighbors stand together in unity. We’ll be live streaming the event to our friends around the country as we proclaim; Who’s House? Bobby’s House! 

Special Guests:
Grant Hart (from Husker Du): http://www.granthart.com/
Toki Wright (DJ Set): http://rhymesayers.com/tokiwright
Mayda: http://www.imaydasong.com/
The Lioness: http://www.thelionessmusic.com/
Phillip Morris: www.myspace.com/phillipmorris
Turn Back Now: www.reverbnation.com/turnbacknow
Guante: www.guante.info/
Nick Mastermind Muhammad, Jayanthi (from Black Audience), Sol Rebel Ras, Rob Weekend, Wayne McFarland, homeowners, pirates, and much MORE!!

Forum Report-back: 70 attend forum on rape culture and capitalism

By Ginger Jentzen 
With the help of the Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC) Pride Club, and the enthusiasm of 70+ people in attendance, Socialist Alternative lead a panel and discussion entitled “Dismantling Rape Culture, Dismantling Capitalism,” on February 1st.  The panel examined cultural acceptance for sexism and objectification of women, victim-blaming and homophobia, in an effort to ultimately link combating oppression to combating capitalism.  

Three speakers, Crystal Johnson, Kelly Bellin and Brandon Madsen, addressed aspects of oppression under the heading of “rape culture,” defined as a culture which normalizes systemic sexual violence and repression. Cryztal cited examples of ideological blaming and shaming, including the question of what a woman does to ‘’get herself raped” along with the endemic under-reporting of sexually violent crimes.  She deconstructed the prevalence of “slut” as a subjugating attack word against women and, in another example, the capitalist class’ reinforcement of the nuclear family to oppress LGBTQ rights.  Brandon and Kelly further identified the limitations of the mainstream feminist and LGBTQ response to ruling class repression, explaining the need to recognize that the roots of inequality are deeply embedded in the capitalist system. 

The global movements in the last year show men and women all over the world connecting the oppression they experience to the economic disparity created by capitalism.  The past year’s legislative battles against reproductive rights, the horrendous state of health insurance qualifications and costs, and unemployment in sectors which disproportionately affect women are all leading people to realize the need for change.  From concerns regarding equality in gender, race, in sexual orientation and in class, it’s the growth of a global consciousness that initiated this dialogue and continues to fuel those seeking equality in the next phase of the movement.  In short, the panel at MCTC exemplified the divide and conquer tactics the capitalist class uses to maintain repressive control of the 99%.  
 
Some in the crowd looked bewildered while others confidently posed questions to the group and still others spoke with clearly empowered voices, declaring intolerance for further complacency.  Some appeared skeptical of the connection between simultaneously dismantling the culture of rape with that of capitalism.  However, there was overwhelming agreement on the necessity to continue conversations on the subjects introduced by the panel, and, for some, to deepen a focus on the root causes found in the character of the capitalist system.
 
If you’re disappointed you missed the “Dismantling Rape, Dismantling Capitalism” panel and discussion, you’re in luck!  On March 6th, the panel will present at 7pm on the University of Minnesota campus, with discussion to follow.  More information will be posted as the event nears.

socialistmn: Dismantling Rape Culture, Dismantling Capitalism Wednesday, February 1st 4pm @ MCTC Room L-3000, 1501 Hennepin Avenue Panel and open discussion hosted by Pride Club, Sisters for Social Justice, and Socialist Alternative.Across the globe this year, tens of thousands have marched to demand an end to rape and a culture which tolerates systemic gender-based violence. But where should the movement go from here? How can real progress be made to stop epidemic levels of rape and pervasive sexual objectification when the corporate media, most politicians, and the legal system treat these problems as inevitable? Socialists argue that the oppression of women and LGBTQ people are intimately linked to capitalism, and dismantling the rape culture means dismantling the wider systems of exploitation and oppression. But is a socialist transformation of society possible? And how can the fight for LGBTQ and women’s rights be linked with the fight against capitalism? Join us for this important discussion. MCTC Campus Map (room located in Whitney Hall)
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socialistmn:

Dismantling Rape Culture, Dismantling Capitalism

Wednesday, February 1st 4pm @ MCTC Room L-3000, 1501 Hennepin Avenue

Panel and open discussion hosted by Pride Club, Sisters for Social Justice, and Socialist Alternative.

Across the globe this year, tens of thousands have marched to demand an end to rape and a culture which tolerates systemic gender-based violence. But where should the movement go from here? How can real progress be made to stop epidemic levels of rape and pervasive sexual objectification when the corporate media, most politicians, and the legal system treat these problems as inevitable? Socialists argue that the oppression of women and LGBTQ people are intimately linked to capitalism, and dismantling the rape culture means dismantling the wider systems of exploitation and oppression. But is a socialist transformation of society possible? And how can the fight for LGBTQ and women’s rights be linked with the fight against capitalism? Join us for this important discussion.

MCTC Campus Map (room located in Whitney Hall)

Source: socialistmn

Dismantling Rape Culture, Dismantling Capitalism Wednesday, February 1st 4pm @ MCTC Room L-3000, 1501 Hennepin Avenue Panel and open discussion hosted by Pride Club, Sisters for Social Justice, and Socialist Alternative.Across the globe this year, tens of thousands have marched to demand an end to rape and a culture which tolerates systemic gender-based violence. But where should the movement go from here? How can real progress be made to stop epidemic levels of rape and pervasive sexual objectification when the corporate media, most politicians, and the legal system treat these problems as inevitable? Socialists argue that the oppression of women and LGBTQ people are intimately linked to capitalism, and dismantling the rape culture means dismantling the wider systems of exploitation and oppression. But is a socialist transformation of society possible? And how can the fight for LGBTQ and women’s rights be linked with the fight against capitalism? Join us for this important discussion. MCTC Campus Map (room located in Whitney Hall)
Pop-upView Separately

Dismantling Rape Culture, Dismantling Capitalism

Wednesday, February 1st 4pm @ MCTC Room L-3000, 1501 Hennepin Avenue

Panel and open discussion hosted by Pride Club, Sisters for Social Justice, and Socialist Alternative.

Across the globe this year, tens of thousands have marched to demand an end to rape and a culture which tolerates systemic gender-based violence. But where should the movement go from here? How can real progress be made to stop epidemic levels of rape and pervasive sexual objectification when the corporate media, most politicians, and the legal system treat these problems as inevitable? Socialists argue that the oppression of women and LGBTQ people are intimately linked to capitalism, and dismantling the rape culture means dismantling the wider systems of exploitation and oppression. But is a socialist transformation of society possible? And how can the fight for LGBTQ and women’s rights be linked with the fight against capitalism? Join us for this important discussion.

MCTC Campus Map (room located in Whitney Hall)

Defend the Occupy Movement! — Build actions to put millions in the streets across the U.S.

United mass mobilizations needed to protest police crackdowns, and stop the cuts, layoffs, foreclosures, and tuition hikes 

In the last week the ruling elite have mobilized their police forces in an attempt to smash the Occupy movement, which they correctly see as a threat to their rule. Democratic and Republican Party mayors and city councilors have sent out their police to obediently do the dirty work. But tearing down tents and arresting protestors will ultimately fail to repress a movement that has broad support. They may evict some occupiers in this or that city, but they cannot contain the deep anger in U.S. society forever. 

Occupy Wall Street has already changed U.S. society. It has ignited new struggles beyond the occupations themselves. Students are starting to organize against tuition hikes. Activists are fighting foreclosures. Teachers are fighting attacks on public education. Many of them are using some of the bold tactics and radical slogans of Occupy. 

(Read more…)

Defend Occupy Wall St! THURS: Day of Action - Spread the word!

National Day of Action in Solidarity with Occupy Wall Street
On the two-month anniversary of OWS we, the 99% of Minnesota, will take a stand to say:
 
STOP POLICE REPRESSION of OUR MOVEMENT!
 
We, the 99%, have the right to PEACEABLY ASSEMBLE!
We, the 99%, have the right to DEMAND JOBS and EDUCATION!
We, the 99%, have the right to OPPOSE BUDGET CUTS!
We, the 99%, have the right to make WALL STREET PAY FOR THEIR CRISIS!
 
*** A Day of Action is Planned that will culminate in a…

Thursday, 5:30pm RALLY on the PEOPLE’S PLAZA


—- Spread the word on Facebook! —-

SCHEDULE 
3:00pm Student Rally @ Northrop Plaza (U of M East Bank) to demand funding for schools, not tax breaks for the rich, and an end to the student debt trap. We will march from Northrop at 3:30 to join union and community activists for the 10th Ave Bridge action. Student rallies will also take place at Macalester College and elsewhere…
 
4:00pm March onto the 10th Ave Bridge to “Bridge the Gap on Jobs and Racial Equity.” With unemployment for African Americans three times that of whites, we demand a federal jobs program for all funded by taxes on corporations and the rich who sit on trillions in reserves. The 4pm Rally is organized by Minnesotans for a Fair Economy, and more details are here.
 
5:30pm Rally on the Peoples’ Plaza (Government Plaza) to oppose police repression of our movement. We will also highlight opposition to the looming congressional Super Committee’s plan for trillions in budget cuts to vital social safety net programs, education, environmental protection, and more. Make Wall Street pay, not working people! More info here. 

We are uniting to say:

* No to police repression of the Occupy movement!

* No to the congressional Super Committee’s plans to cut trillions for education, public sector jobs, and vital social programs!

* We need more funding for education and jobs to rebuild our crumbling infrastructure!

* Wall Street and rich should pay for the crisis they created, not working people!

OccupyMN Events, Rallies, & Teach-ins

Thursday, October 28 at 10:00am & at 5:00pmRally and March to Protest the TarSands Pipeline
 
The People’s Plaza (Hennepin County Government Plaza)
 
10:00am - Press conference on the TarSands Pipeline
5:00pm - The American Indian Movement will lead a rally and march, kicking off in The People’s Plaza, to protest the TarSands Pipeline.
 
Facebook event
 
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Friday, October 28 - 4pm
Occupy Europe! A Socialist Alternative Teach-in
At People’s Plaza (Hennepin County Government Center)
Speaker: Stephan Kimmerle is a staff organizer for the Committee for a Workers International (CWI), the global socialist organisation with supporters in over 40 countries around the world. In recent months, Stephan traveled to Greece, Israel, Germany, and beyond to assist our affiliated groups there organize the massive occupation and strike movements which have convulsed Europe.
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Friday, October 28 - 5-7pm
Unity Rally to Celebrate Three Weeks of Occupation of People’s Plaza
 
Join us at the People’s Plaza for music, speakers and more to celebrate the third week of occupation!
 
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Saturday October 29th at 11am
March to Say No to Corporate Greed!
Protest and March on Anniversary of Stock Market Crash and start of the Great Depression
 
At People’s Plaza

Join OccupyMN and organizations from around Minnesota in a Protest and March on the Banks on Anniversary of the 1929 Stock Market Crash.  Join student, labor, poor people, anti-war, immigrant rights and other contingents to highlight how corporate greed is killing people, jobs, education, the economy, and the environment!

Gather at 10 am before protest to make signs and banners and props for march.

Facebook event

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Sunday, October 30 · 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Rally & March for Marriage Equality Now!

At People’s Plaza

The fight for full marriage equality goes beyond an election next year as does the continuing fight for full rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people. Opponents of equality, by scapegoating LGBT people, immigrants, women and other marginalized communities, pursue a “divide and rule” agenda to prevent the rise of a united mass movement for full civil and economic rights for all. In order to build a community for marriage equality we will call out individual and corporate contributors standing in the way of equal rights.

Organized by Join the Impact - Twin Cities

Facebook event

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Tuesday, November 5th - 5pm
Teach-in: Warning from Wisconsin - Lessons from mass movement last Spring
On the People’s Plaza (Hennepin County Government Center)
Speaker: Teddy Shibabaw, organizer with Madison Socialist Alternative, Wisconsin Resists, and Occupy Madison. He has helped helped organize student walkouts, labor protests, and other actions against the budget cuts and anti-union attacks. Despite the defeats, Teddy has emerged a well known voice on the Madison left, and is now coordinating plans for a major Jobs Not Cuts week of action in November, uniting much of the local labor movement and progressive organizations in an attempt to revive the struggle there.
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Friday, November 4th - 7pm
Student & Youth-led March on the Banks!

After the weekly celebration, go on a march! 

Bail out students, not banks!
Abolish student debt!
Education is a right!

Flyer