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Report Back From 2nd Annual DPREC Black Community Forum and Debate

Nov 1 2008 PHILADELPHIA- In the height of the eve of the empire’s presidential election activists and people of the community came together for David P. Richardson Education Coalition’s 2nd Annual Community Forum at the Black United Fund to discuss and debate the question “Will A Black President Make Any Difference?”

As the call for the forum states “Transition is the word that come to mind if one carefully study the local and international scene . Just look around. The changes— taking place—are world historical. And the so called Negro in these United States of America, where is he/she in all this? Well, look around . . . beyond Barack Obama, what we are living through is a pivotal transitional moment-a life and death struggle to define THE NEW MAINSTREAM in the Black nation. The question is just what shall this new mainstream be?”

The David P. Richardson Education Coalition (DPREC) sponsored the forum debate. The DPREC is a board coalition of organizations of community organizations including The Poor Righteous Party of the Black Nation (PRPBN), Provisional Government of Republic of New Afrika (RNA), Philadelphia Community Institute for Africana Studies, and other progressive and revolutionary groups. The DPREC organizes commemoration activities of the 1967 student uprising led by David P. Richardson and others.

In the Black community there is high levels of discussion and debate on whether or not Sen. Barack Obama becoming the first Black president in fascist America will transform the country erasing racism and exploitation of Black people.

From the panel to the audience all ages and perspectives were present at the forum. The panel consisted of representatives of various organizations from the new generation of vibrant activists to seasoned veterans in the movement.

Panelists included Khalil Ali activist intellectual of the Republic of New Afrika, Umar Abdullah Johnson a nationally certified Black psychologist and Garveyite, Malaika Henry a community activist from Sankofa Community and Empowerment, King Samir Shabazz controversial chairman of the New Black Panther Party Philadelphia chapter, Dr.Ahmad Muhammad veteran revolutionary activist of the Philadelphia Community Institute for Africana Studies, and revolutionary activist Comrade Proctor Rell Stylez of Polymathematic University (PU) (PRPBN).

Hosted by Chairman of DPREC and PRPBN, revolutionary leader Comrade Tommy Ingiaye the forum started off with peace and greetings to the masses. Chairman Tommy gratefully thanked the and participants and general masses for coming out and opened the debate asking each panelist to give their perspective on the question “Will A Black President Make A Difference?”

Dr. Ahmad Muhammad stated that though a Black president won’t make significant difference in the conditions of Black people in the U.S., a President Barack Obama would be important to isolate the extreme right in the country. He stressed that the elections are introducing a whole new generation of young people of all races to politics.

Dr. Muhammad said that if the revolutionary forces utilize the current conditions properly the basis for a broad united front for social democratic change could be established.

Umar Abdullah Johnson gave another perspective stating that Obama does not work in the interests of Black people and is a tool used by the U.S. to strengthen relations with African Governments.

He pointed out that the U.S. ridden by an economic and energy crisis has an interest in attaining more access to untapped natural resources in Africa and building military bases through AFRICOM in response to China’s rising influence on the continent.

“Using Obama’s African ancestry and race could help the U.S. to persuade African Governments over to U.S. interests and not China’s” stated Umar.

King Shabazz blasted that Barack Obama is a puppet for the white man and against reparations for the descendents of African slaves in the U.S. or in his words “A White Man’s Nigger.”

The controversial leader of Philadelphia’s NBPP said that he had an opportunity to ask Barack Obama his view on reparations in Love Park and Obama ducked the question.

Sister Malaika Henry stated that it’s good Barack Obama inspires the people. She voiced concern of the masses putting too much faith and trust in Obama. Malaika emphasized the importance of community organization and raised questions on how organizations can be effective in this new period.

Khalil Ali cautioned revolutionaries and activists not to jump to any conclusions on Barack Obama without a clear scientific analysis of the new situation in the U.S.

He asserted that organizations should not move above the masses’ level of consciousness. He warned that the mistake of not having a mass line that’s based on the masses’ level of consciousness would isolate revolutionaries.

Khalil Ali also expressed the importance of defending the Black vote and called for support for Green Party presidential candidate Cynthia McKinney.

Comrade Procter Rell Stylez said Obama is a tool of the U.S. Empire to deceive the Black masses into a false American nationalism as a response to the discontent of the Government due to the blatant attack on the Black community during the Bush years.

Hurricane Katrina, Jena 6, Sean Bell, and declining conditions of the Black community has produced high level of dissatisfaction that has lead to organization and resistance that has revolutionary potential.

Proctor Stylez stated that the U.S. is in a period of economic and political crisis nationally and internationally. There has been an increase in anti-imperialist struggles throughout the globe. He said the reactionary state must restructure itself to regain stability.

He pointed out that with the decline of the U.S. Empire the ruling class couldn’t afford resistance at home and abroad.

“Obama is a ‘new age puppet’ that is being utilized to pacify the awakening Black, Brown, Red, and Yellow people back into complete submission to U.S. imperialism,” said Proctor Stylez.

Proctor Stylez stressed true “change” could only come through building the Black United Front and concrete revolutionary organization of the masses under revolutionary leadership.

After the panelists gave their views on the topic there was an intermission with an inspirational performance by the youth of the Beats, Rhymes, and Life multi-media and mentoring which is based at public schools throughout the city of Philadelphia.

Throughout the second half of the event there was discussion and debate between the audience and panelists. The BUF Conference room was comfortable full with about 65 people present representing a cross section of the community.

Debate between those in the community who were supportive of Obama and those who were critical opened up other discussions on other issues such as education, the color complex in the Black community, reparations, socialism, and the need for independent community controlled programs in the hood.

There was also debate among the attendees on what strategy and tactics should be applied in the Black Nation for social change.

Though everyone agreed on the importance of building the Black United Front there were different conceptions of how a front could be established and whether or not the movement is in the process of developing a front. This reflect class viewpoint.

As the event ended though there were differences there was much agreement on many key questions and issues. Everyone was enlightened at the event and the open dialogue strengthened the unity among the people providing more space for unified discussion and work.

At the closing Chairman Tommy asked the question once again, “Will a Black President make any difference?” to which he told the people that a Black president would make a difference. Immediately, some people sighed thinking Comrade was referring to Obama. “Yes–a Black president will make a difference– a Black president of a unified and independent Africa under a union government!” comrade declared as the crowd applauded “and a Black president of a independent people’s republic of New Afrika!”

“Brothers and Sisters, such is what unites us and must be what we focus on attaining. US imperialism, at home and abroad is our common enemy. Onward to the revolutionary Black United Front!”

All agreed with Comrade Chairman’s proposition and all frowns if any turned to smiles.

The event ended with the spirit of unity and a sense of the struggle ahead.