“Every time most Black people pick up our checks, we are being robbed. Every time we walk into a store in the community, we are being held up. Every time we pay our rent, the landlord sticks a gun into our ribs.” Assata Shakur
Within the righteous bosom of the BLA Black Liberation Army, Assata’s kujichagulia, commitment, skill set, observation techniques and overall leadership strengthened tremendously. Assata taught us that people who are persecuted by the government on unjust charges should be protected, should be hidden, should be fed, and should be cared for.
Assata’s ideology and that of the BLA focused on the task of politically mobilizing, educating and organizing the masses of Black people around the African Liberation struggle.
Assata taught us that “the idea of the BLA emerged from conditions in the Black community, conditions of poverty, indecent housing, massive unemployment, poor medical care and inferior education. The idea came about because Black people are not free or equal in this country.
Because 90% of the men and women in this country’s prison system are Black and third World.
Because dope has saturated our communities, preying on the disillusionment and frustration of our children.
The concept of the Black Liberation Army arose because of the political, social and economic oppression of Black people in this country. And where there is oppression, there will be resistance. The BLA is part of the resistance movement.”
Assata goes on to inform us that the government and law enforcement have used their newspapers and television programming to paint the BLA as vicious, brutal mad-dog criminals.
She said that “We are created by our conditions, shaped by our oppression. We are being manufactured in droves in the ghetto streets, places like Attica, San Quentin, Bedford Hills, Leavenworth and Sing Sing. Many jobless Black veterans and welfare mothers are joining our ranks. Brothers and sisters from all walks of life who are tired of suffering passively–make up the BLA. The main function of the BLA at this time is to create good examples to struggle for black freedom and to prepare for the future. We must defend ourselves and let no one disrespect us. We must gain liberation by any means necessary!”
**********
Thank you for reading Khabyr Hadas’ article on scoopnewsusa.com. For more on “Blessed are those who struggle”, please subscribe to SCOOP USA Media. Print subscriptions are $75 and online subscriptions (Print, Digital, and VIZION) are $90. (52 weeks / 1 year).
