Video After The Jump
In this episode of 'People's Party,' Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with co-founder of the Los Angeles chapter of Black Lives Matter and professor of Pan-African Studies at California State University, Los Angeles -- Melina Abdullah
The deeply insightful conversation begins with Melina, Jasmin, and Talib discussing her Ted Talk 'Resistance as the New Normal' speech. They also reflect on the story of MarShawn McCarrel, expand on the racial wealth gap in America and how to correct it, as well as the stock market and how it perpetuates systematic racism. They explore Melina's upbringing in East Oakland and that community's rich legacy of protesting, as well as discuss the meaning of 'Pan-Africanism'. Melina responds to those accusing her of being a Marxist, they talk about the liberal debate of class vs. race discrimination, and Melina illustrates how shows like 'Good Trouble' that she has appeared in have been so important to the cause, picking up where mainstream media has failed.
Later Melina talks about how she navigates life, accused of being a leader of a terrorist organization. They discuss the idea of defunding the police, and reimagining public safety though community programs, explaining to people how to avoid any alignment with white supremacy, and Melina speaks to reclaiming black women's divinity. They also go on to discuss Megan Thee Stallion getting shot and the backlash she faced online, white allies and their role in eradicating white supremacy, celebrities and the role they can play with their platforms, and Melina is asked for her take on the activists obligations to vote.
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3:44 -- Talib brings up Melina's 'Black Lives Matter and Resistance as the New Normal' speech that appeared on TED Talks, and goes on to ask for her explanation on why activism work is so important to shaping the future of America. She goes on to breakdown systematic racism, and clarifies what she means with the phrase "White-supremacist-patriarchal-heteronormative-capitalism". They also discuss the story of MarShawn McCarrel, a leading member of BLM, who shot himself outside Ohio's state capitol.
15:56 -- Jasmin brings up the prominiate racial wealth gap in America, and asks Melina how she thinks we are able to correct that disparity. Melina explains that it really comes down to taking the action of autonomy in black communities across the country. Talib asks Melina if she thinks the stock market is a cog in systematic racism. They also go on to discuss why it's important to retain African names, Melina speaks on the meaning of her names, as well as their history, and naming her daughter.
25:10 -- Melina is asked about her growing up in East Oakland, and how that upbringing influenced her outlook on life. She talks about Oakland's long legacy of protest, and how her memories of being on the picket line go as far as she can remember. Talib mentions how much his time spent in Oakland has influenced him as well. Melina also breaks down the term 'Pan-Africanism' and how it ties into the push for reparations, they discuss how capitalism directly contributes to the disempowerment of marginalized communities, and Melina responds to those that choose to call her a Marxist.
38:34 -- Melina is asked for her take on the debate taking place in progressive circles concerning race discrimination vs. class discrimination, and which is the bigger issue. Melina expands on things she noticed while visiting Cuba, seeing racism there. She also speaks on white liberals who may be for the cause but shouldn't always expect to understand certain aspects of the movement due to their lacking of the black experience. Jasmin mentions her love of the show 'Good Trouble', and asks Melina how she feels that show and others like it can help move the BLM agenda forward.
47:40 -- Talib asks Melina about BLM being misappropriated and how to recognize true affiliates. Talib asks Melina about the large target on her back since she became the co-founder of BLM, and how she has dealt with the eight criminal misdemeanor charges stemming from her activism, as well as the accusations of her being a leader of a terrorist organization. She outlines one of the demonstrations that led to charges being filed when they set up chairs in front of the house of district attorney Jackie Lacey. She talks about how much her spirituality has helped her through it all, promoting calm amidst some harrowing situations.
58:20 -- Talib asks Melina to expand on the the meanings of 'undoing, 'defunding, and 'abolishing' the police force. He asks her if she can explain the differences, as well as where the concepts may overlap. She frames her view of a new way in reimagining public safety through re-directing those funds to community programs. Talib goes on to thank Melina for her help in keeping rapper/activist Tef Poe's name relevant, as well as brings up his recent suspension from Twitter, and asks Melina for the most effective way to get across to people that it's never ok to align themselves with white supremacy.
1:13:53 -- Melina speaks on the act of reclaiming black women's divinity, and the role of black men in revering that divinity. Jasmin, Melina and Talib go on to discuss Megan Thee Stallion getting shot by Tory Lanez, and all the backlash she was met with online from black men calling her a snitch or a liar. Talib brings up how the no-snitch code has gotten out of control. Melina goes on to speak about the importance of white allies, what they can do for the cause, and states the responsibility that white people have in erasing white supremacy, since they created it.
1:23 -- Melina is asked how celebrities and entertainers can properly use their platforms to assist and be allies for the movement of BLM. Melina expresses her appreciation of the support, but if they don't fully understand it, then they really shouldn't speak on it. Melina also outlines actor/activist Kendrick Sampson's approach with his organization called 'Build Power' assisting other celebs to use their platforms in the most effective ways possible.
1:30:21 -- Talib asks Melina what (if any) is the obligation of an activist to vote, or to participate in a political process. As well as her personal take on the act of voting, and how she would explain to people that wouldn't understand, someone's refusal to vote. They also go on to discuss the expectation of Trump not leaving if/when he loses the election, they note important propositions on the LA ballot that deserve attention, they talk about the problem of voter shaming, as well as how differently generations view the two party system, and establishment politics.
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