The Key To Revolution...

[Ukali]

Originally Posted by LadyDivine

Organization and unity follow on the heels of loyalty to the cause unto death.

Indeed... if dying becomes necessary.

Originally Posted by LadyDivine

How many of us are really ready to die for what we believe in?

Q: How many of us are ready to die for what other people believe in?

Originally Posted by LadyDivine

Here we are 40 years later........talking the same talk.

I'm willing to bet that most of those talking the talk aren't themselves 40 years old yet.

Originally Posted by LadyDivine

The BPP was a take no prisoners kick a$$ organization yet they still had problems, dissension, etc.

Despite their weaknesses, the Panthers were earnest in their commitments. They didn't waste much time chit-chatting about radical change; they sensed the urgency of the times and responded accordingly (with action).

Originally Posted by LadyDivine

Here is the manifesto just in case anybody needs a refresher.........

Ten-Point Program and Platform of the Black Student Unions

Thank you for posting this vital historical information. Surely it will help raise the level of discourse and exchange in this thread.

"Of all our studies, history is best qualified to reward our research."

— Malcolm X

[Ukali]

Originally Posted by Nyela

You know what's ironic? Most who use the term "revolution" so freely aren't aware of the sacrifices, effort and determination it takes to see it through. A revolution does not take place because of one loud voice. A revolution happens when the voices of many are expressed in solidarity. Quiting, tiring out, compromising and a change of mind aren't characteristics or personality traits of those who have been involved in past revolution.

You raise a great point here... one that really needs to sink into the mind and consciousness of anyone espousing revolution (or any other form of radical change).

In his famous "Message To The Grassroots" speech, Malcolm X delivered this cautionary thought:

Sometimes I'm inclined to believe that many of our people are using this word "revolution" loosely, without taking careful consideration [of] what this word actually means, and what its historic characteristics are. When you study the historic nature of revolutions, the motive of a revolution, the objective of a revolution, and the result of a revolution, and the methods used in a revolution, you may change words. You may devise another program. You may change your goal and you may change your mind.

Later he forcefully states:

I'm telling you, you don't know what a revolution is. 'Cause when you find out what it is, you'll get back in the alley; you'll get out of the way.

So the advice for those who like to 'talk the talk' in this forum is to take your ideas seriously... so much so that your convictions become total commitment to a vision and plan that creates a better condition than the world has yet known (by any means necessary).

[RBG3]

That was a great speech..a revolution is bloddy..its dirty..it was real moving.

[ardamus]

Originally Posted by Ukali

I think if you read the entire thread you'll see that it was initially about doing something (organization, networking, communication...) then quickly became an abstract discussion, i.e., talking about doing something.

It was never about "saying what people have done and proving themselves" although some folks have tried to veer it in that direction.

The key to revolution cannot be summed up in pretty words alone; it must be demonstrated through actual (real-world) struggle, sacrifice, and success.

I only posed that question for clarification thats all. Don't think I didn't read it from the beginning. At some points, thats what it looked like. I've just run into people in the past who have come across that way and I just wanted to know that wasn't the direction this topic was heading.

And you're right about what it takes for a revolution to actually take place. Good points made.

[Lady_Dread]

It also takes a lot of mental strength and courage to truly believe that it is time for revolution. Not many people believe that racism or revolution even exists. It's like being trapped in the Matrix,enslaved minds who have no clue that they are prisoners,and there are those who have freed themselves and now fight to liberate others.

Originally Posted by Nyela

You know what's ironic? Most who use the term "revolution" so freely aren't aware of the sacrifices, effort and determination it takes to see it through. A revolution does not take place because of one loud voice. A revolution happens when the voices of many are expressed in solidarity. Quiting, tiring out, compromising and a change of mind aren't characteristics or personality traits of those who have been involved in past revolution.
It takes honest, open dialogue. It takes tenacity to stand against adverse conditions and reactions to the revolt. It takes a willingness to give of self, up to and including death. When looking at past pioneers who eventually became revolutionaries; they each had at least one thing in common. They decided change was necessary and the ONLY OPTION!