Columnist Jamala Rogers
I’ve been thinking more about the work of social justice groups as the Organization for Black Struggle’s 30th anniversary approaches this weekend. Talking about our history has given me pause for the important work by legions of unsung freedom fighters. Frequently, we are told that it is our armed forces that “protect our freedoms.” Let me offer an alternative perspective.
I fully understand the role of national security. However, the last time we really had to defend democracy was what – World War I, when the Nazis were trying to implement their imperial plan for white supremacy? Most of the deployment of U.S. troops has been to invade other countries for their resources. Some of those operations were guided by the CIA and required the duplicity of the armed forces or hired guns.
The backlash the U.S. is experiencing now and which they call “terrorism” is in response to what U.S. government-multinationals have done to other people’s countries. This includes elimination of democratically elected heads of states, illegal occupation of countries, theft of natural resources, destruction of the environment, and suppression of cultural and religious traditions.
We don’t know the full depth of what this country does in our name but the millions who have suffered under U.S. dominance do. They are responding.
On the home front, government policies, laws and practices would be just as brutal as they are abroad were it not for the band of committed change agents who work to expose, challenge and change the way this country does business. Call them the People’s Army, because their ultimate goal is to fight for our constitutional and human rights and ultimately move us to a true democracy that makes a safe and productive space for all, regardless of religion, gender, race, class, sexual orientation and ethnicity.
There may be disagreement on what parts of this system is salvageable, but there is unanimity that if we don’t fight back against the attacks on real freedoms, this could be a country unbefitting to intelligent life forms.
Call them social justice junkies, because where there is injustice, that’s where you will find them. While you are working, sleeping or chillin’, they are taking care of business. They go to bed at night thinking about how to tackle issues. This is their life’s work.
It is not military might that is making the fundamental and transformative changes; it is the day to day, hour by hour efforts of the social welfare warriors who are ensuring that our basic human needs are met, that each person is allowed to reach his or her full potential and who strive to make this nation a more perfect union. They make the societal changes that you enjoy but rarely think about their origins.
It is because of them that there’s a 40-hour work week and social security. It is because of them there is a mandatory and free public education system. It is because of them that the erosion of civil liberties is kept in check. It is because of them that government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency exist.
And when injustices raise their ugly heads, it’s the network of activists and organizers who confront them and demand justice for its victims. Victims of police brutality, victims of wrongful convictions, victims of evictions and inadequate housing, victims of poor health care, victims of hate crimes, victims of religious intolerance, victims of unsafe and unfair work environments.
They take turns putting their finger in the dike that holds back the turbulent waters of isms that threaten to take away people’s dignity as well as their rights. They are the force that the enemy hopes will stay under-funded, under-appreciated and most importantly, under-recognized.
One of their tasks is to convince the majority of people to better understand that organization, a sound strategy and commitment can take you a long ways – that our oppressors are not invincible and that we are duty-bound to make this world a better place for our children.
The next time a group is visible and you get the chance, thank them for their work and make a donation to continue it.
The 30th Anniversary Celebration of the Organization for Black Struggle will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, January 30 at the Sheldon’s Spiering Room, 3648 Washington Ave. For more information, call (314) 367-5959 or visit www.obs-onthemove-org.