October 4, 2024 – RBG Communiversity: Message 2 Da Grassroots

Book Summary

Overview: “Imprisoned Intellectuals: America’s Political Prisoners Write on Life, Liberation, Rebellion,” edited by Joy James, is a compelling anthology that brings together the voices of political prisoners in the United States. The book sheds light on the experiences, thoughts, and struggles of individuals who have been incarcerated for their political beliefs and activism. Through essays, letters, and reflections, the contributors explore themes of resistance, identity, and the impact of systemic oppression.

The outline that follows provides a structured overview of the themes and discussions presented in the book, showcasing the voices and experiences of those who have faced political imprisonment in America.

Outline:

Introduction
- Overview of the book’s purpose and significance
- Importance of political prisoners in contemporary society
- Brief introduction to the editor, Joy James, and her vision for the anthology
Chapter 1: The Context of Political Imprisonment
- Historical background of political imprisonment in the U.S.
- Discussion on the targeted oppression of marginalized groups
- Overview of the legal and social frameworks supporting political incarceration
Chapter 2: Voices from the Inside
- Personal narratives from various political prisoners
- Reflections on life in prison and the psychological effects of incarceration
- Insights into maintaining identity and purpose while imprisoned
Chapter 3: Rebellion and Resistance
- Analysis of acts of resistance and rebellion within prison walls
- The role of solidarity among prisoners
- Examination of hunger strikes, protests, and other forms of activism
Chapter 4: The Role of Education and Intellectualism
- The importance of education and intellectual engagement for prisoners
- Contributions of imprisoned intellectuals to social and political thought
- Discussion on how education serves as a form of resistance
Chapter 5: Liberation Movements and Solidarity
- Connections between imprisoned intellectuals and broader liberation movements
- The role of community support and activism outside prison
- Strategies for building solidarity and alliances for change
Chapter 6: The Future of Political Prisoners
- Reflections on the potential for reform and change in the penal system
- Hope and resilience among political prisoners
- Calls to action for readers and activists
Conclusion
- Summary of key themes and insights from the anthology
- The ongoing struggle for justice and liberation
- Invitation for readers to engage with the issues presented in the book
Appendices
- Additional resources for understanding political imprisonment
- Information on organizations supporting political prisoners
- Suggested readings and further research topics

“My Idea of an ICEBREAKER Video for this remarkable book.”

THE REVOLUTION WILL NOT BE THEORIZED: Cultural Revolution in the Black Power Era, by Dr. Errol A. Henderson_eBook

Pop the documents out from the upper right to read / expand / download.

The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975_ Docmentary Film by Göran Hugo Olsson

For three decades, the film canisters sat undisturbed in a cellar beneath the Swedish National Broadcasting Company. Inside was roll after roll of startlingly fresh and candid 16mm footage shot in the 1960s and 1970s in the United States, all of it focused on the anti-war and Black Power movements. When filmmaker Goran Hugo Olsson discovered the footage, he decided he had a responsibility to shepherd this glimpse of history into the world.
With contemporary audio interviews from leading African American artists, activists, musicians and scholars, The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975 looks at the people, society, culture, and style that fuelled an era of convulsive change. Utilizing an innovative format that riffs on the popular 1970s mixtape format, Mixtape is a cinematic and musical journey into the black communities of America.
At the end of the ’60s and into the early ’70s, Swedish interest in the U.S. civil rights movement and the U.S. anti-war movement peaked. With a combination of commitment and naiveté, Swedish filmmakers traveled across the Atlantic to explore the Black Power movement, which was being alternately ignored or portrayed in the U.S. media as a violent, nascent terrorist movement.
Despite the obstacles they encountered, both from the conservative white American power establishment and from radicalized movement members themselves, the Swedish filmmakers stayed committed to their investigation, and ultimately formed bonds with key figures in the movement.
This newly discovered footage offers a penetrating examination — through the lens of Swedish filmmakers — of the Black Power movement from 1967 to 1975, and its worldwide resonance. The result is like an anthropological treatise on an exotic civilization from the point of view of outsiders who approached their subject with no assumptions or biases.

The Filmmaker Göran Hugo Olsson
Documentary filmmaker and cinematographer Göran Hugo Olsson is the co-founder of Story AB. He was the commission consultant at the Swedish Film Institute during 2000-02, and is a member of the editorial board of Ikon South Africa — a platform for the creative documentary in South Africa. His documentary film work includes F**k You, F**k You Very Much (nominated as the second best rock-documentary of all time by legendary Bon Magazine), and the film about soul artist Billy Paul, Am I Black Enough for You.