Slavery, Suffering and Death

Mau Mau in Harlem?_The U.S. and the Liberation of Kenya, Gerald Horne|eBook and Audiobook| (Contemporary Black History), with Mau Mau Warrior Illustrated eBook, by Abiodun Alao (Author), Christa Hook (Illustrator).

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Book Summary:

“Mau Mau in Harlem?: The U.S. and the Liberation of Kenya” is a book by historian Gerald Horne which explores the connections between the African-American Civil Rights movement in the United States and the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya, specifically how the struggle for Kenyan independence resonated with African Americans, leading to a sense of solidarity and even the idea of a “Mau Mau” movement within Harlem and other Black communities in the U.S. 

Key points about the book:

  • Focus on the Mau Mau: The book delves into the Mau Mau Uprising, a violent guerrilla campaign by Kenyan Kikuyu people against British colonial rule in the 1950s, primarily focused on land rights and self-determination. 
  • Harlem connection: It analyzes how the struggles of the Mau Mau movement were closely followed and supported by African Americans in Harlem, New York, who saw parallels with their own fight for civil rights in the United States. 
  • Scholarly research: Horne draws on extensive archival research conducted in the US, UK, and Kenya to provide a nuanced understanding of the interconnectedness between the two movements. 
  • Impact on Black consciousness: The book argues that the Mau Mau rebellion contributed to a growing sense of Black consciousness and solidarity among African Americans, further fueling the civil rights movement. 
  • The Mau Mau Uprising: This was a violent resistance movement against British colonial rule in Kenya, primarily led by the Kikuyu tribe, during the 1950s. 
  • African (American) Solidarity: The book argues that African Americans saw parallels between the Kenyan struggle against British colonialism and their own fight for civil rights in the U.S., leading to significant support for the Mau Mau movement within the Black community. 
  • Malcolm X’s “Mau Mau in Harlem” reference: A prominent example of this connection is Malcolm X’s statement about the potential need for a “Mau Mau” style uprising in Harlem, signifying a willingness to use more militant tactics to achieve racial equality. 
  • Historical Context: The book examines the broader historical context of the Cold War, where the U.S. was keen to demonstrate its anti-colonial stance, leading to some level of support for Kenyan independence. 

Mau Mau in Harlem, Gerald Horne?_eBook

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Mau Mau in Harlem, Gerald Horne?_Audiobook

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Mau Mau Warrior Illustrated eBook, by Abiodun Alao (Author), Christa Hook (Illustrator).

Amazon Books: “Osprey’s study of the Mau Mau Rebellion (1952-1960) in Kenya and its fighters. The Mau Mau Freedom Fighters waged a guerrilla war for eight years against their British colonial rulers, which became known as the Mau Mau Uprising. The Mau Mau sought to win back their land and independence. This underground militia was an extremely powerful force employing tactics, which included the assassination of British settlers and the Africans who collaborated with the British, as well as raiding colonial prisons for weapons and staging daring ambushes in the Kenyan forests and mountains. The conflict saw these untrained warriors, deemed by many to be terrorists employ an innovative mix of traditional African warfare tactics, counterinsurgency methods and European firepower. The uprising ended in failure but set the stage for Kenyan independence in 1963. This title will explore their unique motivations, training and tactics, as well as their battle experience.”

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Dr. Gerald Horne: The Counter-Revolution of 1776: Slave Resistance and the Origins of the United States of America_eBook and Audiobook, with Trump 2.0: Gerald Horne on the Future of White Supremacy, Imperialism & the Rise of Third-Worldism (Jedaal English)

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Dr. Gerald Horne is an American historian who currently holds the John J. and Rebecca Moores Chair of History and African American Studies at the University of Houston. 

Book Summary

Dr. Gerald Horne’s “The Counter-Revolution of 1776” presents a provocative reinterpretation of the American Revolution, arguing that it was not merely a struggle for independence from British rule but also a response to the increasing resistance of enslaved people. Horne posits that the revolution was fundamentally counter-revolutionary, aimed at preserving the institution of slavery and maintaining white supremacy. The book examines the social, political, and economic tensions that fueled both the revolution and the resistance of enslaved individuals, ultimately framing the American founding in a broader context of global struggles against colonialism and oppression.

The following outline captures the key themes and structure of Horne’s argument, highlighting the interconnections between slave resistance and the events leading to the formation of the United States.

Introduction

  • Explanation of the book’s thesis
  • Contextualization of the American Revolution within the framework of slavery

■ The Background of Slavery in Colonial America

  • Overview of the institution of slavery in the colonies
  • Economic importance of slavery to colonial economies
  • Social hierarchies and racial ideologies

■ Rising Tensions

  • Factors leading to increased resistance among enslaved people
  • The role of the British in promoting freedom for enslaved individuals
  • Key instances of slave resistance prior to the revolution

■ The Revolutionary Context

  • The impact of the American Revolution on colonial society
  • The ideological conflict between liberty and slavery
  • Examination of revolutionary leaders’ views on slavery

■ The Counter-Revolutionary Nature of the American Revolution

  • Analysis of how the revolution sought to protect slavery
  • The role of Southern colonies in shaping revolutionary goals
  • The influence of slave uprisings on revolutionary rhetoric

■ Global Implications

  • Connections between the American Revolution and global slave resistance
  • The impact of the revolution on other colonies and enslaved populations
  • The emergence of new ideologies and movements in response to slavery

■ The Legacy of the Counter-Revolution

  • Long-term effects of the American Revolution on slavery and race relations
  • The establishment of a national identity rooted in white supremacy
  • Reflections on the implications for understanding American history today

■ Conclusion

  • Summation of key arguments
  • The importance of recognizing the role of slavery in shaping American history
  • Call for re-examination of the narratives surrounding the founding of the United States

The Counter-Revolution of 1776_eBook

Illuminates how the preservation of slavery was a motivating factor for the Revolutionary War
The successful 1776 revolt against British rule in North America has been hailed almost universally as a great step forward for humanity. But the Africans then living in the colonies overwhelmingly sided with the British. In this trailblazing book, Gerald Horne shows that in the prelude to 1776, the abolition of slavery seemed all but inevitable in London, delighting Africans as much as it outraged slaveholders, and sparking the colonial revolt.
Prior to 1776, anti-slavery sentiments were deepening throughout Britain and in the Caribbean, rebellious Africans were in revolt. For European colonists in America, the major threat to their security was a foreign invasion combined with an insurrection of the enslaved. It was a real and threatening possibility that London would impose abolition throughout the colonies―a possibility the founding fathers feared would bring slave rebellions to their shores. To forestall it, they went to war.
The so-called Revolutionary War, Horne writes, was in part a counter-revolution, a conservative movement that the founding fathers fought in order to preserve their right to enslave others. The Counter-Revolution of 1776 brings us to a radical new understanding of the traditional heroic creation myth of the United States.

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The Counter-Revolution of 1776_Audiobook

Trump 2.0: Gerald Horne on the Future of White Supremacy, Imperialism & the Rise of Third-Worldism (Jedaal English)

RBG Communiversity Dr. Gerald Horne Video Edu. Player (31)

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Che Guevara: A Revolutionary Life by Jon Lee Anderson (eBook) and The CIA Against Che, by Adys Cupull et al. (Audiobook), with The Truth About Che Guevara_A Bio-Documentary Film

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Che Guevara: A Revolutionary Life by Jon Lee Anderson

Acclaimed around the world and a national best-seller, this is the definitive work on Che Guevara, the dashing rebel whose epic dream was to end poverty and injustice in Latin America and the developing world through armed revolution.

Jon Lee Anderson’s biography traces Che’s extraordinary life, from his comfortable Argentine upbringing to the battlefields of the Cuban revolution, from the halls of power in Castro’s government to his failed campaign in the Congo and assassination in the Bolivian jungle.

Anderson has had unprecedented access to the personal archives maintained by Guevara’s widow and carefully guarded Cuban government documents. He has conducted extensive interviews with Che’s comrades some of whom speak here for the first time and with the CIA men and Bolivian officers who hunted him down. Anderson broke the story of where Guevara’s body was buried, which led to the exhumation and state burial of the bones. Many of the details of Che’s life have long been cloaked in secrecy and intrigue. Meticulously researched and full of exclusive information, Che Guevara illuminates as never before this mythic figure who embodied the high-water mark of revolutionary communism as a force in history.

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The CIA Against Cheby Adys Cupull etal._Audiobook

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The Truth About Che Guevara_A Bio-Documentary Film

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NAT TURNER’S SLAVE REBELLION_eBook and Audiobook, Including the 1831 “Confessions” by Herbert Aptheker (1966, 2006), Feat. RBG|Reef- Nat Turner

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From the Preface: “Herbert Aptheker wrote Nat Turner’s Rebellion as his Master’s Thesis at Columbia University, and submitted it in February 1937. The only work on Turner prior to Aptheker’s study, titled The Southampton Insurrection, was written by William S. Drewry and published in 1900. It treated the insurrection with fear and contempt and sexualized Turner’s motives”…

Book Summary

“Nat Turner’s Slave Rebellion” by Herbert Aptheker provides a detailed analysis of the insurrection led by Nat Turner in 1831 in Virginia, which is one of the most significant slave revolts in American history. Aptheker explores the social, political, and economic conditions that led to the rebellion, as well as the aftermath and its implications for slavery and race relations in the United States. The book combines historical documentation with an examination of the broader context of slavery, resistance, and the struggles for freedom.

The following   outline encapsulates the essential themes and structure of “Nat Turner’s Slave Rebellion” by Herbert Aptheker. The book serves as an important historical document that not only recounts the events of the rebellion but also situates it within the broader narrative of American slavery, resistance, and the quest for freedom. Aptheker’s work emphasizes the significance of Nat Turner’s leadership and the enduring impact of the rebellion on American society and history.

I. Introduction

  • A. Background of Nat Turner and the rebellion
  • B. Importance of the rebellion in American history
  • C. Purpose of the book

II. The Context of Slavery in America

  • A. Overview of the institution of slavery
  • B. Conditions faced by enslaved individuals in the South
  • C. The role of religion and community among enslaved people

III. Nat Turner: Life and Leadership

  • A. Early life and experiences of Nat Turner
    • Background and upbringing
    • Religious influence and visions
  • B. Turner’s role as a leader and preacher
    • Charismatic leadership
  • Development of revolutionary ideas

IV. The Rebellion of 1831

  • A. Planning and preparation for the uprising
    • Recruitment of followers
    • Strategic considerations
  • B. Key events of the rebellion
    • Timeline of the uprising
  • Major actions and confrontations
  • C. The response of the local authorities and the white community
    • Immediate military response
  • Panic and retaliation against enslaved people

V. Aftermath of the Rebellion

  • A. Consequences for the Turner and his followers
    • Capture and execution of Nat Turner
    • Repression of enslaved communities
  • B. Impact on slavery and plantation life
    • Increased restrictions on enslaved individuals
  • Heightened fear among slaveholders
  • C. Changes in public perception and discourse regarding slavery

VI. Historical Significance of the Rebellion

  • A. Legacy of Nat Turner’s rebellion in American history
    • Influence on abolitionist movements
    • Role in shaping public policy and attitudes toward slavery
  • B. Examination of rebellion as a form of resistance
    • Broader context of slave resistance in the U.S.
  • Nat Turner’s place in the history of civil rights

VII. Conclusion

  • A. Summary of key themes and findings
  • B. Reflection on the ongoing relevance of Nat Turner’s story
  • C. Call for continued study of slavery and resistance

“Nat Turner’s Slave Rebellion” by Herbert Aptheker is a pivotal work that delves deeply into one of the most significant slave uprisings in American history. Here’s a more detailed examination of the book’s key themes, context, and implications:

Detailed Exploration of Key Themes

1. Historical Context of Slavery

  • Institution of Slavery: Aptheker provides an in-depth analysis of the institution of slavery in the United States, especially in the Southern states where enslaved people were subjected to brutal conditions. He discusses the economic motivations behind slavery and how it shaped societal structures.
  • Living Conditions: The book highlights the dehumanizing conditions faced by enslaved individuals, including physical and psychological abuse, lack of freedom, and the denial of basic human rights. These factors contributed to a pervasive sense of oppression that fueled resistance.

2. Nat Turner: The Man and the Leader

  • Biography: Aptheker examines Nat Turner’s early life, including his upbringing in a religious environment that greatly influenced his worldview. Turner was known for his intelligence and strong religious convictions, which played a crucial role in his leadership.
  • Visionary Experiences: The author discusses Turner’s reported visions, which he interpreted as divine messages urging him to lead a rebellion against the institution of slavery. These experiences framed his motivation and justification for the uprising.

3. The Rebellion of 1831

  • Planning the Uprising: Aptheker outlines how Turner organized the rebellion, gathering a group of enslaved individuals who shared his desire for freedom. The planning phase included strategic considerations on timing and execution.
  • Execution of the Rebellion: The rebellion began on August 21, 1831, and lasted for several days. Turner and his followers attacked plantation owners and their families, resulting in the deaths of approximately 60 white individuals. The uprising was marked by its brutality, reflecting the deep-seated anger and desperation of the enslaved population.
  • Response from Authorities: The violent response from local militias and white citizens was swift and severe. The rebellion instigated widespread fear among slaveholders, leading to increased militarization and repression.

4. Aftermath and Repercussions

  • Turner’s Fate: Following the suppression of the rebellion, Turner was captured, tried, and executed. His death became a symbol of both martyrdom and fear for many in the enslaved community and beyond.
  • Impact on Slavery: The rebellion led to harsher laws and restrictions on enslaved people. Southern states enacted more stringent slave codes, limiting movement, education, and assembly among enslaved populations.
  • Psychological Impact: The rebellion instilled fear in the white population, leading to a more oppressive environment for enslaved individuals. The fear of further uprisings prompted increased surveillance and control.

5. Legacy of Nat Turner

  • Abolitionist Movement: Aptheker discusses how Turner’s rebellion influenced the abolitionist movement, galvanizing activists and intellectuals who highlighted the need for immediate action against slavery.
  • Cultural Memory: Nat Turner became a significant figure in African American history and folklore. His story is often invoked in discussions of resistance, agency, and the fight for freedom.
  • Ongoing Relevance: The themes of resistance and the quest for justice resonate throughout American history, and Turner’s story is frequently referenced in contemporary discussions of civil rights and social justice.

Conclusion

Herbert Aptheker’s “Nat Turner’s Slave Rebellion” is an essential contribution to the understanding of slavery, resistance, and the historical significance of Nat Turner. By combining thorough historical research with a compelling narrative, Aptheker provides readers with insights into the motivations behind the rebellion and its lasting impact on American society. The book encourages reflection on the broader themes of oppression, resistance, and the struggle for human rights, making it relevant not only to historical scholarship but also to contemporary discussions about race and justice.

Through this examination, Aptheker reinforces the importance of recognizing the agency of enslaved individuals and their capacity for resistance, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of American history.

Nat Turner’s Slave Rebellion_eBook

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Settlers: The Mythology of the White Proletariat from Mayflower to Modern by J. Sakai_eBook and Audiobook 

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Book Summary

  1. Introduction to Settler Colonialism
    • Definition and explanation of settler colonialism
    • Overview of the book’s objectives and key arguments
  2. Historical Context
    • The arrival of European settlers and the establishment of colonies
    • Early interactions with Indigenous populations
    • The impact of colonization on native peoples and cultures
  3. The Myth of the White Proletariat
    • Examination of the concept of the white working class
    • Critique of the portrayal of white settlers as victims of capitalism
    • Discussion of the privileges afforded to white settlers
  4. Class and Race Dynamics
    • Analysis of the relationships between race and class throughout American history
    • The role of white supremacy in shaping labor relations and social hierarchies
    • Impact of immigration and labor movements on racial dynamics
  5. The Role of Settlers in Capitalism
    • The contributions of settlers to the development of capitalism in America
    • Exploration of how settler colonialism facilitated economic exploitation
    • The relationship between land ownership and class status
  6. Resistance and Solidarity
    • The role of marginalized groups in resisting settler colonialism
    • Examples of solidarity between Indigenous peoples and other oppressed groups
    • The importance of intersectional analysis in understanding social movements
  7. Contemporary Implications
    • The lasting effects of settler colonialism on modern society
    • Discussion of ongoing struggles against systemic racism and oppression
    • The need for a re-evaluation of historical narratives and identities
  8. Conclusion
    • Summary of key themes and arguments presented in the book
    • Call to action for readers to critically engage with the history of settler colonialism

Settlers: The Mythology of the White Proletariat from Mayflower to Modern by J. Sakai_eBook

A uniquely important book in the canon of the North American revolutionary left and anticolonial movements, Settlers was first published in the 1980s. Written by activists with decades of experience organizing in grassroots anticapitalist struggles against white supremacy, the book established itself as an essential reference point for revolutionary nationalists and dissident currents within the Marxist-Leninist and anarchist movements. Always controversial within the establishment left, Settlers uncovers centuries of collaboration between capitalism and white workers and their organizations, as well as their neocolonial allies, showing how the United States was designed from the ground up as a parasitic and genocidal entity. As recounted in painful detail by J. Sakai, the United States has been built on the theft of Indigenous lands and of Afrikan labor, on the robbery of the northern third of Mexico, the colonization of Puerto Rico, and the expropriation of the Asian working class, with each of these crimes being accompanied by violence. This new edition includes a new essay and an interview with author J. Sakai by Ernesto Aguilar.

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