2019 was marked by an international swell of people’s mobilizations against coercive state power and the increasingly grinding conditions under globalized capitalism. As workers, students, and peasants took to the streets in a series of global protests, CPE persisted in offering strategic programming that focused on international solidarity, resisting fascism, and identifying connections between past, present, and future struggles.
In 2019, CPE programs included:
People Get Ready 2
A follow up conference to our 2017 People Get Ready: Building Resistance in the Trump Era. People Get Ready 2 was a one-day conference focused on analysis, strategy, & the fight for our future. We focused on taking stock of the political terrain in the wake of the 2018 midterm elections and assessing the links to global politics, grassroots movements, and economic forces. In addition, the conference focused on identifying strategies and tactics for gaining power.
To view the opening keynote of the conference by CPE’s director, Rachel Herzing, click on the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QR8HZL7hQB8
To view the second keynote of the conference by Maria Poblet of LeftRoots, click on the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54XlnjndbeI
To view “Hard Work: New Battles, New Organizing in the Workplace and Beyond”, a session looking at lessons from the labor movement with Yulisa Elenes (UNITE HERE local 2850), Lourdes Martinez (Mujeres Unidas y Activas), Saba Waheed (UCLA Labor Center), and Kung Feng (Jobs with Justice, SF) click on the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdSSVLtJm1E
Resisting the Coup in Venezuela: Emergency Teach-In
A teach in about the US-backed coup attempt, the history of imperialist intervention in the region, and discussion about what groups in the Bay Area can do to respond to this crisis with Carlos Martinez, Carolina Morales, and Roberto Alvarenga Lovato.
Red Power, Internationalism, and National Liberation
A conversation between Roxanne Dunbar Ortiz and Nick Estes following the release of Estes’ book Our History is the Future: Standing Rock Versus the Dakota Access Pipeline, and the Long Tradition of Indigenous Resistance. This event was followed by a screening of Warrior Women at East Side Cultural Center. Co-Sponsored by Third World Resistance, Bandung Books, and Verso Books.
Defend Highlander, Defend Our Movements: Benefit at Reem’s
CPE partnered with The Freedom Archives and Reem’s for a happy hour fundraiser to support rebuilding and ongoing programming at the historic Highlander Research and Education Center following an arson attack there.
Labor and Abolition Study Group
A four-part study group for labor leaders that examined the ways that the politics of prison industrial complex abolition may be useful for strengthening today’s labor struggles. Topics included policing, surveillance, sentencing, and imprisonment within the context of racial capitalism, the military industrial complex, and the urgent need to build revolutionary working class power.
¡Venceremos! 50 Years of Solidarity with Cuba
An event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Venceremos Brigade and its central role in building Left movements in the Bay Area and across the U.S. Co-Sponsored by the Venceremos Brigade Bay Area Organizing Committee. With veteran brigadistas, Phil Hutchings, Linda Burham, Melba Maldonado, and Jason Ferreira.
All Our Trials
A talk by Emily Thuma celebrating the release of her book, All our Trials: Prisons, Policing, and the Feminist Fight to End Violence.The author was joined in conversation by Diana Block and Rachel Herzing. Co-sponsored by California Coalition for Women Prisoners, Survived and Punished, and Critical Resistance.
Unraveling the Right
A four-part seminar for organizers and activists in the Trump Era, focusing on the rise of white nationalism in the US, the ascent to power of authoritarian leaders across the globe, and tools for strengthening organizing struggles.
Defend the Venezuela Embassy Protectors
An event highlighting the 34-day defense of the Venezuelan Embassy in Washington D.C. Featuring Kevin Zeese, Margaret Flowers, and David Paul, Carolina Morales, and Rhonda Ramiro. Co-Sponsored by BAYAN USA.
Reclaiming Hong Kong
A panel discussion with Kai Yui Samuel Chan, Wawa, Jose Ng, and Adrian Leong on the people’s mass resistance to the proposed China Extradition Bill and subsequent protests. Co-Sponsored by Chinese Progressive Association and The Bauhinia Project.
Decade of Fire
A film screening of the documentary film Decade of Fire followed by discussion with Vivian Vázquez Irizarry, the subject of the film. Co-sponsored by Causa Justa :: Just Cause.
Marxism 101
An eight-part introductory course on Marxist history, theory, economics, and political practice for grassroots organizers.
Left Strategy and the 2020 Elections
A roundtable discussion on the current political landscape and strategies that are needed to shift the balance of forces in 2020 and beyond. Speakers included Kayla Reed (Electoral Justice Project), Emily Lee (SF Rising Action Fund), Donna Willmott (Catalyst Project), and Ted Fertik (Working Families Party).
Putting History into Domestic Workers’ Hands
A presentation of the National Domestic Workers Alliance digital timeline. Speakers included Monique Tú Nguyen (Matahari Women Workers’ Center), Lisa Moore (National Domestic Workers Alliance), Jennifer Guglielmo (Smith College), Michelle Joffroy (Smith College), and Linda Burnham. Co-Sponsored by National Domestic Workers Alliance.