Black Autonomy Podcast

In October 2021, Pluto published the definitive edition of Anarchism and the Black Revolution by Lorenzo Kom’boa Ervin. The book first connected Black radical thought to anarchist theory in 1979, and now amidst a rising tide of Black political organizing, this foundational classic has been republished with a wealth of original material, including forewords by William C. Anderson and Joy James.

This episode of Black Autonomy Podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the Pluto Press podcast 'Radicals in Conversation,' in which JoNina Ervin hosts a discussion between Lorenzo Kom’boa Ervin and William C. Anderson about Black anarchism across the generations.

Ervin and Anderson discuss the reasons for the continued relevance and increasing popularity of Black anarchism today, what an ‘ungovernable’ radical movement might look like, and the contradictions inherent to single-issue and state-orientated political projects from the left. They also discuss Black nationalism, and put Anderson's book The Nation on No Map in conversation with Anarchism and the Black Revolution.

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‘Anarchism and the Black Revolution’ by Lorenzo Kom’boa Ervin:

www.plutobooks.com/9780745345819/anarchism-and-the-black-revolution/

akpress.org/nationonnomap.html

Dual power can be explained as the building of a transitional program for political, social, and economic transformation. By creating survival programs to oppose state power we can develop a new type of autonomous public sector when the state intentionally oppresses and abandons people. This is how to go beyond protest to building a liberatory societal infrastructure.

This episode was produced by a collaboration between writer William C. Anderson (@williamcson), Black Autonomy Federation, and members of Black Rose/Rosa Negra Anarchist Federation (@BRRN_Fed).

This episode discusses how movements can connect mutual aid efforts and survival programs to build a survival economy. Lorenzo and JoNina's discussion places emphasis on the need to move beyond being passive consumers in order to foment a revolutionary alternative that can be transition to stateless socialism. They look at relevant topics like the recent crises during the Texas winter storm, Puerto Rico, and Hurricane Katrina to make their case.

This episode was produced by a collaboration between writer William C. Anderson (@williamcson) and Black Autonomy Federation.

In this episode Lorenzo and JoNina discuss how US capitalism oppresses us through the housing crisis. They reflect on what's rent and housing mean in the context on the broader society and reflect on past defense tactics. Discuss this episode with your friends and family and, as always, support Black Autonomy on Patreon.

This episode was recorded live from the Institute for Social Ecology's 2023 Summer Intensive Course in Detroit. Lorenzo Kom'boa Ervin, JoNina Abron-Ervin, and Modibo Kadalie reflect on their personal histories in the Black Power movement, and how their experiences in hierarchical revolutionary organizations - such as the Black Panther Party and the League of Revolutionary Black Workers - led them to anarchist/anti-authoritarian politics. Facilitated by William C. Anderson. Discuss this episode with your friends and family and, as always, support Black Autonomy on Patreon.