MINNEAPOLIS – On Thursday, March 29, over 5,000 people gathered at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities campus to demand justice for Trayvon Martin. Many from the African community, young and old, men, women and children came out.
A program of speakers from various campus and community organizations expressed outrage at Trayvon's murder and placed it in the context of centuries of attacks on the African community – from slavery, to the black codes and convict leasing, to the criminalization and mass incarceration of today.
Following the speakers, protesters marched through Northrup plaza chanting, "We are Trayvon Martin!"
However, the demands of the event were largely unfocused. There were general appeals to continue the struggle and join organization, but the rally organizers presented no unified call to action or program to get behind.
What's clear from the numbers that came out is that the African community in Minneapolis is fed up with colonial violence. They are hungry for analysis and leadership that will arm them to struggle for and win justice and self-determination.
The organization that can provide that leadership and strategy is the Uhuru Movement. The Movement, led by the African People's Socialist Party, has a 40-year history of fighting in the interests of the African working class. It has advanced political theory and a revolutionary national democratic program that provides the basis for struggling for and winning black power.
Justice for Trayvon Martin!
Stop the war on the African community!
Forward the struggle to unite and liberate Africa and African people everywhere!
Distribute The Burning Spear newspaper and build the Uhuru Movement throughout the world, including in Minneapolis!
