On Saturday, April 4, 2026, organizers with the International People’s Democratic Uhuru Movement (InPDUM) carried out a successful day of outreach in Oakland, California, under the banner “In Bobby’s Name: Bobby Hutton Day of Action.” The effort marked a continued history of organizing the African working class community toward political independence and economic self-reliance. The day of outreach was a statement about the Oakland years–led by the African People’s Socialist Party (APSP) in the 80’s and 90’s which made Oakland liberated territory through relentless revolutionary work led by Chairman Omali Yeshitela, leader of the Uhuru Movement and Chairman of the APSP.
The day began with an overview at the Uhuru House, located at 7911 MacArthur Boulevard, known as the Historic African Community Organizing Center. This gathering took place on the 58th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and just two days before the anniversary of the murder of 17-year-old Black Panther Party member Bobby Hutton. Both were victims of the U.S. government’s counter intelligence program (Cointelpro). These historic markers grounded the day’s work in the ongoing struggle for black liberation.
Organizers set clear goals for the outreach: to sell 10 newspapers, gather 10 new contacts, and distribute the hundreds of leaflets about upcoming events, including the International Plenary of the APSP that transpired on April 17–19 in St. Louis, Missouri. While the team sold 7 newspapers – falling short of their initial target – they exceeded expectations in other areas. They collected at least 10 solid contacts and engaged approximately 25 individuals in meaningful conversation throughout the day. People were familiar with the Uhuru House and asked about Biko Lumumba, a historic Party leader, spoke about police murder campaigns and were genuinely enthusiastic about the re-opening of the community center.
These interactions allowed comrades Clarence, Alvin, and Bakari to share information about the colonial conditions Africans exist in and how community members can join the Uhuru Movement and actively participate in building Black Power in Oakland. Outreach efforts also focused on mobilizing attendance for the upcoming Plenary in St. Louis, which aims to address critical issues facing African people globally.
Additionally, the team promoted a future event centered on “Black Community Control of Housing, Stop the Attacks on the Homeless, Reparations Now!” This event is expected to connect with broader community efforts, including a Malcolm X commemorative gathering, further strengthening ties between local organizing and historical legacy promoting an anti-colonial fightback.
Despite not fully meeting every numerical goal, participants described the day as a strong success. The level of engagement, the quality of conversations, and the number of contacts made all contributed to what organizers considered a meaningful impact. The outreach not only honored the legacy of Bobby Hutton and other fallen freedom fighters but also advanced the work of building an organized, informed, and active Uhuru base within the Oakland African working class community.
Overall, the “In Bobby’s Name” Day of Action demonstrated the continued relevance and growing presence of the Uhuru Movement, reaffirming its commitment to grassroots organizing and political education in the fight for self-determination and self government.
