The powerful attendees of the 2016 APSP Plenary
ST. Petersburg FL––On January 9th and 10th, 2016, The African People’s Socialist Party (APSP) convened its annual Plenary at the Akwaaba Hall.
The APSP is the advanced detachment of the African working class that leads the Uhuru Movement, which is comprised of many different mass organizations.
The APSP has been clear that revolution under the leadership of the African working class is the only solution for African people since it was founded in 1972.
The Plenary is “our Party conference that takes place between our Congresses to sum up our work and establish the tasks for the period leading up to the next Plenary or Congress.”
Unlike gatherings by other organizations, the Plenary is not a talk fest. When a course is charted by the APSP, the destination is reached.
African Internationalism is the revolutionary science that has guided the APSP. “Organize to win! Organize to Govern!” was the theme of the Plenary.
The influx of new, young leadership and members to the APSP proves that African Internationalism is the future.
The Plenary began Saturday morning, January 9th, with the raising of the red, black and green flag outside of Akwaaba Hall.
Residents of the African community could see and feel the gravity of the proceedings of the day as APSP members and supporters saluted the flag.
The Plenary was opened by Gaida Kambon, Secretary General of the APSP.
Founder and Chairman of the APSP, Omali Yeshitela declared “We ain’t in it for the fight; we’re in it for the victory.
“There is no individual solution; our solution comes as an organization” Solidarity statements were given before reports from leadership of individual offices of the Party.
“The Anti-Globalization Movement from Russia conveyed its new found unity with the Party and understanding of African Internationalism.
“A decades-long history between the APSP and Union del Barrio exemplified a principled relationship.
“The statement from their Central Committee read, “We unite to overturn a common enemy to all oppressed people. Only a revolutionary party can provide clarity to the questions of our time.”
Comrade Fenty, leader of African Socialist International (ASI) in Sierra Leone gave an inspiring update on the various struggles and victories happening on the ground.
When the 2018 elections of Sierra Leone happen, APSP will be participating as a political party. After the solidarity statements, Chairman Omali Yeshitela was introduced to a rousing applause and standing ovation by internet sensation and Director of the APSP’s National Office of Recruitment and Membership (NORM), Gazi Kodzo.
Seated in a red chair on stage, the Chairman explained through his Plenary Report the importance of the Party, the International People’s Democratic Uhuru Movement (InPDUM), the African People’s Solidarity Committee (APSC), All African People’ Development and Empowerment Project (AADEP), The Burning Spear newspaper and organizing African students and prisoners in the history of the African Liberation Movement.
Deputy Chair of the APSP and Chair of the Office of Economic Development, Ona Zene Yeshitela, showed the attendees of the Plenary a Party produced documentary.
The video showed the colonization of African people was the foundation of U.S. wealth and power.
The fundraising goal of $110,000, set by Deputy Chair, was exceeded promptly after the showing of the video.
“A revolution cannot happen without a revolutionary party” Gazi Kodzo’s powerful NORM presentation spoke to the growth of the Party. Gazi’s call to join the APSP was met with an overwhelming response by a rush of young Africans to the stage.
The “Mother’s of Victims of Colonial Violence” panel included Toni Taylor, Ramona White and SG Gaida Kambon. The Party’s work and influence with African mothers came to bear in their unity and understanding of African Internationalism and horizontal violence.
The economic development arm of the Party is The African People’s Education and Defense Fund (APEDF). Featured presentations were given by the leadership of Uhuru Foods and Pies The TyRon Lewis Community Gym, Uhuru Furniture and Uhuru Market Place .
On Day two of the Plenary, The Director of the Office Agitation and Propaganda, Jevon Gee gave a report on the ever-expanding work and growth of his office.
President of the African National Women’s Organization (ANWO), Yejide Orunmilla and Dr. Aisha Fields, Director of AAPDEP spoke of the winning campaigns under their leadership.
APSP Directors Kobina Botashango (Southeast region) and Aaron O’Neal (Northeast region) reported on the Party’s work, influence of 2015 and projections for the current year.
Secretary General of the African Socialist International (ASI), Luwezi Kinshasa gave a world view of the climate and importance of the Party’s work in Africa and Europe.
InPDUM’s President Herdosia Bentum and the International Executive Committee (IEC) reports set the stage for Chairman Omali Yeshitela’s masterful summation of the two-day Plenary event.
Organize to win! Organize to govern!
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