FIST holds anti-racism forum

WW photos: Liz Green

Fight Imperialism, Stand Together held a militant forum against racism and violence against women here on Dec. 15, calling for a fight back movement. Rachel Hassinger opened with a description of FIST and an invitation for all to get involved.

Jonathan Regis of the Justice for Hector Rivas Committee said, “The fight for justice for Hector Rivas is an example of Black and Brown unity and working class peoples standing up.”

Sara Mokuria discussed the growing attacks on women, focusing on the Megan Williams case. She said, “The time has come for people who are truly about revolution and anti-imperialism to understand that at the core of those struggles is dismantling of racism, sexism, homophobia.”

Carol Anderson, mother of one of the Somerville Five, described how solidarity was responsible for the fact that her son was free and in college today.

Natural Bliss gave a rousing Hip Hop performance focusing on the need for women to militantly and fearlessly stand up against all chauvinism and oppression. Stephen White from Springfield Mobilization Against Poverty Racism and War spoke of the formation of the group to fight back against police brutality against youth of color in Springfield.

Miya Campbell closed, linking all the struggles to the struggle against capitalism and the need for revolution, saying, “Revolution is the fuel that sparks the fire.”

All were encouraged to participate with FIST in militant marches against racism and for immigrant rights on the Jan. 21 Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. The next FIST local planning meeting was announced for Jan. 2, at the Action Center, 284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain. For more info call 617-522-6626.