Celebrating 100th anniversary of the Bolshevik Revolution

Workers World Detroit branch commemorated the centenary of the Bolshevik Revolution with a Nov. 11 community dinner, followed by compelling discussion chaired by Sharon Feldman and led by comrades Kris Hamel, Tom Michalak, Deirdre Griswold and Mond Jones.

Comrade Hamel opened with a presentation on how and why the Bolsheviks were able to achieve military success as well as the support of the diverse, multinational oppressed classes in Russia. Hamel highlighted the Bolsheviks’ unwavering commitment to dismantling feudal autocracy and the capitalist system and their staunch stance against opportunism in the social democratic movement of the era.

A presentation by comrade Tom Michalak explored the many successes of the Bolshevik Revolution and the Soviet project. He covered a breadth of information, from the harrowing sacrifices that led to the defeat of fascism in World War II, to an incredible increase in life expectancy undone by the counterrevolution in the 1980s and 1990s.

Founding member and comrade Deirdre Griswold, of the New York City branch of WWP, called in to speak about what led to the dismantling of the USSR. She detailed the conditions experienced by those living in the Soviet bloc as a result of 74 years of unyielding aggression from the United States and its imperialist partners.

Comrade Mond Jones, youth member and final speaker, emphasized the importance of celebrating, commemorating and reflecting on the Bolshevik Revolution. He condemned the conditions the global masses face living under capitalism at a dead end. He brought further attention to capitalism’s many contradictions and to the associated struggles facing workers in Detroit and abroad.

“These may be obvious problems,” said Jones, “but the Bolshevik Revolution gives us a template for implementing solutions.”

As comrade Hamel succinctly put into words, the Bolshevik Revolution warrants a lifetime of study. The discussions that took place on Nov. 11 made one thing perfectly clear: The horrors of capitalism and imperialism can, and will, be defeated through the revolutionary struggle for socialism. Workers and oppressed peoples of the world unite!