Eric Mann is an environmental, civil rights, anti-war, labor-union activist and organizer. He is the host of www.voicesfromthefrontlines.com on Pacifica Radio's 90.7 FM KPFK, in Los Angeles. Eric is also the director of the Labor/Community Strategy Center in Los Angeles and a co-founder of the Bus Riders Union.
This week we're joined in conversation with Mark Friedman from the U.S. Hands Off Cuba Committee. Eric Mann, Channing Martinez, and Mark discuss his work with U.S. Hands Off Cuba, and discuss how Mark came to fight for the liberation of Cubans and all 3rd world peoples.
This week on Voices Radio: Eric Mann and Channing Martinez talk to Misty Pegram of Anakbayan about the Cancel RIMPAC Campaign. The Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercises are the largest joint war exercises in the world with 26 of the U.S' allies, including Israel. The RIMPAC campaign has led to severe environmental impacts, gender-based violence, and fatter pockets for weapons manufacturers. Later in the episode, Eric Mann pays tribute to Willie Mays, who passed recently on June 18, 2024. Willie Mays was one of the 'greatest' baseball players of all time according to Eric, describing his infectious personality and electrifying performances. You will also hear a reading of Ishmael Reed's essay, "Juneteenth: Why Were The Enslaved In Texas?," published on Counterpunch. And last but not least, Channing talks about CicLAvia, an event which 'catalyzes vibrant public spaces, active transportation and good health through car-free street events.' -- Want stories and updates? Follow us on @voicesfromthefrontlines on Instagram. Today's episode of Voices from the Frontlines was produced by Eric Mann, Channing Martinez, and Shane Dimapanat. Edits by Shane Dimapanat. Find our past shows and articles on our website: voicesfromthefrontlines.com/
Another case charges genocide against Israel, this time within U.S Federal courts. This week, Eric Mann talks to lawyer Astha Sharma Pokharel of the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) about their lawsuit, “Defense for Children International-Palestine et al v. Biden,” which charges that the U.S Government failed to “...exercise influence over Israel” to prevent a genocide. The plaintiffs include several Palestinian organizations and individuals, who collectively have lost over 200 family members as a result of Israel's onslaught in Gaza. The case brings two claims against the U.S government. “The first is that these defendants, so Biden, Blinken, and Austin, are liable for failing in their obligation to prevent genocide. And they are. So that's the first claim,” Pokharel says. “And the second claim is that they're complicit in the genocide, that they're actually supporting the genocide of Palestinian people in Gaza.” Liability for the case arises under international law, which U.S courts have recognized as part of US federal common law explains Pokharel. If the case succeeds, California's Ninth Circuit could order the U.S government to halt the flow of ammunition and weapons to Israel, which is the specific remedy the plaintiffs are seeking. “This lawsuit is part of a long history of CCR's work seeking to hold Israeli officials as well as US actors accountable for the occupation,” Pokharel says. “For the expansion of settlements, for the violence against Palestinians in Palestine and the suppression of Palestinians and individuals advocating for Palestinian human rights here in the United States.” Hear more about CCR's pioneering case on our latest episode. Want stories and updates? Follow us on @voicesfromthefrontlines on Instagram. Today's episode of Voices from the Frontlines was produced by Eric Mann, Channing Martinez, and Shane Dimapanat. Edits by Channing Martinez. Find our past shows and articles on our website: https://voicesfromthefrontlines.com/
What is the Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM)? And how can the genocide in Gaza be stopped? In this episode of Voices From The Frontlines, we will be talking to Remo Ibrahim, an organizer with the Los Angeles-Orange County-Inland Empire chapter of the Palestinian Youth Movement. We discuss how Los Angeles is tied to Palestine, followed by commentary by Eric Mann. In the second half, we will be hearing about several books Eric Mann is reading, ranging from topics on the Civil Rights Movement to Method Acting. Eric reads out several excerpts and reflects on his movement-building work. Want stories and updates? Follow us on @voicesfromthefrontlines on Instagram, Today's episode of Voices from the Frontlines was produced by Eric Mann, Channing Martinez, and Shane Dimapanat. Edits by Shane Dimapanat. Find our past shows and articles on our website: https://voicesfromthefrontlines.com/
What is Manzanar - the infamous World War 2 camp where 11,000+ Japanese Americans were incarcerated - like these days? Tucked between Sequioa National Park and the Death Valley, Channing Martinez took a trip up to the camp for Memorial Day and shares timely reflections as the holiday passes. And a conversation with Inés Alcazar and David Albright, two organizers with the L.A Tenants Union, about the struggle tenants are facing at Flower Drive and 38th Street, as more than 60 community members on the block face evictions. They are fighting a multi-billion dollar real estate company, Ventus Group, headed by USC Alumni Scott Gale. Want stories and updates? Follow us on @voicesfromthefrontlines on Instagram, Today's episode of Voices from the Frontlines was produced by Eric Mann, Channing Martinez, and Shane Dimapanat. Edits by Shane Dimapanat. Find our past shows and articles on our website: https://voicesfromthefrontlines.com/
This week on Voices Radio Eric and Channing speak with organizers from the USC Divest from Death Encampment. Students at USC and many major universities set up encampments to call on their institution to divest all resources from helping Israel as they carry out Genocide against Palestinians. The organizers speak about what they're doing, what they are learning, and ways that you can help.
This week on Voices from the Frontlines: Eric Mann & Channing Martinez speak about the Police State on Metro buses and trains. As there have been highlighted incidents on Metro, the Operators union has moved to call for complete barricades and more police across the Metro system. Eric and Channing speak about the Bus Riders Union campaign for urban reconstruction as a response to the hostile environment of the Metro buses and trains. Eric Mann and others on Campus Organizing from 1968 to the Present. Eric reads his recently published article in Counter Punch magazine: The Palestine Solidarity Movement is Making History: Thoughts from a 1968 Columbia University “Outside” Organizer. A participant in the recent student uprisings fighting for Palestinian liberation responds to the article.
Join Eric Mann and Channing Martinez as they discuss the LA Times Festival of Books and the Strategy and Soul Bookstore's second time hosting a booth at the Festival. Eric and Channing name a fraction of the list of books that the Strategy and Soul bookstore will host. Eric reads from Black Jacobins by CLR James and The Black Woman by Toni Cade Bambara. Join the Strategy and Soul bookstore on April 20-21 at the LA Times Festival of Books. Booth #241 in the purple section at the University of Southern California.
Listen to a conversation with Ken Loach discussing the Old Oak, Sorry We missed you, and LAnd and Freedom. Together Eric Mann, Ken Loach, and Channing Martinez share deep appreciation for the film's ability to confront racism in Europe and beyond. The Strategy and Soul Theater will host a Sneak Preview of The Old Oak on April 11th 2024 at 6pm
This week Eric Mann, Channing Martinez, and Monilade Walker are in conversation with Erin Aubry Kaplan. Erin speaks about her experience with race in politics from the US South to South LA. Erin speaks about her father, Larry Aubry, her husband Alan Kaplan, and her own recent experience with discrimination in LA. The show ends with performance of the inaugural Strategists.
Ron Kovic Listen to a conversation with Ron Kovic discussing his new book, a dangerous country and American elegy with Eric Mann, two veterans of the anti-war movement discuss the big lie of the US war machine, the role of taking personal responsibility inside oppressive systems, personal forgiveness, and the will to move forward. The Old Oak directed by Ken Loach Eric will also be reviewing, the great Ken Loach's new, and last film The Old Oak a beautiful film of how a Syrian refugee woman and a British working class man fight, anti-immigrant sentiment and March forward together. The Old Oak is put together by a fantastic trio: Directed by Ken Loach written by Paul Laverty, produced by Rebecca O'Brien There will be a sneak preview of the The Old Oak at the Strategy And Soul Theater on Thursday, April 11 and a theatrical opening at the Laemmle Royal on Friday, April 12 join us that Thursday night and go to the Royal as well
This week on Voices from the Frontlines, we continue with Part 2 of Eric Mann and Channing Martinez in conversation with Marcy Winograd on her article: How Nations could and Israeli Genocide. In the second segment we listen to Songs Around the World version of Stand By Me. In the final segment of the show: We listen to excerpts from the panel at the Americonned film showing at Strategy and Soul. Akunna Uka speaks about her experience around organizing and reflections from the film. Chris Smalls speaks about his experience organizing amazon workers and power building.
Segment 1: Americonned Eric Mann & Channing Martinez in conversation with Chris Smalls, President of the Amazon Labor Union and their long-distance struggle to bring unionism and self-respect to Amazon Workers. Sean Claffey, film-maker, on his important film, Americonned, about the disintegration of U.S. capitalism, the brutal impoverishment of the people, and the hopes for a revitalized union movement Featuring the work of Chris Smalls and the Amazon Labor Union Sean tells terrifying stories about Amazon's brutal speed up and police state, surveillance state against its employees Segment 2: Marcy Winograd Eric in Conversation with March Winograd of Code Pink Radio, on the terrifying military apparatus between the U.S., Canada, India, United Arab Emirates, and Israel to build structures of mass murder against the Palestinian people. She elaborates on her great article: How Nations Could End Israeli Genocide: Stop the Weapons; Stop the Oil; Stop the Tech
This week on Voices Radio Channing and Eric speak about the status of the Black Student Achievement Program. Channing speaks about challenge to implement Community based safety initiative. Channing speaks about organizing at Hawkins High School. For our music segment we listen to to Hector Lavoe's El Cantante in our final segment, Eric unpacks the conception of genocide as Israel is carrying out genocide against Palestinians. Eric also speaks about the history of Black/Palestinian solidarity.
Voices Radio: The Palestinian Resistance is Winning by Eric Mann by Eric Mann
This Week on Voices from the Frontlines, we're joined in conversation with Jeff Cohen, Co-founder of Roots Action and FAIR; Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting. Jeff speaks about the creation of Fair and the impacts that media have on today's movement including the New York Times black ball of Palestine protests. Eric and Jeff speak about Presidential candidate Cornel West and the what the future holds for the 2024 presidential election.
This week on Voices from the Frontlines: 1) a recap of the KPFK fundraiser at the Culver Palms United Methodist Church, in which Eric Mann speaks about the fight for liberation from Palestine to South LA and the need for the peace movement to be in solidarity Black and Latinx led movements in South Central LA. 2) Eric Mann and Akunna Uka speak about the Strategy and Soul film Club screening of the Great Debaters followed by a live debate on the presidential election. Akunna speaks about how she came to join the Strategy Center and the work around the Black liberation Education project of the Strategy Center. 3) Enjoy a great son in two languages: I will Survive; Yo Vivire.
This week on Voices Radio we're joined by Pastor Kelvin Sauls from Clergy for Black Lives. Together Eric and Kelvin speak about South Africa's case against Israeli Genocide against Palestine and Pastor Sauls' recent article in the LA Sentinel: Moral Might Over Military Might: Pathways to A Just-Peace in Palestine 2) The Voices Sing along is back with Eric singing along with Johnny Ace Pledging my Love 3) A film review of Brother by myself, Channing Martinez 4) An Announcement about two events: Saturday January 20th 2024 1-3pm come to the KPFK fundraiser at Culver-Palms United Methodist Church. 5) Strategy and Soul Film Club will host a film showing and live debate on February 1st at 6pm 6) And lastly, it's the King Birthday week and so we'll hear the introduction to Eric Revolutionary King Article: Dr. Martin Luther King is Marching with the People of Palestine
This week on Voices Radio Eric speaks about and reads from the 2024 introduction to Eric Mann's Article: Dr. Martin Luther King is Marching with the People of Palestine published in counterpunch magazine. Eric and Channing read from South Africa's case to the International Court of Justice against Israel. South African charges Israel with violation of the 1948 United Nations Convention on the prevention of genocide. We reflect on the significance of this case in the fight to liberate Palestine. Lastly Eric and Channing speak about upcoming events with KPFK and the Strategy center including the Strategy and Soul outdoor bookstore at the Kingdom Day parade, the KPFK fundraiser hosted by Frank Dorrel on January 20th at 3:30pm at The Culver-Palms United Methodist Church, and the First Strategy & Soul revolutionary organizing Film and Book Club on February 1st at 6pm at Strategy and Soul Theater.
Listen carefully as Eric Mann eviscerates Benjamin Netanyahu's “Final Solution to the Palestinian Problem” in his Wall Street Journal Opinion Piece Three Prerequisites for Peace “Destroy Hamas, Demilitarize Gaza and Deradicalize the whole of Palestinian society" Eric Mann Proposes Support the Movement to Try Israel and Netanyahu for genocide against the Palestinian People Demilitarize Israel End all U.S. aide to Israel. End Israel's Occupation Of Gaza and Racist Settlements on the West Bank Reparations and Return of Territory to the Palestinian People. Eric's commentary is followed by responses by Akunna Uka and Channing Martinez of Voices from the Frontlines Support Full Self-Determination for the Palestinian People
This week on Voices from the Frontlines Eric Mann, Channing Martinez, and Barbara Lott Holland speak about Ciclavia South LA, the Strategy and Soul pitstop along the route, and the realities of riding a bike as a Black and Latinx person in a police state. In February the Strategy Center will work with 7 other organizations to launch the South Central Power Up E-bike lending library. As part of that effort we are ramping up programing around Bikes and what we're calling a community run 1st class Transportation system. The program will be free for the first 6 months. Channing speaks about the controversy of riding a bike as a Black person, which includes being subject of pretextual stops and criminalization by police. Eric speaks about the idea of launching a truly 1st class transportation system while Metro runs the public transportation system into the ground. Barbara speaks about running the pitstop at Ciclavia.
This week on #VoicesRadio Join Eric Mann and Channing Martinez in conversation on Palestine, the role of 3rd party Presidential candidates, and the Strategy and Soul Bookstore. On Saturday November 11th the Strategy and Soul Bookstore will return to the Leimert Park Village Book Fair for its 16th Annual festival at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza. Eric and Channing speak about the political role that the Bookstore is playing and announces holiday book collections to support Strategy and Soul Bookstore. In this political climate Palestine will continue to be a segment on Voices from the Frontlines. Eric speaks about the frame for calling on Biden and the democratic party to free Palestine. Eric speaks about the role of 3rd party candidates and challenges the notion that they are ultimately bad, but encourages everyone to look at their candidacies. Eric also speaks about the failed democratic strategy to scare everyone into voting for them by saying if not Biden, then Trump and the fascists will take over the country.
This week on voices; we begin the conversation with Channing on his new article: Taste of Soul: Locked out of our own Black community; thoughts from a Black organizer. Channing speaks about the political implications of having a fence placed on front of Strategy and Soul during one of the largest annual events in South Central Los Angeles. In the second half of the show Eric continues the conversation about fighting for liberation and self determination for Palestine. Eric speaks about the new openings for struggle in favor of Palestine including speaking about the disagreement between former President Barack Obama, and current president Joe Biden.
This Week Eric Mann hosts part two of a conversation with Michel Shehadeh from the Free Democratic Palestine Movement. Eric speaks about the frame of defending Palestine's right of self determination in the face of genocidal conditions placed upon them by Israel. Michel speaks about the context of more than 5 years of genocide against Palestine by Israel and speaks about international solidarity with Palestine.
Eric and Channing are joined in two conversations this week that focus on the intersections of Climate Justice, Women's Rights, Self Determination and the role of US Imperialism. In the first segment Eric and Channing are joined by by Michel Shehadeh who speaks about the recent conflict between in Palestine. Michel speak about the feeling of four days of liberation and ends with acknowledging solidarity with the red nation as they too know what its like to struggle against an oppressive nation. In the Second segment, Cheyenne Antonio speak about her work in the red nation around fracking, women's rights, and climate and environmental justice. Cheyenne speak about what it means to wake up each morning to fight the system despite depressive conditions.
This week on Voices Eric is joined live from the wall of the Ohio State Penitentiary with Keith Lamar, Artist, Jazz enthusiast, revolutionary teacher, revolutionary student, and serving time on death row in Ohio. Eric and Keith are joined in conversation with Amy Gordiejew who helps is fighting the hardest to free Keith Lamar and handles many of his external matters. Together they speak about the upcoming #FreedomFirst Concert series coming to Strategy and Soul on October 5th at 7pm. You can get tickets here: https://bit.ly/Strategyandsoul
This week on Voices from the Frontlines Eric reflects on the devastating climate impacts in Libya and discuses how LA, through the neglect of the Metro is actively contributing to adverse climate events in the third world. Second a Sing Along to "Maybe" by the Chantels Third, Eric Mann is joined in conversation with Channing Martinez, who just returned from a Crenshaw Eco Club alumni trip to Yosemite National Park. Channing speaks about Bill Vanderberg, his former teacher at Crenshaw High School. Together Eric and Channing speak about what it means to travel while being Black, Volunteering in Yosemite, Ranger Shelton Johnson, deep group building, and how the Strategy Center can work to make sure more people can experience national parks to facilitate freedom dreaming. Eric concludes the show with a sing along with Jerry Butler's "For Your Precious Love".
This week on #Voices Radio Eric and Channing review sis of the Best of Voices from the Frontlines Classic conversations and we're proud to add a new excerpt from Eric's Conversation with Keith Lamar. Excerpt 1. Mumia Abu-Jamal In this excerpt Mumia and I discuss the concept of Menticide—wiping out a people's historical memory in order to disempower them, to demobilize them. In this case, we discuss how the knowledge of movement leaders such as W.E.B. Du Bois, Paul Robeson, and Malcolm X has has not been transmitted to a new generation of black youth, or youth of any race for that matter. Excerpt 2. Diane Fujino In this excerpt, Diane Fujino, Associate professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara discusses her recent book, Samurai Among Panthers: Richard Aoki on Race, Resistance, and a Paradoxical Life. She describes the political influences that turned Aoki into a revolutionary nationalist who joined the Black Panther Party at the very beginning. She describes how he was shaped by the Japanese internment camps, growing up in Black working class neighborhoods of Oakland, and in his early 20s by his work with socialists of the Old Left, before he joined up with Huey Newton and Bobby Seale in college. Excerpt 3. LisaGay Hamilton In this excerpt, actor and activist LisaGay Hamilton talks about the political influences on her life that evolved into her left, antiracist politics. And she discusses the difficulties of getting work in Hollywood, let alone getting acting roles that are politically progressive and meaningful, when you are an actor who is black, a woman, AND have left politics. Excerpt 4. Aris Anagnos In this excerpt, Aris Anagnos, the Greek and Los Angeles leftist and a major supporter of revolutionary movements around the world, discusses the growing crisis of European capitalism and what form that crisis has taken in Greece and why Greece and the Greek people have been scapegoated. Excerpt 5. Alex Sanchez In this excerpt Alex discusses the life and political influences that took him from being a working class El Salvadoran immigrant and former gang member to become an internationally known peace maker and executive director of the L.A. organization Hommies Unidos. Excerpt 6. Keith Lamar In this excerpt Eric is in discussion with Keith Lamar about the life and legacy of George Jackson and the relation of his legacy to Keith Lamar's struggle to survive in the hell that makes up solitary confinement. Keith reflects on movement building beyond the bars.
Eric Mann and Channing Martinez discuss the moral collapse of U.S. imperialism • Emmett Till—July 25, 1941—August 28, 1955—a young Black man who held his head high and sparked the civil rights movement and touched the lives of millions. • Jeffery St. Clair—Counterpunch, Roaming Charges---the Ecological catastrophe of Spokane Washington and the Katrina like racism of the system's decimation of Lahaina. • Kirkpatrick Sale, author of the great book, SDS about Students for a Democratic Society, 50 year edition on “It's not climate change, it's the burning to death of the planet”. • Eric and Channing on Eric's Book: on the 18th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Katrina's Legacy: The Black Nation and the People of the World Confront the U.S White Settler State And its genocidal Climate Crimes. • The white racist, Ryan Christopher Palmeter and the murder of 3 Black innocents—Angela Michelle Carr, 52; Jerrald Gallion, 29; and Anolt Joseph “AJ” Laguerre Jr., 19. • Eric Mann's commentary—if you are an anti-imperialist socialist you can't call for socialism in the United States. You can't socialize U.S. imperialism, can't socialize the white settler state, can't socialize 800 U.S. Military bases or 1 million Black people in prison—a true socialist would support socialism in China, Cuba, Venezuela, and build an anti-racist, anti-fascist, anti-imperialist Resistance against U.S. imperialism—Trump and Biden—to help protect the Third World inside and outside the U.S., the people and the planet.
This week on #VoicesRadio Eric speaks with Akunna about her trajectory into becoming a conscious organizer through her upbringings and through her training at the Strategy Center. Eric gives commentary on the Colonialism that created the unnatural disaster in Maui. Eric also gives commentary on the Youth who recently won their suit against the State of Montana for promoting fossil fuels. Lastly, tune in for a sing along with Eric signing Unchained Melody by the Drifters.
Tuesday August 1st, 2023 | 8 AM PST LIVE IN STUDIO with Eric Mann, Channing Martinez, and Akunna Uka on Oppenheimer—How U.S. built the Atom Bomb to terrorize the world by Eric Mann Hello Voices listeners! This week on Voices from the Frontlines, Channing Martinez, Akunna Uka, and Eric Mann in studio to discuss Eric's major film review and political commentary on the film Oppenheimer. It will be appearing in CounterPunch.org on August 13s, 2023; the great national and international online anti-imperialist zine. Channing and Akunna will talk about things they learned and thought about Eric's article, read passages, and the 3 of them/us will have a conversation about the life of Robert Oppenheimer, film-maker Christopher Nolan, lead actor Cillian Murphy, and the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki whose lives were obliterated by the U.S. atom bomb and sadly, erased in Nolan's Oppenheimer as well. From the Article: This essay is an interrogation of the history of the times. It is a political rebuttal to the central historical distortion of the film—Christopher Nolan's conscious choice to erase the central objective of the Nuclear program— to build a weapon of terror to be used against the Soviet Union. So, I want to as much as possible, appreciate the film's political contribution to the historical discussion and its spectacular success as political theater. But in the end, it humanizes Robert Oppenheimer and dehumanizes the 220,000 Japanese civilians who were instantly killed upon the explosions at Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
OPPENHEIMER: Christopher Nolan and Cillian Murphy have made one of the most important revolutionary films of our time The story of “the father of the Atom Bomb” who came to see its destruction, fought for nuclear disarmament, and was red-baited and crushed by U.S. imperialisms', post-war, pro-Nazi, anti-communist crusade Eric Mann's reads a draft of his future Counterpunch Article Selection from Eric Mann's reading of his review: Oppenheimer is a breakthrough in film's role to rescue the heroic history of the communists and anti-fascists during the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, and to expose the two party anti-communist frenzy that marks U.S. politics today. It is one of the finest political films I have seen—up there with the Battle of Algiers, Reds, The Spook Who Sat By the Door, and all of our other 5 or ten favorites. It is the story of a brilliant nuclear physicist, Robert Oppenheimer, who was close to the Communist Party, worked for the veterans of Spanish Civil War (code for the Communist Party) worked to organize a union of scientists, and was most known as “the father of the atomic bomb. In the last great scene of so many in the film, Oppenheimer and Albert Einstein are talking. Oppenheimer, only recently canonized by U.S. imperialism, is now being red-baited and villainized for opposing the nuclear project he began, Einstein advises him, “They will punish you, then time will pass, and then when they no longer fear you they will bring you back, give you a medal, but remember, they are doing it for themselves, not you.” Oppenheimer, tells Einstein, “When I first talked to you about the Atom Bomb, I told you the worst possible outcome was that it would start a chain reaction that could blow up the world.” By that he meant that the single bomb was so powerful, like the Meteor, that it could literally trigger a series of explosions that could ignite oxygen in the air. Now, looking at the arms race and U.S. imperialisms' lead in it, Oppenheimer observes, “I was wrong about the immediate consequences, but now, the escalations of nuclear capacity are in danger of blowing up the world. What have we done?” The civilized nature of Oppenheimer and the Barbarian Democratic Party genocidal mind of Harry Truman, is reflected in the scene where, shortly after the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Truman brings Oppenheimer into this office to congratulate him. Oppenheimer that the greatest achievement of the bomb would be to create a nuclear disarmament movement where all nations agree not to build it and use it. Truman, who knowingly kept the plan to drop the Atom Bomb on Japan from Stalin at Potsdam, and did so not to end the war with Japan but start it with the Soviet Union says, “No, this is the start of a whole new expansion of our weapons to take over the world” and as Oppenheimer leaves Truman says, “Don't ever bring that crybaby into my office again.” The Perfect Trilogy Eric Mann sings Ed Sheeran's “Perfect.” Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé sing “Perfect” Ed Sheeran and Andrea Bocelli sing “Perfect” Our First Short Tribute to Michele Prichard Organizer, leader, group builder at Liberty Hill Foundation Channing and Eric discuss their feelings about the moving going away party for Michele
This week on Voices Radio we have 2 segments: 1) A re-cap of the KPFK Benefit hosted at Strategy and Soul. Listen to 10 min clips from Poets: Matt Sedillo and Tongo Eisen-Martin. 2) BIG NEWS ABOUT KEITH LAMAR, Reprieve granted and execution date will be moved from November 16, 2023 to January 13, 2027. Listen to a conversation between Keith Lamar and Eric Mann on the dept of the US War State within the borders of the US and internationally.
Voices from the Frontlines Tuesday July 11, 2023 | 8 AM PST Stogie Kenyatta in Conversation with Eric Mann on his one man show: The World is my Home: The Life of Paul Robeson Matt Sedillo in Conversation with Channing Martinez on the KPFK Benefit and Radical Poetry Eric Mann and Jerry Butler Sing He Will Break Your Heart Eric Comments on the CNBC interview with Amazon CEO Andy Jassy
This week on Voices Radio: Eric speaks about the recent Supreme Court Decision to outlaw Affirmative Action Channing speaks about the future of the Black Student Achievement Program James Earl Jones recites What to the Slave is the 4th of July by Frederick Douglas.
VOICES FROM THE FRONTLINES: FREATURES KEITH LAMAR VISIONARY, BLACK LIBERATION FIGHTER, WRONGFULLY CONVICTED, ON DEATH ROW Episode 3 In Conversation with Eric Mann Tuesday June 20, 2023 | 8 AM PST For prison reform and abolition organizers For Black Liberation organizers For human rights organizers "...Mass incarceration is just a reincarnation of chattel slavery..." Spoken word Poet: Eartha Terrell Join us in a Life Watch over Keith as we value and uplift Keith's life. Help us end Ohio State prison's on-going dehumanizing, torturous, protracted death watch that the state of Ohio has placed over Keith. Please work with the Strategy Center, Voices from the Front Lines, and of course the Keith Lamar group itself to demand full exoneration of Keith Lamar. We must prevent the unthinkable. Please listen. Please send this to others. In the next day and go on www.voicesfromtheFronlines.com to download the show We will also have it up as a podcast on your favorite podcasting site. Please write to Keith Lamar and Amy Gordiejew who is working 24/7 on his behalf www.KeithLamar.org Please contribute generously to his case. There is a donate button on his site. He is seeking last minute legal help and when there is a plan, there is hope. Eric, Channing, and everyone at the Strategy Center will be donating. Please go on the site to do the same. Please contact eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com to help with the Strategy Center's “exoneration and release for Keith Lamar” as we work closely with his team to carry out their will.
On This Week's Show Voices Presents: A rebroadcast of: Paul Robeson Aired Tuesday, June 13, 2023 | 8am PST on KPFK Pacifica 90.7fm ON TODAY'S SHOW we're doing a rebroadcast honoring a great revolutionary superhero and friend Paul Robeson. Some of you may remember Paul Robeson as a Great Bass baritone and actor. But as we all have come to know, Paul was also a revolutionary thinker, activist, lawyer, linguist, cultural leader, and warrior. Paul spent his life, fighting injustice, standing up against racism, imperialism, and advocating for decolonization. In 1956 Paul was call before the U.S. House Un-American Activities Committee, for just such stance. Being the warrior that he is, Paul refused to cooperate with the Committee. Hence the U.S. systemic and historic persecution of Paul. But Despite that, Paul Robeson strength and legacy lives on. Join us in this rebroadcast, as Paul helps us fundraise for KPFK, as his revolutionary spirit moves us, and lives on. Join Eric Mann, Channing Martinez, Allen Minsky and Paul Robeson in helping KPFK fundraise through your generosity and financial support. Call KPFK at 818-985-5735 to make a donation, or click HERE.
THE U.S. AS A DYING DEMOCRACY Aired Tuesday June 06, 2023 | Time on KPFK Pacifica 90.7fm Please listen to this great podcast featuring Eric Mann as host and Commentator Hear Fareed Zakaria commentary. "The Rise of the Rest", in full. After which Eric puts forth his commentary and analysis that the U.S. is slowly loosing its imperial global influence- as so called third world nations-most of which were former colonies of the west collectively rejects U.S. imperialisms and globalization. Eric reads Robert Kennedy's article "Peace Platform", in which Kennedy argues against U.S. warmongering, and "imperial projects". As Kennedy Presidential campaign gains momentum, Kennedy's Anti-war policy and Anti-imperialism position, could bring the political conversation to the left. Eric give his commentary on the subject. Listen to Celia Cruz song: Yo Vivire (I will Survive). Listen to Nina Simon's : I wish I Knew How it Would be to be Free. Juneteenth is right coming soon: Eric and Queen Nina Womack discuss Juneteenth celebration where African art, talent, and politics will be on display June 16th at: ART SHARE L.A. 801 E. 4th Pl L.A. CA, 90013 Please send support and comments to eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com Listen to Voices from the Frontlines every Tuesday at 8AM PST on KPFK 90.7FM.
Eric Mann commentary—The Great Biden/Democratic Sell-Out on the Debt Ceiling Negotiations Reading from Politico, Eric exposes how Joe Biden, behind closed doors with Kevin McCarthy gave away food stamps for the poor and COVID funds for Indigenous and all people to retain The “Debt Ceiling” after pledging to give away nothing—and the Progressive Democrats As always, complain, whine, and then cave. Nina Simon's Virtuoso Performance of “Love Me or Leave Me” on the Ed Sullivan Show recorded on September 11, 1960, when she was 27 Conversation with Channing Martinez and Eric Mann on their new co-directorship of the Strategy Center Join us Saturday June 3 from 12-3 to celebrate the Strategy Center's expanded leadership team Channing, Eric, Barbara Lott-Holland, and Akunna Uka Strategy and Soul Movement Center 3546 Martin Luther King Blvd (at Crenshaw) 90008 Go to www.thestrategycenter.org to rsvp Eric sings his interpretation of Jimmy Ruffin's great “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted”
VOICES FROM THE FRONTLINES Your National Movement Building Show “Wake up and smell the revolution” Tuesday May 9, 2023 | 8 AM PST A Conversation with Kikanza Kikanza Ramsey Our Bright Shining Star Is fighting for her life and needs our support Kikanza Ramsey is one of the founders of the Strategy Center, great lead organizer of the Bus Riders Union, and a brilliant polemicist and writer. Today, she is in Cancun Mexico, undergoing an experimental immunological treatment for late stage cancer. This program is a Political and Spiritual Healing Message to Kikanza, and a brilliant exposition of the theory and practice of the Strategy Center and Bus Riders Union and the political thought of Kikanza Ramsey. It is also a fundraiser for our dear comrade who needs to raise at least $100,000 in the next two weeks. Please go to FreeFunder.com, go to the page, Help Kikanza Beat Cancer. They have raised almost $30,000 so far so we can do this. Please listen to this great podcast featuring Eric Mann as host and narrator Kikanza Ramsey in her own words with great clips from the film Bus Riders Union edited by Julian Lamb Messages to Kikanza from Patrisse Cullors, Martin Hernandez, and Lian Hurst Mann Eric's reading of Kikanza's writing in struggle with the concept of “youth” as an oppressed group and instead, proposing youth and part of a multi-generational organization and movement against U.S. Imperialism. And yes, it's a helluva podcast, thanks to Julian Lamb and Channing Martinez our producers at Voices from the Front Lines. Listen. Learn. Enjoy. Give generously. Please send support and comments to eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com
VOICES FROM THE FRONTLINES Your National Movement Building Show “Wake up and smell the revolution” Tuesday April 11, 2023 | 8 AM PST On todays show Voices from the Frontlines present In Conversation with Kamau Franklin founder of Community Movement Builders, Inc Kamau Franklin is an activist, grassroots organizer and podcast journalist Channing Martinez and Julian Lamb discuses with Kamau Franklin of Community Movement Builders, Inc. Atlanta's construction of Cop City. What is Cop City? Cop city is the largest law enforcement facility, designed with intentions to train law enforcement agents in the use of oppressive, suppressive, and violent militarized tactics against Black, Brown, and people of color. The construction of Cop City is an ongoing effort by the city of Atlanta, Georgia to centralized and globalize the paramilitarization of municipal law agents here in the U.S. and abroad. The backers of cop City have initiated outreach efforts and invitations to law agency from other nations such as the Israeli police force. It is an exchange program designed to import and export over-policing, racist policing, and the oppression of poor and marginalized people. True to its purpose, and even before its intended completion, Cop city has already murdered its first victim. on January 18, 2023, Manuel Esteban Paez Terán, a lso known as Tortuguita was shot and killed by Atlanta State Troopers during a raid against peaceful environmental activist protesting and protecting the sight against the construction and violence of Cop City.
VOICES FROM THE FRONTLINES Your National Movement Building Show “Wake up and smell the revolution” Tuesday April 04, 2023 | 8 AM PST On todays show Voices from the Frontlines present Barbara Lott-Holland on The Bus Riders Union Film And Life as a Consciousness Raising Experience Recruited on the bus in 1998, Barbara has been a cornerstone of the organization since then. A resident of South LA and a transit-dependent bus rider for nearly four decades, Barbara has been elected by our members to the BRU's leadership body, the Planning Committee, for twelve years running. She has acted as Co-Chair of the Planning Committee and of the Monthly Membership Meeting for ten years. During that time, she has served as spokesperson and representative of the BRU in the media, with public officials in LA and Washington, and in national and international social movement forums. She is the only recipient of the Strategy Center's W.E.B. Dubois Fellowship (2009-2009). Eric's sings "In the Still of the Night” by: The Five Satins, and "Please MR. Postman" By: The Marevelettes. Eric will also read his commentary on the Democrats trivial indictment of Donald Trump, the unsettling precedent it sets, and its destabilizing implications for representative democracy. The Bus Riders Union film is a documentary about an activist group called the Bus Riders Union. Their focus is on improving the public transportation system in Los Angeles. The bus system there is in a sorry state. Busses are overcrowded. A rider will routinely see three busses pass her by, completely full, before being able to board. Handicapped riders find that the lift system on most busses is broken. Many riders need to take three or more busses to arrive at their destinations, and late night service on some routes is discontinued without any notice. On top of this, the MTA was planning a massive fare increase and focusing their energy on subways and trains that are costly and benefit mainly upper class white people. The B.R.U. views this struggle over Los Angeles busses as the new civil rights battle. The bus system is utilized almost exclusively by minorities and low income residents. Since the busses are so unreliable, workers are not able to predictably arrive on time and therefore have trouble holding jobs. This means that an already disadvantaged segment of the population is being further held back. Kikanza Ramsey, B.R.U. organizer, describes her organization as "an experiment to see if we can create a multi-racial, bi-lingual, gender-balanced mass movement of working class people." The tape follows the legal struggles of the group throughout the 90's as they battle with the city and the MTA for service improvements. ("Https://Mediaburn.Org/Video/Bus-riders-union/") It's fund drive time for KPFK, KPFK is member driven, listener supported, independent progresses public radio. With your generous financial help we can keep it that way. please donating to KPFK and help it stay on the air. You can contribute to KPFK by going to their website at kpfk.org Thank you. Become informed, politized, and moved to act, please send comments and suggestions to eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com. Listen to Voices from the Frontlines Tuesdays at 8AM PST on KPFK 90.7FM, KPFK.org.
VOICES FROM THE FRONTLINES Your National Movement Building Show “Wake up and smell the revolution” Tuesday March 28, 2023 | 8 AM PST On todays show Voices from the Frontlines present MOTHERLAND BY: Vic Gerami An Armenian-American Journalist, Documentarian, LGBT activist, Columnist, Publisher, and Organizer Eric Mann and discuses with Vic Gerami the Powerful documentary "MotherLand". A documentary produced by Vic which informs on the historic genocide of the Armenian people throughout history by various imperialistic nations and their allies. "The Armenian genocide[a] was the systematic destruction of the Armenian people and identity in the Ottoman Empire during World War I. Spearheaded by the ruling Committee of Union and Progress (CUP), it was implemented primarily through the mass murder of around one million Armenians during death marches to the Syrian Desert and the forced Islamization of Armenian women and children." (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armenian_genocide) -Eric's sings "Lean On Me” by: Bill Withers. In brief Eric discuss the Strategy and Soul theater's film screening of "The Bus riders Union" film produce by Haskell Wexler . The screening will take place March 30, 2023 at Strategy and Soul theater. The Bus Riders Union film is a documentary about an activist group called the Bus Riders Union. Their focus is on improving the public transportation system in Los Angeles. The bus system there is in a sorry state. Busses are overcrowded. A rider will routinely see three busses pass her by, completely full, before being able to board. Handicapped riders find that the lift system on most busses is broken. Many riders need to take three or more busses to arrive at their destinations, and late night service on some routes is discontinued without any notice. On top of this, the MTA was planning a massive fare increase and focusing their energy on subways and trains that are costly and benefit mainly upper class white people. The B.R.U. views this struggle over Los Angeles busses as the new civil rights battle. The bus system is utilized almost exclusively by minorities and low income residents. Since the busses are so unreliable, workers are not able to predictably arrive on time and therefore have trouble holding jobs. This means that an already disadvantaged segment of the population is being further held back. Kikanza Ramsey, B.R.U. organizer, describes her organization as "an experiment to see if we can create a multi-racial, bi-lingual, gender-balanced mass movement of working class people." The tape follows the legal struggles of the group throughout the 90's as they battle with the city and the MTA for service improvements. ("Https://Mediaburn.Org/Video/Bus-riders-union/") In the last half of the show Eric holds a conversation with Channing Martinez, Lead Organizer at the Strategy and Soul Center, and the Bus Riders Union. Channing reports from the ground and the frontlines of the battle field. Channing will discuss the Bus Riders Union Film at the Strategy and Soul theater.
Voices from the Frontlines presents The Eight Contradictions of the U.S. Imposed World Order BY: Vijay Prashad and the Tri-Continental Team. Eric will read text and comment on Vijay's informative piece. Followed by: News from the Frontlines with Channing Martinez, on the Strategy Center's film showing of "Bus Riders Union Film" and the SEIU/UTLA Strike. Join the fight for our children's education and future Wednesday and Thursday SEIU/UTLA rally at LAUSD HQ 12-3 (333 S. Beaudry)
VOICES FROM THE FRONTLINES Your National Movement Building Show “Wake up and smell the revolution” Tuesday March 14, 2023 | 8 AM PST On todays show Voices from the Frontlines present a conversation with David Monkawa Veteran Asian/Pacific Islander revolutionary organizer Eric and David discuss the multiracial solidarity event hosted at Strategy and Soul Center theater, and David's long distance political life. The participant were Progressive Asian Network for Action, an organization fighting for bi-cultural healthcare and social justice, (Asian with Attitudes), AWA , AWA is a grassroot movement whose efforts are centered in uniting all Asian, building bridges of diversity to fight against racism and hate. The Nation of Islam, The Nation of Islam is a religious, Black nationalist, and liberation movement, Strategy and Soul Center and the Bus Riders Union. Strategy and Soul and the Bus riders Union are a Think /Act tank for regional, national and international movement building, founded in 1989 and based in the 10 million-person world city of Los Angeles. Its campaigns, projects, and publications are rooted in working class communities of color, and address the totality of urban life with a particular focus on civil rights, environmental justice, public health, global warming, and the criminal legal system. Strategy and Soul Center build consciousness, leadership, and organization among those who face discrimination and societal attack–people of color, women, immigrants, workers, LGBT people, youth, all of whom comprise its membership. Linking mass struggles to the need for radical, structural change, Strategy and Soul develop campaigns and demands that help build a revitalized world united front that can stop the rising tides of war, racism and imperialism, the ecological crisis and the growing police state. Strategy and Soul Center work often challenges both major political parties and takes on the organized Right. Strategy ad Soul Center fight to win. In the last half of the show Eric holds a conversation with Channing Martinez, Lead Organizer at the Strategy and Soul Center, and the Bus Riders Union. Channing reports from the ground and the frontlines of the battle field and informs the listeners on the politics of the ground work to achieving change and reforms within the imperialistic system. In particular, Channing informs the listener about a recent incident of police brutality in which excessive and unnecessary force was deployed against several High School student. And the action and works he along with Strategy and Soul Center are doing on the ground to eliminate police brutality and and bring about social justice for everyone. Become informed, politized, and moved to act, please send comments and suggestions to eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com. Listen to Voices from the Frontlines Tuesdays at 8AM PST on KPFK 90.7FM, KPFK.org.
Voice from the Frontlines present, and re-present TOO BLACK TO FAIL—a radio play, future theater script, and screenplay in Magical Realism of revolutionary hope and possibility—written by Eric Mann. Starring Toussaint L'Ouverture, Vo Nguyen Giap, Fannie Lou Hamer, Gil Scott-Heron, Emmett Till, and a cast of millions led by the Army of Underwater Revolutionaries, the 15 million enslaved Africans, who came back to help lead the revolution against the U.S. imperialist white settler state, along with the Black Communist Rebellion, from The Man in the High Castle. Performed by Kiyana Williams, Channing Martinez, Barbara Lott-Holland, Brigette Amaya, and Eric Mann. After listening, and becoming mesmerized and transfixed, please send comments and suggestions for performances to eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com. Listen to Voices from the Frontlines Tuesdays at 8AM PST on KPFK 90.7FM, KPFK.org.
KEITH LAMAR Black liberation fighter, visionary, writer and death row prisoner Author of the amazing book—Condemned “This isn't a book you have in your hand. It's my life. I'm innocent.” In Conversation with Eric Mann Political prisoner 1970-1971 Concord State Prison Author Comrade George: An Investigation into the Life, Political Thought, and Assassination of George Jackson Keith Lamar, convicted on perjured testimony, is scheduled for pre-meditated murder by the State of Ohio on November 16, 2023 If we don't stop them Stop the Continued Harassment and Provocation by Prison Authorities Keith is already in a solitary confinement facing state murder Now the guards ransack his cell, threaten him, provoke him But he resists Listen to his beautiful voice. Call Director Annette M. Chambers-Smith of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction: (614) 752-1153 Call Warden Donald G. Redwood of the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility: (740) 259-5544 Stop all Guard harassment of Keith Lamar Call off the execution
On this week show; Voices present A collection of brief Conversations Eric Mann has had in recent past with various frontline organizers from across the globe. Including Civil Right activist Janius Williams, a significant figure in the Newark N.J. Black Power Movement from 1965 to the present, director of The North, and author of Unfinished Agenda: Urban Politics in the Era of Black Power, The Black Liberation Movement yesterday, today, and tomorrow/ UCLA Latinx activist Emily Zamora, A lead student organizer for UCLA Friends of the Strategy Center and Bus Riders Union on the struggle against Anti-Blackness and Academic Opportunism at the UCLA Luskin school—and the opportunities for radical reform at Luskin and all of UCLA. Kamau Franklin, an organizer with Community Movement Builders in the Pittsburgh area of Atlanta's Black community. His work spans Afrocentric political education, alternative institutions construction, and defending the Black community against police and gentrification assaults. Check out their very impressive website, www.communitymovementbuilders.org to learn more about their cutting edge work. Check out Kamau's important article, An Ivory Tower Assassination of Malcom X, (Black Agenda Report April 11, 2011). Civil Rights activist Hollis Watkins, about his work and efforts to organize voter's registration, and bring about social justice in the deep south of Mississippi. and Keith LaMar, a poet, a visionary, a Black prisoner, facing a death sentence with a scheduled execution date of November 16, 2023. This cannot happen. We have to do everything in our power to prevent the unthinkable. It's fundraising time and 90.7 FM KPFK needs your generous financial help. Go to kpfk.org and make a generous financial contribution to help kpfk sustain its self, and remain a strong and revolutionary consistent voice for the people.
On today's Show AYUKO BABU Director of the Pan African Film Festival In Conversation with Eric Mann Discusses the Films Fighting for Respect: African American Soldiers in World War II Africa, Cradle of Humankind and Modern Civilizations Soleil O-by Med Hondo The Five Demands—the 1969 Black and Puerto Rican Student Strike for Open Admissions at City College of N.Y. Join Eric Mann, who organized at the 1968 Columbia Strike, Channing Martinez, and other Strategy Center And Bus Riders Organizers to View The Five Demands, Friday February 16, at 6:20 PM Please introduce yourself as Voices Listeners Go to PAFF.org to see all the amazing films and the schedule of showings. All the films will be show at the Cinemark Theater at the Crenshaw Mall. This will be a full program with a Fundraising Appeal for KPFK Please listen to the show and contribute by calling 818-985-5735 Brief History of PAFF from Wikipedia The first official festival was organized in 1992 by actors Danny Glover and Ja'net Dubois and executive director Ayuko Babu.[4] Glover and actress Whoopi Goldberg co-hosted the festival.[5] It featured over 40 films by black directors from four continents. The Los Angeles Times said the films had universal themes as well as African themes: "the overthrow of colonial governments, the clash between modern values and traditional values, and tales of gifted artists". Films at the first festival included Sarraounia, Heritage Africa, and Lord of the Street.[6] In 2013, the film festival attracted approximately 30,000 patrons, and the arts festival attracted around 75,000.[2] In 2014, the film festival featured 179 films from 46 countries. The films included feature-length documentaries, short documentaries, narrative feature films, narrative short films, and webseries.
Voices from the Frontline features: KEITH LAMAR Visionary, Black Liberation Fighter, wrongfully convicted, on death row In Conversation with Eric Mann Keith Lamar is a poet, a visionary, a Black prisoner, facing a death sentence with a scheduled execution date of November 16, 2023. This cannot happen. We have to do everything in our power to prevent the unthinkable. Tuesday January 31st, 2023 | 8 AM PST For prison reform and abolition organizers For Black Liberation organizers For human rights organizers "...Mass incarceration is just a reincarnation of chattel slavery..." Spoken word Poet: Eartha Terrell Please work with the Strategy Center, Voices from the Front Lines, and of course the Keith Lamar group itself to demand full exoneration of Keith Lamar. We must prevent the unthinkable. Streaming live on the web at www.kpfk.org Please listen. Please send this to others. In the next day and go on www.voicesfromtheFronlines.com to download the show We will also have it up as a podcast on your favorite podcasting site. Please write to Keith Lamar and Amy Gordiejew who is working 24/7 on his behalf www.KeithLamar.org Please contribute generously to his case. There is a donate button on his site. He is seeking last minute legal help and when there is a plan, there is hope. Eric, Channing, and everyone at the Strategy Center will be donating. Please go on the site to do the same. Please contact eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com to help with the Strategy Center's “exoneration and release for Keith Lamar” as we work closely with his team to carry out their will.
Voices from the Frontlines: KEITH LAMAR In Conversation with Eric Mann Keith Lamar is a poet, a visionary, a Black prisoner, facing a death sentence with a scheduled execution date of November 16, 2023. This cannot happen. We have to do everything in our power to prevent the unthinkable. Tuesday January 24th, 2023 | 8 AM PST For prison reform and abolition organizers For Black Liberation organizers For human rights organizers "...Mass incarceration is just a reincarnation of chattel slavery..." Spoken word Poet: Eartha Terrell Please work with the Strategy Center, Voices from the Front Lines, and of course the Keith Lamar group itself to demand full exoneration of Keith Lamar. We must prevent the unthinkable. Streaming live on the web at www.kpfk.org Please listen. Please send this to others. In the next day and go on www.voicesfromtheFronlines.com to download the show We will also have it up as a podcast on your favorite podcasting site. Please write to Keith Lamar and Amy Gordiejew who is working 24/7 on his behalf www.KeithLamar.org Please contribute generously to his case. There is a donate button on his site. He is seeking last minute legal help and when there is a plan, there is hope. Eric, Channing, and everyone at the Strategy Center will be donating. Please go on the site to do the same. Please contact eric@voicesfromthefrontlines.com to help with the Strategy Center's “exoneration and release for Keith Lamar” as we work closely with his team to carry out their will.