Building Unity for Social Change with Kwazi Nkrumah

In 2020, guest Kwazi Nkrumah from the MLK Coalition for Greater Los Angeles discussed with EcoJustice Radio host Jessica Aldridge how unity and mass mobilization across all movements is necessary for social change and an equitable future. He spoke to how we effectively do this in an inclusive manner across interests and issues that considers priorities, roadblocks, and better relationship building. We addressed concerns of derailment and demobilization, and look to how we can shield and grow from those movements. Kwazi has joined the ancestors in December 2023, but we as always pay tribute to the incredible work he accomplished in his life.

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Kwazi Nkrumah on EcoJustice Radio

We are living in unprecedented times. We are dealing with the effects of a progressively worsening climate, an impaired economic system that is at the mercy of a global pandemic, and a growing uprising centered on social and environmental justice.

Some may question our new reality and proclaim, “this is the same old song, sung once again.” Is that the case or are we at a new paradigm?  If there is some truth to the same old song, then how do we learn from the past? What the uprisings have shown us is that there is a shared mass call for equity; however, this call for equity must result in unity across all movements.

Today Kwazi Nkrumah shares his views on the purpose and necessity of Unity (across movements) in order to bring about sustained social change and an equitable future. He will discuss how we effectively do this in an inclusive manner across interests and issues that considers priorities, roadblocks, and better relationship building. When building a broader movement of organizations or mobilize large numbers of people, how do we also protect or grow from moments of derailment and demobilization?

STORY: Know Justice, Know Peace: 21 Generations – EcoJustice Radio

~ Kwazi Nkrumah was the Co-Chair of MLK Coalition of Greater Los Angeles for Jobs, Justice, and Peace. Kwazi was a nationally respected community and labor organizer, and a human and environmental rights activist and advocate. Over the years he has been a successful leader for economic justice efforts on behalf of tenants, homeowners, and working people. He’s also been a much-sought-after paid advocate for steelworkers, health care and social workers, psychologists, technical employees, and the faculty and librarians of five UC campuses here in Southern California.

In addition to Kwazi’s impressive advocacy work, we also want to thank and recognize his late partner, Sabina Virgo, who were instrumental in the founding and growth of the SoCal Climate Action Coalition since 2013, the precursor to the group producing this show, SoCal 350 Climate Action.

Further reading on anti-racist organizing:
Robert L. Allen: Reluctant Reformers: Racism and Social Reform Movements in the United States – Amazon Link

STORY: Reimagining Public Safety with Pastor Eddie Anderson

Hosted by Jessica Aldridge from Adventures in Waste
Engineer: Blake Lampkin
Executive Producer: Jack Eidt
Show Created by Mark and JP Morris
Music: Javier Kadry
Episode 72

Updated 14 February 2024