Millions for Reparations - Aug 2002
Anti-Capitalists Call for Reparations!
Reparations / People's Strike Flyer (.pdf)
The Anti-Capitalist Convergence of Washington, DC Proudly Stands with Blacks in the US and People of Conscience to Demand Reparations for People of African Descent in the United States.
We recognize the large debt that the US and many other governments owe to all people of African descent in the US. Furthermore we recognize that many governments owe a large debt to Africa and all people of African descent living around the world - including in Africa. We recognize that the demand for Reparations is united to the demand for an end to developing country's ("Third World") debt. This includes the illegitimate debt that the IMF and World Bank claim African countries owe.
The United States and other imperial countries are the ones with a debt to pay - for robbing Africa of her people and resources and for stealing Africans labor, culture and humanity.
Therefore we are calling for Reparations and an end to international debt and the institutions which continue to exploit and oppress Africans and people in all developing countries. This exploitation is a form of neo-colonialism that continues to rob Africa of its wealth for the profit of a few businessmen and politicians (most based right here in Washington!) The US and other large economies along with powerful and corrupt corporations are responsible for the increasing environmental degradation, poverty, hunger and disease - including AIDS - that plagues developing countries, most severely in Africa.
We see reparations as a good first step in redressing major problems of this oppressive and unjust system. As anti-capitalists we further believe that these racist and exploitative systems did not entirely end with the end of slavery. They continue to exist. The entire system of capitalism - which rests on the wealth for a few at the expense of the many - must be abolished! This is a racist and sexist system! We demand reparations for past and current crimes and are working for a new system based on respect for all people and the environment and mutual aid rather than ruthless competition.
On September 27th the Anti-Capitalist Convergence is organizing a protest with the theme of:
A Day of Non-Compliance and Resistance.
On this day we plan to Shut Down Washington, DC and Take Back Our Lives. September 27th is the day before the annual World Bank and IMF meetings so we will be protesting these institutions but there will also be room for people to protest around any issues that they feel are important.
Included in the demands that we are making for this protest are:
- That the World Bank and IMF be abolished!
- An end to privatization and structural adjustment everywhere.
- An end to all debt! From debt owed by developing countries to personal debt.
- Housing and food for everyone.
- Freedom for everyone - Immigrant Rights, Civil Liberties, Women's liberation.
- An end to the racist prison industrial system.
- An end to imperialism and terrorism by the US government and all states.
- An end to the colonial status of DC and developing countries.
We are striving toward the abolition of capitalism! No longer should ones survival and access to human needs be determined by ones economic means.
We sincerely hope that the Reparations Movement will join us on September 27th to use this day of Resistance to draw attention to the important call for Restitution!
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