C.L.R. James: Imperialism in Africa

C.L.R. James had an extraordinary talent for focusing on a country --- or in this case a continent --- and extrapolating an analysis of the world economic system. While World War II raged in June 1941, James did just that with Africa. He demonstrated the hypocrisy of the “competing imperialisms” and showed the need for socialism in Africa. This is part of our collection on Marxism and Black Struggle.

C.L.R. James and Leon Trotsky: Plans for the Negro Organization

On April 11, 1939, C.L.R. James had his final discussion with Leon Trotsky in Coyoacán, in Mexico. They discussed concrete plans for founding a revolutionary organization for Black workers in the United States. This is part of our collection on Marxism and Black Struggle.

An Initial Assessment of the Latin American–U.S. Virtual Conference

The Virtual Latin American and the United States Conference was convened by the Workers Left Front (FIT-U) of Argentina, and it took place between July 30 and August 1. This is the initial assessment that was published in La Izquierda Diario by leaders of the Trotskyist Fraction–Fourth International.

C.L.R. James and Leon Trotsky: A Negro Organization

On April 5, 1939, C.L.R. James continued his discussions with Leon Trotsky in Coyoacán in Mexico. They discussed the conditions for the Socialist Workers Party launching a revolutionary organization for Black workers in the United States. This is part of our collection on Marxism and Black Struggle.

C.L.R. James and Leon Trotsky: Self-Determination for the American Negroes 

On April 4, 1939, C.L.R. James held the first of three discussions with Leon Trotsky in Coyoacán in Mexico. The central question: Should revolutionaries call for self-determination of Black people in the United States? This is part of our collection on Marxism and Black Struggle.

Arne Swabeck and Leon Trotsky: The Negro Question in America

On February 28, 1933, Arne Swabeck of the Communist League of America met with Leon Trotsky and his secretary Pierre Frank on the island of Prinkipo in Turkey. They debated many questions, including racism in the U.S. and the right of self-determination. This is part of our collection on Marxism and Black Struggle.

A Warning to the People of the Colonies

The International African Service Bureau, an organization of Black people in Great Britain, issued this manifesto in late 1939. It called on all colonized peoples to unite against the imperialist bandits and struggle alongside British workers against the war. This is part of our collection on Marxism and Black Struggle.

C.L.R. James: Why Negroes Should Oppose the War

C.L.R. James wrote this pamphlet for the Socialist Workers Party in late 1939. World War II had just begun, and in the United States, Republicans, Democrats, and Stalinists were preparing to call on Black workers to support the war in the name of "democracy." James, in contrast, called on Black workers to struggle against imperialism. This is part of our collection on Marxism and Black Struggle.

Peter Hansen: The Class Character of the American Constitution

Peter Hansen wrote this essay in 1930 for The Militant, the newspaper of the Socialist Workers Party. The U.S. constitution is venerated like a holy book, even by self-proclaimed progressives. But it is a historical document that protects the capitalists’ private property. This is part of our collection on Marxism and Black Struggle.