As we reconnect to plan a new year of resistance this January 20th, what lessons can we take from the inspiring but traumatic year that was 2017? In Episode 61 of the Ex- Worker, we interview three anarchists who reflect on their role on the front lines of struggles against the state and fascism over the past year. Hex, who survived a shooting attack by a fascist at a Seattle anti-fascist demonstration last January 20th, offers perspective on questions of justice, violence, patriarchy, and compassion, the critical importance of healing, and redefining resistance. An anarchist of color from Charlottesville discusses how the events there have impacted anti-fascist resistance and updates us on court cases, grand jury proceedings, and opportunities to show solidarity. And Miel, who was recently acquitted on all charges in the first trial of J20 defendants from the DC counter-inaugural protests, traces the significance of the J20 case, state strategies of repression, and lessons we can take with us as we move forward into a new year of struggle. The episode wraps up with updates from several other anarchist media projects about their plans for the new year, prisoner birthdays, and more. {January 20, 2018}
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- Table of Contents:
- Introduction {0:01}
- Getting Started: Why the Right Actually Can’t Shoot Us {2:35}
- Interview with Hex, Survivor of Fascist Shooting in Seattle {9:35}
- Interview with Anarchist of Color from Charlottesville {52:30}
- Interview with Miel, Acquitted J20 Defendant {1:10:16}
- 2018 Previews from Other Anarchist Media Projects {1:35:04}
- Prisoner Updates and Birthdays](https://nycabc.wordpress.com/pppow-birthday-calendar/) {1:43:26}
- Conclusion {1:46:45}
- On January 20th, mark the one year anniversary of counter-inaugural and anti-Trump protests by connecting with others and laying plans for the next year of resistance! Check out this listing of events around the country.
- The Hotwire, our weekly anarchist newscast, will return in February, so stay tuned!
- For some background on our conversation with Hex, check out this radio interview in which he discusses his experience of the shooting, or skim the edited transcript of it here; also see CrimethInc’s piece “What Counts as Violence: Why the Right Can Shoot Us Now”, and the article An Anarchist is Shot in Seattle from Fifth Estate magazine.
- Hex makes reference to No New Youth Jail campaign and “Block the Bunker”, two campaigns against the prison industrial complex led by youth of color in the Seattle, which contributed to his radicalization around issues of incarceration and restorative justice. Also be sure to check out the Greater Seattle IWW General Defense Committee, a local affiliate of the Industrial Workers of the World and their General Defense Committee.
- We’re excited to be part of the Channel Zero Network, a collective platform for anarchist audio and radio projects. Some of our sibling projects from CZN we highlighted in our 2018 anarchist media discussion include Resonance Anarchist Audio Distro, The Final Straw Radio, It’s Going Down, SubMedia, and SoleCast. Check ’em all out!
- In our discussion about the aftermath of the August 12th demonstrations with an anarchist of color from Charlottesville, we heard about several ways to show support for anarchists and anti-fascists there. Stay updated through Solidarity Cville, also on Twitter and Medium. You can also donate to the Charlottesville Resilience Fund. Since defeating the Unite the Right rally in August, radicals in Charlottesville have been on a roll: shutting down UVA Bicentennial celebration under the slogan “”200 years of white supremacy,“ with three people arrested; shutting down an October 10th Planning Commission meeting declaring ”No More Business as Usual"; and a whole week of resistance events. On February 2nd, there will be a court date for some of the comrades against whom fascist Jason Kessler is pressing charges for shutting down his attempt to have a press conference the day after Heather Heyer’s murder; turn out to show support if you can, or stay posted for updates.
- Miel, recently acquitted J20 defendant, referred to Defend J20 Resistance and their ongoing fundraising campaign to support the remaining 180+ defendants facing charges for protesting Trump’s inauguration.
- Many J20 events this year will be screening the new film by our friends at Global Uprisings, titled “Antifa.” Check it out!
- Warm greetings of solidarity to our friends at Black Mosquito, an anarchist distribution project in Germany, who were recently targeted in a probable fascist robbery and attack.
- Take a moment to write to anarchist prisoner Eric King, who’s grieving the loss of his brother.
Eric King # 27090045 FCI FLORENCE FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION PO BOX 6000 FLORENCE, CO 81226
- The New York State prison system has issued an absurd and harmful new set of restrictions on what prisoners can receive in packages from friends and family. Read info about it from NYC ABC (page 15), sign a petition to roll back the new regulations, send the scumbags in charge a postcard demanding that they stop this madness, etc.
- Jay Chase from the NATO 3 is currently in segregation and is in need of some books; please send a few if you can. Prisoners in Illinois can receive used books in the mail. Jay likes to read sci-fi, fantasy fiction and history; Jay also has an Amazon wish list here. Segregation is very tough on anyone as you are confined to your cell at least 23 hours a day. Please show Jay some solidarity and support at this tough time.
Jared Chase M44710 Dixon Correctional Center 2600 North Brinton Avenue Dixon, IL 61021
- There are a lot of prisoner birthdays this month! Take a moment to send a letter or card to:
Jeremy Hammond #18729–424 FCI Milan Post Office Box 1000 Milan, Michigan 73189 {January 8th}
Abdul Aziz (Warren Ballantine) #16–047 Central Arizona Florence Correctional Complex Post Office Box 6300 Florence, Arizona 85132 Please address envelope to Warren Ballantine, card/letter to Abdul (Aziz) {January 9th}
Herman Bell #79-C–0262 Shawangunk Correctional Facility Post Office Box 700 Wallkill, New York 12589 {January 14th}
Sundiata Acoli (Clark Squire) #39794–066 FCI Cumberland Post Office Box 1000 Cumberland, Maryland 21501 Please address envelope to Clark Squire, card/letter to Sundiata Acoli {January 14th}
Joseph Bowen #AM 4272 SCI Coal Township 1 Kelley Drive Coal Township, Pennsylvania 17866–1020 Nickname: Joe- Joe {January 15th}
Marius Mason #04672–061 FMC Carswell Post Office Box 27137 Fort Worth, Texas 76127 Please address envelope to Marie, card/letter to Marius {January 26th}