Brooklyn, NY, December 6 — “These cops really made me mad. They arrested my teachers for no reason.” This among other quotes plastered the Facebook walls of students at a Brooklyn high school. Students, parents and staff found out that over the Thanksgiving weekend, two of their teachers, along with 14 others, were arrested in Ferguson, MO during a protest against the racist murder of Michael Brown and subsequent non-indictment of kkkop Darren Wilson.
Returning to work, the arrested teachers were met with applause, hugs and lots of questions. The sentiment throughout the school was a sense of pride in knowing someone who took a stand against these racist attacks. So when “Tales from Ferguson” was hosted during students’ lunch time, it was standing room only. About 100 students, parents and teachers packed a classroom to watch a video of the protest, hear stories and ask questions. Everyone left with a better understanding of growing fascism and a sense of how powerful the working class can be when united in class struggle.
The next day brought news that another killer cop would not be indicted for the racist murder of Eric Garner. Inspired by the recent fight back in Ferguson, students, parents and teachers sprung into action.
Students led the way, planning a militant walkout for Thursday afternoon. In just six hours, word spread throughout the building. During the day, some teachers stopped classes to discuss the details of the case, the role of police under capitalism and what students can do to organize and fight back. In the course of these discussions, students realized “there are more of us than there are of them” so we can defeat the police and the ruling class they serve.
While one student expressed concern that protesting wouldn’t change anything, others struggled with him — any action is better than standing by silently. They noted the history of strong movements that have produced change. These discussions and the student organizing led to 30 students walking out before the last period and rallying in front of the building. Although a small group, their chanting could be heard throughout the building. Their message was clear: racism means we got to fight back.
As the students mobilized for their action, teachers and parents planned an assembly and rally for the next day. The history department put together a presentation highlighting examples of anti-racist movements in this country. The assembly was followed by a rousing rally after school when over one hundred students, parents and teachers participated.
Moving forward we want to win students and co-workers to join the Progressive Labor Party because we’re the only fighting organization that defines and confronts capitalism as the source of racist terror in the classroom and in the streets.