Black Radical Congress

Who They Are

The Black Radical Congress, or BRC, was founded in June of 1998 in Chicago. This organization was founded primarily to establish a grassroots network of individuals and organizations of African descent to re-invigorate a progressive program for civil and human rights in the United States. At the first congress, 2,000 people participated and in the past seven years the BRC has grown into an organization spanning several cities. This organization has attracted over 20,000 subscribers to the various causes, including hundreds on the ground. Those participating in this organization are grouped as Black, but this encompasses all people of African descent, this includes African-Americans, as well as those people living in the U.S. from the Carribbean, Latin countries, Africa, and everywhere else Black people can be found. Their primary object is to get involved at the grassroots level and confront social injustice. This organization has expanded into many cities over the country and have local chapters focused on more localized concerns for people of African descent.

Our Take

The Black Radical Congress provides an excellent example of an organization that is all about praxis. They engage in strenuous intellectual debate about the issues facing our society at the national conference, and the tons of forums and events that are held throughout the country through the local chapters. To keep from losing focus, they have a theme for each year, this year's theme being Anti-militarism. Through the local chapters, the BRC engages society on a grassroots level, not only leading their own education initiatives, but collaborating with any other group that is committed to similar principles and a similar vision of society. They see their role as not trying to be an organization that takes over struggles for social justice, but one that supports and connects them.

How You Can Help

Like many grassroots organizations, BRC NY United is always in need of funding and space. They currently don't have a central office, although they often have meetings at St. Mary's Church at 126th between Broadway and Amsterdam. If you would like to contribute, contact Ms. Jessica Watson-Crosby at nyblackradicalcongress@yahoo.com

Save The Date!

CONGRESS 2005

June 17th - 19th

Georgia State University

Atlanta, Georgia USA

Institutes, Workshops, Trainings,

Documentary Screenings, Creative Performances

Pan-Africanism, Anti-Prison Industrial Complex,

Ending Occupation and Preventing Invasion,

Repealing No Child Left Behind,

Building Progressive Voting Blocs,

and much, much more

Note: Pictures are on the way from national office, and history page to be completed as soon as we finish interview with Dr. Manning Marable on Thursday, April 22.