MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, June 1—Wherever workers are unmasking the failure of capitalism, communists will be there. Ten members of Progressive Labor Party (PLP) from Chicago and Los Angeles touched down in Minneapolis to join the rebels fighting racist kkkops and the capitalist system that murdered George Floyd. These rebels set the world on fire. PLP is present to follow their leadership and spread communist politics.
For days following the viral video of George Floyd’s pleas of “I can’t breathe” and calling out for his mother, Minneapolis workers brought the City’s bosses to their knees. The rebels marched to the third precinct of the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) and as night fell, the might of the workers caused the cops to flee. Workers then set the symbol of racism, sexism and oppression on fire. The message to workers everywhere—we have the power.
The rebels blazed a trail of protests worldwide—from London to Dakar to Bangkok to Kingston to Rio de Janeiro—proving once again that Black workers are key to revolution (see page 8). This uprising was not only about George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, or Alex Flores. It was also about workers rebelling against a system that relies on racism to make profits and keep us divided (see page 5). Even if this kkkop Derek Chauvin is convicted, the police will continue to have open season in our class. Even if the police are “defunded,” the role of police (protect the bosses, terrorize the workers) will remain. They may just be cops by a different name or in a different suit.
To abolish police murder and racism, we need nothing short of a system based on need and collectivity instead of profit (see page 2).
“Oh so you’re communist communist?”
When PLP landed, we met with friends and protesters who had been taking part in the fearless uprising. Many said how empowered workers felt in Minneapolis and how they were dedicated to real change. They and many others PL met were thankful that people had come from other cities to support and fight alongside them (see box, page 3). PL’ers salute the rebels for the leadership they gave to the international working class.
Collectively we discussed what labor and life under communism would look like. We discussed the need for the rebellion to evolve into a communist revolution. Everyone agreed that attacking the bosses’ source of power (banks, police stations, media stations) was good. Now, we must fight to build a communist world on the ashes of capitalism. When the protests ebb, workers must continue and build a party to sustain the fightback. One day, PLP and workers will lead the revolution for an egalitarian world.
Bank burned & converted to bathroom
PL’ers and local friends rallied with 500 workers and witnessed the solidarity first hand. Black, white, Asian, Latin, and Muslim workers were sharing water, facemasks, and food. Wells Fargo Bank was burned down and converted into a makeshift bathroom for protesters. What an inspiration it was to see yet another symbol capitalist exploitation burned. This is the kind of leadership our class needs and deserves.
In front of the remains of Wells Fargo, PL’ers unfurled two banners. One called for justice for Alex Flores, 34-year-old Latin worker murdered by Los Angeles Police Department, effectively connecting one struggle to another. The other banner called for workers to join PLP to fight racist murder, calling out the killer Chicago Police Department (CPD). PL’ers and friends distributed 200 CHALLENGEs and 200 leaflets titled “Minneapolis Leads the Way—Burn This System Down.” PL’ers made speeches on the bullhorn about why we were there and our line against capitalism, racism and sexism (see twitter @PLPchallenge).
Eighty workers gathered to hear about communism. They cried out in agreement. Many asked about PLP. Everyone took a copy of CHALLENGE. It’s clear that communist politics belong to the working class and our class is eager to hear it, own it, and be involved in fighting for a better world.
Break curfew, give leadership
At 8 PM, phones went off to warn us that the curfew had begun. So we started marching.
PL’ers were close to the front of the large march, leading in chants like “Racism means—we got to fight back!” The fighters loved the chants and embraced our call for working-class unity under one revolutionary communist party, PLP.
As the march was passing through an empty intersection on the way to downtown, cops drove right into the middle of the march. PL’ers were in front of the cops, who immediately shot tear gas canisters, rubber bullets, and stun grenades into the protest. Some fighters retreated. It was clear however that the march must go on.
The PL’ers were not from Minneapolis and didn’t know the literal lay of the land. Yet, the workers looked at the PL’ers for political leadership. Clearly, communist politics had won the confidence of the workers. PLP led the march for three miles through downtown Minneapolis.
When PLP walked the distance back to their cars, they saw the military vehicles driving up the closed expressway. This militarized police presence is proof of the fear that a militant and organized working class instills in the bosses. The bosses’ state was ready to throw all their might on us to protect their system. Rebellions, especially when multiracial and led by Black youth , put terror in the hearts of the exploiters. As it should.
Workers need communism
The experience in Minneapolis was inspiring and confirmed the necessity for communist politics. Rebellions in and of themselves will not lead to a revolution without the organization of the working class. The workers need to be armed with communist ideas. When communists are willing to lead, workers will take up the call—in the streets, on the job, in the churches, or in a study group.
PLP will build with the working class everywhere we are. It’s a lifetime of fighting, but we have fire in our bellies to fight for communism! To smash racism, join PLP!