SMASH RACISM, BUILD WORKERS’ POWER

LOS ANGELES, CA, March 17—“We are going to turn our pain into power” shouted one of the daughters of Marco Vasquez Jr.
This impassioned sentiment was met with cheers and raised fists from about 100 protest supporters. As the struggle against police murder moves forward in Los Angeles, more and more people, especially the families who are closest to this form of racist oppression, recognize the need for systemic change. Through being immersed in the class struggle and intertwining our lives with our base, members of Progressive Labor Party (PLP) are showing that communism is the only system that will meet those aspirations for workers’ power and PLP is the vehicle to achieve it.
We spent back-to-back weekends saying the names of those killed by police. On February 26 and 27, we focused on the family of Cesar Rodriguez. On August 29, 2017, he was thrown in front of an oncoming train by Long Beach PD for allegedly not paying $1.75 for the train fare. His family has set up multiple altars for Cesar at the Wardlow Station only to have them removed, probably by police, in less than a day. So we hosted a 24 hour vigil to ensure some remained for at least one full day.
Volunteers brought food and snacks. Many committed to spending the night at the train station to keep watch. As families gathered around the fire pit, we were able to deepen our ties with each other. One of the most empowering aspects of this long term struggle has been how committed the families are to fighting together.
They also deeply value the commitment members of PLP have shown to this fight. A common remark is that  although they have lost one family member, they have gained so many more.  
On March 6, we took the fight to Whittier, CA. About 100 protesters took over the streets, marching from the home where Marco Vasquez Jr. was murdered in front of his entire family to the Sheriff's station where the KKKops hideout. The families of seven different people murdered by the police were present along with a couple of other organizations.
The line of PLP shined through with the chants we led, the dozens of CHALLENGEs we distributed, and the conversations we had with families and friends throughout the event.  
Outside of attending regular protests against police terror, we have made a conscious effort to integrate these families into our lives. We speak daily with multiple families even if it’s just to check in or share a quick joke. We celebrate birthdays and other momentous events together. If someone is looking for housing or needs help finding a vaccine, the whole committee is ready to support.
This base of struggle and support gives a glimpse of the communist future we know we will someday win.
We have built trust with these families and other “regulars” at the protests over time. It is clear to all that PLP plays a vastly different role than other organizations entrenched in anti-police brutality work. While many groups put families of victims on a platform to “tell their story”, it is simply to boost credibility and visibility of their organization. PLP on the other hand, views these families as leaders in this struggle and prioritizes their political development and education.
Killer viruses mean we got fight back
Some family members have also been integrated into some of the healthcare fights in LA.  Last month, members of four families joined a healthcare mass organization in protesting the closing of Olympia Hospital that has been critical in treating the mostly Black, Latin and immigrant working-class folks impacted by Covid-19.
These families along with our political leadership made the connection to 65 healthcare workers how racist police terrorize our communities just like this virus does.  One chant was, “Killer cops mean” and “Killer viruses mean,” “We got to fight back!”  
PLP has long held the line that the most oppressed sections of the working class, particularly Black workers, are key to revolution. We are putting that line into practice in Los Angeles and learning a ton along the way.
Our next step is encouraging more family members to join our study group. One young Latin woman in particular is especially hungry to understand “the system” we talk so frequently about. She wants to change it. As we continue to spread the fight for communism, one thing is certain, these fiery families will be leading the way!