What People Are Saying About This Dialogue
Responding to the announcement of Revolution and Religion: A Dialogue
Between Cornel West and Bob Avakian
Updated November 12, 2014
An Historic Dialogue: Cornel West and Bob Avakian Enlighten and Challenge at a Critical Juncture
November 16, 2014
A discussion on the role of religion in the struggle for material and spiritual emancipation of the human has never been so necessary
(10/11/14)
The gap of wealth and power between the have and the have-not nations of the earth and the social haves and have-nots within each of the nations, is deepening and widening daily, with the irony that the haves, between and within nations, depend on the resources of the have-nots for their power and privilege. The result is material and spiritual misery of millions. This condition is human made not God made. It can only be righted by human action. A discussion on the role of religion in the struggle for material and spiritual emancipation of the human has never been so necessary.
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, Author
of Wizard of the Crow
Anyone with deep concern about the future of this world needs to be there.
(10/19/14)
I admire and respect both Cornel West and Bob Avakian. Both are fearless fighters for the poor and oppressed throughout the world. One, Bob Avakian, is a revolutionary fighter; the other, Cornel West, is a Christian. Anyone with deep concern about the future of this world needs to be there, and needs to hear this very important dialogue between two champion crusaders.
Nicholas Heyward—Father of Nicholas Heyward, Jr.—murdered by New York Police Dept. in 1994; October 22 Coalition to Stop Police Brutality, Repression and the Criminalization of a Generation; Host Committee for the Cornel West/Bob Avakian Dialogue
"Holy Shit!"
Three Thoughts on the Dialogue
When I first heard news of the Dialogue between Bob Avakian (BA) and Cornel West (CW), I had three major thoughts.
First, I thought, "Holy shit, it's a really huge deal that BA is speaking in public! This hasn't happened, in this way, in a very long time, and there is both tremendous positive potential and very serious stakes to this... This is truly an extraordinary and exciting opportunity!"....
From a revolutionary
From Ann Wright, Former United States Army Colonel, Foreign Diplomat, Peace Advocate
This is indeed historic. I'm going to try to be there... I've marked my calendar.
I strongly support the Dialogue
When you consider that religion influences the majority of humanity in one way or another, the Dialogue between Cornel West and Bob Avakian can be extremely important—particularly if it encourages religious leaders and their followers to develop a strategy that plays a major role in the struggle for emancipation. With this in mind, I strongly support the Dialogue.
Richard Brown—Former Black Panther; San Francisco 8 Defendant; Host Committee for the Cornel West/Bob Avakian Dialogue
From Kassahun Checole, Publisher
Revolutionary politics and theology work well together when the subject of social change arises. Our world is in deep trouble. Cornel West and Bob Avakian will advance the conversation. They can and will. It is much needed.
Nothing Changes Until We Address the Systemic Change
I think this is important because it will open up some dialogue and get people to start thinking. Because you know, a lot of times, people's thoughts need to be seasoned....
Community organizer
It Is Important for the Future of Blacks and Latinos
I feel like it is important for the future of Blacks and Latinos. It's important for us to fight and stand up against injustice. We need to get together and not fight each other but get together and fight the system. You see now Ferguson got the attention of Obama because they are fighting the system. I am hoping to get unity amongst us, to stand up against the government. We asked years ago and kept asking, we marched with the civil rights and Black Panthers. What are we supposed to do, keep asking?
Joshua, Young Latino, Washington Heights, New York City
From a Social Worker Who Donated $100 for the Dialogue
It is amazing that two people with different fundamental belief systems are willing to sit together for the sake of humanity. It is a beautiful thing of tolerance and respect, we need more of that.
Just What We Need
This is just what we need. I wish I could be there but I can't so I'll make a donation so that someone else from the store can go.
A devoted Christian volunteering at a Revolution Books store
Clear and Concise Analysis of the Amerikkkan Condition
(9/27/14)
...These two gentlemen seem to have a clear and concise analysis of the amerikkkan condition. But more importantly they are the only two whom, aside from pointing out the obvious capitalist atrocities, seem to offer viable solutions to some of the problems experienced by americans in Amerikkka....
A Photographer from NYC
If we really want fundamental change…look at fundamental questions—“Revolution and Religion” is as fundamental as it gets.
What kind of world do we live in? A world where Michael Brown’s murderer still walks free while we’re told to have a “conversation” about race, where oil companies rush to grab up the new oil fields exposed by the melting polar ice cap while “world leaders” make meaningless, hypocritical pledges to stop global warming, where entire families incinerated in an instant by unmanned drones is not considered barbaric, where a so-called “progressive” president has out war-mongered the war-mongers. In this insane world, why isn’t revolution on everyone’s lips? Why aren’t millions of people striving for a whole new future instead of debating the pros and cons of Hilary Clinton for president? C’mon, people. If we really want fundamental change, we have to look at fundamental questions–and “Revolution and Religion: The Fight for Emancipation and the Role of Religion” is as fundamental as it gets. I welcome it, and you should too.
David Zeiger, Filmmaker, Host Committee Cornel West/Bob Avakian Dialogue
A Great Opportunity
I think there's a confluence of minds here; even though they come from quite different directions. They are both very concerned about the human condition; not just about this country, or that country; but the human condition, on a global scale....
A retired professor in Los Angeles
People Around the World Will Want to Watch This
This is incredible—that this is being posed to people right now. Is it going to be live webcast? People around the world will want to watch this.
A young lawyer
Recent Posts
From Ed Asner—Actor, Emmy Award winner
(11/10/2014)
I have been a fan of Cornel West for many years. I have been deeply impressed by his intelligence and his purity and to find him in dialogue with Bob Avakian, a fearless leader of the left is a consummation to be wished for. Work prevents me from being at the dialogue, but know this, I envy all of you who are. If hope and clarity can only come from this dialogue to lighten the dark times we live in, then I would wish this same dialogue will be played throughout the land. We need it desperately.
From Aida L. Montero, Member of the congregation of the Riverside Church, NYC
(11/10/2014)
I am going to the November Dialogue because the moment is now to speak up and say no more to a broken judicial system and society that dehumanizes our brothers and sisters of color. I am tired of seeing videos where those called to serve and protect commit acts of violence against our citizens. To heal the brokenness in our beloved country, we must first confront it and refuse to be silent in the face of such evil. I am eager to hear the prophetic voices that are willing to engage and show a path towards our shared humanity.
From a Brother in South Central LA
(11/11/2014)
My view of BA and brother Cornel, I believe that two people can come together and push the revolution as far as an atheist and a Christian believer. A revolution is something that's needed if they're not going to do right by the masses and they're not trying to do right by the masses. I believe that the two of these brothers can come together and make it happen.
"I expect the event to be synergistic and dynamic…an experience that could transform a person's consciousness"
(11/11/2014)
From an African American Humanist who will attend dialogue:
A couple reasons for wanting to go are:
1) It's an historical event that I don't want to miss.
2) It will be a great learning experience.
3) It will be a chance to participate and contribute.
From a Black College Student: Compelling People to Act on What They Know to Be True
(11/11/2014)
I think this Dialogue is very important because for one, the goal of the Dialogue, the ultimate goal is to get people involved, to get more people aware of and thus compel them to act on what they know to be true.
The interesting thing is that the very presence of the Dialogue fosters what we want to happen. You have an outspoken Christian and you have an outspoken atheist both meeting at a church to discuss how they can unify in their interests, how their differences can be reconciled in the face of such powerful unity that we need to have.
This is a Needed, Needed Dialogue
(11/6/2014)
This is a needed, needed dialogue—the religious impulse has been responsible for a lot of altruistic acts through the ages that have fostered compassion and hence an attempt to live a life of real social justice and meantime organized religion has also been used as a tool to brainwash and control the minds of the masses and quite frankly has been one of the most evil forces in the modern world fostering violence and intolerance to people who don't think like them. Should be interesting to see what these two great thinkers come up with as to religion's role in restructuring society.
Matthew Shipp—Musician and composer, Host Committee
for the Cornel West/Bob Avakian Dialogue
From an ex-Prisoner:
(11/12/2014)
I don't have any religion. I don't have any need or use for it. As for religious people—Whatever gives you strength as long as it's progressive and NOT reactionary—I'm all for it. But with Mr. Avakian—He and I are on the same page. He's making strong points about how they got us out here like in a Roman arena fighting each other like savages. Even if you win this game they will just kill you if they need to. We just pawns in a chess game. Mr. Avakian is getting us out of the position of being pawns in somebody's game and into position to make a change. And I mean REAL change! A Revolution, A REAL REVOLUTION! A COMPLETE REVOLUTION! I Mean 180 degree change! WHAT WAS—NO LONGER IS! There's no more upper-class! No more middle-class No more low class! Real justice! Real freedom! True equality, NOT inequality.
"People should come and get out of their comfort zone…"
(11/12/2014)
From a 30 year old Black man from Cleveland:
I am getting on the bus to be part of something that is important and vital to humanity and society as a whole. It is important. The fact that another leader is talking about overthrowing this system, I got to be there and be part of that. To be able to connect with, to be with others with the same like mind, same agenda and network with others. I want to hear Bob Avakian and Cornel West because listening to them and being part of that experience, I can learn more about how we move forward as a people. People should come and get out of their comfort zone, scared a little bit, that’s natural. But you need to just go and be aware of what this revolution is all about. Go to this function so you have the bigger picture of what is going on. People think google is going to tell them about revolution. Not really. JUST GET ON THE BUS. You will break your neck to get to a club and please yourself, so GET ON THE BUS.
Revolution and Religion: Uniting a People for Change Across Social Constructs
(11/11/2014)
From a recent student graduate in sociology at a Southern CA University who's now a social worker:
Revolution, for many has become more of an idea, then a possibility. For many it seems impossible to change a system that has been created to oppress the masses, it seems impossible to end capitalism, racism, and poverty. But it's not impossible.
"This can be life-changing"
(11/11/2014)
A professor of law who donated $200 said about the Dialogue:
It's extraordinarily important for high school students because it has the potential to be a catalyst for self-discovery and to help to develop their world view and political and social ideology and philosophy. In connection with their initial experience this can be life-changing.
From an ex-prisoner: For me—for real I just need to learn more about this revolution.
Bob Avakian's got a message that needs to be heard especially the black and Spanish community. We need help with society dealing with us former prisoners and black people in general. The only answer they got is to lock us up and throw away the key or just killing us and when they do that nobody is ever truly fairly tried for the crime!
I never heard Cornel West speak but I know Bob Avakian. When I hear him it makes me feel good to hear someone who is white to speak about real justice and equality for black people. That we are real people too. I never heard nothing like this before. For me—for real I just need to learn more about this revolution.
Statement on the Dialogue from a woman who lives in Harlem:
(11/10/2014)
I want to come to the Dialogue between Cornel West and Bob Avakian on Revolution and Religion because I feel like this is going to bring like two worlds together to transform our ways of thinking that this system that is in place, that is imprisoning our minds and oppressing people, this is to enlighten people....
People on both sides of the divide have been waiting a long time for this conversation
(11/4/2014)
...In a time of revolutionary actions prompted by religious zealotry and intractable poverty and disease in the midst of wealthy religious organization, it is timely to hear two of the foremost thinkers on the concepts of political revolution and radical christianty explore common ground between seemingly disparate concepts....
Willie J. Parker—MD, MPH; Reproductive Justice advocate and abortion provider
(11/7/2014)
A Black professor from a Midwest university bought a ticket and said why she thinks other people should go to the Dialogue:
"I am interested in hearing what these two brilliant minds have to say. When water and oil come together, they come together and then they separate. While together we will get something from the blend, get a strategy to take back to our communities. That's why I am going."
(11/10/2014)
Extremely important and timely discussion on Religion and Emancipation
...I see this discussion as an important step to realizing where we stand as diverse people on a very touchy yet relevant subject affecting the way we relate to our worlds, each other, struggle, and hope for emancipation. It is under this premise that I desire to share the space where this great Dialogue will be engaged with two incredible thought leaders of our time.
It's high time to galvanize! Let's do this!
In struggle, -R, Seattle
An Attendee from the West Coast Coming to the Riverside Church Dialogue on November 15, 2014:
(11/8/2014)
A Dialogue between two individuals, each representing millions more, with different views on religion but similar aspirations for freeing humanity through revolution... how compelling is that!?
Especially in the year 2014, when religion is pushed so strongly by some people in an attempt to reconcile people to the status quo.
What could be revealed by a dialogue between a straight out revolutionary Communist and a revolutionary Christian? Must religious people be against revolution or can many also become revolutionaries? How could that happen? Can revolutionaries unite in the fight for liberation with religious people who also yearn for a meaningful life on this earth? Can these differences be reconciled in the course of revolutionary struggle and beyond? These questions are motivating me to attend and contribute to this dialogue.
Can religion in our 21st century be a servant of justice rather than an enemy? It remains a vital question, one that religious people in America dare not neglect.
(11/5/2014)
...The dialogue of Cornel West and Bob Avakian is sure to focus on this question....
Donald W. Shriver, Jr.—President Emeritus, Union Theological Seminary,
Host Committee for the Cornel West/Bob Avakian Dialogue
From a Seattle college student
(11/10/2014)
I want to attend the Dialogue between Cornel West and Bob Avakian because I strive to be like both of these influential human rights leaders. After seeing the lack of response from my city (Seattle, WA) to the polarized tragedies that occurred in Ferguson and Palestine this past summer, I can no longer simply stay quiet about what’s really going on in our country and world. I see the connection between the treatment of minorities in this country and oppressed peoples globally and it's time that I start working towards drawing those lines together for the people in my community. This event will be a great opportunity to take a big step forward in the fight for human rights everywhere.
-G, Seattle college student
Contributing $200 so that someone can go
(11/4/2014)
I'm sorry not to be able to travel to New York to hear the dialog between Bob Avakian and Cornel West... What a wonderful opportunity to discern how religion and revolution both drive the human spirit.
Instead of attending the event, I am contributing $200 so that someone can go.
Renie Wong Lindley, Honolulu Friends Meeting (Quakers)
Statement by someone traveling to the dialogue
I will be traveling from Kentucky by bus to Chicago, where I will be joining a group of people who are attending the Cornel West/Bob Avakian Dialogue in NYC. While it will take me nearly 48 hours of travel each way to make the journey, I feel that the Dialogue is a historic enough event to make it more than worth it. One of the great paradoxes facing people of my generation is how spirituality and activism coexist, and whether or not democracy even continues to be a viable solution to the American dilemma. There are not two people better qualified to address this paradox than Dr. West and Avakian....
Sign says: "Knowing the benefits and downsides to religion and emancipation, a source for justified oppression and a source for hope/mobilization, I look forward to where people stand and the role of the 2 in modern America. #Nov15CornelAndBA"
Revolutionary Emancipation and Religion
by Ron Jacobs, first published in Dissident Voice
November 5, 2014
"...Both men have spent their adult lives working for the emancipation of oppressed peoples. Both have been maligned and ridiculed…. Their motivation is similar to the motivation of those dedicated to human emancipation throughout history. Although their understanding of the spiritual may be situated in different spheres, both place their ultimate faith in humanity...."
From a student at a California college who is raising money to come to the Dialogue
November 5, 2014
To whom it may concern,
The event Revolution and Religion on November 15 is the occasion of a lifetime. This event is what many people have spent their whole lives fighting for....
...It is rare for there to be an honest, uncensored, and open conversation on topics as relevant and controversial as these are....
A more radical way of looking at where we're at…that draws me
(11/2/14)
What I like really about this dialogue is that it is not the typical dialogue. It is not the typical people. And it is not this very domesticated, careful mode of talking about where we're at and what we need. I think what both Cornel West and Bob Avakian are about is opening up new ground....
Saskia Sassen—Robert S. Lynd Professor of Sociology, co-chair Committee on Global Thought, Columbia University. Host Committee for the Cornel West/Bob Avakian Dialogue
Go to the Dialogue:
Put your "footprint in the sands of history"
(11/1/14)
A man who grew up in Cabrini Green, a housing project in Chicago, and who is working on getting to the Dialogue:
"The young guys around here—they need to understand that this could be their chance to put their footprint in the sands of history. There are speeches that Malcolm X made, that Martin Luther King made that have gone down in history. This could be like that."
From Harold Kroto FRS, Professor of Chemistry, Florida State University, Nobel Laureate (1996)
(11/2/14)
I am delighted to support the Dialogue between Cornel West and Bob Avakian–and I want to encourage everyone who can to go and participate in what will be an enlightening experience.
(11/2/14)
I want to go to the Dialogue on Revolution and Religion with Cornel West and Bob Avakian because I want to be thoroughly informed on the communist movement and believe if I were, that I could better influence other young people. The revolution is a machine with many parts, which are the people. We want as many parts as possible to be working so that the revolutionary machine will run at full strength. I would gladly give my life knowing that my contribution to society helped solidify peace, prosperity and equality on planet earth. Being an African-American atheist, I think it's necessary that we are represented in the Dialogue about Revolution and Religion. If this event were not to happen, the status quo as it stands could be cemented into society. We need this summit like the lungs need air.
25-year-old concerned millennial from Seattle, who wrote this to help raise money so he could travel to the Dialogue
Let the conversation begin!
(10/31/14)
If knowledge is power, we need sustained and robust exchange of ideas in order to harness and productively utilize this power for change. This discussion between West and Avakian points in the right direction, and holds great promise as a model of how we can work beyond our disagreements to find common ground framed and defined by the sufferings of those most in need of life transformation. Without this type of dialogue and the knowledge and understanding it promises to provide, we stand little chance of moving beyond our differences and toward healthy life options for all. Let the conversation begin!
Anthony B. Pinn—Agnes Cullen Arnold Professor of Humanities, Rice University; Director of Research, The Institute for Humanist Studies (Washington, DC); Host Committee for the Cornel West/Bob Avakian Dialogue
"I Recognize the Power and Perils of Belief"
(10/24/14)
I have struggled for years with issues of faith. As an agnostic I recognize the power and perils of belief. Bob Avakian and Cornel West are to be lauded for their efforts to bring struggle and faith together to defeat oppression and foster freedom and dignity.
“Revolution and Religion” a dialogue between West and Avakian at the historic Riverside Church, New York City, on November 15, 2014, demands our support.
Jed Stone
Criminal Defense Attorney
From Alice Walker:
Let The People Decide
(10/9/14)
...We are now in such dire straits as a planet that letting the people of the world decide our course is the only sensible option, “leaders” of various stripes having failed us completely; and who actually seem to enjoy making us feel afraid...
Religion and Revolution: The Promise of a Fresh Look
SpearIt, Associate Professor, Texas Southern University—Thurgood Marshall School of Law. This article was originally published at Huffington Post on 10/20/14. Read it here.
(10/23/14)
For students of religion and students of revolution, the upcoming dialogue between Cornel West and Bob Avakian should be a valuable lesson. Taking place at Riverside Church in New York City, this meeting of the minds has tremendous potential to advance understanding on the relationship between religion and revolution, which conventional wisdom tends to hold as mutually exclusive....
"This dialogue will open up a lot of eyes, a lot of minds...to what is going on and how we can make a difference."
(9/28/14)
Revolution and Religion—wow, this is long overdue. This is long overdue. I feel that I didn’t know much about Mr. Avakian. I know about Cornel West. But the fight for emancipation, the role of religion and the dialogue between these two revolutionaries of our time, the great revolutionaries of our time—it is long overdue. Religion plays a great part in our revolution and what has changed amongst the churches, what has changed is humanitarianism has went out the window. Between the revolution and religion, the fight for emancipation is that we have to fight for what is right....
Terry Hubbard, mother of 23-year-old Joshua Richardson who is incarcerated at Rikers Island prison
Cornel West Opened My Eyes ... Bob Avakian Has Gotten My Attention
71-year-old Black man from South Central Los Angeles
A great occasion to explore how revolutionary Marxism and radical Christianity may find common ground in articulating the hope for transformation
(10/3/14)
If humanity is to survive and thrive we all know that there must be radical and fundamental change. The rule of avarice and violence is destroying the lives of myriads and indeed the very planetary basis for life. Two forces for this fundamental transformation are revolutionary Marxism and radical Christianity. The dialogue between Bob Avakian and Cornel West is a great occasion to explore how these movements may find common ground in articulating the hope for transformation and organizing to bring it about.
Ted Jennings—Professor, Chicago Theological Seminary, Host Committee Cornel West/Bob Avakian Dialogue
I'm Going to Fundraise to Go
I want to be there. And yes, I'm going to fundraise to go, and there's no way I wouldn't go. Because I'm always open, and I always love hearing Bob Avakian talk; and since he's talking about religion, and especially that he's getting into it with someone who is religious, that's like something that sparks my curiosity to know what they're going to talk about.
Young woman in the Los Angeles Revolution Club
One of the Most Challenging and Inviting Ideological Journeys Anyone Has Been On!
This Dialogue will no doubt be one of the most challenging and inviting ideological journeys that anyone has been on! I think there will be a lot of laughter and tears, and it will put revolution back on the map in this country in a massive way.
Jesse—a member of the band Outernational
A Revolutionary Meeting of Two Extraordinary Minds!!!
A revolutionary meeting of two extraordinary minds!!! Plus you get to see Bob Avakian live and in person. It's worth it just for that. I'm interested to see what's going to come out of this conversation.
Black businessman
From Margarita Rosario (mother of Anthony Rosario and aunt of Hilton Vega, murdered by the New York Police Department in 1995)
Because I believe in God. A dialogue between two people who have inspired me. Bob Avakian is a revolutionist and I'm always talking about a riot. Cornel is a man of faith, so I just want to see and listen.
Two people with differences about how to resolve our quest for a moral way of being… having a principled discussion
Both Cornel West and Bob Avakian say we are moral people with responsibility to look at what is really happening in this world and to decide what is right and wrong and to act accordingly. This is very different than the view of people whose religious faith is shaken that without a belief in God, no one can prove anything, and there are no moral standards to stop one from raping and murdering and stealing. They then often go on autopilot, acting on whatever forces impinge on them or whatever feels good at the time. Ironically, since they believe there are no objective standards, they are unable to identify the larger forces that are oppressing them, and they do not join with others to fight back against injustice. They end up either blaming themselves for their difficulties, or they blame the nearest individuals or groups in their environment for their suffering and spend their days attacking them either physically or on cyberspace, fighting fruitless "Twitter wars." This "horizontal hostility" serves the purpose of those forces in society that are oppressing them. This Dialogue between West and Avakian is an important discussion because it is very different than that. Two people with differences about how to resolve our quest for a moral way of being and how to create a more just, humane world having a principled discussion. People can learn from this.
Carol Downer—Author, Lawyer, Co-founder Federation of Feminist Women's Health Centers, Host Committee for Cornel West/Bob Avakian Dialogue
I Don't Think a Lot of People in America Know What Oppression Is Except the Oppressed
I am planning to go. Now is the time for me to take an active role in making the system work for future generations. Cornel West understands what is going on and is fearless. He's not afraid to tell the truth to the mainstream media. He understands what oppression is in America. I don't think a lot of people in America know what oppression is except the oppressed.
Angelina—mother victimized
by the system
Video Statements:
UC Berkeley student in NYC for the Dialogue(11/12/14)
Artist raising funds to be at the Dialogue (11/10/14)
I hope to see many students from the United States and around the world there (11/10/14)
Video: Can't Wait to Go!
Video: You Need to Donate Cuz We Have to Get There!
An Abortion Rights Freedom Rider on "Revolution and Religion" Dialogue
10/4/2014
Young Filmmaker on 'Revolution and Religion' Dialogue
10/4/2014
"So...Did You Hear What's Going On In NYC?"
(10/4/14)
Andrew Hoffman on 'Revolution and Religion' Dialogue
(10/4/2014)
'The lessons that we're gonna learn will change how people think about everything.'
(10/9/14)
'Whatever your religious belief, you should be at this event.'
(10/5/14)
"These guys are on something real"
(10/5/14)
I do look forward to the results of this Dialogue on questions of such vital importance to humanity.
(10/11/14)
The Dialogue between Cornel West and Bob Avakian of the Revolutionary Communist Party will hold anyone of care in fascination and examination. My initial probing is to ask BA, a man of sensitivity, courage, and caring, what he explicitly means by "revolution." I agree that we must "rise up and fight back" but feel strongly in the road of Ghandi, Nelson Mandela, and Martin Luther King. I also share both Cornel West's and Bob Avakian's thoughts on the need to have a face off on questions such as prison or police brutality, such as women's struggle for equality, but the question remains: while Avakian has masterfully given description, I part ways with him on the prescription. I do look forward to the results of this Dialogue on questions of such vital importance to humanity."
Rev. Cecil L. "Chip" Murray, Professor, Center for Religion and Civic Culture, University of Southern California; Co-Founder of the Cecil Murray Center for Community Engagement, USC; Host Committee for the Cornel West/Bob Avakian Dialogue
To the Youth Who This System Has Cast Off: This Dialogue Is for You
(10/10/14)
From an ex-prisoner:
To the youth who this system has cast off and counts for nothing, but who can actually count for a great deal:
The Dialogue on November 15, 2014 between Bob Avakian and Cornel West is for you. This is a conversation between two people who have a deep love for people just like you. With everything that keeps you fucked up and doing fucked up shit to each other, neither one of these two people are willing to turn their back on you.
BA Must Be Heard Globally
BA must be heard globally and we must get out the message that the system must be restructured. The only person I know that can do that is BA and the revolution. It goes to show this Dialogue is needed because we look at the world and the world is doing politics and religion and BA is looking at it scientifically.
It is important so many religions are out there and so many of them are confusing the people. It's like they are pacifying the people with politics and it's the same old talk with different people doing the same thing but doing nothing. It's going all around in a circle to confuse and oppress the people.
Grandmother whose grandson
is in a Texas jail
The Topic of Revolution and Religion Was On My Mind ... I Can't Wait
I was energized when I found out about the Dialogue between Cornel West and Bob Avakian. The topic of revolution and religion was something that was on my mind even before I found out about it. I had recently met some people around what was going on in Gaza. They were coming at it from a religious point of view. We organized a small demonstration and it was me (the atheist) with about 10 other people, most were religious. They mentioned that is was great that we could come together around Gaza. I agreed but in my mind I was thinking about, how can we work together and what do we need to do to unite and make revolution. I can't wait for November 15.
A teacher from New Jersey
We Need To Reach the Children
I want to see how many young people show up. I'm trying to spark an interest in the children around the Bronx that don't think that this affects them. It's kind of hard to reach them. I'm always trying through music and poetry. We need to reach them.
Kevin from the Bronx, New York City