Orientation
Welcome to the Resistance for Breakfast Blog!
Here you will find everything you need to know about this project!
Who is doing it?
What is it?
When is it happening?
Where does it happen?
Why is it happening?
How does anyone do it?
Here you will find everything you need to know about this project!
Who is doing it?
What is it?
When is it happening?
Where does it happen?
Why is it happening?
How does anyone do it?
WHO
Project Members Include:
(joined Nov 5, 2016)
Mimi Soltysik is a founding member of the Los Angeles local of the Socialist Party USA. He has served and continues to serve in various positions of leadership which he gets democratically elected to time and time again because of relentless dedication to welcoming new members into the party and making sure our meeting spaces remain safe and inclusive. He's an avid practitioner of the feminist process, recently ran the most successful SPUSA presidential campaign in history with Angela Walker (pictured above), has excellent taste in music, and never lets table conversation die as he is skilled in the art of oral storytelling. Oh and one more thing... he's fucking hilarious.
(joined Nov 5, 2016)
Mimi Soltysik is a founding member of the Los Angeles local of the Socialist Party USA. He has served and continues to serve in various positions of leadership which he gets democratically elected to time and time again because of relentless dedication to welcoming new members into the party and making sure our meeting spaces remain safe and inclusive. He's an avid practitioner of the feminist process, recently ran the most successful SPUSA presidential campaign in history with Angela Walker (pictured above), has excellent taste in music, and never lets table conversation die as he is skilled in the art of oral storytelling. Oh and one more thing... he's fucking hilarious.
This is Lynn Lomibao. It's hard for me to write a bio about her because after she reads this, she'll know the true extent of my love for her and this will make my secret plans to marry her and Mimi as a third gender non-specific domestic partner less secret. Not secret at all really, 'cause there it is in text. THIS WOMAN IS AMAZING. She is beautiful in the ways she lives and moves through physical space, the ways she uses words as if they are ingredients in spells she conjures to animate sleeping things and people, and in the ways she loves human beings young and old - even the most frustrating ones. She is a powerful constructor of graphic art, a powerful facilitator of conferences and multimedia gatherings. She cooks, she's a mama to Scotty and Freya, and before I write a book about her, which I easily could, I'll end by saying her emotional intellegence is unparalled and her laugh is infectious.
Cobalt McAvinue is an exemplary young leader and quiet but highly conscious member of the LA local. He attends Venice High, where he's headed up efforts of the local to carry out a counter-recruitment presentation - an action facilitated by the SPUSA's anti-war commission. He doesn't say much, but when he does it is meaningful and he is heard. He has the sense of humor necessary to keeping us all connected and somewhat at ease, which is necessary when facing such a massive oppressive force as U.S. white supremacist capitalist patriarchy (shout out to bell hooks). He is well read, has style, his mom is cool with him smoking pot, and he's going to be famous one day, so watch out.
Chloe Imaan is stunning. And she caught my eye when I walked into Vee's that day before the Grice's Maxims Freedom School. She is quiet but alert. On the watch for death, who may appear at any moment, but also joyously moving through the space present before her. Never have I so easily made a friend. And I look forward to learning more about her as we go forward through time.
Jonathan McGhee
WHAT
Resistance for Breakfast is my (Jen McClellan) final project for my African American Autobiography class.
There's some more about this on the Blog page. I'll paste the Annotated Bibliography from the project below and if anyone (teachers, professors, others interested in doing a similar project) has more questions about the project requirements, send me a note on the Contact page!
HOWEVER! Beyong this just being my project for a class, we hope that (with the help of this Blog and our work ongoing) this will expand to be a regular program much like that of the Black Panthers, and we hope it will be picked up by other SPUSA locals in time.
There's some more about this on the Blog page. I'll paste the Annotated Bibliography from the project below and if anyone (teachers, professors, others interested in doing a similar project) has more questions about the project requirements, send me a note on the Contact page!
HOWEVER! Beyong this just being my project for a class, we hope that (with the help of this Blog and our work ongoing) this will expand to be a regular program much like that of the Black Panthers, and we hope it will be picked up by other SPUSA locals in time.
Annotated Bibliography
Max-Neef’s contribution to the Royal Colloquium is an especially sophisticated demonstration of the economic-financial crisis being faced by Sweden, and the world in 2009. Max-Neef calls this crisis also a “crisis of humanity” in his abstract, and recognizes the unprecedented high level of tension being experienced globally. He analyzes popular myths that maintain the current economic system and calls for a new model consistent with the twenty first century’s problematiques[1]. This source applies to my project because it argues that traditional beliefs about human needs being infinite and always changing, differing from culture to culture and historical period are false. Max-Neef gives us a relatively simple, yet genius matrix of universal needs and satisfiers. This matrix backs up my argument that by bringing food to Skid Row and engaging people there in socio-political discourse is an easy and at the same time revolutionary action.
This news article from the Boston paper on the 10th of July 1969 describes a big picnic rally organized by members of the Black Panther Party at Franklin Park. The Black Panthers gathered 300 people, told them that they were there to serve the community, asked them what they needed, asked the people to rename the park after Malcolm X, and demand control of the police. Defense Captain Doug Miranda told the paper their intent was to empower the youth there to become revolutionaries. This source is relevant to my project because the Socialist Party USA whose members are helping me with my project share many of the same principles, strategies and goals as Malcolm X and the Panthers. Furthermore the Breakfast Program is the inspiration for our “Resistance for Breakfast” reenactment which uses Robin Hood methodology in acquiring the food with which we can picnic.
This webpage explains what the Royal Colloquium is and is useful for understanding Max-Neef’s contribution as a relevant and legitimate source for this project.
“Socialism as a Radical Democracy: Statement of Principles of the Socialist Party USA.”
Socialist Party USA. http://socialistparty-usa.net/principles.html.
This webpage displays the principles that members of the Socialist Party USA have and continue to collaborate to articulate. Key points include the party’s purpose being to “establish a radical democracy that places people's lives under their own control -- a non-racist, classless, feminist, socialist society in which people cooperate at work, at home, and in the community,” clarification of the meaning of the term “socialism” as members of the present U.S. plan to practice it, and the idea that society should base its productions on what is needed and used for the benefit of all humanity, rather than the private profit of a few. This page is a relevant resource for this project in that it will be used along with the other sources listed in this bibliography to produce a pamphlet which project members will supply to the people they engage with from Beverly Hills to Skid Row.
Haley’s transcription of Malcolm X’s autobiography is Malcolm’s telling of his experience growing up in the U.S. and how racism affected him and his family. It details how much economic, social, and political limitation a black person experiences, as Malcolm’s struggle to work and give himself the quality of living he sees whites have leads to his radicalization. That he was murdered for directly acting to teach his black brothers and sisters how to empower themselves is just another piece of the overwhelming evidence proving the ideas radicals like Malcolm X preach are founded in truth. This text is useful to the “Resistance for Breakfast” project I am leading because it was the low level of subsistence that Malcolm describes his family experiencing when he was a child that gave me the idea for my project. I am always looking for fun, engaging, simple ways that anybody can combat capitalist oppression with, and Malcolm’s story made me realize that the most immediate need that activists can meet is bringing food and social inclusion to struggling people.
[1] The Oxford Dictionary defines Problématique (n) as “The complex of issues associated with a topic, considered collectively; specifically the totality of environmental and other problems affecting the world.”
- Max-Neef, Manfred. “The World on a Collision Course and the Need for a New Economy.”
Max-Neef’s contribution to the Royal Colloquium is an especially sophisticated demonstration of the economic-financial crisis being faced by Sweden, and the world in 2009. Max-Neef calls this crisis also a “crisis of humanity” in his abstract, and recognizes the unprecedented high level of tension being experienced globally. He analyzes popular myths that maintain the current economic system and calls for a new model consistent with the twenty first century’s problematiques[1]. This source applies to my project because it argues that traditional beliefs about human needs being infinite and always changing, differing from culture to culture and historical period are false. Max-Neef gives us a relatively simple, yet genius matrix of universal needs and satisfiers. This matrix backs up my argument that by bringing food to Skid Row and engaging people there in socio-political discourse is an easy and at the same time revolutionary action.
- “Panthers Feed Kids.” Bay State Banner (1965-1979), vol. 1. Oviatt Library Online.
This news article from the Boston paper on the 10th of July 1969 describes a big picnic rally organized by members of the Black Panther Party at Franklin Park. The Black Panthers gathered 300 people, told them that they were there to serve the community, asked them what they needed, asked the people to rename the park after Malcolm X, and demand control of the police. Defense Captain Doug Miranda told the paper their intent was to empower the youth there to become revolutionaries. This source is relevant to my project because the Socialist Party USA whose members are helping me with my project share many of the same principles, strategies and goals as Malcolm X and the Panthers. Furthermore the Breakfast Program is the inspiration for our “Resistance for Breakfast” reenactment which uses Robin Hood methodology in acquiring the food with which we can picnic.
- “The Royal Colloquium.” International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, 23 May 2016,
This webpage explains what the Royal Colloquium is and is useful for understanding Max-Neef’s contribution as a relevant and legitimate source for this project.
“Socialism as a Radical Democracy: Statement of Principles of the Socialist Party USA.”
Socialist Party USA. http://socialistparty-usa.net/principles.html.
This webpage displays the principles that members of the Socialist Party USA have and continue to collaborate to articulate. Key points include the party’s purpose being to “establish a radical democracy that places people's lives under their own control -- a non-racist, classless, feminist, socialist society in which people cooperate at work, at home, and in the community,” clarification of the meaning of the term “socialism” as members of the present U.S. plan to practice it, and the idea that society should base its productions on what is needed and used for the benefit of all humanity, rather than the private profit of a few. This page is a relevant resource for this project in that it will be used along with the other sources listed in this bibliography to produce a pamphlet which project members will supply to the people they engage with from Beverly Hills to Skid Row.
- X, Malcolm, and Alex Haley. The Autobiography of Malcolm X. New York: Ballantine Books,
Haley’s transcription of Malcolm X’s autobiography is Malcolm’s telling of his experience growing up in the U.S. and how racism affected him and his family. It details how much economic, social, and political limitation a black person experiences, as Malcolm’s struggle to work and give himself the quality of living he sees whites have leads to his radicalization. That he was murdered for directly acting to teach his black brothers and sisters how to empower themselves is just another piece of the overwhelming evidence proving the ideas radicals like Malcolm X preach are founded in truth. This text is useful to the “Resistance for Breakfast” project I am leading because it was the low level of subsistence that Malcolm describes his family experiencing when he was a child that gave me the idea for my project. I am always looking for fun, engaging, simple ways that anybody can combat capitalist oppression with, and Malcolm’s story made me realize that the most immediate need that activists can meet is bringing food and social inclusion to struggling people.
[1] The Oxford Dictionary defines Problématique (n) as “The complex of issues associated with a topic, considered collectively; specifically the totality of environmental and other problems affecting the world.”
WHEN/WHERE
Anytime is a good time to get involved.
And you can participate from where ever you are. Just ask how.
The SPUSA website is always up: http://socialistparty-usa.net/
So is the local page: https://socialistparty-california.org/socialist-party-los-angeles-local/
We're on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Socialist-Party-USA-LA-Local-970797899604308/?fref=ts (We post meeting and event info regularly) You can friend any of us and send us messages directly with any questions or comments!
And you can participate from where ever you are. Just ask how.
The SPUSA website is always up: http://socialistparty-usa.net/
So is the local page: https://socialistparty-california.org/socialist-party-los-angeles-local/
We're on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Socialist-Party-USA-LA-Local-970797899604308/?fref=ts (We post meeting and event info regularly) You can friend any of us and send us messages directly with any questions or comments!
WHY
"The total estimated number of people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles Country was 46,874, an overall increase of 2,515 people or 5.7% from 2015 (44,359)."
[SOURCE: https://documents.lahsa.org/Planning/homelesscount/2016/factsheet/2016-HC-Results.pdf]
DESPITE THE FACT THAT
Los Angeles is also home to some of the richest people in the world:
1. Patrick Soon-Shiong. Health Bro. Lives in Brentwood. Net worth: $15.4 billion
2. Elon Musk. Tesla Bro. Lives in Bel Air. Net worth: $13.3 billion
3. Eli Broad. Art + Media Bro(ad). Lives in "Los Angeles," apparently. Net worth: $7.64 billion
4. Sean Parker. Justin Timberlake in Social Network Bro. Lives in Holmby Hills. Net worth: $7.62 billion
5. John Tu. Tawainese Tech Bro. Lives in Rolling Hills. Net worth: $7.1 billion
6. David Geffen. Dreamworks Bro. Lives in Beverly Hills (but still claims New York as his 'home'). Net worth: $6.9 billion
7. Sumner Redstone. Media Mogul Bro. Lives in Beverly Hills. Net worth: $5.5 billion
8. Tamara Hughes Gustavson. Daughter of the Bro who founded Public Storage. Lives in Malibu. Net worth: $5.49 billion
9. Stewart and Lynda Resnick. Fiji Water Bro and Wife. Live in Beverly Hills. Net worth: $4.99 billion
10. Do Won and Jin Sook Chang. Forever 21 Founder Bro and Wife. Live in Beverly Hills. Net worth: $4.76 billion
[http://laist.com/2016/05/18/la_rich_people_power_rankings.php]
And we, as members of the SPUSA want to see this wealth disparity done away with through the transformation of production based on profit to a democratic system where workers control the means of production, focused on meeting the needs of the broader collective of society as a whole.
[SOURCE: https://documents.lahsa.org/Planning/homelesscount/2016/factsheet/2016-HC-Results.pdf]
DESPITE THE FACT THAT
Los Angeles is also home to some of the richest people in the world:
1. Patrick Soon-Shiong. Health Bro. Lives in Brentwood. Net worth: $15.4 billion
2. Elon Musk. Tesla Bro. Lives in Bel Air. Net worth: $13.3 billion
3. Eli Broad. Art + Media Bro(ad). Lives in "Los Angeles," apparently. Net worth: $7.64 billion
4. Sean Parker. Justin Timberlake in Social Network Bro. Lives in Holmby Hills. Net worth: $7.62 billion
5. John Tu. Tawainese Tech Bro. Lives in Rolling Hills. Net worth: $7.1 billion
6. David Geffen. Dreamworks Bro. Lives in Beverly Hills (but still claims New York as his 'home'). Net worth: $6.9 billion
7. Sumner Redstone. Media Mogul Bro. Lives in Beverly Hills. Net worth: $5.5 billion
8. Tamara Hughes Gustavson. Daughter of the Bro who founded Public Storage. Lives in Malibu. Net worth: $5.49 billion
9. Stewart and Lynda Resnick. Fiji Water Bro and Wife. Live in Beverly Hills. Net worth: $4.99 billion
10. Do Won and Jin Sook Chang. Forever 21 Founder Bro and Wife. Live in Beverly Hills. Net worth: $4.76 billion
[http://laist.com/2016/05/18/la_rich_people_power_rankings.php]
And we, as members of the SPUSA want to see this wealth disparity done away with through the transformation of production based on profit to a democratic system where workers control the means of production, focused on meeting the needs of the broader collective of society as a whole.