On May 2nd, Caleb Maupin, the ideological leader of the Center for Political Innovation, sat down for an in depth interview with Chairman Omali Yeshitela, founder of the Uhuru Movement and one of the infamous Uhuru 3 currently facing indictment by the US dept of Justice. Yeshitela has made numerous media appearances since the indictment including on Democracy Now and more recently Tucker Carlson Tonight, where he so thoroughly impressed the importance of this case that Carlson went on to mention it once again on The Joe Rogan Experience.

Facing charges of Russian collusion that could bring about a 15 year sentence in a case set to go to trial this September, the Chairman made very clear his appreciation for CPI’s efforts to raise awareness for this crucial case., “I want to thank you, comrade,” Yeshitela told Maupin. “CPI has been there. We’ve seen you challenge various officials and media opportunists, and what you have done with this case…shout out to John McCarthy if you’re watching and thank you so very much to all, we know you’ll be there for us.” Earlier in the interview, Maupin echoed similar sentiments “I’m particularly proud that we saw someone who was under attack and we offered our solidarity, unconditionally, based on nothing but our understanding that we are against U.S. imperialism and that when they target somebody, especially on the allegation that they might be Russian agents, it was a particularly meaningful opportunity for our organization.So I want to thank you, for giving us the opportunity to raise awareness about your case.”

In addition to discussing crucial topics, the long-form livestream format also allowed time for the Chairman to show moments of humor, and allowed viewers to explore the world-view espoused by the Uhuru movement. While it differs in some ways from CPI’s perspective, their unique lens of analysis has been forged through decades of struggle against US imperialism, and has allowed them to do the real work of fostering community and building alternative power in the black community in a commendable effort to help heal the scars of super-exploitation.

 

The bond of solidarity formed between the Center for Political Innovation and the People’s Democratic Uhuru Movement is indeed an important one. With the growing threat of a low-wage police state, the ruling class hopes to use the culture of division cultivated using the internet and more traditional landmarks of hegemony, in print and broadcast media to sow discord amongst dissident voices and criminalize anti-imperialist speech. In the words of Yeshitela: “…they have to come get us first. And that’s something we hope people can come to understand; that when they come at the Black Liberation Movement they’re on their way to get you.” And indeed, with growing unrest and crackdowns on speech at the University Palestine encampments, for example, it has never been more important to make sure that anti-imperialist speech is NOT illegal. Regardless of any differences from Uhuru in historical outlook, messaging, and target demographic, we at the Center for Political Innovation believe it is our duty to stand with dissident voices that continue to be threatened by the US government. We hope to foster an attitude of comradery and solidarity amongst all opponents of U.S. imperialism. When the Uhuru case goes to trial on September 3rd, the Center for Political Innovation will continue to support them and make clear that anti-imperialism can not be quietly criminalized. It is in the interest of the American people to stand with the people of the world against the imperialists who seek to criminalize dissent.