KPFA - Hard Knock Radio

Build and Fight Lecture Part 2: Mutual Aid & Economic Resistance

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Presented by Kali Akuno (Cooperation Jackson) & Thandi Chimurenga

The Build and Fight lecture delves into the structural crisis of capitalism, the necessity of mutual aid, and the push toward economic self-determination. Akuno frames the discussion around Antonio Gramsci’s concept that “the old world is dying, the new world struggles to be born, now is the time of monsters.” He argues that capitalism is failing to sustain itself and that alternatives must be built from the ground up.

Key Themes & Arguments
  1. Crisis of Capitalism & Wealth Disparity
    • The capitalist system is unable to reproduce itself at profitable rates.
    • The economy is split into “real” (goods & services) and “fictitious” (financial speculation) sectors, leading to artificial wealth like Elon Musk’s fortune.
    • The working class bears the brunt of this crisis while wealth accumulates in digital assets controlled by a few.
    • Mutual Aid as a Building Block
      • Mutual aid is a necessary response to systemic failures.
      • It is distinct from charity—rather than hierarchical giving, it fosters reciprocal support and community-driven solutions.
      • Examples from Hurricane Katrina illustrate how mutual aid emerged as an alternative to state neglect.
      • The goal is to transition from reliance on the capitalist system to a self-sustaining network.
      • Reclaiming Production & Distribution
        • Communities must take control of food, housing, healthcare, and essential goods.
        • Urban farming, cooperative land ownership, and decommodification of land are key strategies.
        • Direct community-led production can eliminate the need for money-exchange-based systems.
        • Tech Sovereignty & Open Source Solutions
          • Surveillance capitalism must be challenged by building independent tech infrastructure.
          • Open-source platforms should replace corporate-controlled social and economic digital systems.
          • Political Strategy & Economic Resistance
            • The decline of mass political parties means decentralized collectives must take the lead.
            • Economic self-determination requires creating alternative systems outside of capitalism.
            • The Really Really Free Market model demonstrates how communities can facilitate direct resource-sharing without monetary exchange.
            • Defending What We Build
              • Systems of mutual aid and cooperative ownership must be defended from capitalist and state forces seeking to undermine them.
              • Self-defense structures and organized community governance are necessary.
                • Conclusion

                The Build and Fight framework argues for creating alternative economic structures that challenge capitalist dependency. Mutual aid is not just about survival—it is a tool for economic transformation and self-determination. By coordinating collective action, reclaiming production, and fostering tech sovereignty, communities can begin dismantling oppressive systems and building sustainable alternatives.

                This lecture is a powerful call to action for communities to reclaim control over resources and redefine economic relationships through solidarity and collective action.

                Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.

                The post Build and Fight Lecture Part 2: Mutual Aid & Economic Resistance appeared first on KPFA.

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