Program originally produced and aired: 2016 In his poem “Countries want independence, nations want liberation, and the people, the people want revolution”, Amiri Baraka writes: “Revolutionary Unity gained only thru struggle long sought for must be fought for Revolutionary Unity a fiery beacon in a world made perpetual night by imperialism The basis of struggle Unity Revolutionary Unity Unity gained thru struggle The basis of the party yet to be built in a land of "instant everythings" (Oct, 1979) On today's programs, we will hear Critical Reflections on the Organic Nature of Africana Sociopolitical Thought and Cultural Resistance: Contributions from Amiri Baraka w/ Tom Porter. This program is a mix of poetry, music, and various interviews with and on Amiri Baraka that focus on exploring the organic nature of and practical application of forms of resistance. The underlining premise of exploration is centered upon asking the simple question: How can culture be used as a platform for critiquing and creating a world beyond struggle? This organic process of thinking and doing is central to Africana sociopolitical thought that informs its resistance. The cornerstone of critical consciousness formation. The program ends with a conversation I had with Tom Porter, who represents the Black Radical Tradition in all of its manifestations. A close friend of Amiri Baraka, Professor Porter is still, today, an important activist intellectual who has contributed his life to fighting for a world beyond struggle. A veteran activist, educator, radio host and jazz critic, Tom Porter has run for political office in Ohio, served as Director of Antioch Graduate program, and runs a jazz music promotion organization. Our show was produced today in solidarity with the native, indigenous, and Afro-descended communities at Standing Rock; Venezuela; Cooperation Jackson in Jackson, Mississippi; Brazil; the Avalon Village in Detroit; Colombia; Kenya; Palestine; South Africa; and Ghana; and other places who are fighting for the protection of our land for the benefit of all people. Enjoy the program! Music and Other things: 1.J Dilla—African Rhythms 2.Outkast—Wailin 3.Snippet of the introduction of Leroi Jones by Maulana Karenga at UCLA, April 5 1967 4.Amiri Baraka—Against Bourgeois Art 5.Vallis Alps—Young - Interview 6.Hugh Maskela—If There’s Anybody Out There 7.The Roots ft. Amiri Baraka—Something in the Way of Things