Saturday Free School for Philosophy and Black Liberation
By Saturday Free School
The Saturday Free School is committed to the political and ideological education of the people. In this regard we are more than a school, we are an instrument of the people. We seek ideological clarity, theoretical sophistication and a practice of principled unity. We investigate the logics of social movements, and methods of radical and revolutionary organizing.
Saturday Free School for Philosophy and Black LiberationMay 13, 2024
April 4, 1967 to April 2024: Where Do We Go From Here (Saturday Free School 5/11/24)
We discuss "April 4, 1967 to April 2024: Where do we go from here and what is the next stage of struggle." Also, we report on our June 1st and June 2nd symposium on the crisis of science and the struggle of a revolutionary epistemology. Finally, we discuss the Penn Gaza solidarity encampment.
Student Protests and the Political Crisis of the 2024 Election (5/4/24)
We discuss the student protests and the political crisis of the 2024 election. We discuss how these demonstrations compare to the 1968 anti-Vietnam War protests.
Why We Must Inherit The Third American Revolution (4/27/24)
We discuss the article "Why We Must Inherit the Third American Revolution," in the second issue of Avant-Garde. We also discuss the moment of national and world transition to a new democracy, peace, and anti-imperialism. Lastly, we discuss the recent Tagore event and its coverage in Chinese and Indian media.
Iran's Missile Attacks on Israel, Genocide in Gaza, and Rabindranath Tagore Event (4/20/24)
We report on the recent Rabindranath Tagore event that took place in Bangalore celebrating the hundredth anniversary of his trip to China. We also discuss the genocide in Gaza, Iran’s missile attacks on Israel, and the existential crisis of Israel and whether it will continue to exist.
Assessing King Event and Avant-Garde, Judith Butler and the Vatican (Saturday 4/13/24)
We assess our recent event "America's Revolutionary Future and Martin Luther King's Vision for Peace," as well as the second issue of Avant-Garde and the journal's future. We also discuss the Vatican's statement about human dignity and gender theory, and Judith Butler's response.
Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Beyond Vietnam" (Saturday Free School 3/30/24)
We update on our Year of Baldwin event on April 4 and 6 commemorating Martin Luther King's "Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence" speech. We also share about the second issue of Avant Garde.
April 4 and 6 Event on King's Beyond Vietnam (3/23/24)
We discuss preparations for our April 4th and 6th event commemorating Martin Luther King's "Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence" speech, as part of the Year of James Baldwin.
Oppenheimer and Martin Luther King, Judith Butler and James Baldwin (Saturday Free School 3/16/24)
We share updates planning for our April 4th Year of Baldwin event and report back on the “Philly Reads Baldwin” reading groups. We also discuss Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb, and Martin Luther King, the father of the new American people. Lastly, we discuss Judith Butler, fourth wave feminism, and James Baldwin.
Year of Baldwin Reading Groups Begin (Saturday Free School 3/9/24)
We discuss our next event of the Year of James Baldwin on April 4. We also discuss how the reading groups are going
Oppenheimer and Martin Luther King, Judith Butler and James Baldwin (Saturday Free School 3/16/24)
We share updates on planning for our April 4th Year of Baldwin event and report back on the “Philly Reads Baldwin” reading groups. We also discuss Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb, and Martin Luther King, the father of the new American people. Lastly, we discuss Judith Butler, fourth wave feminism, and James Baldwin.
April 4 and 6 Event on King's Beyond Vietnam (Saturday Free School 3/23/24)
We discuss preparations for our upcoming April 4th and 6th event commemorating Martin Luther King's "Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence" speech, as part of the Year of James Baldwin.
Revolutionary Time and Understanding Baldwin as an Indispensable Revolutionary (Saturday Free School 3/2/24)
We discuss the revolutionary historical chronology and James Baldwin’s place in it. We also prepare for framing the reading groups of the Year of James Baldwin.
Assessing Year of Baldwin Inauguration and Abandon Biden Movement (Saturday Free School 2/24/24)
We assess the inauguration of Year of James Baldwin and the first podcast episode, as well as discuss how we’re preparing for the reading groups. We also discuss the press conference announcing the Abandon Biden movement in Philly and the 2024 election.
Year of James Baldwin and People of Philadelphia Read Baldwin (Saturday Free School 2/10/24)
We talk about our final preparations for the inauguration of Year of James Baldwin. We also explore our thinking about the reading groups as part of the People of Philadelphia Read James Baldwin.
The Crisis of the Two Party System (Saturday Free School 2/3/24)
We discuss the crisis of the U.S. two party system, and whether there is a way to reform the system. Also, we examine the prospects for new radical revolutionary parties. Lastly, we report on where we are in the inaugural event for the Year of James Baldwin as well as the status of Issue II of Avant Garde Journal.
2024 Election and the Political Crisis of the Nation (Saturday Free School 1/27/24)
We discuss what’s happening in the 2024 election in light of Trump’s Iowa and New Hampshire victories, and what is happening among young voters, Black people, Hispanics, and the working class. Will Biden be the Democratic candidate in 2024? We also discuss what is the fate of the delusional left, including CPUSA, PSL, DSA, and the liberal left like Bernie Sanders and others. Lastly, we discuss Cornel West’s candidacy.
Assessing the March on Washington for Gaza (Saturday Free School 1/13/24)
We assess the March on Washington for Gaza that happened last Saturday. We also report on where we are for the inauguration of the Year of James Baldwin.
The Ideological History of the Modern World and Crisis of American Empire (Saturday Free School 1/6/24)
This Saturday, we discuss the ideological history of the modern world and the crisis of American empire.
2024: A year of war, economic uncertainty, presidential election, and 100th anniv. of James Baldwin (Saturday Free School 12/30/23)
We discuss 2024: A year of war, economic uncertainty, the most consequential presidential election in U.S. history, and the 100th anniversary of the birth of James Arthur Baldwin. The Saturday Free School wishes you a Happy New Year.
Patti LaBelle, Rhythm & Blues, and the Political Realignment in U.S. (Saturday Free School 12/16/23)
We discuss Patti LaBelle, and we also discuss the political realignment in the U.S.
Christianity in America and Its Undoing (Saturday Free School 12/23/23)
We discuss two articles, one from the New York Times on the United Methodist Church and the other in the Financial Times on the Unitarian Universalist Church. We discuss the social, civilizational, and political meanings of this. We look at Christianity and its undoing in light of Martin Luther King Jr. and James Baldwin. The articles are here: "The United Methodist Church Comes Apart" - The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/18/us... "The culture wars dividing America’s most liberal church" - Financial Times: https://www.ft.com/content/ec58bccb-6...
The Year of James Baldwin and Deepening U.S. Political Crisis (12/9/23 Saturday Free School)
We discuss the Saturday Free School on the cusp of the Year of James Baldwin and in the throes of the deepening political crisis in the U.S. We also discuss Robert Kagan’s recent article in the Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinio...
King's "A New Sense of Direction" and Year of James Baldwin (12/2/23 Saturday Free School)
We discuss Martin Luther King's speech called “A New Sense of Direction:" https://www.carnegiecouncil.org/media.... Finally, we receive an update on planning for the Year of Baldwin.
New and Emerging Peace Movement (Saturday Free School 11/25/23)
This week we discuss what a new and emerging peace movement means for the possibilities of new democracy emerging, including the United States.
Report on Winston Symposium, Gaza, and the 2024 Election (Saturday Free School 11/18/23)
We report back an assessment of our symposium on Henry Winston. We report on continuing genocide against Gaza and protests. Lastly, we report on the 2024 election, the Democratic Party, and the Philadelphia election.
Next Week's Henry Winston Symposium (Saturday Free School 11/4/23)
We report back on the progress being made for the journal being released during next week's symposium, Avant-Garde. We also discuss the Henry Winston Symposium, which will take place on November 11th doors opening at 9AM and November 12th doors opening at 12PM.
Henry Winston, Korea and Palestine, and the Struggle for Peace (Saturday Free School 10/28/23)
We read aloud Dr. Monteiro's essay on Henry Winston. We also read aloud and discuss Jeremiah's presentation on Korea and Palestine. Finally, we update on preparations for the Henry Winston symposium, which will be on November 11th & 12th at the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia.
Israel's War Against Palestinians, Possibilities of World War, and the Fight for Peace (Saturday Free School 10/21/23)
We discuss Israel genocide against Palestinians in its ongoing war and whether the world is moving to world war. We also discuss the presidential race and the Biden administration. Finally, we update on preparations for the Henry Winston symposium.
Israel's War on Gaza (Saturday Free School 10/7/23)
We discuss the Israeli war on Palestinians and Gaza. We also discuss Putin’s recent speech on civilization.
Henry Winston Symposium, Avant-Garde Journal, and 2024 Election (Saturday Free School 9/30/23)
We report on the organizing for our Henry Winston symposium in November, as well as the journal Avant-Garde. We also assess where we are in terms of the 2024 election.
Democrat-Republican Collapse and Reading James Baldwin (Saturday Free School 10/7/23)
This Saturday, we discuss whether the two parties of the state—the Democrats and Republicans—are on the verge of collapse. We also discuss James Baldwin's novels and how to approach reading them, as well as what we can learn for the Year of Baldwin from the Lotus group's reading of Baldwin at Penn.
Free Jazz, November Henry Winston Symposium (Saturday Free School 9/23/23)
We discuss free jazz and Archie Shepp-Bill Dixon Quartet's performance at the 8th World Festival of Youth and Students in Helsinki in 1962. We also provide an update on our preparations for the November Henry Winston symposium commemorating the 50th anniversary of his book, "Strategy for a Black Agenda."
The Crisis of Neocolonialism, George Soros (Saturday Free School 9/16/23)
We continue our discussion of Kwame Nkrumah's "Neocolonialism," the crisis of neocolonialism, and the recent G20 summit. We also continue our discussion of George Soros.
Kwame Nkrumah's Neocolonialism and Political Realignment Toward New Democracy (Saturday Free School 9/9/23)
We discuss Kwame Nkrumah's "Neocolonialism", the crisis of neocolonialism, and the crisis of the US empire.
Theory of the State and Du Bois in a Time of Crisis (Saturday Free School 9/2/23)
This Saturday, we discuss The State in theory and practice, and in a time of deep political crisis. We also discuss what Du Bois means in this time of crisis.
2024 Presidential Election and Coretta Scott King (Saturday Free School 8/25/23)
We discuss that the political path of all progressives in 2024 is to defeat Biden. We also complete our discussion of Coretta Scott King.
Pan-Africanism, the Black Liberation Struggle, and Niger (Saturday Free School 8/12/23)
This Saturday, we’ll discuss Pan-Africanism, the Black Liberation Struggle, and the destabilizing policies of the U.S. government and deep state. We will look at the U.S. government’s efforts through the lens of a National Security Council Memorandum in 1978. We will discuss how this relates to events in Niger and the struggle against neocolonialism. Lastly, we will report on our science reading group. 1978 Memorandum: https://docs.house.gov/meetings/JU/JU10/20210217/111198/HHRG-117-JU10-20210217-SD013.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3KXBk8SCS0nfQb37QhINwV_7uFnWzJpemJyBdiKMQ91UbNz6KVoFr80_c
Indictment of Trump and Martin Wolf (Saturday Free School 8/5/23)
This week, we discuss the federal indictment of President Trump and recent polls of the 2024 Presidential election. We also discuss Archishman Raju's review of Martin Wolf's book "The Crisis of Democratic Capitalism".
Summer of Strikes and Oppenheimer (Saturday Free School 7/29/23)
This past Saturday, we discussed the "Summer of Strikes," as well as the recent film "Oppenheimer."
The Black Prophetic Tradition and the Revolutionary Struggle for Democracy (7/22/23)
We discuss the Black Prophetic Tradition and the revolutionary struggle for democracy.
America's Domestic Political Struggle (Saturday Free School 7/15/23)
We return to the thesis of Richard Haass, the retiring head of the Council of Foreign Relations, that the greatest challenge to America's foreign and military policy is the domestic political struggle. In this light we examine the 50 or so Republican members of Congress calling for an end to military funding for Ukraine and withdrawal from NATO. We look at the editor of Jacobin Bhaskar Sunkara's argument against Cornel West running as the Green Party's candidate. Lastly, we discuss the possibility of building a peace industrial economy, and Trotskyism's position on war and peace.
The Possibility of a Transition to New Domestic and International Democracy (Saturday Free School 7/8/23)
We discuss whether the current domestic and global crises can lead to a transition to a new domestic and international democracy.
Supreme Court Affirmative Action Decision and the Decline of the Left (Saturday Free School 7/1/23)
We discuss the recent Supreme Court decision on affirmative action and what it means. Then we return to a discussion of the 2024 election and the imminent decline of and growing irrelevancy of the Left in both its broad and narrow definitions.
Assessing Our Intercivilizational Festival & Discussing 2024 Election (Saturday Free School 6/24/23)
We discuss our recent intercivilizational festival, "Unconquered Love: The Magnificent Lives of Paul Robeson and the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad" in Philadelphia. We then continue our discussion on the presidential candidacies of Cornel West, Robert F. Kennedy Jr, and Donald Trump for the 2024 election.
Cornel West's Presidential Run (Saturday Free School 6/10/23)
We discuss our final preparations for our event "Unconquered Love: The Magnificent Lives of Paul Robeson and The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad." Then we discuss Cornel West's presidential run. "Unconquered Love: The Magnificent Lives of Paul Robeson and The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad" began on Friday, June 16th with a screening of the documentary Paul Robeson: Man For the Future at the Church of the Overcomer (1010 Sunset St, Trainer, PA 19061). On Saturday, June 17th, the event continued with an intercivilizational festival featuring singing, dance, and musical performances, jazz, and special speakers such as Student Minister Abdul Haqq who spoke on the teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and their relevance for the urgency of now. Program: https://www.robesonelijahmuhammad.org/
Our Upcoming Event Celebrating Paul Robeson and the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad (Saturday Free School 6/3/23)
We give an update on our June 17th event celebrating Paul Robeson and the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, "Unconquered Love: The Magnificent Lives of Paul Robeson and the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad." We discuss our event's relationship to our recent event in Chicago for Paul Robeson's 125th birthday, including Mosque Maryam's mention of the Saturday Free School. Then we continue our reading of Hegel's Science of Logic.
Chicago Paul Robeson Celebration (Saturday Free School 5/27/23)
We report on Paul Robeson celebration in Chicago.
Philly Mayoral Election and Continuing Hegel's Science of Logic (Saturday Free School 5/20/23)
We discuss the Philadelphia mayoral election and continue our deep reading of Hegel's Science of Logic.
Afro-Asiatic Reconstitution of the World (Saturday Free School 5/13/23)
We discuss World War II and how it impacted the world since its end, especially the world consciousness and humanity's capacity to bring about the Afro-Asiatic reconfiguration of the world. We continue our deep reading of Hegel's Science of Logic here: https://drive.google.com/.../1eXesdzt13OZSmq0SUEUy4t.../view
Tribute to Harry Belafonte (Saturday Free School 5/6/23)
We pay tribute to Harry Belafonte.