Member-only story

Race and Activism in Durban and the San Francisco Bay Area Working Class

Robbie Carter

·14.8k Followers· Follow

Published in Dockworker Power: Race And Activism In Durban And The San Francisco Bay Area (Working Class In American History)

5 min read

647 View Claps

45 Respond

Save

Listen

Race and class are two of the most important factors shaping the lives of people around the world. In the United States, the legacy of slavery and segregation has created a deep racial divide that continues to impact every aspect of society, from education to housing to employment. In South Africa, the legacy of apartheid has created a similar divide, with black people facing discrimination and poverty on a daily basis.

Dockworker Power: Race and Activism in Durban and the San Francisco Bay Area (Working Class in American History)

by Peter Cole

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4058 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	320 pages

In both the United States and South Africa, working-class communities have been disproportionately affected by racism. In the San Francisco Bay Area, for example, black and Latino workers are more likely to live in poverty, be unemployed, and have lower levels of education than white workers. In Durban, black workers face similar challenges, as well as the additional burden of discrimination from the police and other government officials.

Despite the challenges they face, working-class communities in both the United States and South Africa have a long history of activism. In the San Francisco Bay Area, black and Latino workers have fought for better wages, working conditions, and housing. In Durban, black workers have fought against apartheid and for a more just and equitable society.

Activism in Durban

The history of activism in Durban dates back to the early 1900s, when black workers began to organize against the oppressive conditions of apartheid. In 1910, the Industrial and Commercial Workers' Union (ICU) was founded in Durban, and it quickly became one of the most important black trade unions in South Africa. The ICU led a number of strikes and protests against low wages, poor working conditions, and discrimination. In 1929, the ICU was banned by the government, but it continued to operate underground.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the Durban African National Congress (ANC) emerged as the leading force in the fight against apartheid. The ANC led a number of mass protests and demonstrations against the government, and it also played a key role in the formation of the United Democratic Front (UDF) in 1983. The UDF was a broad coalition of anti-apartheid organizations, and it played a major role in the overthrow of apartheid in 1994.

Since the end of apartheid, black workers in Durban have continued to face challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and discrimination. However, they have also made significant progress in terms of their rights and their ability to participate in the political process.

Activism in the San Francisco Bay Area

The history of activism in the San Francisco Bay Area dates back to the 19th century, when Chinese immigrants began to organize against discrimination and violence. In 1885, the Chinese Exclusion Act was passed by the US Congress, and it barred Chinese workers from immigrating to the United States. The Chinese Exclusion Act was repealed in 1943, but it had a lasting impact on the Chinese community in the Bay Area.

In the 1960s and 1970s, the Black Panther Party emerged as a leading force in the fight for civil rights in the Bay Area. The Black Panthers provided social services to the black community, and they also organized protests and demonstrations against police brutality and other forms of discrimination. In 1969, the Black Panthers were involved in a shootout with the Oakland Police Department, and two Panther members were killed. The shootout led to a crackdown on the Black Panthers, and the organization was eventually disbanded.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the Bay Area was a major center of the anti-apartheid movement. Activists in the Bay Area organized protests and demonstrations against apartheid, and they also worked to raise awareness of the issue. In 1994, apartheid was finally overthrown in South Africa, and the Bay Area played a significant role in the victory.

Today, the Bay Area continues to be a center of activism. Black and Latino workers continue to fight for better wages, working conditions, and housing. Activists in the Bay Area are also working to address the issue of police brutality, and they are fighting for a more just and equitable society.

The fight for racial justice is a long and difficult one, but it is a fight that is worth fighting. In Durban and the San Francisco Bay Area, working-class communities have a long history of activism, and they have made significant progress in the fight for a more just and equitable society. The examples of these communities show us that change is possible, and they inspire us to continue the fight for racial justice.

Dockworker Power: Race and Activism in Durban and the San Francisco Bay Area (Working Class in American History)

by Peter Cole

5 out of 5