The revolution will not be televised: Amiri Baraka in San Francisco

November 8, 9:10 PMSF Live Music Bar SceneKenneth Wills

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Amiri Baraka live at the San Francisco Main Library, 11-8-09.

Amiri Baraka appeared in the San Francisco Main Library auditorium to speak about President Obama’s first year in office on Sunday November 8^th 2009. Justin Desmangles' introduction was poetic, potent, and flawless in his delivery. Amiri began by reciting his one year old essay entitled We Are Already in the Future. This essay speaks about the racial dynamics surrounding the historical inauguration of President Obama.

It was clear from the moment Amiri Baraka hit the stage that we were in the presence of the most controversial revolutionary in America. Through the process of reading his essay it was clear that we were also in the presence of one of the most influential writers in the world. Amiri Baraka is the theoretical genius behind the 1963 classic Blues People, and he is famous for founding the 1960’s black arts movement in Harlem New York.

The coalition, constant writing, and speaking—theory, action, reaction—the domination of monopoly capitalism—10 billion dollars a month spent on war—the repression of education—racism as the paradigm of American social relations—Question every move Obama makes—the Republican party is the new Klan. Amiri Baraka systematically deconstructed the government, the large scale corporations, the media monopoly, and neo-colonialism in Africa. Certain people in the audience felt they could argue with Amiri but failed to realize he is not responsible for something Barack Obama didn't do-he's merely analyzing the entire process and giving you his brilliant interpretation. Supporting the president does not mean you agree with every single move he makes, he is one cog in a machine so you can only dissect one piece at a time.

The event went into a question and answer session with the master of ceremonies Justin Desmangles, and then the last portion was a book signing. For $25.00 I was able to buy a copy of Digging: The Afro-American Soul of American Classical Music and I was able to meet Amiri who graciously signed my book. This was a rare opportunity for all in attendance, and it was clear we had just witnessed a new level of political enlightenment—the kind which the government has traditionally silenced. Amiri Baraka possesses the ultimate weapon for dealing with the American political machine—theory and action.

Question the actions of your government.

If you disagree with the actions of the political machine use your freedom of speech.

President Obama has a great deal of work to do, and we must keep our faith in him.

Amiri at the book signing.