November 18th DC: From Resistance to Revolution, Antifascism Teach-In

Social Media Event Here
November 18th
3:30 PM
St. Stephen & the Incarnation Episcopal Church – Washington, DC

2017 has been a year of strong resistance, but where is it heading? How does the left in DC build on each other’s work? What do we do well? What would help us to learn? How do we go beyond the immediate struggle into building sustainable work and study for systemic revolution?

The Anti-fascist Anti-Conference will be a series of 2-3 hour teach-ins for learning and community building planned over multiple Saturdays in November and December. This is about anti-fascism as a broad and intersectional movement, informed by the knowledge that those who are already marginalized are the first and most affected by fascism.

The first session for the anti-conference will be on November 18th, and will focus on expanding our understanding of the Fascist movement. We have discussed later sessions regarding the trials of the inauguration J20 defendants, who face an unprecedented 70+ years in jail, and the connection between fascism and the persecution of immigrants. More updates will be made available as we work out the details.

Session 1: November 18th: What is the fascist movement, and what can we do about it?

A year ago today, antifa in DC confronted white supremacist Richard Spencer in his first experience of large scale opposition. Since then Spencer has been challenged (and sometimes punched) all around the country, including recently at the University of Florida, where he was shouted down by a room filled with opposition; and in Charlottesville, where community defense fought back against white supremacists and Nazis. Now finally, a year later, the Ronald Reagan Building has cancelled his most recent attempt to hold a conference there.

So much to celebrate! However the fascist “alt-right” and beyond still hold influence to oppress people of color, trans people, LGQIA+ people, women, immigrants, the disabled, Muslims, Jews, anyone who is not exactly like them. The police still murder every day. Trump is president, and every day threatens the people. So where do we go from here?

First step is to learn about the larger fascist movement-figures like Steve Bannon, who has subtly worked to legitimize white nationalism and bring it to political power. Or Alex Jones, who uses lies and conspiracy theories to deceive the public into supporting fascist efforts. Or Jack Posobiec, our local liar, who is tied to Pizza Gate, Macron leaks, and numerous false flag photo ops. Or the police state, which criminalizes and oppresses people of color, trans people, the working class; and DC police chief Peter Newsham who has had allegations of domestic violence, once charged an 11 year old for filing a false rape report (it wasn’t false), and has demonstrated flagrant disregard for 1st amendment rights through mass arrests and kettles.

We will have speakers and discussion by people who’ve worked hard in the field. Come together to share what we know and consider how we might deepen this movement for a world where all can be free. Looking forward!

ACCESSIBILITY

The workshop will be in the downstairs dining room area of St. Stephens.

Parking can be hard to find right around the church, but there is a small parking lot next to the St Stephens that often has spaces. It has two handicap spaces, though they are regularly violated. There is a door with a ramp leading directly into the dining room.

Next to the dining room are bathrooms with wheelchair accessible stalls. The dining room lights do not flicker (though there is a flickering light in the church sanctuary).

As of now, we have no sign language interpretation.

WHO WE ARE:

We are the DC Anti-fascist Collective. Our points of unity are as follows. We confront, and do not ignore, oppressors. We don’t rely on the cops or the courts. Cops reinforce oppressive systems. We rely on ourselves to protect ourselves and fight for deeper justice. Within the movement we have differing opinions and approaches, but we agree to support each other. We commit to doing the necessary work to build a broad, strong movement against racism, sexism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, homophobia, transphobia, discrimination against the disabled, the oldest, the youngest, and the most oppressed people. We want a classless, free society. We intend to win