Bob Avakian Day

You are Invited to attend a reception hosted by
City Councilpersons Kriss Worthington and
Dona Spring
on the occasion of the release of Bob Avakian’s new memoir,
“From Ike to Mao and Beyond: My Journey from Mainstream America to Revolutionary Communist” and on the occasion of


HONOR BOB AVAKIAN DAY

A VOICE THAT SHOULD BE HEARD

OCTOBER 6, 2005

5pm to 7pm

Berkeley City Hall
Redwood & Empire Room, 6th Floor
2180 Milvia Street
Berkeley CA
(Between Allston Way and Center Street)

The struggle for Bob Avakian’s voice to be heard in the face of harassment and hounding by the government and reactionary forces resonates with many of us here in Berkeley who have been refugees from many different kinds of repression. We give recognition to Bob Avakian as an important and unique voice on the political scene today who dares to go for the truth. His voice and work are an important reference point for debate and discussion over how to thoroughly root out all oppression and social injustice.


For more information about this day and other activities call:
Bob Avakian Promo Committee at: 415-902-7936
b_a_promot@yahoo.com




These are some of the reasons to Honor Bob Avakian --

On the occasion of the release of his new memoir, “From Ike to Mao and Beyond”, we honor Bob Avakian, long-time fighter against social injustice and passionate visionary for a better world.

Bob Avakian, whose personal and political journey began here in Berkeley, is a courageous advocate for radical social transformation. He is a determined and dedicated fighter in the struggle against imperialism, racism and capitalism. Bob Avakian takes his place as one of the foremost radical thinkers and leaders in the U.S. today.

The struggle for Bob Avakian’s voice to be heard in the face of harassment and hounding by the government and reactionary forces resonates with many of us here in Berkeley who have been refugees from many different kinds of repression.

Bob Avakian grew up in Berkeley at a special time, was profoundly affected by, and contributed to the “Berkeley Mix” of intellectual ferment and racial diversity. He emerged as a leader as early as high school, running for Berkeley student body president, playing quarterback for the football team, and forging friendships across the racial and class divides.

After surviving a life-threatening illness he went on to become an honor student at UC where he pursued his passion for poetry and literature. Later he responded to the call of Mario Savio and others, becoming active in the Free Speech Movement - opening his eyes to the need for the people themselves to take political action.

His vision and commitment deepened as he jumped with both feet into the movement to stop the War in Viet Nam becoming a leader in the “Stop the Draft Week” and helping build the Peace and Freedom Party.

He was an early supporter and companion of the Black Panther Party, stepping out in the midst of controversy to stand with their struggle for the liberation of Black people in the U.S. He worked closely with Eldridge Cleaver, Bobby Seale and Huey Newton, and boldy fought in their defense in the face of repeated attacks by government authorities.

Stepping forward as a leader himself out of the struggles of the 60’s, he played a key role in the formation of the Revolutionary Union and later the Revolutionary Communist Party, USA of which he is Chairman. Targeted for political persecution by a government determined to silence his views, he was forced to go into exile in 1981.

He is an innovative and internationally recognized thinker who has forged new pathways in Marxist thought and at the same time has never lost his ability to connect with everyday people. In addition to his memoir, he has authored numerous works on subjects as diverse as democracy, religion, art, philosophy and basketball.

An ardent and implacable opponent of the current and economic order, he has critically analyzed the tremendous achievements, as well as the setbacks and shortcomings of socialism in the Soviet Union and China, and out of this has forged an inspiring and challenging new vision for social transformation and unleashing of human freedom and potential.

We give recognition to Bob Avakian as an important and unique voice on the political scene today who dares to go for the truth. His voice and work are an important reference point for debate and discussion over how to thoroughly root out all oppression and social injusti