#JusticeForGeorgeFloyd: The Whole System Is Guilty!

ZOOM LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86892537014

Join Socialist Alternative for an online discussion about the way forward for our movement, introduced by:
- Eljeer Hawkins - Healthcare Worker, Socialist Alternative NYC organizer, and writer on the historic Black Freedom movement
- Solly Solomon - Undergraduate student and member of Socialist Alternative Pittsburgh
- Savanna Blanchard - High school student and #JusticeForAntwon protest organizer, member of Girls Government Racial Committee and ACLU Activism Committee

Following the brutal murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police, hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets across the world. In the midst of the pandemic and economic crisis, which are disproportionately impacting black and brown communities, these protests reflect a rage not just at the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others. Tens of millions face unemployment, and young people face one of the worst job markets in recent history. Corporations rake in record profits under the coronavirus crisis, but millions can’t make rent and are struggling to put food on the table. Many more have to choose between their health and going back to work: the whole system is killing us.

This past week, Pittsburgh's Democratic mayor has justified police brutality against peaceful protesters; he's also increased the police budget by 56% since his first year in office while enabling the swift gentrification and destruction of historically black and brown communities by big corporations and developers. Antwon Rose II's murder and the acquittal of killer cop Michael Rosfeld moved thousands of young people into the streets to demand justice. The lack of accountability and regard for black lives in "progressive" cities has taught us that the political establishment cannot be relied upon to challenge systemic oppression.

To win #JusticeforGeorgeFloyd, #JusticeForAntwon, and to fight police brutality, we need a multi-racial, multi-generational working class movement, and continued coordinated mass protests, with demands for the movement that go beyond just jailing killer cops. To end police brutality, racism, and economic inequality, we need to organize against the capitalist system itself, which lies at the root of all oppression and exploitation.

#racialjustice #policebrutality #youthactivists