Socialist Hegemony: Possible or Impossible ?

The Dilemmas of Humanity: A Socialist Horizon conference in Atlanta, Georgia, offered a platform for socialists, organizers, and working-class leaders to discuss the challenges facing the socialist movement in the United States. Against a backdrop of a global crisis and growing discontent, the conference highlighted the need for a robust working-class movement to challenge the status quo.

The opening remarks by Manolo De Los Santos underscored the systemic crisis faced by the world today. This crisis is not confined to a single region but is global in nature. Even experts from organizations like the World Economic Forum acknowledge that the world is in turmoil. It is in this context that the socialist movement in the United States seeks to make its mark.

The working class in the United States, like many other parts of the world, is grappling with the repercussions of this crisis. Stagnant wages, rising living costs, and economic inequality have left a majority of workers unable to cover their basic living expenses. The conference emphasized that this suffering must be a catalyst for change.

Cecilia Prado, an experienced organizer, shed light on some of the major challenges facing the socialist movement in the United States. Decades of American exceptionalism and anti-communism have left organizations in a reactionary state. Instead of bold visions and a deep understanding of root causes, they often operate in crisis mode. Prado also highlighted the tokenization of worker leadership, stressing the need for genuine consciousness-raising efforts.

Kamau Franklin, founder of Community Movement Builders, reiterated the importance of organizing the unorganized. While it's crucial to engage those who are already politically active, Franklin stressed the need to reach communities that have been historically marginalized. This outreach should be characterized by humility and a willingness to learn from the people being organized.

The Union of Southern Service Workers (USSW) exemplified the concept of organizing the unorganized in the challenging service industry. Aeisha Franceis, a USSW member, shared her transformative experience organizing a walkout at a fast-food restaurant during the COVID-19 pandemic. The power of collective action and solidarity became evident, dispelling initial fears.

Eugene Puryear, a journalist and member of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, emphasized the need for a communist party as a vehicle for organizing the working class. Drawing on the lessons of history, Puryear argued that a communist party is essential for collective empowerment and offensive action when necessary.

The Dilemmas of Humanity conference in Atlanta highlighted the urgent need for a robust working-class movement to challenge the prevailing capitalist and Western-centric systems. It recognized the global crisis and the suffering of the working class as catalysts for change. To overcome challenges, the movement must prioritize organizing, reach marginalized communities, and consider the role of a communist party in advancing its goals. As the world faces increasing turmoil, the socialist movement strives to be a beacon of hope for a more just and equitable future.