Midwest Marxism Conference • Oct. 29th

Across the globe we have seen images of revolution and revolt -- from Egypt, to Madison; from London Riots, to the fight to save Troy Davis here in the U.S. -- and with each new uptick in struggle socialist politics become more and more relevant. The Midwest Marxism Conference will present activists from across the region with an opportunity to learn what Marxists say about race, class, and revolution, and to exchange experiences with others similarly engaged in the struggle for a better world. 

Noon-12:30PM 
Why Marx was Right

12:45PM-2:15PM
No Power Greater: Marxism and the centrality of class
Where does racism come from?

3:15PM-4:45PM
The 1934 Minneapolis Teamsters strike: a case study in working-class power
The Black Freedom Struggle: from Martin to the Black Panthers

5PM-6:30PM
The changing working class and the future of the labor movement
Black Liberation and Socialism

Hal Draper, The Principle of self-emancipation in Marx and Engels

Irving Bernstein, The Turbulent Years (Haymarket books),chapter 6, “Eruption” (read at least 217-252)

Farrell Dobbs, Teamster Rebellion

Adam Turl, Is the U.S. becoming Post-Industrial?

Sharon Smith, The Future in the Present: Marxism, Unions, and Class Struggle

Kim Moody, U.S. Labor in Trouble and Transition(Verso 2007)

Lance Selfa, The Roots of Racism

Brian Kelly, “Materialism and the Persistence of Race in the Jim Crow South"

Ahmed Shawki, Black Liberation and Socialism, Chapters 8-11

Keeanga Taylor, Race, Class, and Marxism

Ahmed Shawki, Black Liberation and Socialism, Chapter 7, “Socialists, Communists, and Trotskyists”; Conclusion, “Black Liberation and Socialism”

Paul D’Amato, Race and the U.S. Socialist Tradition

Folks traveling to Chicago from out of town can touch base with our host committee to request housing for Friday and Saturday night by calling 773 236-1848, or by emailing chicagosocialists@gmail.com