revolutionary action movement (ram) - Michael Schwartz Library

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RAM's view of revolution in
that a true revolution could not
North America was based on the premise
take place unless white capitalist structure
was defeated by Black America .
Black America was the most revolutionary
force in the U .S . The tasks of black revolutionaries included the taking
over of institutions of power and the annihiliation of the racist, capitalist
oligarchy . 30 Nat Turner is a revolutionary model because of his
understanding of both the need to annihiliate the enemy and the fear whites
have of black . Self-defense was a constant issue raised in the RAM papers .
The self-defense concept was discussed because it was a deterrent against
racist violence directed at the black community but also because of its
psychological value to a people who have been oppressed for 400 years .
The 12 Point Program of RAM (Revolutionary Action Movement ), 1964, put
forth the major programmatic structures that RAM worked on through 1969 .
There was some change in emphasis from 1967 to 1969 in that, the work with
students became less emphasized and the formation of a black political
party was stressed, but essentially the key features presented in 1964 remain
important through 1969 . The most important; were student, community
and worker organizing,
self-defense, the development of a liberation army,
an underground apparatus, government-in-exile/nation within a
nation concept,
and fund raising .
The 12 Point Program of RAM was the following :
l . The organizing of an African-American Student movement . This
was to be a nationwide group which was to educate and organize .
A black student strike was a possible goal . The ASM was to
support the guerrilla forces through demonstrations and the
organizing of mass support .
The development of Ideology (or Freedom
aid in cadre development .
Schools which were to
30 "We Can Win ." 1963, p . 1 .