revolutionary action movement (ram) - Michael Schwartz Library

3 . The development of Rifle Clubs which would be the basis of a
black militia capable of protecting the black community and
ultimately would form a base for establishing local govern
ments . The Rifle Clubs would work with the Liberation Army .
4 . The building of an Army of Liberation the purpose of which was
to carry out the political, economic and physical overthrow of
the state . The army was to be a guerrilla force which operated
within the cities .
5 . Propaganda Training Centers were to be responsible for the
national organ, Black America , and were 'to focus on organizing
and coordinating the movement .
6 . The development of an underground vangua rd which would develop
the revolutionary machinery capable of carrying on the revolution
if the major leadership was killed or captured . It was to
create a military/political apparatus that was made up of small
tightly knit, highly disciplined and independent fighting units .
7 . The organization of Black Workers "liberation" Unions that would
be the leading force if a general strike were called . Black
women workers who worked in white homes would be organized in
Women's Leagues .
8 . The Black community would be organized block-by-block by cadre
who lived in the community . This organization on a block basis
would form the foundation for later political organizing .
9 . The development of the ideological concepts of a nation within a
nation and of a government-in-exile were an important part of
RAM's program . Robert F . Williams was the leader in exile . The
colonial nature of black oppression, the goal of liberation instead
of integration and the overthrow of capitalism and the
white state were to be raised continuously by RAM organizers .
10 . The organization of a War Fund so that a war machine could be
financed .
11 . Farm co-operatives would be developed in the South, particularly
in the Mississippi Delta and would be used by community and
guerrilla forces .
12 . An Army of the Black unemployed would be organized to demonstrate
against discrimination industries that receive federal aid ; and
in the North against union discrimination . 31
The program was extensive and addressed the development of alternative
political and economic institutions and a military apparatus . Black
31 The 12 Point Progra m of RAM (Revolutionary Action Movement) , 1964,
pp . 1-3 .