September 30th

Topic of Discussion: Political assassination, specifically the murder of Patrice Lumumba, encompassing black internationalism and political actions in the context of the United Nations in 1961.
Objectives:
- Conceptualize black internationalism.
- Explore the relationship between black politics and the changing international order post-World War II.
- Discuss the protest described as the "howling riot" at the United Nations.
Learning Goals: Gain a general understanding of black internationalism, its significance, the impact of World War II on black political thinking in the US, and how these elements influenced black politics during the Cold War civil rights era.

Definition of Black Internationalism:
- A political ideology developed by a transnational black community responding against white supremacy, violence, and oppression, seeking freedom from oppressive systems.
Historical Context:
- Emergence coincided with the experiences of enslaved individuals from various backgrounds forced into a shared identity during the transatlantic slave trade.
- Recognized as embodying skewed life chances, health limitations, incarceration, and economic marginalization.

Date and Event: On September 8, 1945, journalist George Padmore published an influential article highlighting America's interest in Congolese uranium as the world's most valuable mineral.
Key Points from Padmore's Article:
- Emphasized the relationship between Congolese resources and U.S. military power in the nuclear arms race.
- Illustrated the growing historical connection between Black Americans and the Congo.
- Indicated World War II was a catalyst for changes in black political thought in the U.S.
George Padmore's Biography:
- Born in 1903 in Trinidad and studied in the U.S.
- Developed a political consciousness aligned with anti-colonial activism.
- Became a key historical figure linking U.S. black activism with international movements for freedom and independence.

Foundation Year: The United Nations (UN) was created on October 24, 1945.
Core Commitments:
- Originally intended to prevent wartime atrocities and protect civilians globally.
- Developed the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to adjudicate international law disputes.
Legal Milestones:
- Adoption of the Genocide Convention on January 9, 1948, defining genocide and establishing it as a punishable international crime.
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted on December 10, 1948, asserting the dignity and rights of all individuals.
Utilization by Black Activists:
- Activists sought to hold the U.S. accountable under these laws for racial violence domestically.
- Presented a petition in Paris in 1951 charging the U.S. with genocide against Black Americans.

Event Summary: On January 17, 1961, Patrice Lumumba was assassinated, prompting an uproar among black activists.
Key Moments:
- January 17 protest activists stormed the UN in response to the assassination of Lumumba; actions included shouting slogans like "Viva Lumumba" and calling for justice against the "murderers of Lumumba."
- Characterized by violent clashes with guards, leading to injuries and arrests, marking it as a historic display of Black protest within the UN.
Media Response: Initial media narratives focused on labeling the protesters as "hoodlums" and dismissed the political motivations behind their actions.

Shift in Identity and Consciousness:
- The protests highlighted a shift in black identity, with activists recognizing their connections to global movements and the broader struggle against imperialism and racism.
Key Figures in the Movement:
- William Patterson: Lawyer who led the 1951 petition.
- Claudia Jones: Advocate for the intersectionality of race, gender, and class within the Black Freedom struggle.
- James Baldwin: Critically engaged with both national civil rights and the broader global struggle, articulating new identities tied to African heritage.

Reflections on Black Internationalism: Advocates called for direct actions that framed domestic racial injustices within global contexts of oppression, emphasizing interconnected struggles.
Repressive Measures: The U.S. governmental response, particularly through the FBI and its COINTELPRO initiative, sought to dismantle such movements by labeling them as radical or subversive.
Importance of Historical Context: Understanding the dynamics of black internationalism offers insights into the ongoing struggles for equality and justice today.