Thread by @AjAqrabawi

Let’s take a moment to reflect on Black-Palestinian solidarity—🧵 /12.

From the streets of Ferguson to the occupied territories of Palestine exists a powerful alliance that transcends borders, cultures, and continents. This relationship is more than just a political stance; it is a profound, familial connection born out of a shared recognition of oppression and resistance.

In the United States, the civil rights movement and the fight against systemic racism both parallel the Palestinian struggle against Israeli occupation and apartheid. This kinship blossomed in the 1960s and '70s when visionaries like Malcolm X and organizations such as the Black Panther Party openly supported Palestinian liberation, viewing it as part of a broader, global struggle against imperialism and colonialism.

—🧵 1/12.

In September 1964, Malcolm X visited Gaza and declared, "The Palestinian struggle with the Zionists is the same as the Negro struggle with the Ku Klux Klan". Witnessing the displacement and suffering caused by the 1948 Nakba firsthand deeply moved him and set the stage for decades of mutual understanding.

He criticized the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, labelling it as unjust and untenable. He denounced the annexation of Jerusalem and other Palestinian lands, underscoring the need for human rights to be upheld for everyone, including Palestinians.

—🧵 2/12.

The Black Panther Party, articulating this connection with clarity, described African Americans as an "internally colonized" people, drawing parallels to the Palestinian experience.

Their alliance with the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) in 1970 cemented this solidarity, advocating for Palestinian self-determination as integral to the liberation of all oppressed peoples.

—🧵 3/12.

During the labor and grassroots organizing of the 1970s, Arab-American organizers in Michigan's auto plants adopted strategies from radical Black caucuses, bridging gaps between the Black and Arab-American working class.

These alliances were not merely symbolic, but instrumental in achieving economic and social justice, showcasing the potential of solidarity to transcend racial and cultural divides.

—🧵 4/12.

On the political stage, Reverend Jesse Jackson was the first to champion a balanced U.S. foreign policy recognizing Palestinian rights. Jackson's 1988 presidential campaign marked a watershed moment in U.S. political discourse, advocating for an independent Palestinian State and direct negotiations with the PLO, emphasizing the influence of Black leadership in reshaping American views on Palestine.

This legacy of advocacy continues today through the efforts of Black politicians like Cori Bush, Ilhan Omar, and Jamaal Bowman. Backed by the momentum of the BLM movement, these leaders have taken bold stands against U.S. military aid to Israel, demanding accountability and justice for Palestinians. Their dual approach of grassroots activism and legislative action echoes the strategies of their predecessors, proving that the spirit of solidarity remains alive and potent.

—🧵 5/12.

The shared experience of state violence has consistently been a powerful catalyst for unity between Black and Palestinian communities.

During the 2014 Ferguson intifada, Palestinians offered tactical advice to Black protesters facing police brutality. The chant "From Ferguson to Palestine, occupation is a crime" encapsulated the struggle against militarized oppression, highlighting undeniable parallels found between the racial injustice in the U.S. and the Israeli occupation.

—🧵 6/12.

Crucially, this solidarity extends far beyond American borders.

In South Africa, a country intimately familiar with the struggle against apartheid, the African National Congress has been a steadfast supporter of the Palestinian cause. Nelson Mandela's declaration that "our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of Palestinians" resonates deeply.

South Africa's recent move to file a case of genocide against Israel in the International Court of Justice stands as a testament to this enduring commitment, offering Palestinians desperately needed hope after 76 years of resisting erasure. They offered valuable support when many others, including fellow Arabs, have fallen short.

—🧵 7/12.

Within Palestinian society itself, Afro-Palestinians—Palestinians of black African heritage—represent a living embodiment of this intersectional struggle.

—🧵 8/12.

Yet, amidst our historical unity, recent efforts to sow division have emerged, threatening the solidarity between Black and Palestinian communities.

—🧵 9/12.

Politicians who pay lip service to progressive causes while supporting policies that annihilate Palestinians represent a problem.

Kamala Harris, despite her performative and tepid expressions of concern, has consistently demonstrated support for Israel, perpetuating policies that dehumanize Palestinians and enable their ongoing genocide.

It's crucial to remain vigilant, understanding that criticism of Kamala Harris is not an attack on racial progress or gender equality, but a necessary step in holding leaders accountable to the principles of justice and equality for all.

—🧵 10/12.

These attempts to divide us often serve the interests of those who seek to undermine both Black and Palestinian human rights. They aim to fracture the collective power that has proven capable of dismantling systems of oppression. By exploiting divisions, they hope to weaken the movement that has been a formidable force against injustice.

—🧵 11/12.

Hopefully, this thread will inspire everyone to redouble their efforts to preserve unity.

The importance of Black-Palestinian solidarity cannot be overstated. It serves as a powerful reminder that struggles against racism, colonialism, and imperialism are interconnected; a blueprint for global resistance, demonstrating how marginalized communities can support each other against seemingly insurmountable odds.

—🧵 12/12. End.