From June 26 to 29, 2024 the city of Durham, North Carolina hosted the Southern Summit, a gathering organized by the Southern Vision Alliance along with numerous partner organizations. The Summit centered around the theme of "Reclaiming Democracy and Defeating Fascism by Worker and Community Organizing," aiming to foster resilience and progressivism in the South.
"In the tapestry of history, the Southern Summit is not just an event; it is a defining chapter — a testament to the South’s resilience, progressivism, and determination." - Southern Vision Alliance
The Southern Summit aimed to achieve and highlight six goals: Convergence of Forces, Power of Unity, Strategic Analysis, Coordinated Action, Amplified Voices, and Defenders of Democracy. Each day was structured to foster these goals, beginning with a communal breakfast and an opening session hosted by activists and organizers These opening plenary sessions set the tone for the day, serving as platforms for participants to explore the landscape of the South, understand the concept of power, and strategize on combating global fascism.
The South - poised to lead, through transformative struggle
A recurring theme in the plenary sessions was the South's potential to lead in the fight for liberation and justice in the United States. One speaker remarked on the South's harsh living conditions — low wages, poor quality housing, underfunded education, and lack of opportunity in rural areas — noting that while they present significant challenges, they offer tremendous opportunities for growth and transformation that Southern leaders are uniquely poised to advance.
As Ben Wilkins from the Union of Southern Service Workers emphasized, "We have an opportunity to lead the rest of the country." This call to leadership underscored the need for transformative struggle in the South through building worker solidarity across racial lines and rejecting the illusion of choice between Democrats and Republicans to build a new future.
Building Solidarity
Philip Agnew from Black Men Build, an organization that equips Black men and their families across the United States with the tools to “become a powerful political force for liberation,” spoke to the crucial task of fostering solidarity, especially among those who feel alienated and hopeless. He observed that this alienation often leads to scapegoating other marginalized groups, stressing the necessity of creating a welcoming and safe space for change. Agnew’s powerful metaphor — "When you want people to build a boat, they have to long for the sea" — encapsulated the need to cultivate class consciousness and hope for a better future to mobilize a successful movement.
Agnew expanded on the alienation many feel due to systemic oppression and economic inequality, pointing out that marginalized communities are often pitted against each other. This divisiveness serves to weaken the collective power needed for transformative change. He advocated for an inclusive approach, where everyone is met with open arms and given a safe space to express their frustrations and desires for change. By fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose, Agnew argued, we can overcome the barriers that divide us and build a stronger, more unified movement.
The discussion on solidarity also touched on the importance of intergenerational learning and collaboration. Younger activists were encouraged to seek wisdom and guidance from seasoned organizers, while older participants were reminded to be open to the fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that the youth bring to the table. This mutual respect and exchange of knowledge is crucial for building a resilient movement capable of facing and taking on challenges.
Defining Power
In another opening session, the meaning of power was dissected and described as a movement that is both militant and massive, meaning that there is power in numbers and those that are part of that movement must be willing to engage in whatever actions it takes to build transformative change. The consensus was clear: reforming the existing system is insufficient. Instead, massive, transformative change is required change that prioritizes the rights of workers and other marginalized groups. This sentiment resonated throughout the summit, reinforcing the necessity of collective action and solidarity.
Speakers delved deep into the concept of power, emphasizing that true power comes from the people and our collective actions. Participants discussed the various forms of power, including political, economic, and social power, and how these can be harnessed to create a more just and equitable society. It was highlighted that power should not be viewed merely as a means to an end – power is an ongoing process of mobilization and empowerment.
The session also explored the need for a militant approach to organizing. This does not imply violence but rather a commitment to radical change and an uncompromising stance against injustice. It was argued that to achieve meaningful transformation, the movement must be both relentless and adaptable, capable of responding to the ever-changing landscape of oppression and resistance. Participants were reminded that strength lies in numbers and that by working together, they can amplify their voices and exert greater influence on the systems of power.
We Keep Us Safe
The afternoons were dedicated to breakout sessions focusing on critical topics such as the Landscape of Organizing, Hard Skills and Trainings, and Building Collective Strategy Innovations & Interventions. Among the sessions I attended were "Alternative to Policing and the Carceral State," "Environmental Justice and Disaster Organizing," and "Know Your Rights in the Streets." Despite their diverse topics, a common thread was evident. We need to rely on each other and our communities, rather than the system, to effect change.
For example, during the "Environmental Justice and Disaster Organizing" session, the discussion centered on the inadequacies of relying on polluting industries or politicians to regulate pollution. Instead, the emphasis was on building political power within affected communities and maintaining pressure on both politicians and industries to prioritize people over profits. The goal was clear: to create a new, revolutionary, and imaginative system rather than perpetuate the existing flawed one. This echoed what was said in previous plenary sessions.
Moving Forward
The Southern Summit brought together a convergence of forces, emphasized the power of unity, provided strategic analysis, coordinated action, amplified voices, and fortified the defenders of democracy.
The Southern Summit was a powerful and inspiring gathering that reinforced the importance of community and worker organizing in the fight for democracy and against fascism. It provided a platform for strategic discussions, skill-building, and solidarity, leaving participants with a renewed sense of purpose and the tools necessary to continue the struggle for a more just and equitable South.
As we look to the future, the Southern Summit serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action, reminding us that transformative change is possible when we stand together.
Check out videos from the conference here.
This article was published first by United for a Fair Economy.
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