We Want Liberation: TWLF and The Origins of Ethnic Studies

Summary

The video script delves into the Third World Strike, a transformative movement in 1969 led by students of color demanding Ethnic Studies programs at universities. Inspired by activism from the Black Panther Party and the San Francisco State strike, students at UC Berkeley and beyond sought to challenge the Eurocentric curriculum, seeking representation for their histories and communities. Leaders of the movement reflect on the need for a more inclusive education, emphasizing the profound impact that such changes had on their lives and the importance of continuing the fight for social justice in academia.

Takeaways

• 📚 The Third World Strike originated from movements at Columbia University, where Black students demanded a Black Studies Department, signaling a shift from community-based activism to university campuses.
• ✊ The idea of creating a Black Studies Department was supported by students, African-American faculty, and the local African-American community, inspired by movements like the Black Panther Party.
• 🤝 The Third World Liberation Front Strike was influenced by efforts at San Francisco State, with connections made by leaders like Roger Alvarado to expand the movement to UC Berkeley.
• 🏫 Activists at UC Berkeley, including the Third World Liberation Front, formed coalitions with other people of color organizations to challenge the university's admission policies and advocate for a community-centered education.
• 📖 During this time, educational resources on non-European histories were scarce, exemplified by limited materials available on Chicanos, which fueled demands for comprehensive Ethnic Studies.
• 🧑‍🏫 Educators like Vicci Wong emphasized the transformative impact of teaching, highlighting the role of classroom interactions in shaping students' lives and perspectives.
• 🌍 LaNada War Jack and others advocated for Ethnic Studies that included authentic representations of Native cultures and histories, countering the dominant Eurocentric narratives.
• 🔗 Ethnic Studies was described not as a niche but as a study of interconnected human history, emphasizing the broader teachings of communities of color and Native peoples.
• 💡 Calls were made for specific departments within a Third World College, including those led by Asian and Black communities, to ensure representation and control over their educational narratives.
• 🚀 Participants like Patty La Plant and Danny Li spoke about the lifelong impact of their involvement in the Third World Liberation Front, emphasizing the importance of advocating for change and developing a global perspective.

Q & A

What was the significance of the Third World Strike?

The Third World Strike was significant because it represented a movement that brought the struggles of Black Power, Civil Rights, and anti-racist efforts from the community onto predominantly White university campuses. It aimed to challenge the educational system and advocate for Ethnic Studies and representation.

How did the idea of a Black Studies Department originate at Berkeley?

The idea for a Black Studies Department at Berkeley came from a combination of student demands, African-American faculty, Afro-American staff, and the local African-American community. The political activism of the time, including the Black Panther Party, also influenced these demands.

What role did the San Francisco State strike play in Berkeley's Third World Liberation Front?

The strike at San Francisco State, led by the Third World Liberation Front, served as inspiration for similar actions at Berkeley. Ysidro Macias made contact with Latino leader Roger Alvarado, who suggested opening a second front at Berkeley for the Third World Liberation Front.

What were the demands of the students involved in the Third World Liberation Front Strike?

The students involved in the Third World Liberation Front Strike demanded the creation of a Third World College, which would include departments of Asian, Black, Chicano, and Native American Studies. They also questioned the admissions system and wanted education to emphasize community relevance.

Why did Ysidro Macias describe the academic environment at Berkeley in 1969 as a 'desert'?

Ysidro Macias described Berkeley's academic environment in 1969 as a 'desert' because there was a severe lack of material that addressed the history and culture of Chicanos and other minority groups. He noted that only one book on Mexicans was available, with just two pages dedicated to Chicanos.

What impact did the Third World Liberation Front Strike have on students like Patty La Plant and Danny Li?

For students like Patty La Plant and Danny Li, the Third World Liberation Front Strike had a lifelong impact. Patty worked for change over the next 50 years, while Danny's worldview was reshaped, influencing his life for decades. The movement helped them develop a deeper understanding of social justice.

How did Native perspectives factor into the call for Ethnic Studies at Berkeley?

Native perspectives were crucial to the call for Ethnic Studies at Berkeley, as LaNada War Jack emphasized the importance of incorporating Native culture, history, and values into the curriculum. She criticized the existing European-centric education system, which perpetuated myths and misconceptions about Native peoples.

Why does Vicci Wong argue that Ethnic Studies is not a niche field?

Vicci Wong argues that Ethnic Studies is not a niche field because it encompasses the full spectrum of human history and interconnectedness. She believes that it teaches valuable lessons from communities of color and Native peoples that have been passed down for generations.

What was the vision of those advocating for a Third World College at Berkeley?

The vision of those advocating for a Third World College at Berkeley was to establish departments, such as Asian and Black Studies, that would be controlled by people from those communities. They wanted an education system that was relevant to their communities' needs and histories, rather than one based solely on European perspectives.

How did the Third World Liberation Front Strike aim to influence future generations?

The Third World Liberation Front Strike aimed to influence future generations by emphasizing the need for young people to create their own history and organizations that reflect the current moment. Activists like Waldo Martin stressed that each generation must take action to continue the fight for social justice.