Takiyah Thompson, a student at North Carolina Central University, spoke to over 70 people on Feb. 3, 2018 at the United Electrical Workers hall in Chicago about resistance to white supremacy and toppling its monuments.
Thompson participated on a panel with Inez White from (second from right), Maria from BLM (far right) and Dani Boachie (far left). All the speakers focused on the need to build a movement against fight white supremacy and the system that fosters it.
Thompson noted the necessity of a “sustained effort to build a movement and protect those who were arrested” as a result of the people’s Aug. 14, 2017 removal of the Confederate statue in Durham. Thompson was the first person arrested. Several hundred people turned themselves in at the sheriff’s office the day after the arrests, saying they too opposed white supremacy. They showed up again to fight back against the Ku Klux Klan, who tried but failed to march through Durham, NC a couple days later.
All charges against Takiyah Thompson have been dropped, as of May 2019. They still face state repression and needs solidarity. “I don’t need more allies. I need comrades,” Thompson told the crowd.
When asked what should be done with the torn-down statues, Thompson replied: “Melt them down into urinals. That’s an important first step. Then replace them with something that uplifts the community [the racist statues] were meant to oppress.”
Thompson further explained: “Racism and capitalism washed up on this country’s shores together. No one can have a more pointed critique of capitalism in this country than its first exploited workers.” Thompson’s background is Jamaican, (Jamaica) and Haitian, (Haiti) both are Caribbean Islands with a rich history of Black Rebellion.
The program ended with Takiyah’s mother, Mikisa Thompson, reciting a poem she wrote for her daughter.
My poem to you for you …
by Mikisa Thompson
Young warrior
Young warrior
Young warrior I see you
With your regal locked hair
You’re proud and you’re queer
Young warrior
Still no crystal stair….
Young warrior
You hear the drums as you climb those stairs
Young warrior
Young warrior
Quick that yellow rope
But don’t fret, he won’t choke
Climb baby climb
For they don’t want you, here to Palestine
Take your step for Sojourner because many were lost along the way….
Quick another step, don’t you turn back
The war is just beginning, the flame is at your feet
Quick
Young warrior you are not meant to be a sheep
You’re majestic and Black, proud and fierce Young warrior I see you.
