Neither Thugs nor Terrorists: Black-Palestinian Solidarity Movements in the United States

African-American protestors in Ferguson, Missouri, and Palestinian protestors in the West Bank have started to use the slogan "From Ferguson to Palestine, Occupation is a Crime" in their public statements. Randa Serhan's book "Neither Thugs nor Terrorists" explores how these two distant communities found common cause in protesting the militarization of the forces that policed and criminalized them. Activists have rediscovering links made decades before by an earlier generation of activists, but have also faced attacks. The book highlights the everyday lives of activists, the stories that remain untold about shared Black-Palestinian activism, and the costs paid by those who find a common humanity in rejecting the labels of thugs and terrorists.

Format: Hardback
Length: 194 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Academica Press

In the wake of a series of protests in Ferguson, Missouri, and the West Bank, African-American protestors and Palestinian protestors began to unite under the slogan "From Ferguson to Palestine, Occupation is a Crime." This powerful statement resonated with both communities, drawing attention to the shared struggles of militarization and criminalization. Activists in both regions believed they had forged a new organic connection, but in reality, they were rediscovering the threads of solidarity that had been woven decades earlier by an earlier generation of activists, most notably Malcolm X.

Since 2014, these alliances have continued to grow and evolve across the United States, including among groups such as Black-Palestinian Solidarity, the U.S. Campaign for Palestine, Muslims for Ferguson, Black Lives Matter, Adalah-NY: The Campaign for the Boycott Israel, the Jewish Voice for Peace, and the If Not Now Movement. Despite facing challenges and attacks, these activists remain committed to their cause, recognizing the interconnectedness of their struggles and the importance of building bridges between different communities.

In her book, Neither Thugs nor Terrorists, Randa Serhan delves deep into the history and dynamics of these alliances. Through extensive first-hand research, she explores how these two distant communities found common cause in protesting the militarization of the forces that policed and criminalized them. The book builds on the oral histories and personal stories of eight individual activists, four who were active in the earlier period (1960s-1980s) and four who are currently active. Through their experiences, Serhan reveals the continuities and discontinuities of working for a seemingly impossible alliance.

One of the key themes of the book is the power of grassroots activism and the ability of ordinary people to bring about change. The earlier activists, who faced immense resistance and hostility, paved the way for younger activists to find their strategies and know the challenges ahead. At the same time, the more sophisticated surveillance state has made it increasingly difficult for these activists to operate, forcing them to be creative and adaptable in their approach.

Another important aspect of the book is the role of media and public perception in shaping these alliances. While some media outlets have portrayed these activists as violent or extremist, others have recognized their bravery and dedication to their cause. This has helped to build public support and momentum for their work.

Despite the challenges and obstacles they face, these activists remain optimistic about the future of their alliances. They believe that by working together, they can create a more just and equitable world, where the rights and dignity of all people are respected and protected.

In conclusion, Neither Thugs nor Terrorists is a powerful and insightful book that sheds light on the ongoing struggles of African-American and Palestinian communities. Through the experiences of eight individual activists, Serhan explores the continuities and discontinuities of working for a seemingly impossible alliance. The book highlights the power of grassroots activism, the importance of media and public perception, and the resilience of these activists in the face of adversity. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of social justice and the power of solidarity across different communities.

Weight: 633g
ISBN-13: 9781680530896