On Radicalization...

As we gear up for our first zoom conversation on Monday, August 28, we wanted to delve deeper into radicalization, one of the key themes.

In Assata: An Autobiography, she charts her personal journey of becoming radicalized. Her earliest reflections show the experiences and influences that shaped her imagination and laid the foundation for her worldview. Very early on, she was curious and questioned what she saw around her; eventually beginning a process of rejecting what she had been taught or subconsciously accepted as truth. She began interrogating her beliefs and the dominant culture that informed everything from her upbringing, education, and self-identity.

Assata shows us that radicalization is more of a process than a destination. While it is possible to hold a single radical idea or even several, ultimately, as shown in Assata, it was a collection of experiences and interactions responsible for the development of her radical imagination. There was no singular idea responsible but rather an amalgamation of ideas and exchanges through which Assata became radicalized.

Throughout the journey, we come to understand that to achieve liberation, a process of radicalization is essential. And common notions of what it means to identify with radical ideas must be disrupted. Through the process of radicalization (noun), the action or process of causing someone to adopt radical positions in opposition to a political or social status quo, Assata can rightly be described as a radical (noun), a person who advocates thorough or complete political or social reform.

And yet, identifying as a radical paired with radical action is fraught with negative connotations imposed by the dominant culture in the United States. Throughout history, questioning the social, political, and economic status quo has caused fear, suspicion, danger, imprisonment, and even death to those who dare to do so.

Ultimately, Assata’s radicalization came at great personal sacrifice but also demonstrated and continues to demonstrate a fervent commitment to truth, justice, and ultimately liberation.

We look forward to exploring these ideas more in our conversation next Monday.

REGISTER for our virtual conversation about Assata: An Autobiography on Monday, August 28 at 6:00 PM Eastern here: