The struggle for civil rights in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s shaped much of the nation’s social and political landscape. In his latest work, Gerald Horne examines these dynamics in Southern California, highlighting the interconnectedness of the Black Panthers, Marxism, and various political movements of the time.
Book Review of
Gerald Horne, Armed Struggle?: Panthers and Communists, Black Nationalists and Liberals in Southern California Through the Sixties and Seventies (New York: International Publishers, 2024), 692 pages, paperback, $36.99
Black Scare in California: Blacks, Reds, and Revolution in the 1960s and ’70s
by Joel Wendland-Liu
Excerpt from Assessment
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Horne’s exploration of mid-twentieth-century Southern California reveals two fundamental insights. He highlights those who championed the right of Black individuals to defend themselves against racially motivated violence from both the state and vigilantes. Additionally, the cases involving Davis, various student movements, and the resilience of the Communist Party amidst repression demonstrated that the roots of fascism had not taken hold. Such circumstances exposed the Black Panther Party’s miscalculations regarding their understanding of political dynamics, ultimately leading to serious tactical mistakes.
This misjudgment originated from a flawed political perspective; the party overestimated the role of the lumpenproletariat as a revolutionary force, failed to foster alliances with Cuba and the USSR, and experienced internal strife due to Cleaver’s undermining of existing leftist connections and solidarity with other antifascist groups. Moreover, the Panthers’ focus on racial identity paradoxically drew them to align with China—an ally of the United States at that time. China, having a favorable rapport with Washington, was not positioned to advocate for systemic reforms within the U.S.
Despite these challenges, Horne’s most significant contribution lies in his exploration of the Panthers’ adept recognition of a deeper systemic issue: the divided loyalties within the white working class in America. He points out that Black Communist and California native Porter brought forth an essential observation that warrants thorough examination. The Panthers’ movement was fueled by a perceived “lack of confidence in the resilience of broad sectors of the Euro-American working class,” which, interestingly, drew many from the Black community toward their cause. In stark contrast, the prevailing adherence to white supremacy among the majority of white citizens—and their reluctance to critically reassess their role in settler colonialism—perpetuated “the nettle of class collaboration” among them.
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Ultimately, Armed Struggle? stands as a cautionary narrative, underscoring the need for multiracial working-class solidarity, strategic global partnerships, and a lucid assessment of political realities. Horne’s research reinforces the idea that while assertive resistance to oppression is warranted, enduring liberation necessitates well-organized efforts, principled alliances, and unwavering commitment to dismantling both racism and capitalism, which are inextricably linked. The lessons gleaned from this historical period remain poignantly relevant as we navigate today’s struggles for racial and economic equity in the face of rising authoritarianism.
