We’ve collected here our Barack Obama Debates Collection which include some of the earliest and most poignant/prescient criticism of the coming presidency from various perspectives from within the Black radical tradition.

1 & 2. Regathering in “Obamerica:” Now An Agenda?

On November 5, 2008 in Richmond, VA community members, activists, scholars and artists gathered to discuss issues of agenda and movement-building in an Obama era.  The panel featured Dhoruba Bin Wahad, Sa’ad El-Amin, Ana Edwards, Mark Bolden and Jared Ball.  The gathering was convened by Dr. Shawn Utsey of the African American Studies department at Virginia Commonwealth University.

3. The Great Harlem Debate: Is Obama Good For Black People?

On December 14, 2008 The Committee to Eliminate Media Offensive to African People (CEMOTAP) and Dr. James McIntosh hosted the first of their Great Harlem Debates on the value of Barack Obama to Black people and the world.  Speakers included Drs. James Turner, Donald Smith, Marimba Ani, Dhoruba bin-Wahad and many more…

4. The Great Harlem Debate 2: 6 Months In Is Obama Good For Black People?

On June 28, 2009 The Committee to Eliminate Media Offensive to African People (CEMOTAP) and Dr. James McIntosh convened the second Great Harlem Debate on the value of Barack Obama.  Here only those who stood against the notion of Obama’s positive value are included: Dr. Marimba Ani, Nellie Bailey, Glen Ford, Diop Olugbala, Jared Ball.

5 & 6.  Our Classic Debate with Amiri Baraka

On October 8, 2008 Amiri Baraka joined us on my then radio show for a rousing debate around his support of Barack Obama.  The conversation also included long-time activist and close friend of Baraka Tom Porter and Rosa Clemente the then vice-presidential running mate of Cynthia McKinney nominees of the Green Party.

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