KWAME TURE: ‘DO THE WORK FOR THE NEXT GENERATION’

Kwame Ture (1941-98), formerly known as Stokely Carmichael, remains a towering figure in the annals of Pan-Africanist history.

In this clip from an unknown date, Ture denounced elder activists who wanted to know when they can stop working. Ture was well-known for sleeping on couches as he traveled and eating the same food as students when visiting university campuses.

Born in Trinidad and Tobago and raised in Harlem and the Bronx, Ture’s journey to becoming a prominent revolutionary began at Howard University.

Later, his tenure as chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) marked a turning point in the civil rights struggle, emphasising grassroots organising as the cornerstone of liberation. Ture popularised the ‘Black Power’ concept during the 1960s, galvanising marginalised communities worldwide. As he evolved, his unwavering commitment to Pan-Africanism manifested in his work with leaders like Kwame Nkrumah and his later efforts to promote socialist ideals across the African diaspora, cementing his legacy as a catalyst for justice.

In the twilight of his life, Kwame Ture remained a beacon of hope and resilience for activists worldwide. His relentless pursuit of justice never wavered, even as he battled illness. Ture’s legacy continues to inspire contemporary movements.