Stephanie White, Los Angeles Southwest College

1. National Social Science Association
Technology and Professional Development
Conference
Las Vegas, Nevada
April 5 – 7, 2020
Race and Ethnicity Session
Dr. Stephanie L. White

2. ABSTRACT: The role of women in the All-African
Peoples Revolutionary Party (AAPRP)
from the 1972 – to the present: A Case Study
The flag began 78 years ago created by the honorable Marcus Garvey
(Universal Negro Improvement Association) UNIA: The African American
liberation flag, Pan-African flag, Black flag, and others as signified to represent
of the African diaspora and symbolizes “black freedom”
“AFRICA FOR THE AFRICAN AT HOME AND ABROAD (Garvey, 1920)”

3. DEFINITION OF TERMS/OBJECTIVES
ROLLCALL, giving honor
Pan Africanism-(In this paper we refer to African-Americans as Africans – party
line)
“Garveyism”
Pres. Kwame Nkrumah and Sekou Touré, the founders
Philosophy vs. Theories/book study
Chronologies, ancestors and those who paved the way circa 20th Century
Case studies of women in the AAPRP (identified as “the party”)
Case studies and direct results of civil action and social justice, mixed methods
The New AAPRP
Social politics, policies, Millennial social activism…e.g. Black Lives Matter
To conclude…Where the future lies…

4. Call and Response

5. PRESIDENT NKRUMAH – PRESIDENT TOURE
THE FOUNDERS
All African People’s Revolutionary Party

6. Kwame Nkrumah (1909 - 1972) was
a Ghanaian politician and revolutionary. He was the
first Prime Minister and President of Ghana, having led
the Gold Coast to independence from Britain in 1957. An
influential advocate of pan-Africanism, Nkrumah was a
founding member of the Organization of African Unity and
winner of the Lenin Peace Prize in 1962.
After twelve years abroad pursuing higher education,
developing his political philosophy and organizing with
other diasporic pan-Africanists, Nkrumah returned to the
Gold Coast to begin his political career as an advocate of
national independence. He formed the Convention
People's Party, which achieved rapid success through its
unprecedented appeal to the common voter. He became
Prime Minister in 1952 and retained the position when
Ghana declared independence from Britain in 1957. In
1960, Ghanaians approved a new constitution and elected
Nkrumah President.
His administration was both nationalist and socialist. Thus,
it funded national industrial and energy projects,
developed a strong national education system and
promoted a national and pan-African culture. Under
Nkrumah, Ghana played a leading role in African

7. Ahmed Sekou Touré (var. Ahmed Shaku Turay) (1922 –
1984) was a Guinean political leader who was the
first President of Guinea, serving from 1958 until his death
in 1984. Touré was among the primary Guinean
nationalists involved in gaining independence of the
country from France.
A devout Muslim from the Mandinka ethnic group, Sekou
Touré was the great grandson of the powerful Mandinka
Muslim cleric Samori Toure who established an
independent Islamic rule in part of West Africa. In 1960,
he declared his Democratic Party of Guinea (Parti
démocratique de Guinée,PDG) the only legal party in the
state, and ruled from then on as a virtual dictator. He was
re-elected unopposed to four seven-year terms in the
absence of any legal opposition.

8. PARTY PHILOSOPHIES AND THEORIES
• Nkrumaism- Pan Africanism
• Beliefs in Black Nationalism
• Beliefs in African Socialism
• Beliefs in Scientific Socialism
• Beliefs in Anti-Zionism
Party line: The total liberation and unification of Africa under Scientific
Socialism

9. THE GREAT MALE LEADERS OF THE
PANAFRICAN MOVEMENT
• Stokely Carmichael (Kwame Touré) – US lead coordinator of AAPRP
• Malcolm X Julius Nyerere Thomas Sankara
• Marcus Garvey Muammar Gaddafi Huey Newton
• W.E.B. Dubois Edward Blyden Jomo Kenyatta
• Haile Selassie George Padmore John Henrik Clarke
• Bob Marley Molefi Kete Asante Amilcar Cabral
• Chief Alfred Sam Steve Biko Patrice Lumumba
• Sam Njoma Nelson Mandela
• Josef Ben Jochannan and the countless many others.

10. THE WOMEN OF PANAFRIKA
THE MOVEMENT
• Dara Abubakari Angela Davis Pinky Kekana
• Audley Moore Sharika Sherwood Claudia Jones
• Amy Ashwood Garvey Titina Silla Edna Roland
• Amy Jacques Garvey Tchaiko Kwayana Farida Nabourema
• Amy La Badie Queen Candace. Elaine Brown
• Nzinga Queen Hapshepsut
• Aya Asantewa Miriam Makeba
• Fanny Lou Hammer….. and countless others

11. THE HAPPENINGS
• The Black Panther Party, Oakland, California, 1960s/70s
• Neighboring colleges and Universities promoting a ”black
perspective” (Case Study#1: M. Wilkerson)
 Author of Nine Plays by Five Black Women. 1st black woman to
receive PhD from UC Berkeley. 1st black woman to direct Women’s
Center at UCB.
 Organizational and administrative complexity as white woman of
power and experience, full fledged professors joined together. Not
many African-American faculty with proven expertise or expertise.
 New fields of development and organizational structure: African
American Studies Dept/Ethnic Studies Dept/Women’s Studies Dept
/Women’s Center.
 Importance to understand history in order to understand future.

12. CASE STUDIES OF WOMEN IN THE AAPRP
The following are five case studies of women in the AAPRP nationwide.
Questions surrounding roles of women were attempted to answer; however,
overriding prevalence of more pertinent issues took place.
 Questions of interviewees: 1) What is their (re)collection and
understanding of roles of women in the party?
Question: 2) Significance in ”book study” as it related to roles, rules, social
activism, party lines, and philosophies/theories of Nkrumah/Touré or other
key influential leaders of party beliefs.
Each case study interviewee was consistent with content on issues
plaguing communities from the past and consistent with Party lines and
philosophies such as a) history of Pan-Africanism (liberation/unification of
African people) as origin of importance; not slavery.

13. CASE STUDIES OF WOMEN IN THE AAPRP #2
Case Study#2 – A key organizer in the movement who was the Assistant to the
President of a major corporation who was degreed in higher education.
Exemplified the role of an exemplary educated and beautiful woman who at the
time also was a positive role model of the party (Do as I do). Due to her helping
to run a prominent company (60%) and married, she was very well respected as
well as respected others and glued to organizational strategy of “employing
Africans” – both male & female - main philosophy of Nkrumah on economics.
Highly spiritual. Prized for inner beauty - was sought after for in the party do to
these qualities). Hard worker “ A doer” although key organizer. NO problem with
division of labor issues. Natural, no gossip-monger. Good things happening, good
people, good times (1970s-mid 2000s).

14. CASE STUDIES OF WOMEN IN THE AAPRP #3
Case Study#3 – A woman married to a man from the Diaspora. Both party members. Undeniable
credibility given due to them due to origin of birth (as well as born where Nkrumah was
President). Met at when in college at a University attending a conference.
Mantra – “Liberation has to be total liberation”-eating, parenting, whom you sleep with”. Keep it
principled. Relationships made in error are “UNACCEPTABLE” in organization. Adamantly states –
Past/present Sexuality issues stem from oppressive culture.
Party had to constantly stay in check with members. Conversations always about who was with
who (including inter-racial) although no problems with working with: wearing what etc. At
meetings contribute $$$ but men buy liquor then read about indigenous people history.
Woman interviewed: Divorced with two children. Nothing never said negatively about party,
men, black men or her ex. She stated humorously when dealing with questions of patriarchal
contradictions of diasporic marriage.
 “ Considered the quintessential true black sistah”.
Member over 35 years. Coordinator of AAWU.

15. CASE STUDIES OF WOMEN IN THE AAPRP #4
Case Study#4 – Self identification – I consider myself, believe and know.
myself as an African woman raised in the US.
“IF A CAT HAS KITTENS IN THE OVEN YOU DON’T CALL THEM BISCUITS”
Honorable Malcolm X
Gap in black communities is indication of trauma being taken away from Africa; started
from tribes taken from them, then called colored, negro…struggle to get where we are.
Self identification – ask diasporans, many terms call themselves mulattos, afro Cubans;
trauma signified, AAPRP are Africans. Africans then tribes attribute to the movement-
closer unites us and essentially to diaspora and power and lessens subjugation that we
face and subscribe.
Term came from movement in the party, ideology, strategies, where we are going. WE
were committed – as women we commit in our bones-we become more deeply, we are
always African and we believe it for our people.

16. CASE STUDIES OF WOMEN IN THE AAPRP #4
When it became critical in the revolution, it was the same everywhere; the expansion of
culture; the movement of culture, we stepped into divine power as essential. We are
even suppressed, the party, book study, keepers of the principals and the family.
The party understood the role of women, to participate and be active under guidance
and direction (men & women). Honored in the highest form. It was a struggle for
women to see that; FGM, removing hijabs, change/expand language – Women were the
first line opposing it. Proposing women in all levels, women adopted but not necessarily
accepted by all.
Future… We have a gift to give and expression was not fitting the line of the party-it was
a conflicted way of thinking. Our passion included everything in abundance, the focus on
women. It became so powerful to take care of ourselves…I became a writer.
Our purpose..we have a choice to take care, have power and times in our work on
relationships, regardless to white skinned privilege or patriarchy (even our own
Africans).. Book “What to do when you don’t know what your doing” – Tap into your
essence-5 stories of women who didn’t know what to do and get scared. Taking
philosophy encouraging women to give gift, introspective and courage given to all
women, certified life coach for professional women to encourage them to take action.
Future – revolutionary, feminists of authority brings people about a different awareness
of keeping movement moving.

17. CASE STUDIES OF WOMEN IN THE AAPRP#5
The newness of participation – As an academician, book study was the ultimate;
philosophical group discussion and debates vital to the sustenance of women’s
beliefs as leaders made the organization ideal.
In an intimate relationship; both members in the party, the role of the man.
ACCOUNTABILITY was always prevalent as other members were keeping men on
check; especially women (a strong Respectable verbal and physical presence) –
Not “quote” “the current buffoonery of the Tyler Perry mad black women”.
CONTRADITIONS – Hypocrisy abounds. If we want capitalism and imperialism to
change worldwide how are we going to stop or make an impact to the movement
when we are toting that very essence we are trying to change?
INFLUENCE – Keeping current on trying to read/discern current
streams of media; propaganda, spin and fluff. “WHY WE NEED OUR
OWN WRITERS, EDUCATORS USING OUR OWN PHILOSOPHY”.

18. Case studies and direct results of civil action and
social justice, a mixed methods study
• Nkrumah philosophy-economics; current civic action on increase of housing,
homelessness and home ownership and big business, employment.
• Civil rights activities (1st amendment); Black Lives matter made presence known,
how ever was desensitized and became a mantra for other movements…to
matter.
• Protests; riots, student protests, issues on police brutality.
• Race relations and community integration –infamous Pruitt-Igoe housing in St
Louis
• PAN-African identity not African-American culture – ALL OVER THE WORLD
-Michigan State Library
Research Guide
*A diverse range of primary source material focusing on race relations across social,
political, cultural and religious arenas.

19. THE NEW A.A.P.R.P. 21ST CENTURY
• The total liberation and unification of Africa under an All-African Socialist
Government is still the primary objective…
Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah
• The New AAPRP events in Nairobi, Kenya, Guinea-Bissau and Los Angeles,
CA although was always international, however, now has had a stronger
current presence of women than in the 70s/80s. The vanguard of the social
revolution is an international coincidence to coincide with.
• The A-APRP has also chartered a program with Pan-African Clubs of various
high schools. A much more supported role of women in academe,
worldwide.

20. CURRENT SYNONYMOUS PAN-AFRICAN
MOVEMENTS & COMMUNITIES
• AA women in late 19/20th C made significant strides towards making
the nations capital a more equal/dynamic urban center:
-identified as “New Negro womanhood and as a multidimensional
space that included race women, blues women, mothers, white collar
professionals, beauticians, fortune tellers, sex workers, same gender
couples, artists, activists and innovators. This urban center and history
of struggle leads towards a vision of equality to emerge and sustain
itself. Equal citizenship for AA women encompassing challenging racial,
gender, class and sexuality status quos.”
Author, Treva Lindsey, Colored No More

21. CURRENT SYNONYMOUS PAN-AFRICAN
MOVEMENTS & COMMUNITIES
• A member of the publicly active AA women social and educational elite
who emerged to assume leadership roles, her work challenged thinking on
racial issues: as well as gender, sexuality and class.
• Her book challenges and charts the development of AA women as public
intellectuals and evolution of their thought from end of 1800s through the
Black Power era of the 1970s – eschewing the Great Race Man paradigm
prominent in contemporary discourse delves into processes of
transformation of women Julia Cooper, Mary Church Terrell, Fannie Barrier
Williams, Pauli Murray and others..into racial leadership figures. Most
importantly, confronts entrenched ideas of how – and who-produced racial
knowledge.
• -Brittney C. Cooper, Beyond Respectability

22. All our traditions and experiences are connected with a foreign race. We have no poetry
or philosophy but that of our taskmasters. The songs that live in our ears and are often
on our lips are the songs which we heard sung by those who shouted while we groaned
and lamented. They sang of their history, which was the history of our degradation.
They recited their triumphs, which contained the record of our humiliation. To our great
misfortune we learned their prejudices and their passions, and thought we had their
aspirations and their power. Now if we are to make an independent nation - a strong
nation-we must listen to the songs of our unsophisticated brethren as they sing of their
history, as they tell of their traditions, of the wonderful and mysterious events of their
tribal or national life, of the achievements of what we called their superstitions. The
time is past when we can be content with putting forth elaborate arguments to prove
our equality with foreign races. Those who doubt our capacity are more likely to be
convinced of their error by the exhibition, on our part, of those qualities of energy and
enterprises which will enable us to occupy the extensive field before us for own
advantage and the advantage of humility-for the purpose of civilization, of science, of
good government, and of progress-, than by any mere abstract argument about the
equality of races.
--Edward Blyden, (1800s
“Black women are a part of Blyden’s plan of education” – “I cannot see why our sisters should
not receive exactly the same general culture as we do”. “We can’t fear they are less grateful, less
natural, less womanly, but will be more appreciate wives, and more affectionate sisters”

23. READY FOR
THE
REVOLUTION!!!