The People's War radio show, Episode #39: Sinterklass & Zwarte Piet, Jim Crow minstrels, black face and falling statues

Black Power Talks

"The truth is that virtually every celebration done in this country and throughout Europe, certainly since the 15th or 16th century, have been celebrations of slavery and genocide.
"Sinterklaas was the patron saint of shipping in Holland. The first African captives to come to America were brought by the Dutch. I would imagine that the 'Good Ship Jesus' that brought us here was probably blessed by Sinterklaas. You could say that we were a gift from Santa to America." - Chairman Omali Yeshitela

Activists worldwide are fighting anti-African traditions and tearing down symbols of colonial slavery.

We talk with two leaders in Take Em Down NOLA, - Angela Kinlaw and A Scribe Called Quess? - about the relationship of traditions and imagery with the material living conditions of oppressed peoples. We discuss the phenomenons of:

• Sinterklass and Zwarte Piet
• "Jim Crow" black face minstrel shows
• Black face and the Zulu Social Club in New Orleans' Mardi Gras parade
• Colonial statues heralding leaders of slavery and genocide

The People's War radio show is produced by WBPU 96.3 FM "Black Power 96" in St. Petersburg, Florida. It is hosted by Dr. Matsemela Odom and Muambi Tangu, bringing an African Internationalist perspective to the important issues of our world.