tatement from the National Coalition Of Blacks for Reparations in America (N’COBRA)
The National Coalition Of Blacks for Reparations in America (N’COBRA) stands in solidarity with Omali Yeshitela, Chairman of the African People’s Socialist Party (APSP) and the Uhuru Movement following the unlawful FBI raids of their homes and offices on July 29, 2022. We wholeheartedly support their demand for the immediate return of their archives and electronic devices; and compensation for damages done to their homes and offices. While it is fortunate that the raids did not result in arrests nor criminal charges, we are keenly aware that in these times of COINTELPRO 2.0, the raids could have resulted in the tragic loss of lives.
Chairman Omali Yeshitela and the Uhuru Movement are major contributors to developing the national and international Black Reparations Movement. APSP organized the first World Tribunal on Reparations in 1982, held in Brooklyn, New York “placing the United States on trial for its crimes against African people and finding the U.S. government” guilty of stolen labor and ongoing brutality of Black People; and determined the US owed Black people in America $4.1 trillion in reparations. Following the tribunal, Chairman Yeshitela and APSP formed the African National Reparations Organization (ANRO) five years before the founding of N’COBRA. In solidarity, Queen Mother Dorothy B. Lewis, a founding member of N’COBRA, “held a national leadership position in ANRO, first as national organizer, and later as national chair.” In keeping with NCOBRA’s Principles of Unity, adopted in 2002, we view the attack on Chairman Yeshitela as an attack on Black People’s ongoing fight for justice and reparations.
Chairman Omali Yeshitela has fought more than 60 years to improve the lives of African people nationally and internationally. Now at 80 years old, his writings, and organizing elevate him to the iconic status of a “Living Black Revolutionary Legend” for justice and liberation for people of African descent. We have no doubt he will remain on the front line until victory is won.