"While nonviolent protests (sit-ins, marches, boycotts, civil disobedience) were certainly used, the existence and tactical use of weapons cannot be overlooked, especially in the southern United States. The people who advocated for armed self-defense were not fringe elements of the civil rights movement. Instead, they were part and parcel of the mainstream of the movement.

People like Medgar Evers and Robert F. Williams, as well as groups like the Deacons for Defense and Justice, were members and leaders in civil rights groups throughout the South that practiced armed self-defense in their communities. Additionally there were scores of Black civilians, who were not members of any formal organization and who fought back with arms to protect organizers, their neighbors, and themselves. An understanding of armed self-defense and its role in the civil rights era allows us to analyze our own current political moments and the strategic questions facing us currently."

- Lamont Carter and scott crow, "Other Stories from the Civil Rights Movement: A Spectrum of Community Defense", Setting Sights: Histories and Reflections on Community Armed Self-Defense, pages 131-132

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#SettingSights #ScottCrow #CivilRights #CommunityDefense #Nonviolence #Pacifism #CivilDisobedience

i think that's why scott crow used "Community Armed Self Defense" in the title. the book does cover the necessity of being in community with folks that you engage in mutual aid with or in defensive solidarity with.

you can do almost any care work in a community without developing a real horizontal relationship of solidarity. often this is what non-profits and NGOs do. but this is something to watch out for in any activism or organizing.

there is a higher power differential with community armed self defense so it makes sense that folks are reticent about replicating historical examples of machismo, paternalism, and authoritarianism.

#CommunityDefense #MutualAid

i'm working with a definition of community defense as discussed by scott crow in "Setting Sights: Histories and Reflections on Community Armed Self Defense".

it seems like people use the phrase "community defense" in ways that could just as easily be called "mutual aid".

we may even use the phrase differently in various contexts without referencing this broad nature.

these concepts are fairly intertwined so it makes sense that the cross-pollination leads to mixed messaging.

#CommunityDefense #MutualAid

community defense is not:

only the things you personally are comfortable or able to provide or discuss

no essentialism necessary

none of us can give a singular definition because it encompasses any possible activity that defends or keeps folks safe

much like mutual aid it's holistic in nature

humans need many things to thrive and survive

without a doubt, they do need a pulse to continue receiving care

#CommunityDefense #MutualAid

community defense is...

defending your community

by any means necessary

with any resources available

- food
- medical supplies/care
- social/mental health support
- technology
- tools for defense

#CommunityDefense #MutualAid