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Twin Revolution.

[Philadelphia], [ca. 1970]. Bifolium (17.5” x 14” unfolded), 4 pp., illustrated. CONDITION: Very light wear, else fine.

A scarce and visually striking Philadelphia Black Power publication from the period of intensified organizing and Black political unity after the notorious and brutal raids on Black Panther houses by the Philadelphia Police.

This Philadelphia publication advocates for politically aware Black parenting (“Black Parents: Heed Our Children”) and publicizes the unjust firing of substitute teacher Mahomoud Togane. That article includes his and his students’ demands for a school administration that corresponds to its Black and Puerto Rican student body, for the student government to play a real and active part in decision making, and for school facilities that “reflect the riches of this nation.” The publication’s headlining piece is an editorial, reprinted from the Black Manifesto News, addressing the “Twin Revolution” against racism and capitalism and the need for Black people to “depend on our own forces and our own leadership” in the fight for “liberation of all poor and oppressed people.” This editorial is accompanied by Josiah Wedgwood’s abolitionist symbol of a Black man in chains above the banner asking “Am I not a man and a brother?” Printed below, the publication replies: “Or else I’m still a slave.” Other pieces include a poem called “Who The Hell Cares?” by “a Black G.I. caught in the trap of racist U.S. Army”; a quote from Che Guevara about the Vietnam War; a cartoon showing Nixon justifying the layoff of a Black teamster; and the lyrics, accompanied by a large drawing of a needle, of “Two Little Boys,” a spoken word piece from the 1970 album The Last Poets (which can be heard in full on YouTube).

Though unattributed, this publication clearly emerges from Philadelphia’s vibrant Black Power scene. Given that Togane and his students’ highly publicized protest at Edison High School occurred on December 18, 1970, it likely appeared in late 1970 or very early 1971. The editorial, reprinted “in the interest of continuing discussion,” speaks to the heightened urgency and determination across civil rights and Black power movements following August’s brutal police raids on the Black Panthers and September’s historically large Revolutionary People’s Constitutional Convention, both of which took place in Philadelphia.

OCLC records just two copies, at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Michigan. Not in Blockson.

Item #7334

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