From I Like Ike to Fight the Power!
By Angelica Carapia
From Oakland High School, The Aegis
June/Senior Edition 2005
Before reading Bob Avakian's memoir, From Ike to Mao and Beyond-My Journey from Mainstream American to Revolutionary Communist, I was ashamed to say that I did not know much about Bob Avakian. Yes, I knew that he was the Chairman of the Revolutionary Communist Party, but I did not know as much as I wanted about his life, his experiences, and his involvement in the civil rights movement.
On May 6th, I was invited to attend a book release party in honor of Bob Avakian. People were gathered around, discussing not only the event and the book, but also the state of each other's families: How's the wife?? I felt a little lost, following a teacher I knew here and there as he greeted people as if he's known them since he was a baby. Kiosks selling copies of the book were packed with curious people, inquiring about it and smiling at the answers.
As the night went on, we gathered in the auditorium where everyone scurried to a good seat. We began with the video excerpt Revolution-Imagine from the film Revolution: Why it's Necessary, Why it's Possible, What it's All About, a recent talk by Bob Avakian. Throughout the rest of the night, the repetition of the word Imagine echoed in my mind, reminding me of why I was there.
After the perfect introduction into the evening, we were indulged with speakers including Peter Coyote, Larry Everest and Michael Lange, narrators reading passages from the book and heated poetry by CHICO SPEAKS OUT. Time and time again I heard Public Enemy's Fight the Power in the background, making me smirk and think, There could not be a better song for this situation? After the ceremony I was off to my house to reflect on the night and of course, begin reading the book.
Now for the meaty part: What did I think of the book? I must say this was a load to read in a short period of time, but well worth it. The book is divided into three main parts, Avakian's life as child and adolescent growing up as just another white kid in the middle of the last century, as a young adult breathing in the life that Berkeley had to offer in the 60's, and as a man evolving into a revolutionary communist leader to this day. The book is an interwoven collection of interviews throughout Avakian's life, formatting the book as a genuine narration. From doo-wop to the Black Panthers, Avakian presents his ideas on a silver platter, welcoming old and young spirits to get a slice of his life.
I recommend this book to the high school student interested in joining the fight against human oppression and for anyone hoping to enlighten themselves with the life of one of the greatest civil rights leaders of our time.
