Other Archives - The Future in the Present

On Education for Revolution

April 11, 2021 Leave a Comment

Learning or, more precisely, development should primarily be a social activity involving those who know more or who are more developed with those who are not so knowledgeable or developed. Those who know more or who are more developed need to create an environment for shared learning or development by “lending” some of what they […]

Noel Ignatiev—1940-2019: A Life Defined by Political Engagement

January 5, 2020 Leave a Comment

Noel Ignatiev, the author of the following essay on Frederick Douglass, died on November 9th of this year. Although he had been ill, he wasn’t expecting death in the immediate future. In fact, he was looking forward to the publication of the essay in The Brooklyn Rail. The brief period of time since his death […]

Beyond the Spectacle: New Abolitionists Speak Out

June 22, 2015 Leave a Comment

Noel Ignatiev & John Garvey Our initial reaction to the Rachel Dolezal story was: what’s the big deal? America has always been a land of shape shifters, and if she isn’t stopped for ”driving while black” or followed while shopping, and if her sons are not targeted by cops, then how is she different from […]

I have been a political activist for more than fifty years. Soon after college, I began driving a taxi in New York City and became an active member of the Taxi Rank and File Coalition. That experience profoundly shaped my views and I remain friends with many of my taxi comrades.

In 1978, I stopped driving and entered into education work–which I then did for more than thirty years–almost all of it at the City University of New York. That also profoundly shaped my views.

At the same time, I continued my political activities–most importantly as an editor of Race Traitor, an editor of Insurgent Notes and part of the editorial group of Hard Crackers.

The writings collected here reflect all those experiences. My intention is to regularly post new things that I’ve written.

However you found your way here, I hope that you find something of value. I would really like hearing from you about your thoughts and reactions. Write me here.