The following is an edited version of a talk presented by Marcella Daneshinia, a member of the Los Angeles branch of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, at the PSL National Conference on Socialism Dec. 6.
I’m Marcella Daneshinia, and I am a member of the Party for Socialism and Liberation. I come from a working-class family. My understanding of the world was greatly influenced by my mother, who from 1972 to 1974 was a member of the Black Panther Party. Being a single and working mother of seven children, she made us aware of how the capitalist system keeps the workers down and fighting against each other.
She also taught us that racism, sexism, homophobia and any other form of discrimination were not natural and were, of course, unacceptable. She made it more than clear to all of her children that as long as people are oppressed, the working class will remain constantly in the forefront of the struggle against the bourgeoisie.
As I got older, I began to see first hand the injustices and the lack of equality that were taught to me as a child. I realized, long before I became active in the movement, that it was important to unite the people against the very system that oppresses them.
The issues that caught my attention and encouraged me to get involved with the PSL were the increasing numbers of homeless people living on the streets, and workers being laid off from their jobs and not being able to support their families. The constant racist attacks from police, who have historically terrorized the Black community, and the lack of education and health care in all oppressed sectors of the working class. All of these issues and more are not only discussed but also actively organized against by the PSL.
This is truly a party of action and discipline. We are a revolutionary party made up of leaders and organizers, who are developing our skills as party members and as individuals, who are strengthening the mass movement. This was my reason for getting involved and staying involved with the PSL. If you are passionate about pushing forward the workers’ struggle and willing to fight in the streets for a better economic system that puts people’s needs first, then the Party for Socialism and Liberation is the party for you.
