First Published: In the Asian/Pacific Islanders news supplement, Unity, Vol. 2, No. 17, August 24-September 6, 1979.
Transcription, Editing and Markup: Paul Saba
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San Francisco – “Chilai, Kai Ho, Makibakau!” One hundred and sixty people chanted and clapped at the August 18 program to celebrate the merger of East Wind – a Marxist-Leninist collective long active in the Los Angeles Asian American movement and Japanese community – and the League of Revolutionary Struggle (M-L).
The successful program was held in Japantown, and was an important event because it reaffirmed the revolutionary history of the Asian American movement.
As Butch Wing, speaking for the League, pointed out, “Tonight’s program is significant because it reflects a rebirth of the Asian movement. The merger of East Wind and the League is part of that rebirth.. . .And tonight, we have many activists from Japantown, Chinatown, the campuses and work places who are participating directly in the struggles of Asian peoples in the Bay Area.”
Speakers from East Wind and the League brought out the rich history of militant, antiimperialist struggle which was a common bond between East Wind and the League. The unity of these two organizations also shows how principled unity can be achieved between Marxist-Leninist organizations.
Many people commented on how exciting it was to see so many new people as well as longtime Asian community activists.
For the young people, it was a good opportunity to learn about the long, inspiring history of the Asian American movement which was brought out clearly in the slide show, “Our Roots.’’ which traces the history of East Wind and the Los Angeles Asian American movement.
Along the walls, there were posters, old newspapers and leaflets, bringing alive the past decade of Asian and Third World struggles – the International Hotel, Sanrizuka, the S.F. State College Third World strike, and many others.
The audience enjoyed the progressive songs of Asian song writer Robert Kikuchi, and the poetry of Richard Oyama.
For people who have long been active in community work and campus organizing, the message was clear – “It is time to reaffirm and deepen our commitment to the struggle – to serve the people – and to make revolution.”
At the conclusion of the program, the Internationale was sung in English, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese, and thunderous chants of “One struggle, many fronts!” reverberated throughout the hall.
It was an inspiring evening, and many people stayed for the reception to talk with old friends, make new ones, and go forward with renewed energy and spirit.