Howdy folks,
March 5, 2024 Kali Akuno of Cooperation Jackson will join Redneck Gone Green We will be discussing the Jackson-Kush Plan, their current activities, and the recent Neighborhood Economics conference Kali and I both attended last week.
We broadcast live at 6pm Eastern 3pm Pacific every Tuesday. You can join us here on Youtube. You can also join us on Rumble. Please subscribe to our Rumble channel and keep an eye out for when we post our livestream 24 hours before our broadcast.
Below my signature is a thought piece that puts Cooperation Jackson and their work into a deeper context. As always, we ask you to participate in this growing community by liking, commenting, and sharing our content.
Onward to the world we deserve,
David Cobb (he/him)
Why I put my pronouns in my email signature
Cooperation Jackson
Cooperation Jackson is a bold and innovative grassroots initiative that emerged from the heart of Jackson, Mississippi. Surrounded by neo-confederates in the state legislature, Cooperation Jackson has a a clear vision to transform the socio-economic landscape of the city and empower its residents. Founded on principles of economic democracy, solidarity economics, and social justice, Cooperation Jackson seeks to build a sustainable and equitable economy rooted in cooperation, self-determination, and community ownership.
At its core, Cooperation Jackson is a network of worker-owned cooperatives, community land trusts, and other cooperative enterprises, all working together to meet the needs of the local population while challenging the traditional capitalist economic model. This approach aims to democratize wealth and decision-making, giving ordinary people control over their workplaces and the resources they rely on.
One of the key aspects of Cooperation Jackson is its emphasis on building solidarity among marginalized communities, particularly African Americans who have historically faced systemic discrimination and economic exclusion. By fostering cooperation and mutual support, Cooperation Jackson aims to create a more inclusive and resilient economy that uplifts those who have been left behind by the mainstream capitalist system.
Cooperation Jackson's efforts extend beyond the economic realm, encompassing a wide range of social and political initiatives aimed at building community power and advancing social justice. This includes organizing campaigns for affordable housing, advocating for environmental justice, and promoting participatory democracy at the local level.
Cooperation Jackson is deeply rooted in the principles of sustainability and ecological stewardship, recognizing the interconnectedness of economic, social, and environmental issues. Through initiatives such as urban agriculture and renewable energy projects, Cooperation Jackson seeks to build a regenerative economy that respects the planet's finite resources and prioritizes the well-being of future generations.
Central to the political orientation of Cooperation Jackson is the Jackson-Kush Plan, which is a visionary political strategy rooted in principles of Black nationalism and Pan-Africanism. The plan centers the needs and aspirations of marginalized communities, and aspires to go beyond merely governing the city and actually transforming it.
Cooperation Jackson represents a beacon of hope and resilience in the face of entrenched inequality and systemic injustice. By championing the principles of cooperation, solidarity, and self-determination, Cooperation Jackson offers a compelling vision for a more just and sustainable future, not only for the people of Jackson but for communities around the world striving for a better world.
Kali Akuno
Kali is a co-founder and co-director of Cooperation Jackson, and served as the Director of Special Projects and External Funding in the Mayoral Administration of the late Chokwe Lumumba of Jackson, MS. His focus in that role was supporting cooperative development, the introduction of eco-friendly and carbon reduction methods of operation, and the promotion of human rights and international relations for the city.
Kali has served as the Co-Director of the US Human Rights Network, the Executive Director of the Peoples' Hurricane Relief Fund (PHRF) in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. He is on the Board of Directors of the US Solidarity Economy Network and was a co-founder of the School of Social Justice and Community Development (SSJCD), a public school serving the academic needs of low-income African American and Latino communities in Oakland, California.