Anti-Imperial organizing in Calgary: An Interview with Wesam Cooley
Summary
Sam Cooley, a Calgary activist and former UK communist organizer, discusses his background and the evolution of the pro-Palestine movement in Alberta following October 7, 2023. He details how he helped lead Justice for Palestinians in organizing weekly rallies, emphasizing open democratic participation and open mics to build broad coalitions. The episode covers internal political battles, including excluding anti-LGBTQ+ figures from the movement, and addresses police harassment, notably Cooley’s arrest for chanting "from the river to the sea."
Topics discussed
Introduction: Parallels between Israel and Canada
Emily's background: Activism and education
Impact of Israeli assaults on Gaza and Lebanon
Organizing experiences in London and large protests
Emergence of weekly rallies in Calgary post-Oct 7
Democratic organizing and open mic traditions
Internal movement debates and political diversity
Conflict with anti-trans elements in the movement
Palestine as a vanguard issue for the Western left
Police harassment, arrests, and doxxing
Police violence against protesters and kettling
University encampments and student resilience
Strategies for direct action and influencing events
Building revolutionary movements and community
Calgary People's Assembly and upcoming events
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