USSF: Poverty Scholars Discussion with General Baker

The Poverty Scholars Program hosted an evening discussion with long-time activist and labor leader General Baker during the US Social Forum in Detroit. He spoke about the history of labor organizing in Detroit and the need for community leaders today. Over 60 Poverty Scholars representing more than 22 organizations participated. This was one of the many events that the Poverty Initiative organized during the US Social Forum. Thanks to the Media Mobilizing Project for shooting and editing the video.

Part 1 (32:26):

Part 2 (36:55):

General Baker is an internationally recognized labor leader and autoworker who is legendary for his role in leading Black autoworkers in the 1960s Detroit wildcat strikes against automakers and discriminatory union leaders. He was the first American to refuse the Vietnam draft; his case was a landmark in draft resistance, symbolizing the beginning of the anti-war movement.  Baker ran for statewide political office in Michigan; led in the statewide effort to support Detroit's homeless tent city; was part of the North American delegation to the 7th Pan-African Congress in Uganda,  and he has addressed many other international gatherings. General Baker was a plenary speaker at the Detroit US Social Forum.