“Detroit Fights Back” was the theme for a teach-in for Detroiters at the public library this past Saturday, April 12, 2025.

This event was a coordinated by the anti fascist organizing coalition. This is not the notorious ANTIFA. First of all, the coalition’s efforts are non-violent. Teaching and discussions can extend into instruction of non-violent techniques of advocacy and protest.

This was the five-speaker agenda, as hosted by Yvonne:

• Abayomi – The Fascist Threat in the Modern Day
• Russ – Trump & Company: Prominent Figures and Ideologies
• Jim – Christianity vs. Christian Nationalism
• Ismail – Zionism and Imperialism
• Em – What can be done?

Abayomi gave an account of current trends and manifestations of fascism in society today.

Russ talked about the evolution of American fascism, worst offenders, and today’s most flagrant expressions of hateful fascist intent, including removal of the progressive “unhumans“. Also, Russ has published books on fascism, available upon request.

I spoke on “Christianity versus Christian Nationalism” saying that Christian nationalism is not Christianity at all, not in the tradition of the faith. Also, Christian nationalism is key to the fascism that is enveloping the country. Increasingly, people are considering it tto be religious fascism. Here are the speaker’s notes.

Ismail gave an intimate perspective on Palestine and the genocide. He made a direct tie between the freedom of Palestinian people with the freedom of America.

Em’s “what can be done” message celebrated ongoing organizational efforts and encouraged more. This is part of how Detroit Fights Back. Here is my interpretation of that material: