Two Forgotten Historians of American Anarchism

From Anarchistories by Tom Goyens

It is perhaps not surprising that before 1939, few serious studies on American anarchism by scholars outside the movement existed. By “serious,” I mean an effort to move beyond sensationalist accounts and a recognition that anarchism—its movement and its thought—deserves to be studied on its own terms. Not a single paper on anarchism was presented at the annual meetings of the American Historical Association during this period. The movement itself was in decline during the 1920s and 1930s, a development that certainly contributed to a broader climate of disinterest and amnesia. Yet even in this inhospitable intellectual landscape, several scholars—now entirely forgotten—made genuine attempts to treat anarchism with the rigor it deserved.

The Anarchist Blind Spot

From Anarchistories by Tom Goyens

The transformative “new social history” that emerged in the 1960s was a boon to the historical profession, especially for labor and immigrant history—two pillars essential to understanding anarchism in America. Yet, despite its potential, anarchism remained a marginal topic in the history writing of the 1960s and 1970s. The reasons for this neglect are as complex as the movement itself, shaped by ideological biases, linguistic barriers, and internal dynamics among anarchists.

Ashanti Alston: An Anarchist Panther | PART 2

From The Dugout

In this in-depth conversation with Ashanti Alston — former Black Panther, political prisoner, and life long learner — we explore the radical meaning of life, death, and liberation. Ashanti reflects on the personal and collective sacrifices demanded by struggle, the weight of “social death,” and the spiritual grounding found in honoring ancestors.

Ashanti Alston: An Interview with Anarchist Panther | PART 1

From Substack by Prince Shakur | The Dugout

In this in-depth conversation with revolutionary organizer Ashanti Alston, former member of the Black Panther Party and Black Liberation Army, we trace a life committed to struggle, freedom, and community. From his early experiences during the Civil Rights era and the 1967 Plainfield Rebellion to his radicalization through Black Power and anti-imperialist movements, Ashanti reflects on the lessons, tensions, and commitments that defined a generation of liberation fighters.

Anarchist Infighting

From Debate Me, Bro by mk zariel & Hayden R.

a reader asked how we handle conflict in anarchist spaces. so Hayden R. and i are co-editing a series of guest posts on this topic—specifically your stories. tell us about your messiest affinity group drama, your transformative justice process, who’s cancelling who on Mastodon, how you deal with it when every anarchist you know is upset at each other, and the times when conflicts have been resolved and helped you come back stronger and freer.

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