Points of Unity
We Are:
...autonomous, leaderful, decentralized, non-hierarchal and Black-led.
The Table is not affiliated with any specific group or organization. When we do this work, we come together as individuals with collective, shared goals, rather than members of various organizations in a coalition. We welcome the support and participation of individuals of African/Black descent from all political persuasions, who oppose oppression and support the liberation of all Black people across the globe. The Table is for all of us, fam. While we do not organize based on group affiliation and no one group can take credit for this collective effort, we do welcome organizations and groups to participate, provide support and resources, an express their solidarity with our efforts.
...anti-authoritarian and anti-capitalist, committed to educating and fighting against all forms of oppression within our movement and outside of it.
The Table strongly opposes white supremacy and anti-Blackness, patriarchy and misogynoir, ableism, abuse and exploitation, xenophobia and nationalism, and militarism, colonialism and imperalism. We will do everything in our power to make our space accessible to all Black people regardless of genders, sexualities, abilities, socioeconomic status, age, religion, immigration status and nationality. At the same time, we realize that there is inherent risk in this type of work that may prevent some of us from participating on the ground or front lines. Therefore, we acknowledge that support roles, less confrontational tactics and other lower risk work is equally as important and necessary as holding space in the streets.
...against the police state and the greater systems of oppression that it historically and presently upholds.
The Table will not give authorities (e.g. city police, county sheriff's, CHP, ICE, etc.) information about ourselves, others, or our efforts without consensus and approval from the larger group. We will not talk to law enforcement about our efforts, unless we are properly trained to do so or unless a trusted attorney is present. We will not work with law enforcement, and we will not accuse others of doing so without definitive proof. We are committed to learning and spreading information within the Black Sacramento community about security culture, safer practice, community alternatives to the police, and safely navigating law enforcement encounters, arrests, etc.
...open to and encouraging of a diversity of tactics
The Table supports the use of a wide range of strategies and skill sets, occurring in parallel or in succession as we escalate. We will not pressure others into using tactics they are not comfortable with nor following our lead, and we will respect the autonomy of others using tactics we ourselves would not use. Tactics and strategies should be examined based on their effectiveness in accomplishing the goals at hand. Divergent strategies towards the shared goal of a free Black Sacramento are welcomed.
...committed to approaching internal conflict directly, restoratively, and with an awareness of intersectionality to the best of our abilities
Those of us sitting at The Table will hold ourselves and others accountable for our actions (in ways that do not increase the risk of state repression on any individual, when applicable and as feasible.) We recognize that conflict resolution should not occur at the expense of any individual’s safety or well-being. We have zero tolerance for slurs, harassment, verbal abuse, domestic abuse, or sexual abuse against Black people based on and regardless of their gender, sexuality, ability, ethnicity, immigration status, nationality, age, or religion.
...autonomous, leaderful, decentralized, non-hierarchal and Black-led.
The Table is not affiliated with any specific group or organization. When we do this work, we come together as individuals with collective, shared goals, rather than members of various organizations in a coalition. We welcome the support and participation of individuals of African/Black descent from all political persuasions, who oppose oppression and support the liberation of all Black people across the globe. The Table is for all of us, fam. While we do not organize based on group affiliation and no one group can take credit for this collective effort, we do welcome organizations and groups to participate, provide support and resources, an express their solidarity with our efforts.
...anti-authoritarian and anti-capitalist, committed to educating and fighting against all forms of oppression within our movement and outside of it.
The Table strongly opposes white supremacy and anti-Blackness, patriarchy and misogynoir, ableism, abuse and exploitation, xenophobia and nationalism, and militarism, colonialism and imperalism. We will do everything in our power to make our space accessible to all Black people regardless of genders, sexualities, abilities, socioeconomic status, age, religion, immigration status and nationality. At the same time, we realize that there is inherent risk in this type of work that may prevent some of us from participating on the ground or front lines. Therefore, we acknowledge that support roles, less confrontational tactics and other lower risk work is equally as important and necessary as holding space in the streets.
...against the police state and the greater systems of oppression that it historically and presently upholds.
The Table will not give authorities (e.g. city police, county sheriff's, CHP, ICE, etc.) information about ourselves, others, or our efforts without consensus and approval from the larger group. We will not talk to law enforcement about our efforts, unless we are properly trained to do so or unless a trusted attorney is present. We will not work with law enforcement, and we will not accuse others of doing so without definitive proof. We are committed to learning and spreading information within the Black Sacramento community about security culture, safer practice, community alternatives to the police, and safely navigating law enforcement encounters, arrests, etc.
...open to and encouraging of a diversity of tactics
The Table supports the use of a wide range of strategies and skill sets, occurring in parallel or in succession as we escalate. We will not pressure others into using tactics they are not comfortable with nor following our lead, and we will respect the autonomy of others using tactics we ourselves would not use. Tactics and strategies should be examined based on their effectiveness in accomplishing the goals at hand. Divergent strategies towards the shared goal of a free Black Sacramento are welcomed.
...committed to approaching internal conflict directly, restoratively, and with an awareness of intersectionality to the best of our abilities
Those of us sitting at The Table will hold ourselves and others accountable for our actions (in ways that do not increase the risk of state repression on any individual, when applicable and as feasible.) We recognize that conflict resolution should not occur at the expense of any individual’s safety or well-being. We have zero tolerance for slurs, harassment, verbal abuse, domestic abuse, or sexual abuse against Black people based on and regardless of their gender, sexuality, ability, ethnicity, immigration status, nationality, age, or religion.
