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Power U believes that the systems of White Supremacy, Capitalism, and Heteropatriarchy are the roots of oppression in our society. To fight these forms of oppression and win Human Rights [2], Power U strives to uphold the following principles in ourselves, our organization, and our movement for social justice:
Self-determination for all communities
A community’s people should have the right to control their own land, economy, politics and culture. They should be the leading decision-makers for their communities.
Solidarity within and between communities of color
All communities of color face racial oppression caused by white privilege and white supremacy. Different communities of color experience racism and discrimination differently. Solidarity within a community of color and between communities of color creates greater power to confront white supremacy and racism.
Economic Justice
The exploitation of working-class and poor people benefits the rich. Global capitalism has left the majority of the world’s people in poverty while a very small minority prospers and controls everything. Working-class and poor people are at the mercy of rich people and a brutal system that seeks to strip them of their humanity. The resources of the world should be created, controlled, and distributed fairly to the benefit of all people.
Black Liberation
In the United States and across the world, the development of global capitalism and white supremacy has been and continues to be dependent on the exploitation and oppression of Africa, and African descended people. Therefore, Black people cannot achieve the fulfillment of our human rights by simply fighting to improve our position within the existing system. In order for Black people to experience true freedom, the entire economic and social system of society must be transformed.
Women’s Liberation
Heteropatriarchy uses sexism and violence to degrade and exploit women. Women should be free from domination by men and have the power to exercise the full range of their human rights. Our freedom struggles have always relied on the leadership of women. However, even our social justice movements have subjected women to a secondary position. Therefore it is essential that the leadership and contributions of women be prioritized, uplifted, and honored.
Equality for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People
The queer community has historically been excluded and forced into silence by a society that assumes the superiority and normalcy of heterosexual relationships and also imposes heterosexual gender and sex roles. The LGBTQ community should share the same rights and privileges as heterosexual people and should be free from humiliation and degradation.
Youth Empowerment
Young people are dismissed, ignored, criminalized, and exploited by adults. Their ideas are not respected and they are denied a voice in determining the future of their communities. Young people have the right to be treated with respect, to have opportunities to develop their skills and ideas, and to have a space to enact their visions for the world.
International Solidarity
The United States Government and American corporations exploit the people and resources of other countries for the benefit of Americans. This forces people from other countries to leave their homes and many of them migrate to the U.S. in search of opportunities. People of color and other oppressed people in the U.S. must support the struggles of oppressed people around the world to defend themselves from U.S. exploitation. This includes supporting their right to migrate to and receive equal treatment in this country
[2] Click here to read a copy of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights