Bob Avakian facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bob Avakian
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Avakian in 1980
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| Chairman of the Revolutionary Communist Party, USA | |
| Assumed office 1975 |
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| Preceded by | Position established |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Robert Bruce Avakian
March 7, 1943 Washington D.C., U.S. |
| Political party | Revolutionary Communist Party, USA (1975–present) |
| Other political affiliations |
Peace and Freedom Party (1960s) |
Robert Bruce Avakian (born March 7, 1943) is an American political activist. He is known for founding and leading the Revolutionary Communist Party, USA (RCP). This group is sometimes described as having a strong focus on Avakian's ideas. He helped create the party's main ideas, which are called "the New Synthesis" or "New Communism."
Contents
Early Life and Background
Robert Bruce Avakian was born on March 7, 1943. His birthplace was Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States. His parents were Ruth and Spurgeon Avakian.
Family and Childhood
His father, Spurgeon Avakian, was an Armenian American lawyer. He was also active in civil rights. Later, he became a judge in Alameda County, California. Robert spent his early years in the Washington D.C. area. After age three, he grew up in Berkeley, California.
Getting Involved in Politics
As a young man, Avakian became very active in politics. He joined several important groups in the 1960s. These groups were working for social change.
Student Activism
He was involved with the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) at Berkeley. He also participated in the Free Speech Movement. This movement fought for students' rights to express their views. Avakian also worked with the Black Panther Party.
Joining Political Groups
In 1968, he wrote articles for the Peace and Freedom Party. This party focused on peace and civil rights. In July 1969, he spoke at a Black Panther conference. This event took place in Oakland, California.
Role in Student Leadership
The SDS group split into different parts in 1969. Avakian became a key member of one part, called the Revolutionary Youth Movement II. He was a candidate for a top leadership role. Even though he didn't win that specific role, he was elected to a national committee. During this time, he was also a leader in the Bay Area Revolutionary Union.
Later Political Actions
Avakian continued his political work into the 1970s and beyond. He faced challenges but kept promoting his ideas.
Protests and Travel
In the early 1970s, he spent time in prison. This was for an action during a protest. Later, in 1979, he was involved in a protest in Washington, D.C. This protest was against a meeting between leaders from China and the U.S. After this, Avakian went to France. He sought protection there. His legal issues were resolved a few years later.
Writing and Leadership
In 2005, Avakian published his life story. It was titled From Ike to Mao and Beyond: My Journey from Mainstream America to Revolutionary Communist. He has been the main leader of the Revolutionary Communist Party since 1979.
Recent Activities
In 2016, the RCP USA helped start an organization called Refuse Fascism. This group called for changes in government leadership. In 2020, Avakian shared his thoughts on political threats. He encouraged supporters to use peaceful actions to achieve their goals. This included voting in elections while also working for bigger changes.
Impact and Views
Robert Avakian is a figure who sparks different opinions.
Supporters' Views
His supporters see him as an important leader. They believe his work has helped develop communist ideas. They think his ideas offer a way for people to be free from the current economic system.
Critics' Views
However, some people criticize him. They suggest that his party focuses too much on him personally. The party itself says these claims are false.
Images for kids
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Avakian in 1980
