Carl Dix facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Carl Dix
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Carl Dix photo by William Short from A Matter of Conscience
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Carl Dix
1948 (age 76–77) |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Revolutionary Communist Party, USA |
Carl Dix (born in 1948) is an important leader of the Revolutionary Communist Party, USA (RCP). He helped start this group. He writes for a newspaper called Revolution. He has worked with Bob Avakian for a long time.
In 1996, Carl Dix helped start a group called the October 22nd Coalition. This group worked to stop police unfairness. He also worked with Cornel West to fight against a program called "Stop and Frisk" in New York City. This program allowed police to stop and search many people.
Carl Dix is also part of a group called Refuse Fascism. This group started in 2016. It worked to oppose the Trump government. He was also involved in other important groups. These include the Black Workers Congress and Vietnam Veterans Against the War.
Carl Dix's Early Life
Carl Dix grew up in West Baltimore, Maryland. His community was mostly African-American and working class. In 1968, he was in college. The Vietnam War was happening then. He was asked to join the U.S. Army.
He was told to go to Fort Bragg Army base in North Carolina. When he arrived, he saw a sign. It said "Welcome to KKK Country." This made him wonder what he was getting into. He was inspired by leaders like Malcolm X. Malcolm X talked about America fighting for justice abroad. But people at home were not treated fairly.
In December 1969, Carl Dix faced a big decision. He received orders to go to Vietnam. At the same time, he heard about police actions against the Black Panther Party. He realized the war was not just far away. It was also happening at home. He decided he could not fight in Vietnam. He felt he could not fight for America.
Refusing Orders and Prison Time
In June 1970, Carl Dix and five other soldiers refused to go to Vietnam. This was a big event during the war. They became known as the Fort Lewis Six. Carl Dix was put in a military jail right away. This was unusual.
During their trials, the judge did not listen to their reasons. Carl Dix was sent to Leavenworth Military Penitentiary. He was in prison for two years. He said he had to be true to himself. He accepted the consequences of his choice.
While in prison, he became a revolutionary. He was beaten by prison guards. He said he was hit and thrown to the floor. Then, he was charged with attacking a guard. He was also charged with not following an order.
After prison, Carl Dix went back to Baltimore. From 1973 to 1978, he worked at the Bethlehem Steel plant. This was in Sparrows Point.
Carl Dix's Political Work
In 2011, Carl Dix helped start the "Stop Mass Incarceration Network." He wrote about fighting against unfair arrests and prison sentences. Carl Dix worked with Cornel West and others. They spoke out against the "Stop and Frisk" program in New York City.
On October 21, 2011, Carl Dix and over 30 people were arrested. They were protesting peacefully at a police station. Earlier that day, Carl Dix wrote an article. It explained why he was protesting.
See also
- Concerned Officers Movement
- Court-martial of Howard Levy
- Court-martial of Susan Schnall
- Donald W. Duncan
- Fort Hood Three
- Free The Army tour
- GI's Against Fascism
- GI Coffeehouses
- GI Underground Press
- Movement for a Democratic Military
- Opposition to United States involvement in the Vietnam War
- Presidio mutiny
- Sir! No Sir!, a documentary about the anti-war movement within the ranks of the United States Armed Forces
- Stop Our Ship (SOS) anti-Vietnam War movement in and around the U.S. Navy
- Vietnam Veterans Against the War
- Waging Peace in Vietnam
- Winter Soldier Investigation
