Vice, July 24, 2019: If you hate capitalism you will love this map
The Black Socialists of America (BSA), a coalition of “anticapitalist, internationalist Black Americans,” just launched its Dual Power Map. The map promises to plot every single worker cooperative, small business development center, community land trust and dual power project in America so “you can support them right now.”
At its heart, dual power is a socialist strategy concerned with helping people who are unable to have their needs met by capitalism. The strategy calls for “counter-institutions” that not only meet the needs of those left behind but are run by those very people. It also calls for people to protect and develop these institutions into forms of social, economic and political “counter-power” through social movements or organizing efforts.
Simply put, counter-institutions try to help realize a just world, while counter-power aims to fight against an unjust one.
Worker cooperatives are typically businesses that are owned and self-managed by workers, instead of bosses and CEOs. Small business development centers are essentially spaces for businesses to receive advice and support that will help them thrive in their specific locale. Community land trusts are local nonprofits that permanently maintain ownership of land for the good of the community, such as building affordable housing.
