Columbia, South Carolina
2nd January, 1960
It was the yearly Party Conference of the Black Socialist Alliance, in which discussed policy, manifesto, recruitment, membership and everything else. Hundreds gathered in the rented ball-room, from the party leader of the charismatic Zamari James to basic members of just a few weeks. Funded by both local businesses and the parties funding, Zamari was determined that this decade would be the next big thing, as did his wife, Jomary Moss, 5 years younger than him, wanting to guide a new era in America. To one table, the 35-year old was discussing housing policy with his veteran civil rightist, Alfred Mighton, who was Housing Spokesperson, with Deputy Leader, Charlie Nickson, his wife, Jomary Moss and Allister Ambrose, his economic advisor and personal friend. Platters of food was given out to the tables, as an all-black jazz band was playing in the background. Sipping on some red wine, the young leader was talking with Allister Ambrose on the parties' shift in economic policy.
As the conference eventually faded, as the subject of economic and social policy had become draining for most of the members and key figures, Zamari now stood on a small podium, as the general conversation slowly faded, until silence.
"Thank you, my friends and family. This, as was last year, has been a successful conference, with our membership at record levels and our general support never better, but work is still be the done. The march for racial equality and a redistribution of our great nation's wealth remains, and we cannot back down from the fight, nor will our party ever. We cannot back down to the white nationalists, we cannot back down to the dixiecrats who seek our destruction. The fight for the equality for everyone is sill alive, and will always be alive. The struggle for justice, the struggle for equality remains at the forefront of our nation's destiny. Our quest for racial justice is also our quest for social justice, the justice of the poor man. While our progress has been impressive, our journey doesn't stop, we cannot stop. The people of America must come together to defend our ethos of liberty and freedom. We shall defend America's back-bone. The so-called populists talk of policy and popularity, but they do not understand the mind of a black man. They work with the establishment for political brownies, while the working-class here in the South, the Blackman in the south, continues to fight for rights, fight for our freedom. It is time to for everyone, whether the rich man or poor man, white or black, to know that the true struggle of America is freedom, the true struggle is for the working man of our nation. In truth, we cannot work with the establishment, but must work against the establishment, for the long-term goal of a nation which works for the many, not for the few, which works for racial equality, not racial division".
He'd take a sip of water, as the applause from the conference came through, a few cheers here and their.
"That's why I'll be announcing the beginning of our 1960 Presidential Campaign as the Leader of the Black Socialist Party, battling against the racist establishment, as-well as the challenging state and local elections. Our fight for civil rights, our fight for racial equality and our fight for a new, fairer nation. Thank you!" He said, as an enemas of cheers and clapping occurred, members and key figures in the party approaching him, shaking his hand of his first speech of the year. His wife came fourth to him, pecking him on the cheek. "Was it good?" She asked sweetly, as they both walked towards the exit, the event coming to close.
"Good as always. Back home?" She replied, as they exited the ballroom, his two bodyguards taking the couple towards his jet black car, cheers still coming towards them. As he entered the back-seat of the car, one last smile was given to the crowd of BSA members, as it sped off down the street.
Rally in New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana
5th January, 1960
In the busy streets of New Orleans, Louisiana, Zamari was upon a podium, speaking out to thousands who had gathered for his first speech since his announcement of him running for President as a third-party candidate. Sipping his regulatory glass of water, as the cheers and claps were soon zoned out, the charismatic orator began his speech.
"Thank you all, the thousands who have come out in support of our revolutionary movement, our movement for racial and economic equality for all across America. The far-right, Dixiecrat's seek to destroy not just our movement, but you. They seek to destroy the struggle for freedom, the struggle for justice. While the civil rights movement remains peaceful and non-confrontational in congress, with calling for the "working with" rather than "working against". If you do not face the devil, you are merely part of him. If these powerful and influential congressmen who believe in racial equality and racial justice want to make real, long-term change, they have to confront the right-wing populists, they to confront the decades of allowing the far-right and Dixiecrats to become mainstream views, or are merely part of a major problem here in the USA. While Congress debates economic matters, we, the people of America, the back-bone of our nation's economy, shall be march on. March on for freedom! March on for justice! March on for the dream of true racial and economic liberation! The true people of America shall lead us into the new decade, and lead us, for whatever the price is, for freedom, justice and liberty!" He'd finish, as a complex explosion of cheers, chants and claps came, some even chanting "ZAMARI!" repeatedly.
Stepping down from the podium, a slithered line appeared, as him and his wife walked their way back to their car. Soon, another large group's chants and jeers soon came closer and closer. Possibly a faction of the Blueshirts, possibly a counter-protest. Looking onwards, Zamari quickly ushered his wife into the car, as the two bodyguards looked to get the movement's key leader in as-well.
"Sir, you need to get in!" Demanded the bodyguard, as the protest, with similar numbers to that of the original one which Zamari had gathered himself. Police had already been at the scene, as a thin line emerged between the counter-protest and that of Zamari's.
He'd look to the protest, before seeing that the police likely had it covered. He rushed back into the car, as it zipped away. Looking back, the 35-year old gulped loudly, knowing he had practically fled the protest he organised. Shouting occurred between the two opposing groups, as the car made the left and right turns, as the noise and shouting of thousands became more and more quiet.
"Are you alright, honey?" He'd ask, clutching her hand.
"Y-yes. They are the Dixies, right?" She asked innocently, as Zamari tried to calm himself down, gulping once more.
"Yep. No need to worry about them. I've got a meeting with Charles tomorrow, no rally. This is gonna be a regular occurrence, and I'm truly sorry about that" He'd reply, clutching her hand a little tighter, as she leant her head on his shoulder, as the car eventually made it's way back to the highway.
