The pursuit of social change is often marked by two distinct yet interconnected approaches: mobilisation and organisation. This article explores the nuances between these approaches, illustrating their impacts through history. By understanding these dynamics, we can better grasp the complexities of achieving true self-determination and lasting societal transformation.

On Mobilisation

Mobilisation in social change involves rallying individuals and groups to take collective action for a specific cause, often triggered by acts of injustice. It taps into the emotional readiness of people, uniting them across race, politics, and ideologies through shared values, leading to protests, rallies, and social media campaigns. A notable instance occurred during the Soweto Uprising, where the collective action of students became a pivotal moment in the fight against apartheid.

In 1974, South Africa's Department of Bantu Education mandated Afrikaans as the language for teaching math and social sciences, sparking theSoweto Uprising. This protest, ignited by Black students against the imposition of Afrikaans – an act to systematically replace and erase native languages – symbolised the broader oppression of apartheid. On June 16, 1976, peaceful protests escalated into widespread violence as students clashed with police, who responded with deadly force.

On Organisation

Organisation involves building stable institutions, establishing leadership, and setting strategies that align with a single focused ideology guiding its efforts. Unlike mobilisation, which often adapts to immediate needs and can encompass diverse strategies and goals, organisation builds a consistent foundation that allows for sustained resistance and coordinated efforts over time. The struggle against imperialism, the pursuit of sovereignty and power to self-govern are not events but a continued effort.

The Cuban Revolution, a pivotal moment in Cuban history, led to the overthrow of Fulgencio Batista's regime and the establishment of Fidel Castro's socialist state. Spanning from 1953 to 1959, the revolution symbolised the fight against imperialism and social injustice, gaining widespread support, particularly from rural populations. The revolution's success profoundly impacted Cuba and Latin America, inspiring other movements. Under Castro, the new government implemented significant changes which focused on the interests of the people, including land redistribution, accessible healthcare, and nationalisation of industries.

On Reform and Revolution

Mobilisation and revolutionary action differ significantly. Mobilisation seeks immediate change within existing systems, aiming for specific goals. Revolutionary action, however, aims to fundamentally challenge and transform the entire system, seeking to replace it with a new one. While mobilisation may lead to incremental changes, revolutionary action pursues deep, systemic transformation.

To be an organiser you must be a mobiliser, but the rule does not work in reverse. Organised movements hold a critical advantage over mobilisation, especially when the goal is not just to influence existing systems but to achieve true self-determination and autonomy. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a master at rallying masses and pressuring the American government to uphold its constitutional promises, yet he worked within a system fundamentally designed to marginalise blacks. The limitations of mobilisation are evident here - while it can effectively highlight what a group stands against, it doesn't necessarily unify people under a shared vision of what they stand for.

As Kwame Ture noted, "Just because everybody is against the same thing, it doesn't mean that everybody is for the same thing." This distinction underscores the importance of being consciously organised, as organisation goes beyond temporary influence to build lasting power. When Malcolm X built mosques, he left behind structures; when MLK broke down segregation, he moved on, leaving no enduring organisation in its place.

Responsibility to our communities demands action that is deliberate and sustained, not just reactive. Organised movements create the structures, leadership, and strategies necessary for lasting change, ensuring that the fight for justice and autonomy is not just a momentary uprising, but a continuous and effective pursuit for power.

The Pan-African Congresses and the conscious collectives of intellectuals, artists, and activists throughout the 20th century played a significant role in promoting unity among African and African-descended peoples. Ultimately contributing to the decolonisation movements in Africa, the Americas, and the Caribbean.

Aimé Césaire's statement is from a letter he wrote to Maurice Thorez, in protest to the actions of the French Communist Party. It emphasises the distinctiveness of the existence, challenges, and cultural heritage of blacks. He asserts that this awareness is not only a recognition of our singular position in the world but also a call to take full responsibility for it. Césaire underscores the irreplaceable nature of our situation, one that cannot be compared or reduced to the experiences of others.

This analysis underscores the vital distinction between mobilisation and organisation in the pursuit of social justice. However, for Africans and the diaspora, the path to collective liberation requires more than just choosing between these strategies—it demands unity. Césaire’s words serve as a powerful reminder that despite geographical and cultural differences, our histories are commonly marked by unparalleled struggles and suffering. True liberation can only be achieved when Africans and their diaspora unite, combining the power of mobilisation with the strength of organised efforts.