SUMMER 2025

introduction to racial capitalism

A Short Course

Racism has been one of the most enduring tools in the service of capitalism, which manufactures the division of the working class—organizing human life into hierarchies that produce and justify exploitation, expropriation, and violence.

This course will examine the entangled histories of racial division and global capitalism through the lens of racial capitalism, a conceptual framework developed to analyze how capitalism’s emergence and evolution has relied on racial exploitation. From slavery and colonial conquest to contemporary regimes of policing, war, and labor, we will examine how racial difference is produced and weaponized to generate profit and enforce domination. Together, we will engage racial capitalism as a framework to sharpen our understanding of the racist capitalist system we are up against and help guide our struggle towards a liberated future, grounded in solidarity.

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  • Everyone from all contexts, backgrounds, and identities is welcome to register!  Each of the three sessions will build on the last, and we ask that participants commit to the full study or use the materials provided to stay caught up if they miss a session.

  • This is a three-day study and introduction to the core concepts and foundation of racial capitalism – exploring its origins and current manifestations, and how it can serve as a framework to inform and strengthen our organizing today. Each day will feature a lecture and discussion with the instructor, Dr. Rama Ali Kased

  • This is a 3 part study from June 17 - June 19, with classes on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6:30 – 8:30 PM ET. This is a hybrid course that allows participation from anywhere worldwide. 

    • For those in the New York area, in-person classes are held at The People’s Forum, 320 W 37th Street, New York, NY 10018. 

    • For participants who will be attending virtually, a zoom link will be sent prior to each session.

    • Participants with work/life schedules or based in time zones that preclude them from participating live will have access to the recordings and can follow the course at their own pace.