A Third Force in Politics: Maurice Mitchell on Creating a Multiracial Working-Class Movement

No Matter What Happens: A Race Forward Podcast Series

On this episode of No Matter What Happens: A Race Forward host Cathy Albisa, Race Forward’s Vice President For Institutional and Sectoral Change sits with Maurice Mitchell, National Director of the Working Families Party, in a discussion about his philosophies and worldview rooted in his experiences as a longtime organizer in the movement, now in a leadership position building a “multiracial party that…wants an America which realizes the promise – unrealized in our history –– of freedom and equality for all.”

Maurice reflects on his immigrant background from Trinidad and Grenada, sharing how his upbringing and early experiences with systemic inequities fueled his commitment to building a multiracial working-class movement aimed at dismantling barriers related to race, class, gender, and immigration status.

Maurice highlights his extensive activism, from addressing criminal justice issues on campus to leading campaigns against jail expansion and corporate pollution. He emphasizes the need for a "third force" in American politics to challenge the bipartisan system and advocates for an inclusive democracy where working people have genuine decision-making power. He critiques symbolic gestures without substantial structural changes, urging a holistic approach to address the intertwined issues of economic and racial justice.

The conversation underscores the inevitable backlash social movements face as a sign of progress. Maurice encourages listeners to engage strategically in activism, whether by joining existing organizations like the Working Families Party or creating new political homes that reflect their values. The episode concludes with a call to action, inspiring listeners to unite in the pursuit of a more just and equitable society.