On February 22, One Struggle (onestruggle.net) hosted an event, “Language Day of Bangladesh and the International Fight Against Imperialism,” at Florida International University in Miami. It consisted of a panel discussion followed by a cultural program.

During the panel discussion, Irtishad Ahmad (FIU) provided historical background on the Bangladesh war of independence, illustrated with photographs. Abdy Javadzadeh (FIU) discussed imperialism and current forms of global struggle. Jarek Loovali described the role of culture in the “singing revolution” in his home country of Estonia. Leña Verde described the partly-successful struggle to force the US Marines to stop using the island of Vieques (near Puerto Rico) for a bombing range (though the fight continues). And finally, Daniel of One Struggle talked about the struggles in Haiti against imperialism and for the minimum wage. He shared information about the Rapid Response Network, which is organizing solidarity for a worker in Haiti who was beaten up and fired for demanding to be paid the minimum wage in a factory producing clothing for Gildan.

Following the presentations, members of the audience joined those on stage to light a candle and raise their fists in a message of solidarity with the current uprising in Bangladesh, and in favor of a global progressive secular mass movement.

For the cultural portion of the event, several singers sang Bangladeshi songs. Solos were performed by Farhana Orchi, Piyali Sukla, and Syeda Shamima Jesmin. They were joined by Shohag Uddin and US singer Travis Newbill for a bilingual version of the song ““Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” Catherina Rozario introduced the songs, provided information about the culture of Bangladesh, and recited a poem about the struggle for liberation. Members of the audience joined the singers for a moving rendition of “Amar Bhaier Rokte Rangano Ekushey.” (“My Brothers’ Blood Was Spilled on 21st February.”)

For even more internationalist solidarity, Kiki Wainwright, a renowned singer, poet and storyteller from Haiti, recited poetry and sang a song, and Marc Luzietti led the audience in singing the Italian revolutionary song “Bandiera Rossa.” The evening concluded with Unity Rise performing inspiring, fast-and-loud versions of traditional US labor songs.