Moving Beyond the Left

At the age of 24, Z co-founded a political organization that became Black Socialists in America. Z’s work drew the attention of many, from Black Panther Party veterans and thousands of grassroots freedom-fighters around the world, to sitting presidents and academics. It also played a central role in introducing millions across generations to both critiques of capitalism and practical ideas for how we can organize ourselves into post-capitalist societies. Z has deeply impacted cultural discourse in North America and elsewhere through their work and in ways that are still visible today, largely operating behind the scenes. Z’s new book — “Moving Beyond the Left: A Post-Left Post-Mortem in Pursuit of Freedom” — marks their first time opening up about their political development and activities, and to put forward constructive critiques of the many ways in which they and many others have historically conceived of “systems change.” More than that, it includes descriptions of what freedom means to them, how “Left” traditions and tendencies (as well as the “Left” concept itself) can actually be an obstacle to it, and how we might pursue it together in different ways — even as systems collapse around us. From David Wengrow, professor and co-author with David Graeber of “The Dawn of Everything”: “Based on personal experience, this book is both a critique and a work of healing for contemporary Leftist movements: it explores how the potential of emancipatory ideals is undermined by a failure to root those concepts in forms of community, and social responsibility. A courageous intervention, grounded in theory and deep introspection.” From Lorenzo Kom’boa Ervin, Black Panther Party veteran and author of “Anarchism and the Black Revolution”: “A very honest and, at times, gut-wrenching book. Some will appreciate it, and others will pull away, simply because they are not ready for the ugly truth.” The first edition of “Moving Beyond the Left” is published by @setmargins and is now available for purchase in the “U.S.” Please follow @movingbeyondtheleft for deeper discussion, engagement, and general updates around the text. For book-related inquiries: MBTL [at] zetto.plus.

OUT NOW! Moving Beyond the Left A Post-Left Post-Mortem in Pursuit of Freedom Moving Beyond the Left pulls rich insights from various Left tendencies—even in critiquing common frameworks between them—and provides both perspectival and methodological suggestions for reimagining pathways to freedom. AVAILABLE AT 25 € via setmargins.press (@setmargins link in bio) or local bookstores! Written by Z, afterword by Lorenzo Kom’boa Ervin. In the collective aims and desires for a free world, does the construct of the “Left” hinder more than help? One answer is: Yes, and by design. In a time of ideological confusion, growing authoritarianism, and cascading ecological collapse, the cyclical failures of Left frameworks, traditions, and spaces to address these concerns have left many confused, heartbroken, and jaded—and yet the stakes remain high. written by Z @zetto.plus graphic design by @ro_oeurn made possible by Z and Set Margins’ publications book photography by Annette Behrens @annette_behrens @movingbeyondtheleft

“A very honest and, at times, gut-wrenching book. Some will appreciate it, and others will pull away, simply because they are not ready for the ugly truth.” — Lorenzo Kom’boa Ervin on “Moving Beyond the Left” For those unaware, Lorenzo Kom’boa Ervin is a Black Panther Party veteran and one of the most influential anarchists of all time. In 1969, Lorenzo Kom’boa Ervin was imprisoned by the Cuban government after fleeing capture in the U.S. It would be the Cuban government who handed him over to the CIA, and the CIA who tortured him in Eastern Europe before sending him to prison back in the U.S. It was in prison that Lorenzo would meet Martin Sostre, a powerhouse jailhouse lawyer and the person who introduced him to anarchism. In 1979, Lorenzo published the first edition of “Anarchism and the Black Revolution.” Years later, in 1983, after almost 15 years of incarceration, Lorenzo would end up being released from prison. He’s been involved in various activities at the grassroots level ever since. Nearly a decade ago, through their first political organization (BSA), Z played a central role in introducing thousands of younger people in the African diaspora to anarchist ideas, popularizing Lorenzo’s magnum opus “Anarchism and the Black Revolution” in the process (though, they are often left out of this history due to the anonymous manner in which they worked). Recognizing the ways in which Z and their org were relentlessly targeted by those both inside and outside of the so-called “revolutionary Left” for expressing and popularizing anti-authoritarian views, and understanding the even more intense persecution Lorenzo faced in his decades of work, it would ultimately be writer William C. Anderson who introduced the two. A close bond between Lorenzo and Z was born out of this connection, and one that persists to this day. Give “Moving Beyond the Left” a read to see Lorenzo’s thoughts in the afterword. “Moving Beyond the Left” is out now via @setmargins . Please request the text at your local bookstores (distribution via @artbook ). #MovingBeyondtheLeft PS: Did you know Lorenzo is a fan of @mrgoldie ’s music? 😎

“A sense of belonging can be an extremely powerful thing. But what happens if, in an effort to ‘belong,’ the ideological categories you place onto yourself … calcify into cages you struggle to break free of?” — @zetto.plus “Moving Beyond the Left” is out now via @setmargins . Please request the text at your local bookstores (distribution via @artbook ). #MovingBeyondtheLeft

POST-SCRIPT: Author Z speaks about the making and purpose of Moving Beyond the Left A Post-Left Post-Mortem in Pursuit of Freedom @setmargins_postscript Written by Z, afterword by Lorenzo Kom'boa Ervin. In the collective aims and desires for a free world, does the construct of the “Left” hinder more than help? One answer is: Yes, and by design. In a time of ideological confusion, growing authoritarianism, and cascading ecological collapse, the cyclical failures of Left frameworks, traditions, and spaces to address these concerns have left many confused, heartbroken, and jaded—and yet the stakes remain high. AVAILABLE VIA SETMARGINS.PRESS (@setmargins link in bio) AND LOCAL BOOKSTORES @zetto.plus @movingbeyondtheleft Video by @sky.jennings , video editing and design by Sofia Paz @paz.zip graphic design of the book by @ro_oeurn

A humble gathering with Z to celebrate the release of their first text. Strangers welcome. Limited books will be available for purchase. Next Thursday, May 14th, 7–10 PM, at @elsewherespace (599 Johnson Ave, Brooklyn, NYC). We hope to see you there. PS: This is not a taped event or talk. Just a celebratory hang. Feel free to bring friends along. #MovingBeyondtheLeft

“We must all lose battles of the ego in order to win the war for our humanity.” — @zetto.plus “Moving Beyond the Left” is out now via @setmargins . Please request the text at your local bookstores (distribution via @artbook ). #MovingBeyondtheLeft