(1962) - Revolutionary Nationalism and the Afro-American - Harold Cruse

In this essay, Cruse critiques the American Left for its failure to take Black nationalism seriously as a political force. He argues that some socialist organizations often dismiss the Black struggle as a secondary issue of class, ignoring the specific historical and cultural conditions of African Americans. Cruse contends that Black people in the U.S. have developed a distinct social position shaped by segregation, disenfranchisement, and cultural exclusion; conditions that an oversimplified class analysis alone cannot adequately explain. He calls for a reassessment of Black nationalism, not as a retreat from radical politics but as a necessary foundation for building independent Black institutions and leadership. Cruse also critiques liberal integrationism for its dependence on white-led institutions and failure to foster real self-determination.