Red Notebook

Hello, my name is Deven. I’m a lover, student, brother, father, son, veteran and worker. I’m also Black, Queer and disabled. However, I have only recently come to understand Marxist-Leninist principles. Before, I was guilty of the “isn’t it a shame”—ness that plagues everyday liberals. I believed there had to be another way, but I also possessed the fervent anti-communist rhetoric that we learn in school. And before that, I watched cringe conservative videos on college campuses. I didn’t believe in conservative values, but I also thought that liberals were repugnant.

I’ve come a long way from where I was, but I know that education is never final. It’s an evolving process that requires us to continually test what we know and apply different frameworks. My journey to becoming a Marxist-Leninist was heavily influenced by my best friend. They demonstrated significant patience and understanding, even when I used the “60 million people” anti-communist line. They made me think critically about what I believed in and why. Without them, this process would have been undoubtedly longer. Having experienced oppression and being the perpetrator of oppression, I hope to create a space where you and I can learn.

This is a blog that I have been meaning to create for some time. Here I share my thoughts, beliefs, concerns, and even biases. Everything I share here is meant to inspire, agitate, and direct readers. I aim to do so through essays, personal reflections, pictures, videos, resources, and occasional video commentaries. My hope is that readers will learn, engage, use resources, and develop community in this virtual space but also in the real world.

I understand and want to acknowledge that anti-communist rhetoric is still baked into our education systems, manifesting in various forms that often go unnoticed by those who have been conditioned to accept them as truth. If you are unwilling to be open-minded and engage in critical thought, then this is not the place for you, as this community thrives on dialogue that challenges the status quo. This community will provide you with all the materials you need to grow and explore diverse perspectives, but the deed of growth rests solely on your shoulders; it requires dedication, reflection, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable ideas. This space is welcoming to all revolutionaries, activists, readers, thinkers, and more! Here, you will find a fusion of passion and intellect that encourages us to not only voice our beliefs but also to listen actively and learn from one another’s experiences.