The Work Ahead: Statement from the Philadelphia YCL

Read the Philadelphia's YCL statement on the 2024 presidential elections

Donald Trump has been elected, and for young people, the future feels uncertain and grim. It feels like we can only count on each other as the fight against his fascist ambitions begin. And just like before election day, just like it has been for decades, in this country and abroad, it will be the youth that lead us forward into a more just and equitable future.

This is especially true in Philadelphia,  where the young working class fought for Palestine at the student encampments, rallied to defend historic Chinatown from the owners of the 76ers, and campaigned to defeat the MAGA right alongside unions and progressives. 

We are inspired in witnessing this fight in our members, and in the youth across our city. Because in spite of increasingly inaccessible housing, a rising cost of living,  and unaffordable tuition, we continue to persist and to engage in the struggles that matter to us the most.

Trump’s election is a threat to ourselves and our communities, and it’s important that we come together to support and defend those that are threatened the most. But let’s not forget that our existence is an even greater threat to his fascist agenda: we will, as the youth of an increasingly diverse working class, across race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality, unite, struggle, and organize together. Their racist, misogynist, and queerphobic agenda will one day be defeated in every arena of struggle.

So, to the political youth of this beautiful city,  we want you to know that as communists, we commit to organizing alongside and with you, and never in spite of you. We will meet you where you are at, and march with you. Your struggles are our own, and as the fight continues, even in the face of a Trump presidency, you will never be alone. We will use the tools of Marxism-Leninism to strengthen the campaigns to improve the material conditions most relevant to you. The work ahead requires unity and solidarity, and we are proud to offer that collectively whenever we can.

Remember, in the words of Gwendolyn Brooks: “You are Spring”. A better future awaits if we organize for it together.

See you in the streets! In solidarity always,

- The Philadelphia YCL.

This statement was originally published on our Instagram on November 7th.