The Organization for Black Struggle is a critical race theory-aligned, self-described “radical” Black Liberation movement organization based in St. Louis, Missouri, that supports reparations for slavery and affirmative action. ¹

Background

Organization for Black Struggle was founded in 1980 by a group of Black-issues activists, union organizers, and other residents of St. Louis, Missouri. The organization claims to have built its foundation and garnered lessons from the work of organizations including the Congress of Afrikan People, Action Committee to Improve Opportunities for Negroes (A.C.T.I.O.N.), and the Black Nationalist Party. ²

The organization describes itself as aligned with the aims of the Black Freedom Agenda introduced at the founding of the Black Radical Congress in 1998 and ratified in 1999. Elements of this agenda include a commitment to “fight” to do away with capitalism and the death penalty, and to support affirmative action and reparations for slavery. ³

Nonprofit Status

The Organization for Black Struggle was registered as a tax-exempt 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization in March 2015 and made filings with the Internal Revenue Service from that year until 2018. As of February 26, 2024, ProPublica, notes that the organization is no longer listed among the IRS’s list of tax-exempt organizations. In its 2018, filing, the organization’s net assets were $399,739 and its net income was $3,049. ^{4 5}

The organization describes itself as filling a vacuum of “Black radical leadership” operating “unencumbered by government or corporate structures.” ⁶

Activity

Movements, initiatives, and coalitions that the Organization for Black Struggle claims to have supported or been involved in since its founding include the Anti-Apartheid Movement, African Liberation Day Celebrations, the Black Political Assembly, Justice for Frances Beasley, Atlanta Missing and Murdered Children’s Committee, St. Louis Black United Front, National Campaign Against Racist Genocide, Wrightsville March Against the Klan, Ellen Reasonover Support Committee, the Black Radical Congress, Freeman Bosley for Mayor Campaign, National Black United Front, Show Me $15 Campaign, Coalition Against Police Crime and Repression, and the Don’t Shoot Coalition. ⁷

In addition to making statements of support and endorsements, the Organization for Black Struggle hosts events for aligned activists such as workshops on how to engage in online activism, virtual screenings of movement documentaries, and celebrations of movement anniversaries. ⁸

Endorsements

On October 8, 2017, the organization endorsed Green Party candidate Elston McCowan for Alderperson of the 2^nd ward of St. Louis, Missouri, in a special election following the departure of Dionne Flowers (D) who was appointed to the municipality’s Office of the Register. ⁹

Youth Council for Positive Development

In 1993, the Organization for Black Struggle’s youth wing was registered as an independent tax-exempt charitable organization under the name Youth Council for Positive Development. The organization offered aligned educational programs for youth aged 14 to 17, and bestowed the Jamala Rogers Young Visionary Award, named after the Organization for Black Struggle’s executive director. ^{10 11 12}

Leadership

Jamala Rogers is a founding member and executive director of the Organization for Black Struggle and a former activist of the 1960s Black Student Movement. ¹³

1. “About Us.” Organization for Black Struggle. Accessed February 26, 2024. https://obs-stl.org/about-us/
2. “About Us.” Organization for Black Struggle. Accessed February 26, 2024. https://obs-stl.org/about-us/
3. “About Us.” Organization for Black Struggle. Accessed February 26, 2024. https://obs-stl.org/about-us/
4. Organization For Black Struggle. 990 Filing with the Internal Revenue Service. 2018. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/463236344/201923199349318757/full
5. “Organization For Black Struggle.” ProPublica. Accessed February 26, 2024. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/463236344
6.  “About Us.” Organization for Black Struggle. Accessed February 26, 2024. https://obs-stl.org/about-us/
7. “About Us.” Organization for Black Struggle. Accessed February 26, 2024. https://obs-stl.org/about-us/
8. “Events.” Organization for Black Struggle. Accessed February 26, 2024. https://obs-stl.org/events/
9. “OBS Endorses Elston McCowan for 2nd Ward Alder.” Organization for Black Struggle. October 8, 2017. Accessed February 26, 2024.  https://obs-stl.org/obs-endorses-elston-mccowan-for-2nd-ward-alder-2/
10. “Youth Council for Positive Development.” ProPublica. Accessed February 26, 2024. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/431562820
11. “About Us.” Youth Council for Positive Development. Accessed February 26, 2024. https://positiveyouthdev.com/about-us/
12. “About Us.” Organization for Black Struggle. Accessed February 26, 2024. https://obs-stl.org/about-us/
13. “About Us.” Organization for Black Struggle. Accessed February 26, 2024. https://obs-stl.org/about-us/