We Came to the Forest: Episode 7 - "The Greatest Victory"

Release Date: February 26, 2025

Introduction

In the season finale of We Came to the Forest, titled "The Greatest Victory", host Matthew Scher engages in a profound conversation with Mary Hooks, a dedicated Atlanta activist and organizer. This episode delves deep into the ongoing struggle against the construction of Cop City, a massive police training facility in the South River Forest of Atlanta. Mary Hooks shares her experiences, insights, and perspectives on the movement to halt Cop City's development, the challenges faced by activists, and the broader implications for activism in America.

The Struggle and Resistance

Mary Hooks begins by reflecting on the enduring commitment required for sustained activism. At [06:08], she emphasizes the necessity of a "protracted struggle," highlighting the relentless nature of fighting systemic issues:

"We commit to the protracted struggle. ... We gonna struggle and fight anyway."

Despite significant setbacks, including the loss of activists like Tort, Mary underscores the resilience of the movement. She acknowledges the weariness and caution among activists due to repression tactics such as RICO charges and arrests. However, she remains optimistic about the movement's enduring impact:

"I think that the cop city struggle here in Atlanta ... has literally birthed generations of resisters."

Diversity of Tactics in Protests

A substantial portion of the conversation centers on the diversity of tactics employed by protest movements. Mary challenges mainstream perceptions that only non-violent protests, like the civil rights marches, are legitimate:

"People were destroying property. The Boston Tea Party... When you don't understand yourself as an exploited person ... you are limited around what you are willing to do."

She draws parallels between historical uprisings and contemporary activism, arguing that escalation in tactics is sometimes necessary when facing an unresponsive and authoritarian state. Mary critiques the societal emphasis on property over human lives and advocates for broader recognition of varied protest methods:

"People value property and items and things more than humans. ... I don't know what it's going to take to move the mainstream liberal to a position that allows them to understand why people raise the stakes."

Reactions and Leadership Gaps

Mary expresses disappointment in the reaction of black leadership in Atlanta following the tragic death of Tort. At [13:23], she recounts her observations of political and community leaders who failed to adequately respond to the violence:

"These cats don't get it and they're completely divorced from it. ... They were like, 'Tortaquita deserved it.' And that is despicable, to say the least."

She criticizes local politicians and community leaders for their lack of empathy and failure to support the movement, which she believes hindered broader solidarity and action within the black community.

Implications for Atlanta and Nationwide

The discussion shifts to the ripple effects of Atlanta's resistance to Cop City on a national scale. Mary draws connections to historical Southern strategies of repression and highlights concerns about similar approaches being adopted nationwide:

"Who can create the most repressive legislation? ... The Southern strategy has now... manifested to a national one."

She points out that local governments are observing Atlanta's strategies, often copying the repressive measures rather than learning from the resistance. This trend, she warns, could stifle future movements and further entrench authoritarian practices in governance.

Hope for the Future and Community Resilience

Concluding the episode, Mary shares her vision for hope and the future of activism. At [20:03], she envisions a community empowered by collective action and direct democracy:

"My hope is that... there is a block of people that are organized, that are united, that asserts our power... we all vote the same way and if we don't want it, it ain't happening."

Mary advocates for building strong, supportive communities that rely less on external authorities like the police and more on mutual aid and internal solidarity. She emphasizes the importance of investing in community resources and fostering environments where individuals support one another:

"We have to commit to one another and to not give the fabric of our communities away... We need no more [police as heroes]. We are going to save ourselves."

Her optimistic outlook is grounded in the belief that sustained, grassroots efforts can lead to meaningful change, encapsulating the essence of what she terms "the greatest victory."

Conclusion

"The Greatest Victory" serves as a poignant conclusion to the season, encapsulating the trials, tribulations, and unwavering spirit of the activists fighting against Cop City. Through Mary Hooks' candid reflections, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of modern activism, the necessity of diverse protest tactics, and the critical role of community resilience. This episode not only chronicles the struggles faced in Atlanta but also resonates with broader themes of resistance and empowerment applicable to movements nationwide.

Notable Quotes

• Mary Hooks ([06:08]): "We commit to the protracted struggle. ... We gonna struggle and fight anyway."

• Mary Hooks ([09:23]): "People were destroying property. The Boston Tea Party... When you don't understand yourself as an exploited person ... you are limited around what you are willing to do."

• Mary Hooks ([13:23]): "These cats don't get it and they're completely divorced from it. ... They were like, 'Tortaquita deserved it.' And that is despicable, to say the least."

• Mary Hooks ([15:12]): "I come up in multiracial organizing... you cannot train white supremacy out of these institutions."

• Mary Hooks ([20:03]): "My hope is that... there is a block of people that are organized, that are united, that asserts our power... We need no more [police as heroes]. We are going to save ourselves."

Additional Information

For those interested in exploring the full series, We Came to the Forest is available for binge listening ad-free through Wondery+ on Apple Podcasts or the Wondery App. Join the community of listeners who engage deeply with stories of activism, resilience, and the pursuit of justice.