I Wor Kuen

I_Wor_Kuen_logo

I Wor Kuen (IWK) was a radical Asian American Marxist-Leninist organization that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The name "I Wor Kuen" translates to "Righteous and Harmonious Fists," a reference to the Boxer Rebellion in China. The group was initially formed in New York City's Chinatown and later expanded to other cities, including San Francisco.

History

I Wor Kuen was founded in 1969 by a group of young Asian Americans who were inspired by the Black Panther Party and other revolutionary movements of the time. The organization sought to address issues of racism, imperialism, and capitalism that affected Asian American communities. They were particularly focused on combating police brutality, advocating for better housing, and improving healthcare and education for Asian Americans.

Ideology

The ideology of I Wor Kuen was heavily influenced by Marxism-Leninism and Maoism. They believed in the necessity of a proletarian revolution to overthrow the capitalist system and establish a socialist society. The group also emphasized the importance of self-determination for oppressed nationalities and worked in solidarity with other revolutionary organizations.

Activities

I Wor Kuen engaged in a variety of activities aimed at empowering Asian American communities. These included:

• Organizing community health clinics
• Providing legal assistance
• Conducting educational workshops
• Publishing a newspaper called Getting Together

The organization also participated in broader coalitions with other radical groups, including the Young Lords and the Red Guard Party.

Merger and Legacy

In 1978, I Wor Kuen merged with the Red Guard Party to form the League of Revolutionary Struggle (Marxist-Leninist). This new organization continued the work of its predecessors, focusing on issues of racial and economic justice.

The legacy of I Wor Kuen can be seen in the continued activism of Asian American communities and the ongoing struggle for social justice. The group's emphasis on self-determination and community empowerment remains influential in contemporary movements.

Related Pages

• Asian American movement
• Black Panther Party
• Marxism-Leninism
• Maoism
• League of Revolutionary Struggle (Marxist-Leninist)
• Young Lords
• Red Guard Party