As the 2024 presidential election approaches, questions about the strength of our current political systems naturally rise.The election puts pressure on voters to align with one of two parties, leading to intense political polarization.
The Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA) chapter at NC State argues for a different direction of political progress, focusing on deconstructing existing systems to emphasize the power of the people and our communities.
Despite negative connotations around socialism, the true purpose of YDSA is to stand as a pillar of democracy and human rights in America.
Ennis Wells is the co-chair of NC State’s YDSA chapter. Wells is a fourth-year student studying political science, and has worked with the YDSA since 2022. The Nubian Message met with Wells to discuss the organization’s message and goals.
The Nubian Message: What is YDSA for those who are new to hearing about this organization?
Ennis Wells: YDSA is the youth section of the Democratic Socialists of America, which is a national organization promoting socialism in the United States. Our chapter at NC State is specifically focused on NC State, of course, and the local community. We have general meetings every week, but we usually encourage our members to attend a lot of [other] events throughout the week.
TNM: How was YDSA formed here at NC State?
EW: That’s a good question, because I actually don’t know. I heard last week that it started in 2014, but obviously, that one collapsed. And then there was another one, which we know from 2019 but then COVID killed that. The current one started around 2021, and I joined [around] 2022, so I knew some of the people. But, like every time, they have to rebuild the whole base again. Hopefully this one will last.
TNM: What kind of events do you usually have?
EW: We have stuff that’s going on in the community. We try to promote it, even if it’s not like our organization. Like this weekend, there’s a farmers market and there’s canvassing that we’re trying to get involved with. There’s always Meals for the Masses, food distribution every weekend and flyering for the Amazon union this weekend. So, whatever people are able to attend, it helps out.
TNM: What unique perspectives are discussed within YDSA in our current social and political climate?
EW: Our unique perspective is that we can change things and that we shouldn’t sugarcoat our message or our demands to please anyone. You should ask for what you want; otherwise, you won’t get it. Obviously, we have a range of opinions in YDSA. We have communist socialists, democratic socialists, anarchists and probably a lot of liberals as well. We have interesting discussions, but generally, our perspective on major issues is the same, like we need to destroy capitalism, imperialism and oppression. So, a lot of our discussions are about the most effective way of doing so and how we can contribute to our communities.
TNM: What is your perspective on the relationship between capitalism and oppression?
EW: We believe that oppression is inherent to a capitalist society, as a capitalist society is individualistic and desires the consolidation of wealth and power into the hands of the few, rather than the many. Instead of seeking social equity, capitalism seeks profit and it requires a permanent underclass of laborers (typically immigrants, BIPOC, etc.). Socialism will not inherently eliminate oppression, yet oppression cannot be overcome without the advancement of people’s material conditions and a true expansion of democracy.
TNM: Why is your message important?
EW: Our message is important because our socialist message is not what you’re going to hear from the existing two-party system, nor is it what you’re going to hear from university admin or anyone in power. They want to tell you that there’s nothing that you can do about all these problems and you should either accept them or politely advocate against them. Our message is that there is a lot you can do to change material conditions and the perspectives of your community. You just have to get involved and make it happen.
TNM: What does the future of YDSA look like? What events or projects are you building currently?
EW: The future for YDSA is very busy because we’re working on a lot of things. The most interesting thing for students on campus [coming up] is that we are definitely going to have another Resist Recruitment march at the Engineering Career Fair. A lot of the companies that they invite for students to speak with are building weapons for the current genocide of Palestinians. We think that students should not be participating in that, and NC State should not be promoting companies like Caterpillar, General Dynamics Northrop Grumman, Siemens, Hewlett Packard and General Electrics.
Another one of our unique messages is telling people that they’re in control of their own labor, and they don’t need to wait on the government to take action, to [learn] what you’re contributing to this world.You have power and responsibility over what you’re doing with your life, and we encourage students to help us make it happen and attend because we are stronger when we have more people. Also, we’re canvassing for Reeve Peeler and Mary Black for Raleigh City Council. We are continuing our campaign against the anti-abortion center on Hillsborough, supporting the labor union at Amazon and expanding our internal education because that’s been something that’s always been pushed to the side. This year, we finally have a program of things you want to discuss and learn, so that’ll be very helpful to us.
TNM: Is there anything else you would like readers to know?
EW: My going-out message is the only reason that we feel somewhat powerless to these institutions and politicians is because we’re not organized. If we’re organized, we can get what we want and do what we want. And, I think at NC State, YDSA is a great place for students to get involved, even if they just use us as a launching pad. I believe we have a lot of great connections throughout the community to help people get involved in the causes they care about.
As a local political organization, YDSA focuses on engaging with the community at NC State through community events, canvassing for political engagement, food distribution and flyering for work unions.
While YDSA members each possess a range of different political allegiances, they all believe it is necessary to dismantle our current political systems to properly serve communities through politics.
