Remembering and Understanding CLR James

In this work the author attempts to dispel what he perceives to be the many misunderstandings and misrepresentations of CLR James, (some deliberate and some not) as a narrow, and doctrinaire ideologue. The work also attempts to introduce CLR James to a new generation of Caribbean Citizens and to clarify the misinformation that characterized James's life and activities in the Caribbean. He discusses the breadth and scope of James as a thinker and student of world history and politics; he also explores his evolution as a philosopher. James's activism is mentioned as an important element of his constantly evolving ideological and theoretical framework. The author cites James willingness to embrace new realities while being consistent ideologically. He also expounds on James's absolute confidence in the working people and they, being the source of his inspiration, reflected in his famous quote "every cook can govern". Highlighted also were James's method of organizing and the emphasis he placed on the necessity of organizing and organization, and not individuals. James conflicts with, and departures from orthodoxy are mentioned, and his insistence on direct democracy as the only solution to solving political problems. In concluding, he mentions what James forecasted what could occur in the future if people are not directly and deliberately involved in the political process.