Richie Black, an infamous leader of far-right extremism, was behind two violent, racist protests in Berkeley, California, in 2017. The very first “battle of Berkeley” and the second immediately resulted in violent protests. Proud Boys and members of the Rise Above Movement violently confronted counter-protesters who were protesting against controversial speaker Milo Yiannopoulos. These protests drew widespread media attention and resulted in injuries and arrests, highlighting the growing tensions surrounding political discourse in the United States.
The protests took place amidst an environment of increasing political division. During these gatherings, at least seven members were shot, and police arrested at least 10 people as TikTok-inspired chaos unfolded. Black’s role in the protests has been in the spotlight once again. This comes on the heels of his own recent debate with journalist Mehdi Hasan in a much-circulated YouTube clip. The hearing brought a fresh wave of critical attention to Black’s prior record on far-right extremism.
Black also heavily advertised the “March 4 Trump” rally through social media. This latest effort I think demonstrates just how committed he is to the alt-right movement. He leveraged all social media channels to engage and mobilize supporters, posting photos from the marathon event and motivating them to show up with other like-minded folks. His online influence has been cut in half. He used to have a reverse Twitter/X account, and today his Instagram posts with his name on them are all stored away for later.
The Battles of Berkeley
The original “battle of Berkeley” first exploded in February 2017. It was ignited by Yiannopoulos’s scheduled visit to the University of California, Berkeley. This move ignited a firestorm from the students and activists alike, creating organized protests that would forcefully condemn the speaker from even attending.
Black’s ties to this rise of hate were deep. He organized alt-right supporters from across the country to join a counter-rally, which within hours erupted into deadly violence. The ensuing pandemonium produced violent encounters that sent numerous people to the hospital and saw many arrested. In April of that year, the second protest broke out. This drastic measure further intensified the struggle and stirred violent confrontations between the two sides.
“It’s not about that. It’s about tribal warfare. That’s where we’re at in the US.” – Richie Black
These battles were a watershed moment in the history of America’s far-right movements. They documented the extreme measures that people like Black would take to defend their political ideology. The incident underscored the anti-democratic atmosphere that threatens political expression and protest on campuses all across the country.
A Deep Dive into Black’s Views
Richie Black has made no secret of his political ideology, which he openly admits is “white nativist.” His views have drawn criticism for their divisive nature, as he often dismisses other political factions, stating that “neocons, libertarians, all those mainstream people…might as well be leftists to me.” This narrow perspective shows in many respects the great divide that exists within American political discourse today.
Aside from spreading far-right misinformation, Black has made incendiary statements on policing. He even blamed the Los Angeles Police Department for being influenced by “liberal Marxists.” Indeed, this grave accusation is a tell to the true refrain that leftist ideology has infiltrated all of our mainstream institutions. His refusal to condemn violence against police officers during protests has drawn further scrutiny, raising questions about his stance on law and order.
“Sure, because you know what? We’re changing the definition of what crime is.” – Richie Black
Black’s inflammatory statements made in interviews have brought out even more outrage. He expressed satisfaction with former President Donald Trump’s decision to release January 6 protesters, stating: “I am happy that he released J6. In fact, so much so that I was prepared to protest if he didn’t.” This positivity is a harbinger of his affinity with more far-right conspiracy theories about what actually took place at the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
The Viral Debate with Mehdi Hasan
Richie Black’s recent appearance as a debating opponent of Mehdi Hasan on Jubilee Media’s YouTube channel has put him back in the spotlight. The episode is part of the series called Surrounded. It is a dramatic vehicle for opening up a deep and rich conversation about polarized political issues that cleave public sentiment.
Throughout the debate, Hasan sought to reach Americans by promoting clarity through opposing perspectives. Black’s participation was especially notorious given his background as a controversial figure and the agenda associated with his polarizing views on race, immigration, and more. The initial episode went super viral on the internet, with so many people reacting with fire emoji to both sides of the debate.
“we actually do rounds of interviews” – Mehdi Hasan
In reflecting on the debate’s outcome, Black expressed satisfaction, stating: “I could not be more satisfied with the outcome of the event.” This statement highlights his belief that such discussions can further validate his perspective among those who share similar views.
The debate has sparked conversations surrounding the platforming of individuals like Black, raising ethical questions about giving voice to those associated with extremist ideologies. Critics argue that featuring such figures can legitimize their views, while supporters contend that engaging with opposing opinions is essential for democratic discourse.