On January 27, 2010 we lost a great champion for the voiceless and marginalized people around the globe. Noted professor, activist, and playwright Howard Zinn died of a heart attack while preparing for a talk in California. His passing touched many across the globe, spurring an international outpouring of grief.

Across the spectrum, people have been planning, organizing and mobilizing for the USSF. From Chicago to San Antonio to Gary, Indiana and St. Louis and many points in between, we asked individuals and organizations to share some reflections on what their road to Detroit has looked like and what being at the USSF means to them.

Welcome to Detroit!

Imagine a left that is united, vibrant, and relevant-a left so loving it becomes irresistible. We would organize to meet our communities' needs while building movements to transform societies and build a better world, becoming more whole and valuing each other along the way. We would create revolutionary culture to nourish our souls, awaken our desire, and inspire new action. We would center the leadership of oppressed peoples.