Revolutionary Action Movement RAM
The Revolutionary Action Movement was founded in 1963 by young activists led by Max Stanford (Muhammad Ahmad). RAM was a semi-clandestine organization and articulated a revolutionary program for Black Americans that fused Black Nationalism with Marxism-Leninism. Its goal was to develop revolutionary cadre in the northern cities and connect with more militant students in the south. RAM supported the movement by SNCC and others for armed self-defense for southern Blacks terrorized by the Ku Klux Klan as well as provided security for Malcolm X after his break from the Nation of Islam. RAM became one of the first casualties of the FBI’s Counter-Intelligence Program (COINTELPRO) . Max Stanford and other RAM leaders were charged with plotting to assassinate mainstream political leaders Roy Wilkins and Whitney Young. At this point, Stanford dissolved the formal structure of the organization.