With no education, you have neocolonialism instead of colonialism, like you've got in Africa now and like you've got in Haiti. So what we're talking about is there has to be an educational program. That's very important.

In this quote, Fred Hampton connects the absence of education to the perpetuation of neocolonialism. He argues that without a proper educational program, countries, particularly in Africa and Haiti, experience a form of neocolonialism—a modern version of colonialism where the country is politically independent but economically and culturally dominated by foreign powers. Hampton suggests that without education, people in these countries remain vulnerable to exploitation and control, unable to break free from the new forms of external dominance that replace the traditional colonial structures.

Hampton stresses the importance of education in combating these systems of control. He sees education as a tool for empowering people, enabling them to understand their history, assert their rights, and ultimately resist external pressures. By calling for an educational program, Hampton highlights the idea that knowledge and awareness are crucial in fighting oppression and fostering self-determination for colonized or post-colonial nations.

The reference to neocolonialism in the quote also points to the economic and cultural forces that continue to exploit countries, particularly those in the Global South. Hampton’s message is a call to action for leaders and activists to focus on education as a means of liberation. By educating people, particularly the youth, they can develop the tools and critical thinking necessary to challenge and dismantle the structures of neocolonialism that still affect their societies.

Ultimately, Hampton’s quote emphasizes the role of education in freeing people from the lingering effects of colonialism and neocolonialism. He sees it as a crucial step toward social change and empowerment, advocating for the development of educational systems that teach not only basic skills but also provide a deeper understanding of political, economic, and cultural forces. This approach to education is aimed at fostering independent thought, social justice, and the ability to confront and challenge external domination.