Best quote from The Century of Antifa: Eluard Luchell McDaniels and the Spanish Civil War
To him, anti-fascism and anti-racism weren't two different things; they were the same fight. He saw fascism as a force that viewed him as less than human, and he decided that physical direct action was the only way to stop that kind of violent oppression.
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ANTIFA
Frequently Asked Questions
Eluard Luchell McDaniels was a twenty-five-year-old African American man from Mississippi who traveled across the Atlantic in 1937 to fight in the Spanish Civil War. Known by the nickname "El Fantastico" for his skill with grenades, he rose to the rank of platoon sergeant. His story is a central part of Antifa history, illustrating how individuals from the Jim Crow South connected their domestic struggles against systemic racism with the international fight against fascism.
McDaniels viewed the invaders in the Spanish Civil War as the same forces responsible for lynching and starvation in the United States. To him, anti-fascism and anti-racism were not separate movements but the same fundamental fight for humanity. By leaving the Jim Crow South to engage in physical direct action abroad, he demonstrated that fascism was a global force that viewed him as less than human, necessitating a unified resistance.
The nickname "El Fantastico" was given to Eluard Luchell McDaniels during his service in the Spanish Civil War because of his incredible proficiency with grenades. This title highlights his bravery and effectiveness as a platoon sergeant on the front lines. His military contributions serve as a powerful example of the active, physical resistance that characterizes the long history of anti-fascist action and the commitment of volunteers during this era.
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
