“Demilitarize Western Mass is honored to receive a grant form the Markham-Nathan Fund for Social Justice. Demilitarize Western Mass is a collective of anti war, ant-imperialist, anti-racist, abolitionist activists working to dismantle the military industrial complex in Western Massachusetts and beyond.
Our principal target has been L3Harris located in Northampton, MA. L3Harris is the 9th largest weapons contractor in the world. L3Harris’ facility in Northampton produces electro-optical targeting equipment and imaging masts for the US Navy and other weapons, military equipment and surveillance technology systems utilized by the US and other world powers in numerous wars, occupations, border efforts and carceral settings.
Demilitarize Western Mass’ breadth of membership and guiding principals contribute to social justice efforts against imperialism, colonialism, racism, carcerality, environmental destruction and the use of public funds to profit in lieu of human needs. We use a wide range of tactics, including demonstrations, standouts, political education, supporting and co-organizing actions and events with aligned individuals and organizations and direct action. Two such actions took place at L3Harris, one in Oct. 2023 and another in June 2024, interfering with the facility’s work for 6+ hours each time and resulting in arrests.
