CPI Gives Away Free Books in Minneapolis

By Penny Arcos

In an effort to spread the anti-imperialist message to the Muslim community and express solidarity with them, CPI members in Minneapolis have been visiting mosques, making connections with Muslims, studying CPI’s book on the Houthi movement in Yemen, and distributing the books at Palestine events and at mosques.

In April 2025, Penny and Zach, two CPI members, brought a box of Houthi books to distribute in the parking lot of a mosque near Minneapolis. They offered the book to attendees as they filed in and out of the various prayer services in a gymnasium connected to a school.

Many people were unaware of what the Houthis are fighting for. Many attendees accepted the book as they returned to their cars. Neighbors and children passing by on a walk accepted the book as well. Some were interested in learning more.

One man was from El Salvador. When he learned that the Houthis are like union members forming a picket line and they want to use their oil and arable land to serve working families, he understood.

It might have been better to tell mosque leadership about our plans ahead of time. They were caught off guard and concerned about politics on the premises. But having visited on several occasions, CPI members were initially unsure who was the leader.

We stood next to a food distribution van and shouted, “Free Book!! Who are the Houthis? What are they fighting for?”. We passed out about 100 books at the mosque. Zach passed out a backpack full of books at The Cafetto, his neighborhood hangout.

Then the next day, the Minneapolis CPI team met at a member’s home to get to know each other better and to read and discuss the Houthi book. Even Vivo the dog sat quietly in the circle for the study time.

Penny passed out a tote bag full of books outside a smaller mosque on Eid. The ladies and young men were more willing to accept the book than the older men sitting outside the dilapidated storefronts.

The Houthis are fighting the Deep State and standing up for Palestine and for working families.

We, too, need a government of action that fights for working families.