Raymond Nat Turner Ida: Hello, SchmoMunchkin:I’m the most powerful politician in the most powerful deliberative body in the most powerful country in the worldand who the hell are you? Ida:Who the hell do you think I am, Mr. MuthafrakkkerFossil Fuel-Big Pharma-errand boy?I’m Ida, Sister of Sandy, Daughter of Katrina andAlcohol, Geritol, protocol puppets like you don’t … [Read more...] about Schmo Munchkin v. Ida
Community & Culture
Strong communities allow more sustainable practices to empower the people to create a more sustainable society.
Working together on common interests creates opportunities for both personal and community growth, promotes involvement in the arts and local government, and fosters equality.
Defining Racism: Individuals and Institutions, Systems and Structures
Robert Jensen We are at a dramatic point in the racial history of the United States, perhaps the most important moment since the civil rights and more radical black/brown/indigenous movements of the 1960s and ‘70s. Two dramatically different currents in American life are gaining strength: White supremacy has reasserted itself in the mainstream of public life, and at the … [Read more...] about Defining Racism: Individuals and Institutions, Systems and Structures
SouthSide Film Festival
Bethlehem's annual beloved SouthSide Film Festival (SSFF) is back after a year off due to the Corovirus pandemic. The filmmakers showcased their new films across many venues in the five-day event (June 15-19, 2021), including Charter Arts High School, NMIH, and Touchstone Theater. The First Night Begins The festival kicked off this past Tuesday at 6:30 pm with a lively … [Read more...] about SouthSide Film Festival
Connecting the Dots (2)
PBS recently republished a column by Rusul Airubail titled 'Why educators still need to talk about 9/11 — and Islamophobia'. I think this applies equally to adults and is actually very closely related to current experiences of racism and violence. It is still critical to provide safe spaces for children and adults to discuss the wave of Islamophobia that swept the US, with … [Read more...] about Connecting the Dots (2)
Sturgis & Coronavirus
In my recent post ['60+ Years of Assault on POC'], I mentioned the annual Sturgis motorcycle rally: The latest iteration of the annual Sturgis motorcycle rally, which is in some ways a celebration of white supremacy and (White) individuals’ ability to ignore the law, was tacitly welcomed by the government and businesses of South Dakota." Some of the Lakota nations … [Read more...] about Sturgis & Coronavirus
Bobby (aka RFK)
Bobby Kennedy was killed on June 5 1968, only two months after MLK was murdered in Memphis. To many of those at the time, these two killings were far worse and more personal than the assassination of RFK's older brother. Fast forward to 2020, and many people apparently still believe that Bobby was shot by Sirhan Sirhan, although there is ample evidence to prove this is … [Read more...] about Bobby (aka RFK)
‘Dear White People…’
Former Texas Longhorn and NFL player Emmanuel Acho has a strong message for white people what they can do to help. In what he says is the first video in a series titled, “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man,” the Austin resident addresses many questions he’s been asked by white people. I recommend this as a good thing to show your friends who still don't get … [Read more...] about ‘Dear White People…’
Violence, looting, destruction of property
Today, many newspeople & elected officials are complaining about looting & destruction of property. Why have they been silent about ongoing oppression and racist, structural violence? Did they forget what we learned as children: that one of the foundational acts of this country was the ‘Boston Tea Party’, an often-glorified case of property destruction used to … [Read more...] about Violence, looting, destruction of property
A few good reads for the week
Here are several articles that look at food, the pandemic, and other topics from a more holistic point of view than we usually see, showing the need for re-thinking in these areas. From the current issue of Yes! Magazine — the 'Community Power issue'. What’s in a Social Justice Diet?The Light at the EndWhat Indian Country Remembers About SurvivalWe Had … [Read more...] about A few good reads for the week
What did you do when you knew?
it's 3:23 in the morningand I'm awakebecause my great great grandchildrenwon't let me sleepmy great great grandchildrenask me in dreamswhat did you do while the Planet was plundered?what did you do when the Earth was unravelling? surely you did somethingwhen the seasons started failing? as the mammals, reptiles, birds were all dying?…. did you fill the streets with … [Read more...] about What did you do when you knew?