activism
Grassroots campaigns have proven instrumental in bringing about political, social or environmental change; you've got to start somewhere-might as well start here.
Politics and Actual, Honest To God Friendships
This story starts with a friend that I no longer have. Nothing happened to this individual. I just cut him off when I reached the end of my tether, and the story of how I did that, although it was something I should have done a long time ago and I readily acknowledge that, actually begins with the death of George Floyd.
By Remy Dhami6 years ago in The Swamp
In the fight for Racial Equity in the USA, we gotta VERB:
Merriam-Webster defines the word verbs as, "words that show an action... almost every sentence requires a verb." So let's get to Work, shall we? And if you're scared of the Work, that is ok. The great white machine has intentionally withheld the knowledge, habits, tools, and resources necessary to tear down and reconstruct a society wherein ALL its inhabitants receive the life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness they are promised in this nation's sacred documents. The time for drinking the "dead white guy" Kool-Aid must be past us, my fellow Americans (especially for those of us who come from a life of grandiose privilege). I hope you see that, or at least feel it in your bones...
By Orion Bradshaw6 years ago in The Swamp
Dear Fellow White Women: Want to Smash the Patriarchy? Stand Against Racism. Top Story - June 2020.
When Emma Stone, at the 2018 Oscars, referred to the Best Director nominees as 'these four men and Greta Gerwig', she was met with a mixture of praise and heavy criticism- and it wasn't from misgoynists. Sure, the actress was right to call out the ridiculously low number of female nominees- but she was swiftly criticised for ignoring the fact that "these four men" included a Latino man (Guillermo Del Toro) and a black one (Jordan Peele). Men of colour, as Stone's critcs pointed out, don't exactly get everything handed to them. Why should they- along with women of colour- celebrate one wealthy white woman for cheering on another wealthy white women, ignoring their experiences, and calling it feminism? (Plus, no-one's forgotten Aloha.)
By Emma Curzon6 years ago in The Swamp
What Would I Do In Their Place?
Many years from now I will face certain crises if I'm ever elected into office. Our current President endures many a kind of public criticism or backlash for his behavior. Former President Barack Obama has called President Donald Trumps' response to the coronavirus crisis a chaotic disaster, which makes him even more sure that 45 must be defeated in November. Strong government leadership is not happening during this crisis, because the election that is coming up determines battle lines being drawn against selfishness, tribal attitudes, being divisive and causing others to see each other as enemies. This is what we are fighting, negativity at large, causing the world to believe narcissistic lies.
By Iria Vasquez-Paez6 years ago in The Swamp
Action or Dissatisfaction?
Action or Dissatisfaction? George Floyd, another involuntary martyr, a black body slain for the slaughter Oh, does it make you annoyed that I won't avoid, saying his name with my first breath but ohh no you must recognize his death.
By Leon Sanders III6 years ago in The Swamp
How Dangerous is it to be Black and LGBT+?
This month has been full of protests, activism and politics. I want to take this opportunity to gather some information and stats on what it's like to be black and part of the LGBT+ community. Being LGBT+ can already be extremely challenging for a lot of people, but statistics show it can be even harder if you're black. I'm not disregarding the fact that it can be challenging and dangerous for people from any race, but today I'm specifically focusing on the black community.
By Tone Breistrand6 years ago in The Swamp
Anti-Racism: How You Can Combat Systemic Racism, Educate Others and Support the BLM Movement
In light of the recent murder of George Floyd and the subsequent protests that have happened since May 25th 2020, I wanted to put this post together for a number of reasons:
By Lea Bella Blogs 6 years ago in The Swamp
An Invitation to Write Unapologetically
What a time to be alive. What a fierce time of passion, death, and deceit. We have been here before. Generations of Deja Vu. Moments of ease like treasuring our family time and realizing that Capitalism has stripped us from being able to create a real family unit. This centering on money, as we live makes us swing from vines, jump through hoops, and dance around for a bottomless pit of merciless abusers. Who are those abusers? It is the very people that uphold and justify the way that the majority of the world has lived its life for centuries. NEWS FLASH... It is not working!!!!
By SAYHERNAME Morgan Sankofa6 years ago in The Swamp
Historical Approach To BLM
Here we are again. It’s 2020 and we have to convince the world (and ourselves) that Black Lives Matter as much as any other. I don’t care how we got here in June of 2020 or why people have suddenly jumped onto the cause, but I am glad that the floodgates have opened. Somehow, more people have made themselves aware of this serious issue and have taken the stand to put an end to systematic racism in America. For that, I am thankful.
By Darienne Lewis6 years ago in The Swamp
My Thoughts
Almost a month has passed since the death of George Floyd. Black Lives Matter protests have occurred in all of the fifty states and in additional countries. I have been trying to put into words how I feel. I am saddened. I am heartbroken. I am disappointed. I am hopeful. I have been fortunate enough to attend protests without the fear of my life being taken away from me. When my family members leave the house, I am not constantly worrying if they will make it home safely. I am a young white woman and, with that, comes privilege. I love seeing so many people in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. I believe that posting on social media is a great way to voice your opinion and educate others. I also believe that if posting or re-posting is the only way that you are showing your "support", that is most definitely not enough. We are in the midst of a global pandemic, so for many it is not safe to attend a protest; lucky for you, there are many other ways to actively support the movement and the black community!
By Ainsley Dallis6 years ago in The Swamp
