Grieving for Trayvon All Over Again

Taquiena Boston writes that the “criminalization of youth and young adult males of color is a mindset that has been linked to institutional racism and white supremacy–a mindset that frames youth of color as criminal and dangerous. How do we transcend this negative frame and see the humanity of our …

Support Prison Hunger Strikers

Racial Justice Allies urges you to consider taking a pledge to support the hunger strikers in California State Prisons who are protesting the continued use of long term solitary confinement.  Read the letter below and find further information here. From the Prisoner Hunger Strike Solidarity coalition in the Bay Area. …

White Gas

A couple of weeks ago we had an impromptu gathering at our home with a group of friends from Nepal. They are quite a bit younger than myself and are always ready at a moments notice to party with friends.  This usually includes a combination of beer and musical instruments …

Knee-Jerk Separation

The Supreme Court overturned basic enforcement for the Voting Rights Act.  The next day it allowed queers to marry in California and share benefits like pensions if they were married in a state where it is legal. Mia Mingus talked about the reaction to these decisions on Facebook:  “i keep …

Supreme Court Decisions on Voting Rights & Gay Marriage

Speech by Cathy Cade, Oakland Unitarian Church Steps, June 26, 2013 Yesterday the US Supreme Court struck down portions of the civil rights voting act, the state of Texas tried to reduce access to abortion. Today the Supreme Court struck down Proposition 8 prohibiting LGBT marriage and the federal Defense …

Food for Thought

We were on our way to a BBQ.  Idling next to us at the red light were two white girls in a white, convertible, VW bug. They were blasting Pink’s latest hit, JUST GIVE ME A REASON.  We were also listening to Pink—-what are the chances?   We looked over and …