Two weeks ago Omolara Williams McCallister and I spoke at a regional UU conference at All Soul's that was centered around Black Lives Mater and racial justice. Also speaking that day was Alonzo Smith who is a professor of Black history. I decided to turn our talks into a podcast but unfortunately have been super … Continue reading Emerging Analysis, Relationshit and Transformative Love
racism
Preliminary Observations on the Analysis of the Movement
As proponents of identity politics we readily admit that often times identity politics adherents dismiss individuals based on the groups they are perceived to be a part of. We see this as a counterproductive strategy that is often the result of unprocessed trauma or immature political awareness. We do not believe that identities determine the inherent worth of people nor the validity of their ideas. Likewise, we reject the identity determinism present in much of current Marxism that has a pre-occupation with the proletariat as the only “legitimate” revolutionary class.
Definitions for Five Pillars Frame
Race and Racial Privilege Before we engage in how to address anti-Black racism in our daily lives, it is necessary to define the terms we will be using in this frame. Privilege: is a right, advantage, or immunity selectively granted to individuals or groups based not on perceived merit but on perceived membership in a … Continue reading Definitions for Five Pillars Frame
The 5 Pillars of White Supremacy in DC
At the end of the day, policy solutions cannot bring Black Liberation, nor can anti-oppression trainings. Both tactics can merely give us space to envision and articulate alternatives. Ultimately, we must create new co-operative systems and new models of social interactions that respect the inherent dignity of Black people. We must limit the power of the state to direct our lives, which means that Black communities and communities in solidarity with Black liberation must take responsibility for solving our own problems. We cannot ultimately rely on the police to make us safe or social workers and psychologist to make us whole. We must take care of our neighbors and empower our communities. We must teach each other and learn from each other new models of being our best, most gorgeous, most lovingly empathetic selves.
Strength Without Power
Reflections on the cost of self control, movement stress and silence. Reflections on overcompensating for being Black and Male in America.
Dear Black Women and Trans* People in the Struggle
Dear Black Women and Trans* Activists in the Struggle, I don’t know how to begin this letter. There are so many things I want to say to all the Black women in my life. There are so many things I want to say to uplift, spread and support marginalized voices within this new movement. There … Continue reading Dear Black Women and Trans* People in the Struggle
Mentally Ill Man Fatally Shot In Petworth
*this work is a piece of fiction by the author Aaron Goggans (who is alive), an attempt to process the pain of recent events.* Earlier today DC police fatally shot a mentally ill man in Petworth after a brief stand-off in front of the man’s home. Police are reporting that Aaron Goggans, 26, was shot … Continue reading Mentally Ill Man Fatally Shot In Petworth
A Complex Argument For Love
Below is a copy of a speech I gave at a Jews United For Justice Event on Black Lives Matter. It was a great night and I'm really proud to have been a part of it. It was hard to come up with the words to use to express my feelings in the right … Continue reading A Complex Argument For Love
#BlackLivesMatter Podcast
There is a movement happening in America... All across America young Black people are articulating the damage, the pain, the fear, the lynchings that come with being one of the backs upon which this white supremacist nation was built. It is important that we all bear witness to this pain. If you are Black, … Continue reading #BlackLivesMatter Podcast
Dear White People: Ferguson Protests are a Wake Not a Pep Rally
I get it. You’re frustrated. You’re angry. You’re sad. You’re confused. You know that the killing of Mike Brown and the lack of indictment of Darren Wilson are a travesty. You are probably aware that the system you live in, the nation that raised you, the institutions that educate and protect you, commit or support … Continue reading Dear White People: Ferguson Protests are a Wake Not a Pep Rally