#IfIDieInPoliceCustody don’t say I was an organizer. Don’t talk about how I knew what to say when everyone else was too shocked or too scared to say anything. Don’t say I was courageous. Don’t say I was smart. Don’t mention all the work I did for “the community.” Tell them I was too busy being Black to worry about bein' good. Describe for them how I danced down the street with my headphones blasting the soulful sounds of Nina Simone into my brain. Tell them that the feeling of her voice bouncing off the cavernous walls of my skull is the closest to feeling liberated I ever get.
violence
Translating Gov. Nixon’s “State of Emergency”
I know that some of you are confused by the comments on social media about a “State of Emergency” being declared in the State of Missouri. Many of you expressed disarray and confusion as to why there was a state of emergency being declared and so I thought I would spend some time to … Continue reading Translating Gov. Nixon’s “State of Emergency”
The Truth About Gender Based Violence
Elliot Rodger terrifies me. It’s not that I’m afraid that some kid like him will attack me or, worse, someone I love. I don’t think Men’s Rights advocates are going to join with the NRA to declare open season on women. What scares me about Elliot Rodgers -- what makes my whole body clinch into … Continue reading The Truth About Gender Based Violence
Acoustic Discourse On Violence
Here is my latest audio art piece "Acoustic Discourse On Violence." The piece explores a working logic of non-violent action that is complicated by visceral reactions to fear of the unknown, shame at our moral complicity and responses to aggression. I have been contemplating taking a vow of non-violence and compassion for some time now. … Continue reading Acoustic Discourse On Violence