People in Baltimore are organizing to stop foreclosures and evictions! More than symbolic gestures (which certainly has its place); I am more excited to see the development of this kind of direct organizing and activism in Baltimore. There is real potential here to raise the profile of the predatory practices of banks in Baltimore...
Habari Gani? Kujichagulia! which means Self Determination – To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves. Self-Determination is such a beautiful principle which speaks to the freedom that all individuals and people-groups should be able to rightly exercise. Though not always using the term, I have been writing about “kujichagulia”...
So off the top let me say that yes – I am a follower of Christ and yes – I celebrate Kwanzaa. Some may see these affirmations as incompatible and polar opposites, however, there is no incongruity with me. I am thankful for Kwanzaa and truly appreciate the fact that the day after I...
Jim Wallis writes a thought-provoking article about the “end” of the Iraq War entitled, It’s Finally Over – and it was Wrong.” It made me think about the first time I was arrested for direct action and civil disobedience in protest of the military invasion and occupation of Iraq four years ago. The action...
If all goes as planned. Today – October, 4, 2011 – will be a day that is remembered and perhaps even recorded in the “People’s History of Baltimore City.” For the past couple of years a committed group of activists have been challenging Maryland state plans to build a multi-million dollar youth jail in...
To All: I want to thank all of you for your efforts and dedication to Human Rights and Human Kindness, in the past year I have experienced such emotion, joy, sadness and never ending faith. It is because of all of you that I am alive today, as I look at my sister Martina...
Shout out to The Work of the People Visual Media Group for their latest video: “God Is Not A White Man.” Been saying this for a long time – of course after having heard this for a long time from people like Bishop Henry McNeal Turner, David Walker, and so many others. Of course...
So on that faithful Saturday – at that forum – I finally had to promote the exploration of a new path for my people. Instead of the usual song and lyrics, I offered up for the consideration of the crowd possibilities that are enveloped in practical philosophies that are less popular in this city....
I was asked to serve as a panelist at the first Freedom Forum hosted by the think tank focused on policy analysis and community change. The theme of the event was Baltimore’s Youth Movement: Are They Ready To Lead? And it’s funny because I remember when I was squarely included in the crowd of...
Kwanzaa Reflection 2011: Today’s Principle is Nia – Purpose
Habari Gani? Nia which means purpose. To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness. And in that spirit of Nia; I’d like to share this important article written by Dr. Adam Clark. CHRISTIANITY AND KWANZAA By Dr. Adam Clark (originally...
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