Monday, October 06, 2008
SWOP homepageAmnezac - subtítulos en español
Thursday, October 02, 2008
SWOP homepageHip Hop and the Youth Vote
National Youth Hip Hop Summit:
This Presidential Election has drawn the attention of "Young Voters". Having the Hip Hop Community involved has definitely had an impact, in my opinion. Hopefully this interest of young voters in elections will continue, and hopefully more will see that through this process they can impact decisions made for them, by selecting a candidate that reflects their ideas and will listen to them.
Be looking out for a podcast from one of the new Interns, Tracy Chacon, discussing lowering the voting age.
This Presidential Election has drawn the attention of "Young Voters". Having the Hip Hop Community involved has definitely had an impact, in my opinion. Hopefully this interest of young voters in elections will continue, and hopefully more will see that through this process they can impact decisions made for them, by selecting a candidate that reflects their ideas and will listen to them.
Be looking out for a podcast from one of the new Interns, Tracy Chacon, discussing lowering the voting age.
Labels: 2008 Elections, hip hop, youth vote
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
SWOP homepageGo Vote...(you have to register to do that)
The deadline to register in New Mexico is next Tuesday, October 7th.
SWOPistas: Let's Get Out the Vote!
Sick and Tired of Politicians not Listening to Your Community?
Politician’s only listen to communities that vote.
Make them listen.
Get your community out to vote!
SWOP’s Campaign for a Better New Mexico will be door knocking our neighborhoods and we need your help.
Come to Campaign for a Better New Mexico’s Solidarity Saturday’s:
• Saturday, Oct. 4th from 10am-2pm
Meet at Center for Civic Policy (1500 Lomas NW-15th & Lomas)
• Saturday, Oct. 25th from 10am-2pm
Location TBA
• Saturday, Nov. 1st from 10am-2pm
Meet at SWOP (211 10th St. SW-10th & Central)
If you can’t make these dates let us know when you can, we’ll be out knocking on doors everyday of the week!
Please contact Tomás Garduño at 247-8832 or tomas@swop.net to volunteer!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
SWOP homepageBut why do they gotta' call it white space?
Or alternately titled: The airwaves are beautiful.
How does this affect our communities, you say? Well, we gotta' be turning these airwaves into multi-colored spaces, for one. Second, the so-called digital revolution threatens to widen the digital and democracy divide, and is being talked about as the "next frontier" (barf) in the fight over (virtual) public space. And third, it's time disenfranchised, low and middle income and communities of color actually have a voice on the airwaves.
What should we do with these not-just-white spaces? What would YOU do?
I'm looking for answers peeps. Let's move ideas and policies about media from the grassroots, "main street" and the 'hood to the beltway. Let's not continue to let them come from the beltway to us. Let us know in comments!
How does this affect our communities, you say? Well, we gotta' be turning these airwaves into multi-colored spaces, for one. Second, the so-called digital revolution threatens to widen the digital and democracy divide, and is being talked about as the "next frontier" (barf) in the fight over (virtual) public space. And third, it's time disenfranchised, low and middle income and communities of color actually have a voice on the airwaves.
What should we do with these not-just-white spaces? What would YOU do?
I'm looking for answers peeps. Let's move ideas and policies about media from the grassroots, "main street" and the 'hood to the beltway. Let's not continue to let them come from the beltway to us. Let us know in comments!
Labels: Media, Media Bias, media justice, media reform
Monday, September 29, 2008
SWOP homepageIf only, If only...
The Rich get Richer,
Which makes the Poor even Poorer.
It's crazy how greed can devour one's mind
And twist it so that in time, it forgets about
The rest of humanity.
It forgets that there are others out there
Who need what you have too much of.
Consuming the mind with dollar signs, making
You think 'Me, me, me! It's all for me. I've earned it.'
Leaving everyone else to struggle, when all they need is
A helping hand.
If only we had a sharing society where
Neither you nor me felt the need for greed.
Where everyone had a home and a hot meal to eat.
Where health care and education were free to all,
And if you fall, you wouldn't be afraid to call
For help when it's needed.
A society where all of us were equal and no one
lived in poverty.
If only if only...
But... Reality is:
The Rich get Richer,
Which makes the Poor even Poorer.
Which makes the Poor even Poorer.
It's crazy how greed can devour one's mind
And twist it so that in time, it forgets about
The rest of humanity.
It forgets that there are others out there
Who need what you have too much of.
Consuming the mind with dollar signs, making
You think 'Me, me, me! It's all for me. I've earned it.'
Leaving everyone else to struggle, when all they need is
A helping hand.
If only we had a sharing society where
Neither you nor me felt the need for greed.
Where everyone had a home and a hot meal to eat.
Where health care and education were free to all,
And if you fall, you wouldn't be afraid to call
For help when it's needed.
A society where all of us were equal and no one
lived in poverty.
If only if only...
But... Reality is:
The Rich get Richer,
Which makes the Poor even Poorer.
Don't blame Chicanos
Fernando C de Baca. I want to take a moment and “thank” the man for sending us back a few decades in our work towards racial justice.
What he has started here is an extremely detrimental downward spiral not just for himself, but for the rest of us who identify as a person of color, not just Chicanos, Hispanics, Latinos, and African Americans.
To prove this, on Friday the New Mexico Independent published an article with the following headline: “Racial tension between Hispanics and blacks is real,” next to the picture above of Chicanos in protest during the 1960's. (Since then they have removed the picture.)
One word: Irresponsible.
It is implying that the Chicano movement in the 60’s is to blame for the racial tensions between Blacks and Hispanics. It may not be an overt association, but it really tugs at the internalized racism many of us struggle with. It’s really disturbing to me as a Chicana/Mexicana to see the blame be put on a movement that has worked and continues to work toward solidarity amongst all people. (More on my identity later.)
C de Baca’s comments and those of this article clearly show that they have bought into the racial structure made up in this country. People of color are and have been structurally discriminated against. We live in a white supremacist, capitalist patriarchy. Our structure is designed to only benefit a few and they are usually not a person of color, they are White, Anglo, or European American. That is no accident, it is how it has been designed.
In order for those who hold power in this country to continue to hold power, they must divide and conquer the rest of us, so that we distract ourselves by fighting against each other. Meanwhile those that run this country continue to do so at their benefit, not ours.
C de Baca messed up, and he messed up bad. I’m glad he resigned, but unfortunately he never admitted to his irresponsible comments. In his 'justification piece' in the Journal he blames his comments on someone else, his grandfather. Worse yet, he also blamed African Americans, “the ones that beat him up,” for the discrimination he had experienced. He just doesn’t get it.
I don’t know how long the legs of this story will continue to grow, but if more stories like these get published it will only perpetuate white supremacy and racial divides. We must work responsibly to eradicate all forms of racism as our leaders in the 60’s worked very hard to do. I’ll be the first to say it, we have a long way to go, but we’ve also come a long way, stop pushing us back.
On a side note: I identify as both Chicana and Mexicana because I recognize that I am of
Mestizo descent, which includes Spanish and French as well as Indigenous ancestry. My entire family is from Mexico and half of my siblings are the first generation in our family to be born in this country. Identifying as a Chicana embraces all of that but also resists against glorifying the Hispanic and Spanish terms while uplifting the Indigenous ancestry. For me, being a “conquistador” is not a good thing.
Check out m-pyre for more.
Labels: Chicano, Fernando C de Baca, Racial Justice, Racism
Friday, September 26, 2008
SWOP homepageNative American Day!
Today is the day we recognize the people who were here first, Native Americans, a people that have had to endure many injustices by conquerors, as did many people of color. We also remember their great leaders and their victories.
When the Europeans arrived here, they found that their “New World” was already occupied. The natives marveled at their white skin, long beards, and winged ships, but most of all, the technology they brought. They soon found that not only were they different in appearance, but also that they treated their land differently. Native Americans also noticed that the white man’s intent was to make a new home for them and take their resources and land. Discovering this made them realize they had to fight for their land.
Geronimo, a great leader of the Apache, fought countless battles to gain the freedom of his people and his land. Another who did the same was Crazy Horse of the Lakota, who even though already captured, reminded the U.S. Government of their promises to protect and help his people, for that he was imprisoned. Roberta Blackgoat, who recently passed in 2002, fought for Big Mountain on the Navajo Reservation. These are just a few of the great Native American leaders.
Today we remember people who were free to roam this land as they pleased. Then their land was taken and they were forced on to reservations and restricted.
Labels: leaders, Native American Day, Native Americans
One-time Young Lords say message still relevant, 40 years later
One-time Young Lords say message still relevant, 40 years laterby Jeff Long
Chicago Tribune
September 22, 2008
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-young-lords-22-sep22,0,63351.story
Chicago Tribune
September 22, 2008
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-young-lords-22-sep22,0,63351.story
Hector Rivera (left) and Eli Rodriguez were among those gathered at San Lucas United Church of Christ in Humboldt Park on Sunday to mark the 40th anniversary of the Young Lords' political activism. (Tribune photo by Tom Van Dyke / September 21, 2008)
Jose "Cha-Cha" Jimenez returned to his Chicago roots on Sunday, speaking to an audience of more than 200 people gathered in a modest Humboldt Park church about the role played by a one-time street gang, the Young Lords, as a force for community and political activism during the turbulent 1960s.
As part of a program remembering the Young Lords, which Jimenez helped form into a community activist group in 1968, speakers said some of the issues the Young Lords dealt with still exist today.
Their brand of community activism is needed now more than ever, speakers said.
Jimenez, who lives in Cleveland, said gang violence is perpetuated in part by a lack of direction.
As part of a program remembering the Young Lords, which Jimenez helped form into a community activist group in 1968, speakers said some of the issues the Young Lords dealt with still exist today.
Their brand of community activism is needed now more than ever, speakers said.
Jimenez, who lives in Cleveland, said gang violence is perpetuated in part by a lack of direction.
"They don't have any leadership to show them a different way," Jimenez told the group gathered at San Lucas United Church of Christ. "Like when we had the Young Lords and the Black Panthers."
Gentrification changed the Lincoln Park neighborhood where the Young Lords evolved, and Jimenez said he sees that happening now in Humboldt Park.
"When we talk about urban renewal and gentrification, sometimes we forget what we're trying to say," Jimenez said. "Every support network put there by the community is broken apart. It's dislocated."
For years, Puerto Ricans and other minorities had been displaced from gentrifying neighborhoods such as Lincoln Park and Wicker Park. In 1968, the Young Lords took matters into their own hands when they briefly took over a neighborhood church basement and other buildings—installing food programs and other services. It became a rallying call for community building in Chicago, New York and several other cities.
Jimenez and other Young Lords followed the Black Panther Party, becoming militant nationalists who brought services and a spirit of defiance to areas they thought were ignored by city officials.
They fought against tenant evictions, created a People's Church in Lincoln Park, and joined groups pushing for Puerto Rican independence.
Their rough style included spurts of violence. In 1969, Jimenez was sentenced to a year in jail for the destruction of a city urban renewal office.
But the group also had some victories. Its People's Church on Armitage Avenue became a hub for Latino activism and featured a day nursery for working mothers and a free breakfast program.
"We call it a 40-year struggle," Jimenez said before the anniversary program on Sunday commemorating the four decades since the Young Lords became politically active in the community. "We want people to know the struggle is still going on. We're for progress. We're for diversity."
"What happened then happens today," said another Young Lords founder, Carlos Flores. "It's going to happen all over again."
Part of what made the Young Lords effective is their ability to work with groups like the Black Panthers, rather than against them, some said Sunday.
Kathleen Cleaver, communications secretary for the Black Panther Party from 1967 to 1971 and the one-time wife of late Black Panther leader Eldridge Cleaver, said that history must be remembered and emulated.
"Our struggles were rooted in principles, not personalities," she said.
"We are again in another historical moment," added another former Young Lords activist from New York, Iris Morales. "To mobilize the masses, we must train another generation of organizers. We must do the day-to-day work that builds unity."
jjlong@tribune.com
Gentrification changed the Lincoln Park neighborhood where the Young Lords evolved, and Jimenez said he sees that happening now in Humboldt Park.
"When we talk about urban renewal and gentrification, sometimes we forget what we're trying to say," Jimenez said. "Every support network put there by the community is broken apart. It's dislocated."
For years, Puerto Ricans and other minorities had been displaced from gentrifying neighborhoods such as Lincoln Park and Wicker Park. In 1968, the Young Lords took matters into their own hands when they briefly took over a neighborhood church basement and other buildings—installing food programs and other services. It became a rallying call for community building in Chicago, New York and several other cities.
Jimenez and other Young Lords followed the Black Panther Party, becoming militant nationalists who brought services and a spirit of defiance to areas they thought were ignored by city officials.
They fought against tenant evictions, created a People's Church in Lincoln Park, and joined groups pushing for Puerto Rican independence.
Their rough style included spurts of violence. In 1969, Jimenez was sentenced to a year in jail for the destruction of a city urban renewal office.
But the group also had some victories. Its People's Church on Armitage Avenue became a hub for Latino activism and featured a day nursery for working mothers and a free breakfast program.
"We call it a 40-year struggle," Jimenez said before the anniversary program on Sunday commemorating the four decades since the Young Lords became politically active in the community. "We want people to know the struggle is still going on. We're for progress. We're for diversity."
"What happened then happens today," said another Young Lords founder, Carlos Flores. "It's going to happen all over again."
Part of what made the Young Lords effective is their ability to work with groups like the Black Panthers, rather than against them, some said Sunday.
Kathleen Cleaver, communications secretary for the Black Panther Party from 1967 to 1971 and the one-time wife of late Black Panther leader Eldridge Cleaver, said that history must be remembered and emulated.
"Our struggles were rooted in principles, not personalities," she said.
"We are again in another historical moment," added another former Young Lords activist from New York, Iris Morales. "To mobilize the masses, we must train another generation of organizers. We must do the day-to-day work that builds unity."
jjlong@tribune.com
Labels: Black Panthers, community organizing, Puerto Rico, Social Justice, Young Lords
Thursday, September 25, 2008
SWOP homepageTrick or Vote! with New Mexico Youth Organized
Do you know that you're a little too old to trick-or-treat on Halloween night, but just can't give up the fun?
Well, you can "Trick or Vote" instead, with our friends at New Mexico Youth Organized.
Just four days before the election, Halloween night is a perfect time to knock on doors and remind people to vote. Give NMYO a call and sign up!
Contact: Amanda Manjarrez, 505-450-3049
Trick or Vote!
On October 31st, members of New Mexico Youth Organized (NMYO) and local partners in Albuquerque will engage in a massive civic engagement project called “Trick or Vote.” The costumed force of young people, many who are past their trick or treating prime, will fan out in neighborhoods across the city. Trick or Vote is part of a national effort to encourage youth participation in the electoral process.
NMYO and its partners will distribute non-partisan voter guides, and remind people to vote. Following the neighborhood canvasses, NMYO will host a Halloween event at the Outpost Performance Space. The event will provide a safe entertainment space for youth and volunteers, while getting participants excited about engaging in our democracy. Some of the high profile local artists featured include DJ Eve, DJ Bea, DJ Mittens, City Side Front, and more.
Studies show that the most effective way to increase voter turnout is to have face-to-face conversations and simply ask people to vote. With Halloween being the biggest door-knocking day of the year, NMYO and its partners look forward to connecting with thousands of people. Conveniently, Halloween also falls just 4 days before the election, when “Get Out the Vote” efforts become most crucial. For these two reasons it’s easy to view Trick or Vote as being the “best way on the best day.”
“This event not only has the potential and capacity to significantly increase voter turnout, a crucial endeavor to mobilize a new breed of youth volunteers and expose them to a lifetime of civic engagement and community service,” said Amanda Manjarrez, an organizer with New Mexico Youth Organized. “Trick or Vote as a creative effort is a way to view the process through a new lens, while organizing a mass of young people who have often been underestimated in our nation’s electoral process. “
Trick or Vote has already begun to catch people’s attention across the country. Young leaders attended both the Democratic and Republican conventions to get the word out about what youth are doing to make a difference in this election. See the Trick or Vote website at TrickorVote.org for videos and interviews.
