In an effort to provide a context of facts for discussions on police violence in the United States, we gathered the following statistics, comparing four, industrialized, Western nations. We added information on the danger of various jobs, as we so often hear about the dangers police officers face on a …
by Z Recently, in a discussion about anti-racist work, we talked about how white “friends” seem to disappear when the topic turns to race. It is surprising to find out how much fear and taboo there is around this subject. What did your parents teach you about race? Were there …
Myth: 50% of Black men drop out of high school Fact: 12.1% of African-American males drop out of high school Fact: 33.2% of college age black men attend higher education Where did the myth of a 50% drop out rate for young black men come from? Why is there such …
Recently for the organizing committee meeting we read 4 Ways to Push Back Against Your Privilege by Mia McKenzie. One statement that rang true for me was “The truth is that acknowledging your privilege means a whole lot of nothing much if you don’t do anything to actively push back …
In opening our recent organizing committee meeting, we each wrote a word or phrase that related to the work we do with Racial Justice Allies. “Relationism (instead of individualism.” “Courage (not to be confused with testicles).” “Clarify the Issue before the Action.” “What’s the Point?” “ACTION—it’s OK to be embarrassed.” …
Reflections after the RJA meeting and movie, “Hoodwinked” on May 12 by Jenny Blaker (At our May 12 dialog, Racial Justice Allies showed the film Hoodwinked by James Morton, which examines the statistics that the media, government and special interests use to reinforce a message that the peoples of African …
Much buzz lately on what defines an “ally.” Below are my thoughts after reading “Accomplices Not Allies” which is posted on Indigenous Action Media. Just read the article Accomplices Not Allies on the ally-industrial complex. I’m with the writer—but for probably different reasons. “Ally” has been imbued with so much …
by Chad Bolla There has been much publicity lately around Fifth District Supervisor Efren Carrillo and his awful behavior as a public servant in Sonoma County. The talk ranges from ridicule to empathy—some calling for his resignation and jail time while a few have demonstrated compassion for his situation and …
I wrote the letter below in support of the middle school students holding a demonstration at their school on April 23, the 6 month anniversary of their school mate Andy Lopez’s killing by a Sonoma county sheriff. It appeared in the Press Democrat on April 24 and at 9:30 AM …
by “Z” Yesterday I received an email from Justice for Andy Lopez coalition regarding the suspension of 24 Cook Junior High School Students in Santa Rosa for participation in a demonstration for the 6 month anniversary of the murder of Andy Lopez. The facts as stated were as follows: Students …