AMC Recap #1

An adequate assessment of just one pre­sentation will be difficult; to express how powerful and moving the entire conference was will be even harder.

There was never a question of belonging, nor was there a need to reference one’s resume in order to feel part of an exclusive network…

Visit Critical Moment Magazine for the full recap.

Southall Black Sisters Demonstration (UK)

Southall Black Sisters

 

Demonstration 17^th and 18^th July 2008

 

Many of you are already aware that SBS has been locked in struggle against Ealing Council with regard to its decision to withdraw funding for our domestic violence services for black and minority women. On 17^th and 18^th July 2008, the High Court will hear a challenge brought by our users against Ealing Council for its failure to have proper regard to existing equality legislation, especially the Race Relations Act, in reaching its decision on our funding. The Council will seek to justify its decision on the grounds that a generic domestic violence service will be better placed to meet requirements of the equality legislation and the so called ‘cohesion’ agenda.

 

Equality, Cohesion and the Right to Self Organisation

 

This is no longer simply about the funding of SBS. The case represents a key moment for the third sector. In one of the first challenges of its kind, the Council will be required to account for the way in which the confused and contradictory ‘cohesion’ agenda is being cynically used to cut essential life saving services to black and minority women in particular. Specialist services likes ours are needed, not only for reasons to do with language difficulties and culture pressures, but also because we have considerable experience in providing advice and advocacy in complex circumstances where legal aid is no longer easily available and where immigration and asylum difficulties make some women much more vulnerable than others. In addition, we will seek to challenge the Council for its failure to take account of how and why groups like SBS, were set up in the first place: to challenge racism and gender inequality as well as religious, caste and ethnic divisions within our communities.

 

The Council has made much of the need to reflect the racial diversity of Ealing (meaning the white majority population) in the interests of ‘cohesion’. In the process it seeks to argue that the very existence of specialist groups like SBS is unlawful under the Race Relations Act! Ealing Council has also withdrawn funding for key refugee and race equality projects in Ealing. This approach is not unique to Ealing. Evidence from around the UK suggests that organisations in the firing line tend to be the more progressive black and minority and feminist projects. At the same time, reactionary, sometimes fundamentalist religious organisations are being given financial support to provide ‘welfare services’, even at the risk of undermining the human rights of the most vulnerable in our communities. The subcontracting of third sector services is also contributing to the decimation of groups like SBS. What this demonstrates is a political attack on the notion of positive action and on the right to self organisation underpinned by secular, anti-racist and progressive values.

 

Our Tradition: Struggle not Submission

 

These are immensely worrying developments for all those concerned about the threat to progressive notions of equality and justice. We therefore urge you to join our demonstration on the 17^th and 18^th July at the High Court on the Strand. Nearest Tube Holborn (Circle & Piccadilly Line) or Temple (District & Circle Line). Please bring musical instruments, whistles and banners.

 

For further details contact SBS 0208 571 9595

Email: Southallblacksisters@btconnect.com

Gender Hearts: Call for submissions

GENDERED HEARTS

Sex, dating, and relationships in the transgender/gender variant community. Edited by *Morty Diamond

Looking for first person stories, interviews and poetry from trans and gender variant writers about the experience of dating, sex, relationships, and finding love.

Topic examples: hilarious or heartbreaking dating stories, how we negotiate sex, transitioning within a relationship, being trans and starting families, passing/not passing and how this affects our choices for dating, marriage - legal or otherwise, online dating, sex and dating before and after surgery and/or hormones.

I strive to make this anthology as diverse as possible within age, race, sexuality, and gender identity. I encourage all writers who identify as transgender, transsexual, genderqueer, third gender, non-gender, or gender variant in some way to submit work.

If submitting a short story your work should be between 1,500 and 3,000 words. Sexually explicit work is ok. Please include a short biography with your work.

If your story is accepted you will receive a cash stipend and two free copies of the book. Please submit your writing via email to: genderedhearts@gmail.com. LAST DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: July 15, 2008.

*Morty Diamond is the editor of the book “From the Inside Out, FTM and Beyond” and the producer and director of the films “Trans Entities” and “Trannyfags.”

Forum on Community, Culture, and Race

Registration and purchase of $10 ticket is required. Register here. Registration and ticket purchase will also be available at the door.

For group or additional information contact Angelina Esposito: aespino@newdetroit.org (313) 664-2058 or Marshalle Montgomery: mmontgomery@newdetroit.org (313) 664-2036.

Ethnomusicologist Mark Stone, Oakland University, will bring together drummers from the African, African American, Arab American, Native American, and Latino communities.

He will examine their histories, styles, unifying factors, and unique cultural techniques to affirm that:

And so it begins…

 

It’s finally here - AMC!  I met the Empowered Fe Fes today and if their energy is any indication of what’s to come, then I know I’m in exactly the right place!

I also bumped into Wifey in the dorm elevator and couldn’t stop hugging her, so you know it was only a matter of time before I excused myself from the group and ran up to her room to get a tackle hug from BlackAmazon.  

Stay tuned!

Michigan Chapter of Womens Caucus for Art

W.E.E.N.

Posted June 17, 2008- In an industry predominantly governed by men, W.E.E.N. is now making their presence known with the Don’t Judge Me…Empower Me tour which kicks off June 28 in New York City at the Hammerstein Ballroom. With appearances from LeToya Luckett, Lil Mama, Mc Lyte, Melyssa Ford, La La Vasquez, Lil Mo, Julissa Bermudez, Free, BET’s Alesha Renee, Kimora Lee Simmons, who serves as the National Spokeswoman for W.E.E.N., and many more, the Don’t Judge Me…Empower Me tour will primarily highlight issues dealing with the female community such as health, leadership, career development, and financial literacy.

 

Valeshia Butterfiled, founder of W.E.E.N. said of the tour, “Our tour begins in New York City at a most opportune time given the unprecedented national debate about the leadership of women in American society. WEEN’s fast growing network of artists, executives and professionals will deliver vital and exciting information to thousands of young women on June 28. After many months of preparation, we are enthusiastic about the launch and our goal is to provide young women with the tools necessary to make informed professional and personal life choices.”

 

Partnering with W.E.E.N. for this new venture will be The Hip Hop Summit Action Network, Girl Scouts Of America, the National Urban League, Latinos in Fashion and Entertainment (L.I.F.E.), T.E.E.N. Diaries, Carifest Cares and Melyssa Ford’s foundation, Less Is More. NYC’s Power 105.1 FM will be joining as an exclusive radio partner while Bird’s Eye Entertainment will be handling production duties.

 

For more informaiton, log onto Weenonline.Org right now.

One day focus group (New Jersey)

Hello Ladies:

I’m doing a study through work in which we need to recruit English-speaking Latinos to participate in one of two focus groups. One of the groups will be held on Tuesday, July 8th at 1:30 pm and the other is on Wednesday, July 9th at 9:30 am.

The groups will be held on the College Avenue Campus of Rutgers University in New Brunswick. Participants will receive $70 for the 90 minute meeting. The topic is perceptions of health care quality. We are only taking adults age 18 or older, but that’s really about the only restriction we have.

If you know of people who might be interested in participating? I would appreciate if you could pass get the word out to groups and individuals you think would be interested.

Thanks so much,

Ann D. Bagchi

PLEASE CALL:  609 936-3263 / 609 750-4085

 

Those Damn Women of Color Again!

 

TWO ARTICLES: ONE MESSAGE

AND 

Latin American Press (Elsa Chanduvi, June 5, 2008): “Living Well,” a development alternative

Proposal is considered legacy of indigenous peoples to humanity

More than 1,000 representatives from indigenous communities across the Americas gathered in Lima, Peru, have agreed on a new social system, known as “Living Well,” focused on reciprocity between people and the Earth.

A break from market dogmas

“We believe there is a big difference between [living well and] those who believe that living well is to live better than someone else. [The latter] reflects a competition instead of respect and equality. So, ‘living well’ is the exercise of rights, respect, equality and means of life for everyone, said Blanca Chancoso, a renowned leader of Ecuador’s Kichwa women, who formerly served as one of the directors of the country’s largest indigenous organization, CONAIE. She is currently part of the Dolores Ulcuango Indigenous School in Ecuador.

Reading Blanca Chancoso’s description summed up perfectly what women of color and other marginalized groups have been battling against in the feminist movement for centuries: those who believe there is a difference between “living well” and those who believe “living well is to live better than someone else.”

So when Linda Hirshman (feminist author), sitting comfortably in the journalist poshland of the Washington Post, writes an article chastising women of color for dividing the feminist movement, I, like Chancoso, also ask for “a break from market dogma.” In this case, the dogma that feminism is best led and guided by white professional women, and that the ultimate goal of feminism should be to elect a woman president.

Hirshman has the audacity to blame the division and misplaced focus (in that feminism didn’t succeed in getting Hillary the Democratic nomination) of the feminist movement  on “intersectionality.” For those not familiar with the term, “intersectionality” refers to the recognition that various forms of oppression rely on and reinforce one another - not exactly a surprise, but apparently something feminists like Hirshman would prefer everyone ignore.

You couldn’t have asked for a more perfect example of white, upper-class, elite feminism than this article. As the villians responsible for feminism’s current crises, Hirshman points her finger at Brownfemipower and Sudy. Not only does she take their quotes out of context, misrepresent Brownfemipower’s criticism of Amanda Marcotte, and doesn’t even bother to contact them directly, but who does she contact and quote? Jessica Valenti (Feministing) and Jill Filipovic (Feministe) as authorities on how feminism has progressed and translates for all 20-somethings, including women of color.  You demons stay over there and shut up while I talk to white women about you. 

It’s ironic that Hirshman defines herself as a “Chris Matthews-inspired Clintonite,” since she understands as much about women of color as Matthews does about anyone who isn’t white, male, and securely within the Washington power elite. By the way, since when is the election of a woman to the presidency the solution to destroying partriarchy? Or anything else to do with justice? I guess it was inspiring when Madeline Albright was Secretary of State. It was also disgusting when she suggested that 500,000 Iraqi children dead as a direct result of U.S./U.K.-enforced sanctions was “worth the price.”

The article is an insult. And while we’ve opened up the floor for pointing fingers, I ask you [Hirshman] to reread your own article and consider how well it bodes for feminism, how your observations have helped unify the movement, and how big a role YOU play in dividing the movement.

But than again, why look at yourself when you can blame those angry dark people? You speak of a more innocent time, when you first received Friedan’s book and knew she was speaking about you and to you. While you fought and protested and worked to strengthen a movement based on equality and reproductive rights, you never imagined that those “crazies” below you would actually want the same, even though they were fighting alongside you. Did you miss that in all your years of being a feminist? Or could you only see women of color as potential hired help in your kitchen (like a good liberal, you’d pay them a higher wage and pat them on the heads for a job well done)?  

Beyond your one-sided world view, there are individuals and groups fighting the original fight, with the understanding that women’s rights means something different for a white professional woman earning over 150k per year, a white single mother hovering at the poverty level, a black woman living in the inner city, and a Latina living in a prison for immigrants. You don’t risk anything focusing on the “last glass ceiling” and putting an elite, corporate white woman in office; try battling steel bars, immigration raids, and concrete jungles.

Finally, the article is poor journalism. I can guarantee that if BrownfemiPower or Sudy wrote an article critical of an entire movement and never bothered to contact anyone in that movement, it would be regarded as shoddy journalism lacking the sophisticated research skills necessary to be taken seriously. I wonder how often we’d see them in print again? What about an article bemoaning the divisions in the feminist movement and putting the blame squarely on white women? Think anyone would take it seriously?

In a way, I feel sorry for Hirshman and her lack of vision. She speaks of her work in the feminist movement yet degrades others for taking up the same fight - our crime is that we are vocal about people who don’t happen to look like Hirshman. How quickly we forget what the feminist movement (supposedly) stands for.

Hirshman notes that the “reform” movements within feminism - focused on issues like race and class - “would have been enough to weaken the movement. But it still could have been like many other reform movements, which manage to remain effective by using such traditional political tools as alliances and compromises. There’s an old-fashioned term for it — ‘log-rolling.’ Put crudely: First I vote for your issue, then you vote for mine.”

The problem with the notion of “first I vote for your issue, then you vote for mine,” Linda Hirshman, is that you never came around to vote for our issues.  We have always been expected to vote on your terms; your interests always come first, and we’re always left waiting.

I’m over waiting in line for the greater good of those who clearly already have. Tired of waiting, patient and subservient, for our turn, for our crumbs to trickle down. I’m out of that line, and getting in the one clearly marked “revolution.”  My hefty Latina bones can’t survive on white bread, so forget the ceiling - I’m kicking down the meat-locker and sharing the wealth with my community. Old, white, or male - you’re welcome to join, but know this: living well means rights, respect, equality, and access to the means of life for everyone, now. Freedom is not given, so I’m taking.

Here’s Brownfemipower’s response to this article.

Here’s Jill Filipovic’s (Feministe) response.

Stories in the news this morning: June 9, 2008

It’s 10am and I’m already seething with reports from mainstream media.

NY Times: States Take New Tack on Illegal Immigration

MILTON, Fla. — Three months after the local police inspected more than a dozen businesses searching for illegal immigrants using stolen Social Security numbers, this community in the Florida Panhandle has become more law-abiding, emptier and whiter.

[One business owner says,] “I don’t blame them [police],” Mr. Barragan added. “It’s just that it hurts.”

Yes, how painful it must be to have your business lose the much-needed dollars of those little brown people in your small community. It doesn’t hurt because the lives of good, hard-working people have been disrupted by deportation or jail; no, let’s not consider that. Let’s only focus on the hole this raid left in your business. Since a large portion of the latino community frequented his restaurant, he doesn’t have any answers for how to stay open. No protests, no help in rewriting policy, not even a call to the local police, just a plea of “it hurts.”

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NY Times: Where Whites Draw the Line

How black is too black?

Millions of African-Americans celebrated Barack Obama’s historic victory, seeing in it a reflection — sudden and shocking — of their own expanded horizons. But whether Mr. Obama captures the White House in November will depend on how he is seen by white Americans. Indeed, some people argue that one of the reasons Mr. Obama was able to defeat Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton was that a large number of white voters saw him as “postracial.”

I wonder if I wrote an article “How White is too White?” how quickly the NY Times would pick it up. If they did, if anyone did, how quickly would I be accused of reverse racism? I’d be attacked for trying to divide the country, rather than using my words productively to unify. I’d probably be put on a terrorist watch list. But “too black”? That’s perfectly reasonable for the paper of record.

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NY Times: Inside Gate, India’s Good Life; Outside, the Slums

Hamilton Court — complete with a private school within its gates, groomed lawns and security guards — is just one of the exclusive gated communities that have blossomed across India in recent years. At least for the newly moneyed upper middle class, they offer at high prices what the government cannot, at least not to the liking of their residents.

Thank goodness such class inequality would never happen in the civilized United States.

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Daily Kos: Iowa — Another Katrina?

Darrell in Iowa writes:

I am in Mason City.  Our levees broke Sunday morning.  Flood stage is 7 foot and waters are now at 19 feet.  Hundreds of homes and businesses are underwater.  The City’s water plant was flooded and the entire city of 30,000 is without potable water.  A couple of hours ago the main electric substation flooded and failed and much of the city is without power.  People remain in flooded homes.  Early tonight I saw people wandering the streets not knowing where to go.  There are entrie areas of the city with NO emergency personnel on hand.

NOBODY from the outside has come to help.  Our local first responders are exhausted and overwhelmed.  Small rural towns downstream tonight are being devasted.  Levees everywhere are failing.  Calls for help in these small towns have been unmet.  Portions of our local guard are in Iraq.

The homeland has been left unprotected and people are suffering horribly.

As if we needed another reminder of how our government fails its basic obligations. Like New Orleans, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Army Core of Engineers lied about the effectiveness of these levees, too. When we put people in charge of government who are convinced government can’t work, they will do everything to make sure it won’t work. Mason City, Iowa is drowning in Republican rule.

I realize this is an angry post (oh no - anger!) but every once in a while, a Latina needs to show her teeth! Besides, if you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention

Until The Violence Stops: Support Detroit Festival

“A Bitch Project” Recap

On Sunday, May 4, I took part in “A Bitch Project,” a participatory discussion about how—and whether—feminism can become a transformative movement for social change. The discussion was held at the community collective Trumbullplex in Detroit; it was initiated by Bitch Magazine publisher Debbie Rasmussen,* and co-organized by myself, fellow Detroit Feminist organizer Andrea Lavigne and local Detroiter Jess Hauser.

 

 

The discussion was part of a small tour Debbie put together after reading an article by Jessica Hoffman (of make/shift magazine) titled “On Prisons, Borders, Safety, and Privilege: An Open Letter to White Feminists.”** As preparation for the discussion, Debbie encouraged all participants to read Hoffman’s piece. Below are excerpts from her invitation, and the questions to be addressed:

 

 

A Bitch Project

Feminism In/Action: What is your feminism for and why does it matter?

 

·     How can we drive attention to the power, privilege, and marginal­ization that continue to play out in feminist communities and how can those of us with power and privilege become effective, genuine allies to those without it?

·     How can we collectively create an independent feminist media-justice movement that doesn’t rely on white supremacy, class privilege, and economic exploitation?

·     Can the idea of “feminism” shift to foreground an uncompromising, transformative commitment to systemic social change, or is it time to evolve to new language

 

 

When Debbie got in touch with me and Detroit Feminists to help facilitate this discussion, I thought it was a great idea, and immediately wanted to be involved. I did so with some trepidation, however, because I understand how difficult it can be to open up a discussion about diversity, social change and inclusive language in the feminist movement, and how hard it is for some to talk about one’s privilege. It’s easy to get off topic, and even easier for tensions to run high very quickly. But I welcomed the opportunity, and was pleased that Debbie had decided to take this first step.

 

 

The morning of the 4th, I was nervous. Diversity is sometimes touched upon within the feminist movement in Metro Detroit, and written about periodically, but usually it seems restricted to rhetoric, which allows feminists to maintain a distance from taking steps toward real change, or actually committing to being inclusive.

 

 

In my own personal interactions, I’ve offended more than a few people trying to address this issue. Others have decided they don’t like me personally, and therefore we are not on the same “feminist” page, and have little to talk about. Many simply go cold when faced with the issue. So opening this up to a full room where I had to help lead the discussion felt a bit daunting. Yet, if I was expecting others to show up and be open and vulnerable, I had to do the same.

 

 

We were pleased with the turnout, which was bigger than we thought it would be; approximately 25 - 30 people showed up. The conversation began with introductions, which were a little uncomfortable given that most people didn’t know each other, and the underlying nervousness about the discussion to come was obvious. Then again, how do you avoid that? You just keep going.

 

 

Then we asked the first question: what is your feminism, and why does it matter? What was most apparent from these first interactions was most of us felt some disillusionment with feminism, and thought something was missing from the movement, but we lacked a general consensus on what it was. Yet everyone there still felt invested in feminism, and wanted to see it evolve in a positive way.

 

 

Often we couldn’t get to a place where we were talking about just one thing; it seemed like we had too many different issues we were each focused on.

 

 

Some thought motherhood was never really highlighted or considered important enough in feminist discourse. While abortion and reproductive rights are highlighted, motherhood is often at the bottom of the list.

 

 

Others felt feminism has become too intellectualized; it has shifted from a mass movement to a field of elite study. It doesn’t leave much room for those who haven’t taken women’s studies courses, and don’t plan to. The working class and the working poor, and the issues important to them, are generally disregarded. Since it’s evolved this way, it loses mass appeal.

 

 

The men in the room – while receptive to the conventional goals of feminism – expressed that they had no real sense of what feminism was, other than angry, man-hating women. They understood this view is continuously perpetuated, and wanted to learn how they might identify as feminists without being the butt of someone’s joke. In general, they expressed an interest in understanding feminism, but also a sense of frustration at not being able to comprehend what it means.

 

 

Over the course of the discussion, we kept circling back around to the idea of diversity, people of color as leaders of the feminist movement, and examining our privilege. While the group was receptive and open to discussing diversity and privilege, it still didn’t seem to be the topic most people wanted to, or even could, focus on. The main question that came out of this was how do we create diversity and also make people of color leaders in the movement without them being tokens, or perceived as tokens? There was also a concern about white people trying to learn about issues important to women of color; how do they ask without being offensive or treating people of color as subjects of learning, or demanding that people of color “teach” white people about their culture and concerns?

 

Another related issue was the tendency of white women to offer solutions for how women of color should participate in the movement, and how white women might help them solve their problems. It’s become a conversation between therapist (white) and victim (woc) instead of a conversation between equals.

 

This question and the related questions were never answered. Still, I think it was a great beginning. With introductions and first discussions like this, we can get over our initial discomfort. And if we can create a safe space, we can address these issues openly and productively. While we had many more questions than we had solutions or movement toward change, the introduction is an important starting point.

 

 

We are now planning part two of this discussion to get back to the original topic as Debbie first proposed. Here’s the information:

Thursday, June 5, 7:30-9:30pm

Trumbullplex

4210 Trumbull, Detroit

• Everyone is welcome (it takes a community!), even if you missed the initial conversation.
• In preparation for the discussion, we aks that everyone read On Prisons, Borders, Safety, and Privilege: An Open Letter to White Feminists, by Jessica Hoffman. The article is available in the current issue of make/shift magazine or online.

  

One of my concerns as we move forward is that the people who are open to these kinds of discussions and are willing to put themselves in uncomfortable positions are often the same people we’re likely to continue seeing. How do we open it up to new people, and/or to a much broader segment of the movement?

 

This is an ongoing struggle that most movements deal with, and we’ll continue to struggle with it. We have to; the alternative is the self-destruction of the movement.

 

Finally, I want to thank Debbie and Bitch Magazine for including Detroit in this tour. We look forward to having you back at the end of June for A Bitch Project Listening Party!

 

*Debbie has a great recap on her blog at Bitch Magazine; she’s also looking for feedback, so feel free to head over there and comment (there’s even a cute picture of me - ha!)

Estrogen Fest II (Commerce, MI)

 

Estrogen Fest II is a three day event, scheduled July 25-27 at the Proud Lake Recreation Area, in Commerce, Michigan.

The event is centered on women empowering women through music, the arts, workshops, networking, and a common cause. We are hoping to raise funds thought ticket sales, raffles, food service, sponsorship, donations, and keep the costs of the event low, with hopes of raising enough money to build a playground for kids that really need one.

The Godmothers are seeking support in a variety of ways. Sponsor the event; we are seeking sponsors that range from $500 - $5,000. Sponsorship is a great way to advertise. Donations for the event are also needed, such as dessert trays, baked goods to sell or raffle, or gift certificates, and donations. A donation, in any amount $$$ would be greatly appreciated, and in turn we will recognize you at this year’s event, in our literature, and on our web-site.

• Expected Number of Attendees for Estrogen II: Over 2000
• Demographics: Women 21 and up out to have fun and network, vendors, numerous volunteers and of course, the Godmothers!
• Event: This is a three-day festival event set in the beautiful, natural recreational area of northern Oakland County, Michigan, only a 35 minute drive from Detroit and surrounding suburbs.
• KICK-OFF PARTY: Friday Gates open at 5p.m.
  V.I.P MINGLER PARTY STARTING AT 7 P.M.
  in the Conference Center. WINE. FOOD. MUSIC.
  Everyone is welcome! The roster will be posted in the coming weeks! This event promises to have something for everyone! Music. Art. Workshops. Special Guest Appearances from top musicians and DJs. Comedians, poets, crafts, vendors, gourmet foods sure to please anyone’s pallet. This event you won’t want to miss, they will be talking about it for years to come!
• SATURDAY & SUNDAY: Musical performances will begin at noon and carry on into the evening with local and national headliners, recording artists and bands. Sunday will include leisure activities, “Old School” reunions, live D.J.’s from past and present, more contests wrapping up the weekend with an Afternoon Tea Dance.

Bio of Entertainers: By request as acts are signed.

Primary Contact: Vicky Lewis
Email: vicky@thegodmothers.org
Phone 248-346-8960

WEBSITE

 

Documentary: Means Streets: NY Teens Caught in Sex Trade

Mean Streets: 
NY Teens Caught in the Sex Trade
Wed., May 28th, 6:30 pm, Documentary Film Screening and Community Forum

Advertised in places like Craigslist, sex with children is a thriving part of the NYC sex trade. Every year, kids as young as 12 are sexually exploited by pimps and johns, and they face a system ill-equipped to provide the services needed to help them reclaim their young lives.  This disproportionately affects African-American girls, as well as gay and transgender runaways.  Join us in exploring ways to change laws, policies, and attitudes about teen sexual exploitation.

The documentary, “Teen Prostitution: Sex Workers or Victims?” was produced by National Geographic and is part of the Oxygen network’s “Who Cares About Girls” documentary series.  Speakers on the panel include Patti Binder, Deputy Director of Girls Educational & Mentoring Services (GEMS), Lori B. Iskowitz, Senior Trial Counsel, Assistant Deputy Borough Chief in the Family Court Division of the NYC Law Department, Katherine Mullen, Attorney at Legal Aid Society, Juvenile Rights Division, Jo Rees, Deputy Executive Director of Friends of Island Academy, and Lise Zumwalt, Producer of the film. Moderated by NOW-NYC President, Sonia Ossorio.

 

LGBT Center | 208 W. 13th St. @ 7th Ave.
Call today to RSVP: 212.627.9895 (Space is limited!)  
$10 suggested donation | donate online

 Subway Directions: 1,2,3 to 14^th St./7^th Ave.; A,C,E,L to 14^th St./8^th Ave.; F,V to 14^th St./6^th Ave.;
OR 4,5,6,N,R,Q,W to 14^th St./Union Sq.; PATH to 14^th St./6^th Ave.

Please see our website www.nownyc.org for more information and event updates.

 

Women of Color Publishing

 

From Maegan la Mala at VivirLatino.com

I never buy the American Book Review, but I’m going to make an exception for their lastest issue and you should too! The current issue features Women of Color Publishing and contains the words of some blogger/writer hermanas!

Continue reading

Conferences and Events: Outside of Michigan (with one exception)

 

THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2008 - BOSTON

PARA NOSOTRAS: The first LATINA PRIDE PARTY from Queer Women of Color and Friends

You are invited to join Queer Women of Color and Friends (QWOC) to show love and support for our Latina sisters during Latino Pride week!

@Club Choices, 379 Somerville Avenue, Somerville, MA 02143

FREE Social 7:30 - 9 p.m., FIESTA 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Dance lessons available from MIT’s Casino Rueda Dance Troupe!

La Rueda de Casion originally began in Cuba in the 1950’s, and consisted of couples dancing salsa in a circle, following the moves called by the caller, who set the pace of the dance. The calls ranged from thos known by everyone from Cuba to San Francisco to more unique moves that people invented on their own.

Featuring Informal Latin Dance Lessons From Volunteers, Appetizers, Mingling, Flirting and so on…

Featuring DJ Shorty spinning Hiphop, Reggaeton, Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, and Top 40

Click here to get your tickets! $5 Online ($10 at the door)

Official Site

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JUNE 6-8, 2008 - MINNEAPOLIS

National Conference for Media Reform

Join fellow activists, media makers, educators, jounalists, policymakers and concerned citizens in calling real and lasting changes to our nation’s media system.

2008 provides us with a great opportunity to put the issue of media reform in the national spotlight. Join us in Minneapolis and help us build this critical movement.

Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 South Second Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Event website

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JUNE 20 -22, 2008 - DETROIT

ALLIED MEDIA CONFERENCE

The Allied Media Conference cultivates media strategies for a more just and creative world. It is the primary point of intersection in the U.S. for alternative media makers and committed social justice activists. In June, we will come together on the campus of Wayne State University to share tools and tactics for transforming our communities through media-based organizing. Learn more about AMC

Get these women of color to the AMC! Visit their websites and donate to their travel funds!

SPEAK Women of Color Media Collective and members of the Radical Women of Color blog ring have kicked off a fundraising campaign to cover their travel expenses to Detroit. You can donate by clicking the links, following the instructions and clicking the PayPal donate button.

Every donation makes a difference, and your support is greatly appreciated.

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JULY 18- 20, 2008 - SAN FRANCISCO

BLOGHER CONFERENCE

Adele will be participating in a panel discussion on “Race and Gender: What are the lessons of 2008. No this actually isn’t a re-hash of the Obama vs. Hillary debate. But certainly Election 2008 has made us look at our own (and society’s, and the medias, etc.) attitudes about race and gender. BlogHers proved that you can indeed discuss these incredibly sensitive topics without it descending into anarchy or hate speech, bit it’s tough. Pleas join Maria Nile, Jill Miller Zimon, Adele Nieves and others as we discuss what we’ve learned about ourselves…and about others so far in 2008.

BlogHer’s annual conference is like no other — it is the thrilling diversity of the blogosphere come to life!

Featuring techincal labs, educational workshops, intense discussion sessions, relevant sponsors, speakers from every corner of the blogosphere, established and new, and plent of opportunities to network and socialize.

Appropriate for anyone and everyone who is interested in any kind of blogging, from the personal to the professional to the political.

Full overview, Agenda

 

Must Read Articles

 

1. NYC “Weeds” Out Blacks and Latinos: New study outlines racial disparity in NYC’s staggering number of pot busts.

2. New Style of Policing in America: A new “military-corporate” paramilitary style of policing has been introduced in American society. As automation eliminates jobs permanently, workers find themselves homeless, denied access to healthcare and education and other necessities.

3. Beleaguered protestors talk peace with council: “Rutgers Three” persuade New Brunswick to adopt anti-war resolution…more info.

4. Study: Entrepreneurial activity remained strong in 2007 with major shifts among men, women and immigrants, says Kauffman Foundation Study

AND

5. Read Adele’s Hermana, Resist Zine Review (also check out kids on zines)

Michigan Events and Announcements

 

The Art of Healing - Explorations of Women’s Health

Artists speak out about women’s health care in The Art of Healing: Explorations of Women’s Health, presented by the Feminist Art Project in partnership with the Women’s Caucus for Art-Michigan, and The Therapy Center of Ann Arbor. The artwork includes both patient and care-taker perspectives as well as responses to social, political and historical health issues.

The exhibit will run May 2-16, 2008

Hours: M-F, noon - 6 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m.

Venue: Duderstadt Center (University of Michigan)

Price Range: Free

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SPREAD THE WORD!

Friends of Michigan Midwives

Purpose: To help Michigan Midwives Association with any jobs, manning booths at events, and spreading the word/celebrating the Midwifery Model of Care in all evironments.

Yahoo Group (website coming soon)

Any help you can offer in spreading the word to clients and other interested folks, or if you are able to participate on any level that would be amazing!

We have brochures to display, lots of little jobs and we would appreciate any information about upcoming events in your area in which we could participate. We can also arrange to have a speaker present on the Midwifery Model of Care, or hlep host presentations.

Another very important part of our work is to be fully prepared in the event of any litigation brought about that effects a woman’s right to choose her provider and location for birth. We need to develop a supportive large group that can respond quickly with letter writing, knowledge of who our friendly representatives are, and working proactively to let them know just how many families cherish their midwives.

Heather Hall, Events Coordinator

Friends of Michigan Midwives Board of Directors

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THINK GIRL

Detroit Race for the Cure

Think Girl is doing the Detroit Race For The Cure again this year, join them or help donate to the cause. Link

And

Girls Rock! Movie at the DIA (Detroit Institue of Arts), June 27, 2008

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Summer Arts and Leadership Institute

30 Detroit area underprivileged youth are coming to the University of Michigan to participate in the Summer Arts and Leadership Institute, put on by the Residential College Community Theater Collaborative (RCCTC).

These talented youth face a variety of challenges in their lives, as most come from homeless families, are runaways, or battle with poverty. From June 13 to 15, they will get a chance to experience the arts at the University of Michigan. Youth will stay in a residence hall, participate in arts workshops led by U of M Professors, and have a chance to become more comfortable with the people and places associated with college.

Based in the University of Michigan’s Residential College, the RCCTC serves the university and the community by training college students to use the arts for socail justice, by using arts to expand university knowlege from the community and encouraging arts-based learning for college students of today and tomorrow.

For more information, please contact Craig VanKempen at 734.615.2491 or craigvk@gmail.com

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DETROIT HEALING WALK

Youth of all ages and every race, religion and description will be walking, singing, talking and praying on the Detroit Healing Walk, Saturday, June 7, 2008.

Everyone will gather at the American Indian, 9:30am at the American Indian Health and Family Services (AIHFS), located at 4880 Lawndale south of Michigan Avenue and make a round trip to Fort Wayne for ceremonies by the Detroit River. Transportation will be provided for those unable to walk the distance.

For more information, or to register for the Detroit Healing Walk, contact Nickole Fox or Martha Hinojosa at AIHFS, 313.846.3718 ext. 1113

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Detroit Water Forum: Focus on Water Rate Increases, Sewage Overflows & Aging Water Infrastructure

The high cost of upgrading and expanding Detroit’s aging water and sewage system, among other things, has forces the Detroit Water and Sewage Department to raise its water rates earlier this week. Water—a basic human right—has become unaffordable to many residents and many, as a result, have had their water shut off because of a failure to pay their bills.

All Great Lake Cities need an up-to-date water and sewage infrastructure system. This forum will begin the conversation on how to fix Detroit’s aging infrastructure while making sure all residents have the right to clean and affordable water.

WHAT: Water Community Forum

WHO: Chuck Hersey, Southeast Michigan Council of Goverments, Mary Blackmon, Detroit Water and Sewage Board, Joanne Watson, Detroit City Councilwoman, Maureen Taylor, Michigan Welfare Rights, Detroit Resident that has experienced a water shutoff

WHEN: Monday, May 12, 2008, 5:30pm reception begins, 6pm panel beginis

WHERE: Wayne County Community College - Community Roomn 236 (1001 West Fort Street, Detroit)

Hosted by the Sierra Club

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Activist Mike Farrell’s book signing

Just Call Me Mike: A Journey to Actor and Activist, with a new introduction by Martin Sheen

A rare celebrity who makes headlines for the right reasons. Mike will drive himself across the country and back, and will be networking with the human right organizations that will be sponsoring each event along the way…

He’ll be speaking off the cuff, from memories of M*A*S*H and Providence - to heated debates on the death penalty, environmental causes, international human rights abuses, gay rights and election politics.

Thursday, May 29, 2008, 7:00pm

Barnes & Noble, 3235 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor

Bitch Magazine & Detroit Feminists

Feminism In/Action: What is your feminism for and why does it matter?

This past Sunday Bitch Magazine and Detroit Feminists hosted a participatory discussion about—and whether—feminism can become a transformative movement for social change..more details.

We had a great turn-out and are thrilled Debbie Rasmussen contacted us to help organize this powerful and important conversation. Thank you to Bitch Magazine, Trumbull Plex, those who supported the event and especially the people who came out to get involved!

Bitch publisher Debbie Rasmussen posted an update, please feel free to give us (and Bitch Magazine) any feedback, comments or critique on the format or future discussions.

Stay tuned for our full recap and details for a Listening Party.

BlackAmazon & Brownfemipower

From BlackAmazon

Congratulations.

I quit.

I’m done. My blog will go live again when I’m compiling stuff for  my time to apply to gradschool but  I am done for now.

I want to say that this is permaent or that this is just a small break but no , this is teh beginning of a death knell.

 Continue reading at Problem Chylde

 

I have to admit I’m not very active in the blogsphere, for a number of reasons. It takes me forever to write something, I get lost in what’s going on at home and work, and my debating skills are a work in progress. Plus I still feel like I don’t know enough, like I’m always trying to catch up. But there are women (people) who, unlike me, have spent long hours eng