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Mae Jackson is a New York City based writer, poet, dreamer and doer whose record of activism on behalf of her people stretches back to SNCC. A founder of Art Without Walls, an art program for the children of imprisoned women, she is well acquainted with the difference between surface change, and fundamental, revolutionary change.
Here are a few minutes of her address to the crowd at May 31, 2009 event memorializing the early 20th century Harlem activist Hubert Harrison, in which she lays out a clear understanding of whose lips move when our First Black President speaks. Referring to some of Barack Obama's widely acclaimed orations at the Democratic convention, atop Lincoln's tomb, and other places, she tells us
â..those wonderful speeches made by the young man from Chicago were actually crafted, that's written, by three young white men 25, 26 and 31 years old. We got the unfortunate opportunity once again to see the world through their eyes. Obama was the spokesperson. Same as when you buy a painting, that doesn't make you the painter...â
She explains how the establishment turned took the politics out of activism, neutralizing and de-politicizing young political activists by turning them into âcommunity organizers."
There is near unanimity of opinion against data centers in the U.S. But elitist and compromised environmental groups and the climate industry should not lead this fight.
"Whatâs with a Pomade Manâs testosterone obsession?" is the latest from BAR's Poet-in-Residence
Johanna Fernandez left a powerful and revolutionary legacy through her scholarship and activism.
Johanna Fernandez touched many lives through her scholarship, activism, and belief that people themselves can change history and be "the ones we've been waiting for."
"Unlike the Zionist claim that 'Israel has a right to exist,' my assertion is rooted in international law. Of course, given Israelâs propensity for violating such laws, itâs no surprise theyâre stillâŚ
