DC Youth Media

Former DC Youth Media Mentor Reports from Bagdhad!!

2005-11-03T12:53:00.000-08:00

Brian “Sharpie” Conley is a 25 year old filmmaker who, through his work with the alternative news organization Indymedia, and his own solo work, has contributed to or produced seven films, traveled the country, done international work in Quebec City and Guatemala, and has been shooting video for seven years. Be sure to visit www.aliveinbaghdad.org frequently.

DC Youth Media Resource List

2005-09-28T14:07:00.000-07:00

Organization/Program:
Youth Action Research Group (YARG)

Description:
YARG is a member-led organization of young people who are working tobuild the power of young people to speak out and take action on theissues that directly impact their lives.

Recent accomplishments:
YARG youth organizers and members have developed and produced fourmonthly youth run radio shows airing every last Wednesday of the monthfrom 6 to 7pm in collaboration with Radio CPR, 97.5 discussing issuesaround graffiti, GLBTQ teens, youth violence, affordable housing, DCPS,youth employment, sex education, and whatever else we think of!

Participants:
Youth Staff: 4
Core Leaders: 15
Members: 50

Contact:
Danielle Kurzweil
202-462-5767
daniellevk@riseup.net
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Organization/Program:
Facilitating Leadership in Youth (FLY)

Description
FLY youth council leads campaigns around issues that are important with youth living east of river. Issues they have worked on are "youth and gun violence" and "police of youth and harassment".

Recent accomplishments
Produced two Zines
A. Is it Because? SE youth and the Police, Fall, 2005
B. GUN Killin' Youngin', 2004

Participants
FLY Youth Counicl Program
Ages 13-17 years old.
Active youth: 12

Contact
James Pearlstein
202-441-3290
james@flyouth.org
www.flyouth.org
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Organization/Program
Youth Education Alliance (YEA)

Description of program
YEA produces media aimed at educating students on education and organizing in the district.

Recent accomplishments
2004-05 - YEA produces a quarterly zine written and organized by their youth members. They have put out five issues over the past year and a half.

2003-04 – Produced a video,“Stand up” which talks about the history of student organizing in DCPS and highlighted current conditions of schools in the District.

2001 - Produced a spoken word and hip hop CD

Participants
About 75 youth members
Active youth: 12
Ages: 14-20 years old.

Contact
Jonathan Stith
202-498-7075
jonathan@gmail
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Organization/Program
Young Women’s Drumming Empowerment Project
(YWDEP)

Description
YWDEP seeks to empower a core group of young women living in the District by guiding them in a process of learning how to play African hand drums/percussion, along with expressing their opinions and telling their stories through spoken word and song.

Recent accomplishments
A. Review of the first YWDEP performance can be found at http://solarizethis.blogspot.com/2005/09/she-poets-of-rizing-moon-in-djembes.html

B. YWDEP youth participants were interviewed by DC Radio Coop on Street Harrassement and its affects on young women.

C. Young DC newspaper will be highlighting YWDEP in their upcoming issue.

Participants
Active youth: 7
Ages: 14-20 years old.

Contact
Kristen Arant
Kristen@youngwomendrum.org
202-213-7810
www.youngwomendrum.org
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Organization/program
DivideDCity Magazine

Description
DivideDCity is a FREE publication by DC residents about DC and for DC. Sponsored by Sol & Soul, a non-profit dedicated to the advancement of local artists, divideDCity is a work in progress.

Recent accomplishments:
DivideDCity has published three magazines.
Vol. 1, Issue 1: Create, Speak, Observe
Vol. 1, Issue 2: The Big Picture
Vol. 1, Issue 3: Places in DC

Contact
Robin Bingham
202-545-1085
Divided_city@yahoo.com
www.solysoul.com/dividedcity/
********************************************************************* Organization/program
Latin American Youth Center Art & Media House

Description
In the media program, youth explore the power of communication. Program participants develop and strengthen their unique voices through hands on training in photography, radio, video and creative writing. Youth craft their own stories and gain critical skills.

Recent accomplishments:
A. Youth contributed to a story on immigrants attending college which aired nationally on NPR.

B. End of year exhibit in June, 2005 – The exhibit showcased youth radio, photography, and visual art.

C. Since March, 2005 youth produced radio show, TEEN TALK available on www.layc-dc.org

Participants:
About 120
Active: 20 in Media Program
Ages: 13-19 years old.

Contact:
Marie Moll
202-319-2299
artmediahouse@layc-dc.org
www.layc-dc.org
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Organization/Program:
Washington Spark Newspaper

Description:
The mission of Washington Spark newspaper is to investigate and expose injustice, display original writing, art, and criticism, deliver stories by, about or from under-represented groups, Depict avant gardes, undergrounds and alternative lifestyles, chart the struggles for social and economic justice, feature strategic analysis, dissenting opinions, DIY articles and ways to educate, connect and transform.The paper consists of a group of about 50 volunteers working part-time in teams to put together a city wide paper. It’s about voices. Helping people get their message out.

Recent accomplishments:
They have just release their 5th issue

Up to 25, 000 copies distributed in 475 locations, distribution map can be found at http://www.washingtonspark.org/ click on “Distribution”.

Contact:
Mark Cimino
Advertising Coordinator
advertising@washingtonspark.org
202-436-4153
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Organization/Program:
Empower DC Youth Project
Ward 5 – Trinidad / Ivy City

Description:
Youth people in ward 5, Ivy City neighborhoods working with caring adults to make positive social change in their community through arts, learning and discovery. Empower DC is hosting a community oral history project, outdoor movie screenings and other community arts projects.

Recent accomplishments:
A. Began interviewing people in the neighborhood for oral history project which will be produced as a radio documentary and printed resource book.

B. Sept., 2005 -- First outdoor movie night

Participants:
Active: 6-10 youth
Ages: 5-12 years old.

Contact:
Ingrid Drake
202-577-3437
ingridnatasha@yahoo.com
http://www.empowerdc.org/

Parisa Narouza
202-234-9119
parisa@empowerdc.org
http://www.empowerdc.org/

DC Youth Media Invite and Notes!

2005-06-03T15:43:00.000-07:00

DC Youth Media 5th Gathering May 15, 2005
Next Meeting: June 9th, 2006, Thursday, 6pm – 8pm

WHO: Youth who produce media and the adults who love them

WHAT: Items on the agenda include...developing our first newsletter featuring youth media in DC, a resource list for summer youth media programs, directories of youth media programs and mentors, skills-building and much more!

WHERE: LAYC Art & Media House
3035 15th St., NW
(Between Columbia Rd. and Irving St., two blocks from Columbia
Heights metro)

WHEN: Thursday, June 9th, 2005
6pm – 8pm

WHY: FREE FOOD!!!
AND so we can coordinate and strengthen our efforts to empower
youth through media.

Purpose of DC Youth Media:
DC Youth Media is a space where youth involved in media can share skills and support with each other. Youth skilled in media will also train youth interested in media. DCYM builds bridges between organizations and individual mentors involved in media projects with young people. It brings organizations together to share resources, skills, experiences, contacts/connections with media outlets, and gain skills in being our own media to get our voices heard.

MAY 15th GATHERING NOTES:
In attendance: Lopa, Nancy, Cherie, Sheila, Douglas

Representing: DC Independent Media Center, Resistance Media Collective, , Sol & Soul Arts for Social Change, Latin America Youth Center Art & Media House, Youth Leadership Support Network.

Latest Updates:
LAYC Web radio is now up and running! http://www.layc-dc.org/
YLSN members went to NYC to meet with YO!-TV. For details visit: www.ylsn.blogspot.com. YO!-TV will be in town June 19-21st for the Great Labor Arts Exchange.

Meeting Decisions:

-Newsletter will have a resource listing.
Get descriptions of youth media programs in DC
The descriptions can be from youth or adults
Youth written articles answering:
What they are doing with media?
What are they doing with media over the summer?
How does this empower them?
Include photos
-DCYM blogspot to feature mentor’s bios and directory of DC youth media program
-DCYM will produce a brief newsletter for community distribution by June 18th
-The next meeting will focus on developing the newsletter
-DCYM will gather copies of DC school newspapers and info about media-related clubs. Will encourage mentors to go to schools needing support
-The purpose of the newsletter is to produce youth written articles about what they are doing with media. The newsletter will be a one pager so it does not overwhelm the readers. Our target readers are youth and adult mentors that work with media.

For more info:
Sheila Mirza, Youth Organizer, Youth Leadership Support Network
dcfresh@nycmail.com (917) 520-5268
Lopa Shah, Media Coordinator, Latin America Youth Center Art & Media
House
lopa@layc-dc.org (202) 319-2294
Douglas Calvin, Founding Director, Youth Leadership Support Network
douglas@worldyouth.org (202) 489-7892

Public School Funding Rally Press Release!

2005-04-14T08:26:00.000-07:00

The DCPS Full Funding Campaign

For Immediate Release For More Information Contact:
Monday, April 11, 2005

Public School Supporters to Stage RFK Rally
At National’s Opening Home Game

Students, Parents, Teachers, School Workers Question City’s Spending Priorities

Washington, D.C.—A coalition of students, parents, teachers, school workers and concerned city residents will stage a protest rally at RFK Stadium, at the National’s home opener, to demand increased funding for the city’s school buildings that are falling apart.

The coalition—The D.C. Public Schools Full Funding Campaign—is calling on city officials to invest the same time, energy and money into repairing city school building that they have put into renovating RFK Stadium and developing a public funding deal for building a new stadium.

“Everyday our students are forced to attend class in school buildings that are falling down around them,” said D.C. Teacher of the Year Crystal Sylvia. “Clean, safe school buildings are just as important as a new baseball stadium. Our elected officials have their priorities out of order.”

Organizers have gotten a D.C. police department permit for the rally, which is expected to draw public school supporters from across the city.

Millions for Stadiums, Peanuts for Schools Rally on Opening Day at RFK Stadium

WHO: DCPS Full Funding Campaign, composed of students, parents, teachers, school workers and concerned city residents.
WHAT: Will rally for additional funding for repairs to city school buildings.
WHEN: 6 pm., Thursday, April 14, 2005—D.C. National’s Opening Home Game.
WHERE: Main Entrance, RFK Stadium, 2400 East Capitol St., SE

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New Blog Published!!

2005-04-01T18:21:00.000-08:00

Please visit www.ylsn.blogspot.com to learn about youth organizing in Washington DC with Youth Leadership Support Network, a violence prevention, arts, media and education network.

February 27 DCYM Meeting Notes

2005-02-27T18:15:00.000-08:00

Summary of 2nd DC Youth Media Gathering on Feb. 27th

The Second DC Youth Media Gathering on February 27th included about 8 youth and adults from 7 groups. The gathering became a planning session. Discussions centered around upcoming trainings for DCYM collaborative, member groups needs and resources and further outreach plans.

Topics Included:
-- Training opportunities with WorldYouth Media, LAYC’s Art and Media House Independent Media Center, and DC Resistance Media Collective
-- YLSN’s Intergenerational Youth Activism Summit Media Coverage in April
-- Howard University’s ROOTS volunteer opportunities
-- Nancy Shia¹s photography project
-- Utilizing DC Youth Media blog-site ) as a media tool

Training opportunities include:

-- IMC editorial collective wants community youth members to participate in editing IMC website articles. An IMC editorial collective training announcement will be circulated in the next week.

-- DC Resistance Media Collective was formed through community folks getting their voices heard around the inauguration in January. They have done some impressive public relations work and have a good press list.

-- Free trainings provided by WorldYouth Media (schedule coming soon)

-- Media coverage of Intergeneration Youth Activism Summit in April, workshop/training opportunities during the summit,

-- Utilizing the DCYM blog site (www.dcym.blogspot.com ) as a media tool.

-- The National Press Club has asked Nancy Shia to do a photography project with youth as an outreach tool. She is looking for 3-5 youth interested in photography. This project will help promote DCYM by documenting the media work of it’s members.

-- Timothy Jenkins of HU Roots was present. HU Roots is a student led grassroots organization at Howard University. It is open to all individuals that are and willing to take action on issues that will benefit and uplift the black community. HU Roots members are interested and willing to volunteer with organizations and provide community service. Please e mail tjenkins@howard.edu or huroots@yahoo.com

Reggie Cabico performs to packed audience

2005-02-19T21:27:00.000-08:00

FACS ensemble Q&A

2005-02-19T20:26:00.000-08:00

Filipino American Cultural Society & Quique Aviles

2005-02-19T19:25:00.000-08:00

"POETRYSILOG: ulam. For Your Rice" a Sol y Soul Production

2005-02-19T18:45:00.000-08:00

Sol & Soul Presented, “POETRYSILOG: ulam. For your rice, a feast of Filipino American poetry and Performance,” at the Josephine Butler Center to a packed and enthusiastic audience. The evening began with the Filipino American Cultural Society (FACS), a collective of students from Salem High School in Virginia Beach, VA. They use performing arts to anchor Filipino American youth in the history and culture of their community. Their work as an ensemble cast was impressive and polished. They blended spoken word, theater, singing and multi-part a cappella harmonies as a powerful medium to confront hard-hitting issues about race, ethnicity and society. YLSN spoke with FACS about collaborations in media and performance after the show. The second half of the performance featured poet, activist and playwright Reggie Cabicco. He lived up to the program description of “fearlessly diving into the chaotic glop of pop culture, sexual politics and the outsider experience, leaving no stone unturned.” The packed audience included several members of his family, adding to the energy that had already been lifted so incredibly with the FACS performance.

Hip-Hop & Progressive Movement Discussion at IPS

2005-02-18T23:48:00.000-08:00

Sheila heard about another event happening at the Institute for Policy Studies where “The Life and Times of James Forman” panel discussion occurred. This time discussions were around “The Hip-Hop Generation and the Progressive Movement” hosted by Jeff Chang. It was an oral history of the untold stories of the roots of hip-hop. The complete story is told in Jeff’s book, “Cant’s Stop, Won’t Stop”. The room was completely full with no space to move.

Jeff spoke about the gangs that formed in the Bronx during the 60s. They were organizers that had formed groups to keep their communities safe. Once competition started in between the gangs, minor conflicts became very violent. Jeff spoke eloquently about gang member, Black Benji who was nicknamed “Peacemaker”. Black Benji wanted peace between the gangs, when requested, he was beaten up and later killed. This tragedy sparked the Black Spades gang to call a Peace Treaty meeting. Members of all gangs were present to converse about their conflicts, at the end of the meeting, they declared peace. Gang wars later became “Style Wars” where gangs would battle each other by utilizing dance, art, poetry, and DJing (also known as the 4 elements of hip-hop). Jeff continued, speaking about the war on Graffiti in the 70s and 80s which lead straight into a one hour question and answer discussion.

The Q&A was very informative about the hip-hop movement. A representative of Industry Ways spoke about how it is not the artists’ choice of which tracks from their record are played on the radio, it is controlled by their record label, the industry. Attendees discussed the lack of control they have on urban radio and the type of music that’s being played for 12 and 13 year olds which mostly promotes sexism, homophobia, greed, violence, etc. This discussion was a perfect segway for Sheila’s question about “sexism in hip-hop and how can we make young boys understand the music they listen to hurts their female friends making them feel like they are only good for sex and money.” Many people had suggestions, one woman in particular pointed out how much hip-hop is dominated by males, critiquing that even people who share the untold stories of hip-hop are usually males that leave out the female perspective and roles. Jeff Chang took that into consideration and responded with telling us about some female gangs that were formed, but left out of most male gang activities including the historic Peace Treaty meeting.

Jeff Chang will be touring all over the country including San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland, San Jose, Los Angeles, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Philadelphia, Providence, Boston, Chicago, Minneapolis, and maybe even more if Jeff doesn't completely burn out. For more information, visit http://www.cantstopwontstop.com and http://www.ips-dc.org

SNCC member Jean Smith Young speaks at Roots Forum

2005-02-16T23:50:00.000-08:00

ROOTS "Ready for Revolution: Student Activism at Howard U."

2005-02-16T23:44:00.000-08:00

Howard University “ROOTS Association: Civic Engagement and Cultural Awareness presented “Ready for Revolution: Student Activism at Howard University.” Speakers included Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) veterans Timothy Jenkins, Jean Smith Young, Ivanhoe Donaldson and movement veteran Acklyn Lynch. Kwesi Abu-Jamil brought a display of rare SNCC archives and Doug Calvin brought a display of DC Student Coalition against Apartheid and Racism (DC SCAR) News that was published from 1984 to 1993 from YLSN’s DC-Youth Activism Archives.

Speaking to a packed room of Howard University students, presenters shared stories from SNCC, Howard and perspectives on student organizing today. The importance of intergenerational activism was emphasized throughout and the discussion period was an example of SNCC’s organizing style in practice. Jean Smith Young summed up the need to go beyond talk and take action. “I didn’t have a road map. I had the conviction to do this job,” she said, speaking of her extensive organizing experiences with SNCC in the Deep South. Doug Calvin briefly introduced the work of DC SCAR, adding a generational aspect from the 1980’s.

The room was full of energy. Howard students want to take part in building a student movement. ROOTS organizers passed sheets of paper asking the question “what will do as a follow up to this dialogue?” We will follow up with ROOTS regularly and post updates on their progress and how we can collectively support their efforts.

IPS James Forman Tribute

2005-02-10T14:34:00.000-08:00

Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon at IPS

2005-02-10T14:32:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, February 9th IPS Tribute to James Forman

2005-02-09T14:08:00.000-08:00

IPS Tribute to James Forman

Institute for Policy Studies Defining The Issues, a bi-weekly discussion and radio taping with a live audience. Mr. Foreman had close ties to IPS, including receiving his PhD from the Institute.

James Forman was the executive secretary of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in the early 1960s. He dispatched hundreds of organizers, demonstrators and Freedom Riders into the most dangerous parts of the American South at the height of the civil rights movement. Though Mr. Forman died of colon cancer on January 10th, his legacy lives on.

SNCC was a youth-led organization at the center of the fight to end segregation and human rights abuses in the United States. James Forman personally faced harassment, jailing and beatings during his efforts to register voters and organize protests in southern communities. "Accumulating experiences with Southern 'law and order' were turning me into a full-fledged revolutionary," Mr. Forman wrote, recalling his experiences of 1962-63. (visit www.ips-dc.org for a radio transcript!!)

Panelists:
Bernice Reagon, SNCC member and founding member, Sweet Honey In The
Rock
James Early, Smithsonian Institution
James Forman, Jr., Associate Professor, Georgetown University Law Center
Charles Cobb, SNCC field secretary in Mississippi
Moderator: Ethelbert Miller, award-winning poet/writer and Chairman of the Board at IPS.

The panel was a tremendously interesting and personal tribute to Jim and reflections of the time period, in particular the massive violence that the movement faced and how young people took initiative in such odds. Echoing what we heard from Lolis Elie in New Orleans, Bernice and Charlie spoke directly to how small numbers of people taking action built movements.

Doug was not surprised when they spoke about the sometimes lengthly meetings that SNCC members would have constantly to discuss not only tactics and strategies of SNCC but how they fit into the larger world and how they could make a difference by speaking out in solidarity with other struggles. His experience especially in the DC Student Coalition against Apartheid and Racism (DC SCAR) was characterized by in-depth discussions about everything we cared about. It was consciously formed with people of color in leadership and drawing upon lessons from SNCC and previous movements.

DC SCAR was a small local organization made up of college and high school chapters and young community organizers who were serious on tackling racism in all its forms, particularly how it related to youth. It played an important role for almost two decades as a forum for DC youth to impact their communities and youth movements nationally and internationally. Doug was Editor of SCAR NEWS for several years, a publication that could be found in prisons, schools, community book stores and activist centers across the US and abroad. In 1996 DC SCAR initiated the “Paul Robeson Week for Racial and Ethnic Harmony,” with events held in several US cities, Ghana, England, Germany and Australia. Many of the experiences and members of DC SCAR would greatly inform the practices and programs of YLSN.

The panelists also discussed another regular topic in DC SCAR, COINTELPRO – government programs designed to disrupt and destroy progressive movements. In the 1960’s COINTELPRO was responsible for internal divisions, murder and long prison sentences based on false accusation. Similar programs were deployed extensively against movements that Doug worked with in the 1980’s, including DC SCAR and the Committee In Solidarity with the People of El Salvador (CISPES) with whom he worked with for eight years as a student organizer. Some of the most important lessons from facing covert repression include ensuring that there is good process and conflict resolution resources within movements. Spreading gossip, unsubstantiated rumors and personal attacks against activists is not only morally wrong but dangerous tactics that were often made worse or initiated by COINTELPRO operatives. When conflicts arise between activists the community has a responsibility to be involved to help prevent greater misunderstandings that can foster disunity and division. This is not only good practice to counter external harassment; it is proven effective process for conflict resolution.

Movements are not immune to the problems in society. Issues addressing oppression and bias within movements and organizations are important parts of many conferences, meetings and seminars. One of the panel attendees was YLSN friend and mentor Asantewaa Nkrumah-Ture. We spoke at length about a workshop she did over the weekend at National Conference on Organized Resistance (NCOR), held annually at American University. Her workshop was titled, “Love and Violence Don’t Mix: A Discussion of Domestic Violence in Progressive and Social Justice Communities.” Over 100 participants shared similar experiences and participated in scenarios that Asantewaa had prepared. A contingent of women from DC are headed to the National INCITE: Women of Color Against Violence national conference in New Orleans next month. Donations to help send folks are needed!! YLSN was involved in organizing DC SisterFire Celebration one of the highlights of last year. We hope to introduce some of our friends in NOLA to conference participants.

SNCC Freedom Singers

2005-02-05T16:31:00.000-08:00

James Forman Memorial

2005-02-05T15:30:00.000-08:00

Saturday, February 5, James Forman Memorial, Washington DC

2005-02-05T14:07:00.000-08:00

We pulled into Georgetown with a quarter tank of gas, $4 dollars between the two of us and car breaks that started complaining loudly as soon as we hit city traffic. We had time for quick showers and then ran off to Jim’s Memorial.

The day began with three hours of sharing and convening before the actual memorial began. The first person we ran into was Betita Martinez, an old friend and mentor of Doug’s and the YLSN. She had flown in from San Francisco to be there and represent Bay Area civil rights veterans who couldn’t attend. YLSN members and allies read her articles as part of youth leadership training. Sheila was beyond excitement at the sight of Betita since she has read about her in so many books.

Elizabeth “Betita” Martinez is a Chicana activist, author and educator. “Martinez has published six books and many articles on social justice movements in the Americas. Best known is her bilingual volume 500 Years of Chicano History in Pictures, which became the basis for a video she co-directed. Her latest is De Colores Means All of Us: Latina Views for a Multi-Colored Century. Other books include Letters from Mississippi (re-issued in 2002) and The Youngest Revoluton: A Personal Report on Cuba. During the 1960s she served fulltime in the Black civil rights movement with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in the South and as its New York office coordinator. In 1968 she joined the Chicano movement in New Mexico, where she edited the movement newspaper El Grito del Norte and co-founded the Chicano Communications Center, a barrio-based organization. Since moving to the Bay Area in 1976, she has organized on Latino community issues, taught Ethnic Studies and Women's Studies in the California State University system, conducted anti-racist training workshops, and mentored youth groups.

In 1997 she co-founded and currently directs the Institute for MultiRacial Justice in San Francisco, a resource center that aims to help build alliances between peoples of color and combat divisions. She has been active in Latino anti-war organizing and is an editor of the national bilingual newspaper War Times/Tiempo de Guerras.”
(from http://www.educationforthepeople.org)

“The Institute for MultiRacial Justice was founded in 1997 to serve as a resource center to help transform society by working to build alliances among people of color. Concerned about the relatively low level of participation in anti-war action by most communities of color, especially the African-American and Latino communities, the Institute plans to hold a statewide strategy-planning meeting with participants from those two communities.” (from www.resistinc.org)

Sheila brought Betita up to date about the work of the YLSN. Betita was glad to see a young face in the crowd of about a few hundred people and congratulated Sheila on her organizing. She gave Sheila her updated contact information and asked Sheila to keep in touch with her and update her on YLSN organizing. She invited YLSN to participate in important dialogues among youth on the West Coast.

Next was Mike Thelwell, who first introduced Doug to SNCC when he was at UMass Amherst in the mid 1980’s. That introduction would inform Doug’s political growth over the next two decades and have been steady participants in YLSN organizing in DC communities, providing steady support, companions and mentors from SNCC, Jim Forman among them.

Doug has always found SNCC members to be ready friends, allies and mentors. The many new friends we made that day readily confirmed this to be true to all YLSN members present. We also met youth from Howard University who just founded a group called “Roots Association,” who are planning a student activism seminar at Howard on February 16th. We were invited to bring some of our archival resources to add a generational link from the 1980’s to the forum that will include SNCC members..

The memorial was amazing and important with hundreds of people packing the church, having reunions and sharing stories of SNCC.

The memorial was hosted by the Julian Bond, President of the NAACP. SNCC Elders gave eulogies including Dorie Ladner, Bob Moses, Willie Ricks, Mildred Page, Martha Norman, Kathleen Cleaver, Bill Pritchett, Constancia Romilly, John Lewis, and many others. Eleanor Holmes Norton and Marion Barry both raised the battlecry for DC Statehood. The SNCC Freedom Singers, Bettie Fikes, Rutha Harris, Emory Harris, Mathew Jones, Marshall Jones and Chuck Neblett sang in between eulogies and got people moving, clapping, and singing along, bringing back the electricity that must have filled churches when they sang in defiance of Jim Crow terrorism. When Julian asked SNCC members to stand by the year they joined, the atmosphere was charged as living tributes to incredible struggle and humanity stood up throughout the congregation.

The final two eulogies were given by Chaka Forman and James Forman, Jr., sons of James Forman. Many had tears in their eyes as the sons spoke about the hard times their father had faced including financial strains, his long battle with cancer, being monitored by government forces, and feelings of loneliness.

Doug writes about James Forman and YLSN Peace Parade

2005-02-04T17:05:00.000-08:00

Doug is a member of a SNCC listserv and as Jim’s health began to fade, members began posting memories and tributes to their friend and mentor. Doug posted the following:

I've had the pleasure of knowing Jim for many years from the DC activist community. Mostly though, I'd see him on walking down the street in my neighborhood. I'd always make it a point to stop and say hello, even if was a shout-out from my car window. His face would instantly transform from deep thought to a bright smile. He'd always walk on with a big smile on his face.

A little over a year ago, my group, the Youth Leadership Support Network, organized a neighborhood peace parade with about 30 very young African American and Latino kids. It was all of their first demonstration. We marched around the neighborhood then stopped by Malcolm X Park where a Black Voices for Peace Rally was beginning. The MC, Damu Smith, brought us up to the front of the crowd and all kinds of peace activists applauded such young kids taking action. It was a good experience.

As we marched back towards our center, Jim was walking down the sidewalk to the demo. I stopped our kids and introduced him. Thirty half-pints all said in unison "Hello Jim!" and then shook his hand, talked for a few moments and Jim passed out the latest info (as always). To a one, they knew they were meeting living history, someone important in their neighborhood, someone who had done what they were just beginning to do. Before we left everyone shouted "Goodbye Jim!!" with great enthusiasm. As we moved on Jim pumped my hand, not letting go, with a huge smile on his face. He told me he just saw the future and it was good and gave him strength. As we moved on, protesters were flowing towards the demo and Jim re-joined the flow, an elderly man wheeling a carry-on bag full of fliers, with a huge smile on his face.

-- Doug Calvin, Washington DC

Highlander Archives, Reading 1934 Newsletter

2005-02-04T16:29:00.000-08:00

Anna at Highlander

2005-02-04T15:28:00.000-08:00

Friday, February 4th, Highlander Center, TN

2005-02-04T14:03:00.000-08:00

We all rushed out of bed to eat breakfast on campus. Friday morning breakfast is the best of the week. Fresh biscuits, French toast and so much more all in buffet style. Mike accompanied us at breakfast, ate really fast, gave his Uncle Doug a big hug and ran off to class. Doug and Sheila sat in the cafeteria staring out of the windows at the beautiful sunrise in the mountains. We discussed our day’s plan of action. Update the blog, check e mail, and get to Highlander before they close. It was our last stop before heading back to DC.

“Highlander is a residential popular education and research organization that has been around since 1932. Highlander has gathered workers, grassroots leaders, community organizers, educators, and researchers to address the most pressing social, environmental and economic problems facing the people of the South. Highlander sponsors educational programs and research into community problems, as well as a residential Workshop Center for social change organizations and workers active in the South and internationally. Generations of activists have come to Highlander to learn, teach, and prepare to participate in struggles for justice. Highlander is truly a very comfortable environment based on a 106-acre farm in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.” (from http://www.highlandercenter.org)

When we arrived, we were given the grand tour by Anna Mercado, an intern at Highlander. During the tour, we realized that our strategies are very similar to that of Highlander, especially regarding on-line and media resources. Anna is in charge of starting their media program, and the camera arrived in the mail the same day as we did! We decided to develop ongoing support for their media program and partner in developing an on-line movement history timeline, something that both Highlander and YLSN are at the same stages of developing.

Their archives were a spectacular sight. After the tour, we were free to roam as we pleased. We spent several hours in the Archives, looking up SNCC and related historical documents. One find was a 1932 newsletter called “The Eaglet,” started by students at the Highlander Folk School. We watched the sunset over the hills, shared a delicious dinner with Highlander staff and participants in a weekend seminar on immigrant organizing in the South, saw billions of stars. Over dinner we spoke with Monica Hernandez who filled us in on Highlander organizing. Their youth program is called “Young and Restless,” and they are planning a hip hop workshop in March or April. After dinner, we made copies of more Highlander archives, Doug got some sleep and then we got on the road at midnight to drive straight to DC for James Foreman’s Memorial service.

Boxcar Bertha Performs

2005-02-03T15:27:00.000-08:00

Thursday, Feburary 3, At Warren Wilson College, Asheville NC

2005-02-03T14:02:00.000-08:00

It was a cold, cloudy morning with icy rain, and wind. Doug’s first phrase of the day was, “I’m not driving through mountains in this weather!” We stayed at Warren Wilson College an extra day. Mike told us to make sure to check out the farm. So after lunch, we went to the farm. It was the most beautiful place, again, surrounded by mountains. We met the cows, pigs, chickens, and Champs the goat. The students at Warren Wilson conduct best practices in farm care, therefore all the animals are studied and kept as healthy as they can be. Like Mike Hutchison says, “There are many ways to farm, but there is only one right way!” Mike and his younger brother and sister grew up on Casey Farm, an organic farm in Rhode Island.

Our second night at Warren Wilson, we heard David Rovics, political, activist, singer, songwriter was performing at the Sage Café located in the basement of Mike’s dorm. We ran down and saw a band called “Boxcar Bertha.” They were playing before David Rovics and were really great. All proceeds of their CD are going to Gil Barber Justice Fund against Police Brutality. Sheila really wanted a CD, but could not afford to pay $6 so she traded a poem for a CD which was accepted as a great exchange!

Later, David Rovics performed for about two hours wearing a T-shirt with the phrase, “We are all Palestinians”. All his songs hit peoples’ hearts. His songs told stories of people affected by war, capitalism, greed, racism, etc. It was a great musical performance as well as an informative one. After the show, Sheila got his autograph for a Youth Leadership Support Network volunteer who keeps missing David’s performances in DC.

Wednesday, February 2nd, To Warren Wilson College, NC

2005-02-02T13:58:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, Feburary 2nd

Hate to leave New Orleans, it’s too cold up north, but its 4am and here we go on a 15 hour ride to Asheville, North Carolina which is just 2 hours away from Knoxville, Tennessee. These will be our last two stops before heading back to DC. Near Knoxville is where Highlander is located. Heavy rain started and ended this section of road.

When Highlander was closed for the day, we drove to Warren Wilson College in Ashville in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Doug’s nephew Mike Hutchison studies sustainable environmental and forestry practices there. It’s a beautiful campus and students are involved in every aspect of running the school as an environmentally-friendly institution. There is a lot of student activism on campus and we had several long discussions with Mike about youth organizing in the South, sustainable farming (he works on the campus farm), far right wing radio today and Father Coughlin’s far right radio in the 1930’s

Douglas Redd, Art Director, Ashe Cultural Center

2005-02-01T21:07:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, February 1st, Last Day in NOLA, Ashe Cultural Arts Center

2005-02-01T21:05:00.000-08:00

It was our last day in New Orleans. We can’t believe the week has past so quickly. We woke up and went straight to the People’s Institute to pick up a brass band CD for YLSN kids from Jim. We said our goodbyes and promised to visit again soon. After departing, we went to Picadilly’s Cafeteria where traditional New Orleans country cookin’ was served, buffet style. Over lunch, we talked about the different experiences we’ve had since our arrival and New Orleans and what we are taking back to our community besides the many Mardi Gras beads we have collected.

After lunch, we went back to Z’otz to complete some last minute work. We said our good byes to Alynda Sugarra and the many others we have met in the last week. From there we went to Ashe Cultural Center. Jose recommended that we visit with them before we leave. They do performance art with young people and community members. It was a spacious area with moveable walls. We had to a meeting/interview with Carol Bubell, executive director. Her suggestions on changing the school system so students can actually be in a learning environment, was genuinely amazing.

As we left Ashe Cultural Center, the rain began drizzle off. We went to the parade where no one had showed up and more that half of the paraders had cancelled their performance because of the rain. When the parade finally happened, only 5 floats and 2 bands performed. Since there were only a few spectators including ourselves, many beads and trinkets where thrown our way. It was so much fun.

We made our way towards the French Quarter as hunger struck us and we searched for Acme Oysters, a restaurant recommended by Bernard. As we walked, we spoke of Claudia, Jose’s partner whom we’d only seen 3 or 4 times. She was the only person we hadn’t seen to say goodbye. As we crossed the street to ask a store manager where Acme Oysters was located, we ran into Claudia. It was the best coincidence. The three of us talked about art, theatre, her PhD, our projects, amongst so much more. We exchanged numbers and big hugs as we parted.

Monday, January 31, Bernard, Tipitina's Music Coop

2005-01-31T21:02:00.000-08:00

We ran into Bernard at the Z’otz earlier today. Again, he was an amazing host. Sheila was working on a grant while Bernard told Doug about the ‘Tipitina’s Foundation’ He then took us to the Tipitina’s music co-op where we met people and learned about the foundation.

As we drove back, Bernard invited us to dinner at his place. We gladly accepted and went to meet with Jose Torres Tama. Doug and Jose met for about 3 hours. It was a very helpful on-point strategy sessions on both parts.

We drove over to Bernard’s and were greeted by his children Miles and Parker. Bernard was busy in the kitchen making seafood etouffe for us. Mmmmm, the meal was amazing and his family members were wonderful hosts as well.

Later, Bernard, Doug and Sheila shared music and stories about our trip and organizing. Bernard was very interested and gave us three cds of his work. Then, he asked to meet us tomorrow before we drive up north for another small donation from him.

Tipitina's Music Coop

2005-01-31T15:23:00.000-08:00

Sunday, January 30, Last Day of Conference

2005-01-30T20:53:00.000-08:00

We were greeted with a delicious morning breakfast with Mardi Gras beads all over the tables. It was the final day of the conference. Bill Quigley, Loyola University law professor and human rights activists came to speak about sustaining yourself as an activist. Having support from friends and family makes for a healthy activist. Having spaces of meditation and relaxation are very important. These are suggestions that were made.

After lunch, Kim Bobo lead an impromptu choral sing of “Unity!” Doug, Sheila, KT Michael from Seminarians for Worker Justice, and James Lappe from Student Labor Action Project convened for final thoughts on the weekend. We shared culture and spiritual perspectives of social justice organizing

Mardis Gras School Marching Band

2005-01-30T16:22:00.000-08:00

Conference Strategy Session

2005-01-30T15:22:00.000-08:00

Indian Chief and Curtis Muhammed

2005-01-29T20:51:00.000-08:00

Saturday, January 29th, Treme and Conference

2005-01-29T20:46:00.000-08:00

The day started with a trip to Treme where a Community Labor United monthly forum was taking place. The subject was the right to education, sponsored by the Louisiana Institute for Community Empowerment (LaRice), the People’s Institute, the People’s Roundtable and the Frederick Douglas Community Coalition. Curtis Muhammed, a former SNCC organizer was facilitating the meeting. About one hundred parents, organizers, community members, and children were present. Since the main speaker was running late, culture once again came into play with Curtis Muhammed singing spiritual songs and then invited a Treme Indian Chief to sing “Indian Red” Its was phenomenal performance. Civil Rights Lawyer Lolis Elie spoke eloquently about moral and legal rights and paramount importance of taking action. Other speakers addressed and challenged the status of educational access and rights in New Orleans and Louisiana.

We then stopped by Z’otz and did a quick blog update and traveled back to the Dominican Retreat Center for lunch and continuation of the student conference. Each group conducted a ten minute presentation on their group and the organizing they do. The main groups present were United Students Against Sweatshops, Student Peace Action Network, Seminarians for Worker Justice, Universities Allied for Essential Medicines, Student Labor Action Project, Black Voices for Peace and Youth Leadership Support Network. Afternoon sessions included Strategic Planning for Effective Tactics, Recruitment and Development of New Leaders, Working in Multi-Class and Multi-Racial Communities, Working with Progressive Faith-Based Groups. After the workshops each group met and discussed the future before the whole group came back together to share the small group discussions.

That evening we attended a Mardis Gras Party at a well-known artists studio in Marigny. Everyone had costumes and the party featured an amazing band with a horn section and electric fiddler.

Jim Hayes in Treme

2005-01-29T10:26:00.001-08:00

Friday, January 28, Treme, Conference Begins

2005-01-29T10:23:00.000-08:00

Sheila was very excited and could not wait to pick up Jim Hayes. We finally got to the Peoples’ Institute and dashed off to Treme. During the ride, we recorded Jim speaking about the community and the places he will show us. We arrived in Treme and parked at the the Backstreet Cultural Museum, a must-see treasure trove dedicated to Mardis Gras Indians and 2nd Line Bands. For the next few hours, we walked through the neighborhood where Jim grew up -- with the minidisc recorder running as we walked. Jim shared stories of community organizing in Treme, his experiences in SNCC and approaches to music education among youth as alternatives to violence. Doug sang “Congo Square” in Congo Square. It was an amazing, delightful and inspiring afternoon.

We dropped Jim off back in New Orleans East and headed back across the city to St. Mary’s Dominican Conference Center, right around the corner from Loyola University.
Kim Bobo of Interfaith Workers Justice and Ajita Talwalker of U.S. Students Against Sweatshops opened the conference after introductions by the 50 or so participants who had mostly arrived this afternoon. Groups then had time to meet together and we set up a display table of alternative student and youth activist newspapers from the last twenty years, part of our DC Youth Activism Archives.

Following dinner, the conference got underway in earnest. Damu Smith, Black Voices for Peace gave the opening speech about the importance of replenishing democracy through student organizing. His views were straight to the point. 58% of the white folks in America voted for George Bush, 89% of black folks in America voted against George Bush. His main question to the students was, “Why would people vote for Bush knowing that he isn’t the best candidate?” The answer clearly was that people did not want to lose their own power and privilege. Other points included were that we need to organize the 56% present of white Americans that are confused not only by handing someone a flyer, but by taking hours and hours of discussion with people. His closing remarks were that we will win this fight, we need to stay strong, and continue to do the great job that we are doing.

We ended the evening with the Panorama Brass Band!!

Thursday, January 27, People's Institute, Open Mic

2005-01-29T10:21:00.000-08:00

We went off to The Peoples’ Institute for Survival and Beyond (PI) office to meet with Jim Hayes and Ron Chisom. Both Jim and Ronald were founders of the Institute and have been active in anti-racism organizing their entire lives. Doug had worked with the Peoples’ Institute in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s but hadn’t been back to New Orleans in 13 years. It was a wonderful reunion and Sheila was very warmly received as well.

PI organizes locally and conducts “Undoing Racism/Community Organizing workshops around the county and internationally. They will be celebrating 25 years of addressing the causes of racism from March 6-9 this year. For more info email pisab@thepeoplesinstitute.org or call (504) 241-7472.

After receiving a brief tour of the PI offices, Doug, Jim, and Ron reminisced about old times. We spoke about the Jazz Funeral for Democracy that took place in New Orleans and DC on January 20th (Presidential Inauguration). We told them about the intergenerational marching band (New Orleans style) we are starting and about our financial situations. We had a long discussion about activism and fundraising.

After a few hours of deep discussions and old stories, we decided to get back to work. Before we left, Jim promised to take us on a walking tour of Treme Community tomorrow morning.

We had lunch back in Marigny and stopped by the local offices of ACORN, SEIU and several other grassroots organizations. It was a busy office and clearly served many people. We had a short visit with ACORN staff and went on our way.

Sheila went to Z’otz to work and Doug went to meet with Jose Torres Tama. Jose told him to go to an the weekly “17 Poets Open Mic,” at The Golden Saloon Café hosted by Dave Brinks (www.itpoets.com). It’s the place where the artist community meets every Thursday and shares poetry, art and performance. We were very excited when we got there. The venue was beautiful and the poets were amazing. The featured artists were poet and authors Amy Judith Ruben and Michael Patrick Welch. The open mic was dynamic, politically charged and very welcoming. Sheila read 3 pieces that blew the audience away. Doug sang and spoke about the importance of youth and work of the YLSN. Afterwards we spoke with several poets and knew we would be in touch again.

The last performer to come up on stage was Louisiana native Bernard Pearce, a very talented writer, performer and musician. He was very interested in the YLSN and gave us a donation on the spot. He invited us out with him and ended up in the 9th Ward at Vaughn’s, an infamous local music club. Coincidentally, the Treme Brass Band was playing, one of the traditional marching bands featuring Uncle Lionel on bass drum. He is 88 years young and can still march a whole parade route! Treme Brass Band was one of the bands we hoped to meet with and had participated in the Jazz Funeral for Democracy. Bernard was a smiling definition of Southern Hospitality throughout the evening.

Treme Brass Band @ Vaugn's

2005-01-29T10:18:00.000-08:00

Bernard Pearce @ "17 Poets" Open Mic

2005-01-29T10:17:00.001-08:00

Sheila @ "17 Poets" Open Mic

2005-01-29T10:16:00.000-08:00

Thursday, January 27, People's Institute, Open Mic

2005-01-29T10:06:00.000-08:00

We went off to The Peoples’ Institute for Survival and Beyond (PI) office to meet with Jim Hayes and Ron Chisom. Both Jim and Ron were founders of the Institute and have been active in anti-racism organizing their entire lives. Doug had worked with the Peoples’ Institute in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s but hadn’t been back to New Orleans in 13 years. It was a wonderful reunion and Sheila was very warmly received as well.

PI organizes locally and conducts “Undoing Racism/Community Organizing workshops around the county and internationally. They will be celebrating 25 years of addressing the causes of racism from March 6-9 this year. For more info email pisab@thepeoplesinstitute.org or call (504) 241-7472.

After receiving a brief tour of the PI offices, Doug, Jim, and Ron reminisced about old times. We spoke about the Jazz Funeral for Democracy that took place in New Orleans and DC on January 20th (Presidential Inauguration). We told them about the intergenerational marching band (New Orleans style) we are starting and about our financial situations. We had a long discussion about activism and fundraising.

After a few hours of deep discussions and old stories, we decided to get back to work. Before we left, Jim promised to take us on a walking tour of Treme Community tomorrow morning.

We had lunch back in Marigny and stopped by the local offices of ACORN, SEIU and several other grassroots organizations. It was a busy office and clearly served many people. We had a short visit with ACORN staff and went on our way.

Sheila went to Z’otz to work and Doug went to meet with Jose Torres Tama. Jose told him to go to an the weekly “17 Poets Open Mic,” at The Golden Saloon Café hosted by Dave Brinks (www.itpoets.com). It’s the place where the artist community meets every Thursday and shares poetry, art and performance. We were very excited when we got there. The venue was beautiful and the poets were amazing. The featured artists were poet and authors Amy Judith Ruben and Michael Patrick Welch. The open mic was dynamic, politically charged and very welcoming. Sheila read 3 pieces that blew the audience away. Doug sang and spoke about the importance of youth and work of the YLSN. Afterwards we spoke with several poets and knew we would be in touch again.

The last performer to come up on stage was Louisiana native Bernard Pearce, a very talented writer, performer and musician. He was very interested in the YLSN and gave us a donation on the spot. He invited us out with him and ended up in the 9th Ward at Vaughn’s, an infamous local music club. Coincidentally, the Treme Brass Band was playing, one of the traditional marching bands featuring Uncle Lionel on bass drum. He is 88 years young and can still march a whole parade route! Treme Brass Band was one of the bands we hoped to meet with and had participated in the Jazz Funeral for Democracy. Bernard was a smiling definition of Southern Hospitality throughout the evening.

Wednesday, January 26th, A Day in NOLA

2005-01-29T10:04:00.000-08:00

We woke up refreshed after a long night out with artists, musicians, and poets. We decided our plans of work and walked to our “second office,” Café Rose Nicaud to check our e mail. A few hours later, we went to Verti Marte deli, also known as the “best kept secret of the French Quarter.” We walked towards the water, the Mississippi River, to enjoy the warm, beautiful day. As we ate, we discussed slavery the history of the spot we were sitting. Having been to Jose’s show the night before, Sheila noted that we were sitting where Rose Nicaud sold coffee to buy her freedom.

As we ate, we were approached by a homeless Vietnam War veteran named David who immediately jumped into our discussion. He told us that slavery didn’t just have to do with African people, but it was all people of color in America that were affected. “The Chinese were brought to build railroads,” he said. The discussion moved forward to apartheid. He mentioned that apartheid exists now in the form of the digital divide. He spoke at length about the many crises facing Vietnam War veterans and how much more funds and resources are needed for veterans, using his own experiences as powerful examples illustrating the many struggles they face.

We ended the day with getting the car muffler fixed for $75 and working at our “first office,” Café Z’otz until about 1:30am.

Panorama Brass Band Performs

2005-01-28T15:27:00.000-08:00

Jose Torres Tama Exhibit

2005-01-27T16:40:00.000-08:00

Tuesday January 25 2005 (Full Moon), Jose Torres Tama at Cafe Rose Nicaud

2005-01-26T22:56:00.000-08:00

Alynda directed us to her one of her favorite places called ‘Z’otz’, meaning Borderline in Mayan, a funky beautiful New Orleans coffee house where youth activists, musicians and artists gather round the clock. Z’otz is endangered by gentrification and located in Marigny, near the French Quarter, Bywater and Treme neighborhoods. It turned out to be around the block from the art opening/poetry performance we attended this evening and where we are staying. It immediately became our local office, decorated with plants, art, funky lights and free wireless.

We dropped off Alynda, walked through the French Quarter and met up with our host, Jose Torres Tama back in Marigny at Café Rose Nicaud, where six of his portraits were on exhibit. He is a poet, visual artist, writer, performer, and New Orleans resident of twenty years. We had met Jose in DC a few months ago when he had performed his one man show titled, “In Exile Close to the Equator” about his experiences with racism and discrimination in the United States as part of a Sol & Soul production. We immediately accepted his offer to stay at his place, a home frequented by out of town artists and performers. It was great to see him again and his artwork is stunning, vibrant and alive. Later we walked through Treme Community, talking with folks, seeing local youth everywhere and taking it all in.

Jose Torres Tama: Channeling the Spirit show at Café Rose Nicaud (our second office in NOLA!)
Tonight Jose shared stories and poems about his portraits of free people of color in New Orleans during times of slavery. It was a fascinating welcome to the history of our adopted neighborhood and the history of NOLA. Surrounded by portraits of the people he spoke of we learned that Café Rose Nicaud is named after a slave woman who sold coffee on the riverfront to buy her freedom. Other portraits included Edmond Dede, a violinist and profound composer in 1827 who fled to Paris after witnessing horrible treatment of people of color during his time. Marie Laveau, also known as the “Voodoo Queen” was a free woman of color who became a hairdresser. Her customers were wealthy white women that shared their darkest secrets with her while she did their hair. Therefore, Marie Lavaeu knew all about the ruling class. At the age of 87, Marie Laveau passed away. Shortly after her death, New Orleans residents made claims to have seen her walking in the streets. Marie had a daughter who had a striking resemblance to her mother. Perhaps it could’ve been her that residents saw. Jose’s portrait of Louis Armstrong screamed pain from one century to another as his poem described the fierce combative embrace and defiance of Louis’s giant popularity in segregated white America.

Channeling the Spirits was the culmination of three years work. It is an incredible contribution to New Orleans culture, American art and poetry. It began with a collaboration between Jose and thirty 6th graders at McDonough 15 Middle School in New Orleans to do a living history project about free people of color. Children created portraits, drama and writing about heroes and heroines from their neighborhood. There will be a total of 24 drawings and eleven have been completed so far. Two are on display at th Ogden Museum and another at McDonough 15.

Monday, January 24, 2005

2005-01-26T22:51:00.000-08:00

We just passed James Madison University and Mary Baldwin college, heading south on a cloudy day which is increasing changing to bright warm sunshine. We are riding with Alynda Sugarra. She is an18 year old activist, wash board player, visual artist, poet and performer originally from Bronx, NYC whom we met through a rideshare. She had been involved with Urban Word poetry in NYC with whom Sheila had also worked. It was a chance meeting but clearly meant to be!

The trip started with realizing that Sheila’s i-pod, our soundtrack of hundreds of tunes, didn’t charge properly overnight. We decided to ration its use and listened to 89.3 WPFW, local Pacifica station and frequent YLSN partner. We eventually drove out of range and had just enough memory to play a selection of local DC musicians involved with YLSN projects – we would recharge the i-pod at stops along the way. These bands included Project Mastana, Foty Fusion Ensemble, Electric Larry, Blutopia, DJ Eurok, all incredibly talented musicians. Next came Alynda’s mixed tape that included folk, punk and hip hop. As dusk fell in the mountains of Virginia and Tennesse, Doug played one of his favorite Paul Winter Consort albums, mixing wild animal songs with human musicians. As the road finally darkened after a long and astounding sunset, Paul Winter’s timing was perfect and Doug sang along as the others slept, “the night has come, I hear music, and I’ll keep on singing,” over and over. It felt good to be on the road. Then came more i-pod music, Hindi remixes and English dub poet Linton Kwesi Johnson.

We took a short break in Tennessee and read the Washington Post that we brought along. There was a story about driving through Mississippi in 1964. Freedom Riders were coming to town and the police department was pulling over “suspicious” vehicles with out-of-state license plates to investigate. Drivers were told to open their trunks to make sure they were not smuggling Freedom Riders from the north. As drivers were being interrogated, another vehicle full of white men pulled over. After questioning, drivers were told to be careful of the “dangerous” Freedom Riders. In this story the police signaled the vehicle with white men waiting up ahead to leave. The article ended with the author wondering what would have happened if they were Freedom Riders.

Coming into Knoxville the muffler started making a sound somewhat louder and more disturbing than the hole that needed patching. A brace holding the center pipe up had given out and it was dragging! The Triple A membership that Doug got last Friday paid off with the fastest response and repair in road trip history. Within a half hour a coat hanger would carry us to New Orleans.

Back on the road we listened to radio and drove into Alabama, then hit the i-pod long enough to play Charlie Mingus “Fables of Faubus” about the segregationist governor of Alabama. (Back in DC we’re learning that song for the intergenerational marching band).

Once we got to Mississippi, our discussions turned again to SNCC with the voices of Sweet Honey in the Rock playing on the stereo. The full moon glittered through the trees and danced in the car. Sheila was reminded of the dangers of that era as Doug shared stories of SNCC members who worked extensively in Mississippi. They faced constant danger by a terrorist state/citizen apartheid regime bent on destroying the Freedom Movement. It was a violent struggle against non-violent activists.

Shortly afterwards, we took a break in Mississippi and purchased a local newspaper. It included an article about the anti-abortion movement. License plates in Mississippi can say the words “Pro-Life” on them. Pro-choice organizers are fighting to have the words removed from the license plates alternatively arguing that if pro-life people can make their political opinion known, then pro-choice people should be able to state “Pro-Choice” on their plates. A court ruling had just been decided to keep pro-life on and pro-choice off the plates. We found it frightening. It stimulated a long discussion about women’s right to health care and the threats to overturn Roe V. Wade.

Another article featured parents’ complaints of police harassment of teen-agers and the mayor saying that kids are liars and trouble-makers. It reminded us of last summer in DC when we regularly saw police shaking down 9 through 12 year old African American and Latino kids in the evening who during the daytime were with us doing music, poetry, theater and dance. While there is violence in our neighborhood, all the kids are victimized by stereotypes in the media and policies that direct funds towards fighting the “problem” with police rather than solutions that support youth leadership.

Dawn rose as we entered Louisiana. Soon we were driving over the bridge to New Orleans and tuned in WWOZ, New Orleans jazz radio broadcasting from Congo Square. We arrived in New Orleans after a twenty hour drive from Washington, DC at approximately 9am.

Introduction to DCYM & DC to NOLA Road Trip

2005-01-26T22:49:00.000-08:00

We are “blogging” our experiences to have a daily documentation of our organizing here and in Washington, DC. On January 9th YLSN and Latin America Youth Center Art and Media House hosted a “DC Youth Media Gathering” to increase collaboration and resource sharing. More than 17 groups were represented at the meeting and several others have already become involved. This blog will soon merge with contributors from these groups to become a collaborative DC youth media project. It is a work in progress. We encourage you to participate!!

Dedication
Local DC friend, mentor and civil rights leader Jim Forman recently joined the ancestors. He will be greatly missed while his guidance and support ensures the continuation of the struggle. He was a leader in the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and fought tirelessly for freedom and justice throughout his life. He inspired tremendous historical documentation of SNCC by insisting that staff and volunteers thoroughly document their experiences by filing regular progress reports. It is exactly what the DC Youth Media Gathering was all about – making history our story. There will be a memorial in Washington DC on February 5th. We carry with us many fond memories of Jim and dedicate this blog to Jim’s memory.

From DC to New Orleans: On the Road and Ona Move
Two members of Youth Leadership Support Network, Youth Organizer Sheila Mirza and Founding Director Douglas Calvin are in New Orleans this week (1/25-1/31). Over the weekend we will be attending a conference titled "Replenishing Democracy through Student Organizing,” at the Dominican retreat center in New Orleans. The conference is a strategy session involving members of United Students Against Sweatshops, Student Labor Action Project, Student Peace Action Network, Universities Allied for Essential Medicines, and Seminarians for Worker Justice.

Our mission is to promote the peace, participate…around the block and around the world and so we arrived several days before the conference to meet with youth activists, artists, performers and community organizers. This is a great opportunity to exchange ideas and extend the collaborative efforts that just began in DC neighborhoods to the neighborhoods of New Orleans and youth organizers from all over the country.

Upon return YLSN is organizing a New Orleans-style intergenerational brass band as part of our neighborhood peace parades. YLSN is planning a youth summit in April celebrating the birthday of artist-activist Paul Robeson, commemorating the legacies of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), youth activism in the 1980s and today’s youth organizers. Intergenerational dialogue is a central part of the YLSN experience and this trip is an exciting chance to catch up with old friends in the movement and meet new ones of all ages. We invite you to join us in spirit while we are on the road by adding your comments, thoughts and suggestions. Promote the peace, participate!

2005-01-22T17:37:00.000-08:00

Women's March DC J20

2005-01-22T17:35:00.000-08:00

DC J20 Women's March

2005-01-22T17:32:00.000-08:00

DC Brass Band J20

2005-01-22T17:26:00.000-08:00

Women's Funeral March for Democracy, Washington, D.C. J20

Soul y Sol Shifting Landscapes Performance & Social

2005-01-22T16:32:00.000-08:00

Sol & Soul events are always a reminder to everyone present why it is so worth it to live in DC. That’s why so many people are involved and how they earned such a loyal following. There’s been dozens of Sol & Soul productions in the last six months, including Barrio Street Theater “Sin Fronteras: A Reality Show,” Spoken Resistance, Guest Collaborations (including Jose Torres Tama and Piri Thomas), “Us by Us” youth theater directed by Patrick Crowley, “Cappers” one person show by Anu Yadav, and a Sunday series at DCAC with student ensemble Think Tank Revolution. Hundreds of people have collaboratively given struggle creative voice to a myriad of critical issues affecting DC residents to audiences in the thousands. Sol & Soul events are exciting, stimulating, thought-provoking and to the point. Tonight’s show was no exception.

Ruth Young and Andy Mendoza started the evening with poems related to their photo exhibit about the surrounding neighborhoods in the upheaval of gentrification. Next, New Jersey poet Joe Weil and two young poets from Jersey offered poems and songs. Then came featured California performance artist Ted Quinn. His opening piece was a reading of the names of soldiers from near his home who have been killed in Iraq, with his guitar and Fiddlin’ Phil provoking sound images to young soldiers turned ancestors in war. As Ted and Phil continued, Cherie Latson soon came in from another gig looking like a rock star and went to a mic and joined in. El Barrio Street Theatre Band members arrived from yet another gig and went directly on-stage and joined in, adding kit drums, guitar, bass and congas to the mix. Upon request El Barrio Street Theatre band did a set that included master drummer Nelson Wilfredo Cruz soloing on bongos with a front line of five singers. The evening continued at this pace with full audience involvement. Later at Quique and Hilary’s house, Sol & Soul directors, a jam session including performers and audience members went well into the evening. As the saying goes, “ain’t no party like a DC party ‘cause a DC party don’t stop.” In Sol & Soul terms it means perpetual motion and magic.

1st DCYM Meeting Notes

2005-01-09T18:18:00.000-08:00

Purpose and intent of DCYM

DC Youth Media is a space where youth involved in media can share skills and collaborate with each other. Youth skilled in media will also train youth interested in media. DCYM builds bridges between organizations and individual mentors involved in media projects with young people. It brings organizations together to share resources, skills, experiences, contacts/connections with media outlets, and gain skills in being our own media to get our voices heard.

January 9th Youth Media Gathering Outreach and Report

Groups present
Sister to Sister/Hermana y Hermana/Calvary Bilingual Multi-Cultural Center, Youth Education Alliance, 2KNation, Midnight Forum, DC Radio Coop, DC Independent Media Center, Justice for DC Youth, DC Writer's Corps, Communication Works, Youth Leadership Support Network, Latin America Youth Center Art and Media House and TWC House, Edgewood Terrace, Martha's Table, Crushed Ice, Blackout Arts Collective, eskoink.com, US Student Association, College Bound, Sol y Soul: Arts for Social Change, DC Resistance Media Collective

Organizations Expressed interest since;

Youth Venture, StreetSpeaks Youth Leadership Training Program, National Youth Parliament of Narobi, Kenya, Guerilla Poets' Insurgency, StoryCorps. City at Peace, Young Women's Project, Youth Action Research Group, Close Up Foundation, ROOTS Inc., Words Beats & Life Mission, Washington Spark Newspaper, Facilitating Leadership in Youth, DC Critical Resistance, Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League, United Students Against Sweatshops, Journal of Hip-Hop, College Bound (does not currently have a youth media component)

Groups we are also inviting (please pass the word along to your networks!) Alegbra Project (Baltimore), Operation Understanding, DC AFSC, Operation Understanding, DC Youth Advisory Council, Student Global AIDS Campaign, Wilson Senior High School Radio, Black Voices for Peace, One Common Unity, Institute for Policy Studies, Jobs with Justice, WAMU Youth Voices

ALSO
Positive News newspaper in England contacted us, expressed interest in doing an article about DCYM

Highlander Center, TN (www.highlandercenter.org) seeks media collaboration

Filipino American Cultural Center, Salem High School in Virginia Beach just performed in a Sol & Soul production and we want to conduct interviews with them Performing artist Ted Quinn (Joshua Tree, California) wants us to send weekly feeds for his radio program

Summary of Jan 9th
January 9th Youth Media Gathering included more than 25 people and 17 organizations. Several other folks couldn't make it but want to be involved in this collaboration!!

Discussion centered around what we are doing (an amazing amount of youth media is happening in DC!!), media projects that are coming up in organizations, and how we can support our work together.

Jan 9th Topics included:

-Who's doing what in terms of youth media in DC

-How can we better support and coordinate our efforts

-What skills and resources are available

-Upcoming trainings, events and opportunities including:

Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

Presidential Inauguration

Youth Summits

Youth Media workshops

Jan 9th OUTCOMES

Create a listserv specific to youth media production

(dcyouthmedia@yahoogroups.com)

Create DCYM blog (www.dcym.blogspot.com)

Public relations and resources/opportunities

Create a schedule of media specific workshops this spring

Work more with WPFW 2KNation and Wed night hip hop show

This group will meet once a month.