GDW EVENT ALERT - CEMOTAP - Saturday, February 20 is a Day of Action for All Black People - In Person or Virtually

By Gloria DULAN-Wilson

Hello All:

Well, we're now officially out of Aquarius and into Pisces - and things are starting off with a BANG!

 

First, 

Today is Sir Sidney Poitier's  94th Birthday!!  He's just as handsome and erudite as ever.  Please wish our trailblazing brother HAPPY BIRTHDAY and thank him for all he's done and tried to do using his talent, craft and love for Black people.  

Happy 94th Birthday Sir Sidney Poitier - Scene from Buck and the Preacher

Secondly

FEBRUARY 20 IS A DAY OF ACTION FOR BLACK PEOPLE - IN PERSON OR VIRTUALLY - WE ALL HAVE A PART TO PLAY!!

CEMOTAP - One of my favorite organizations on the planet, under the leadership of the great Dr. James McIntosh, is always in the forefront of activities to keep Black people active, alert, aware, informed, empowered, educated, and free!  So whenever they send me info, I try to make sure I post it in its entirety - with just a few personal embellishments. 

1 A. Quotation Food For Thought •The overwhelming power of the white power structure and swift over-reactive tendency to punish Black aggression, its control over resources, its sustained degrading of Black self-confidence  has produced in a very large percentage of Blacks what is referred to as Learned Helplessness. The very strong and largely negative control that the white establishment has over Black lives has produced among many Blacks such a degree of lack of self-confidence that a large number of them do not believe that their personal and group status can be improved, save through the help of whites. The utter dependence of Blacks on whites for their social economic, political, educational, cognitive existence. This type of apathy has helped to maintain black subjugation, ignorance, lack of self knowledge, self love, self-confidence, self assertiveness, self education. The situation has been such that when barriers are down many blacks continue to respond as if the barriers still exist."  Amos Wilson, “The Developmental Psychology of The Black Child” 1. UNIA BLACK HISTORY EVENT Zoom Meeting Sat Feb 20, 2021 7pm – 9pm (EST) LINK TO UNIA BLACK HISTORY PROGRAM https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84569437075?pwd=UGtpUS9CdFJldGxDNU1pWVY5Yk9RZz09 2.  You are invited by Operation Power  to a conversation between The Honorable Charles Barron and Dr. Cornell West on Black Radical Politics, Malcolm X and the Impact of the Biden Administration on the Black Community on Saturday February 20, 2021 at 12 Noon 3.   On Wednesday February 24, 2021 at 2:00 PM, Brother Raymond Dugue, The Second Assistant President General and High Chancellor of the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League under the leadership of The Honorable Michael Duncan will join James McIntosh, M.D and Richardeanea Theodore, RN, CNS, MA, MPA on The MIND FIELD  show on WBAI FM 99.5 NYC /wbai.org. The Topic is "The Psychology of Dr. Amos Wilson" whom Brother Dugue has termed "The Ultimate Garveyite." The half hour goes fast so tune it at 2pm sharp.  4. Black Panther Brother Shep Olugbala joins CEMOTAP Music Forum B On Saturday February 27th CEMOTAP NY and CEMOTAP OHIO are sponsoring a forum asking the question, " Is the Music Murdering Our Minds" The other questions implied in this title are Is the Music Murdering Our Youth and Our Future. Activist Kwabena Sadiki Jijaga Rasouli of the Clear the Airways Project says that the issue of Black youth murdering each other is at an all time high. He feels that rap music which promotes murder, disrespect and misogyny are not helping the issue and maybe encouraging the values that exacerbate the issue. At this forum Scholars, Activists and Community leaders with speak about the issue as well as actions that can address the issue. YOU MUST RSVP TO ATTEND ABOUT THE SPEAKERS BY TEXTING 347-907-0629 OR Emailing Bashlefi@gmail.com 5. Three Dynamic African Women Speak for CEMOTAP'S Black Women's Herstory Month Program on Zoom at 2:00 PM 3-27-21. Admission is Free but you must RSVP at call, text or message at347-907-0629, or by emailing Bashlefi@gmail.com  ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 6 . If you asked your doctor. Have you taken the COVID 19 Vaccination you will get a different answer depending on whom you asked. The same is true if you ask the members of our panel in Part 3 of our ongoing discussion on Optimal Black Health Care During The COVID 19 pandemic. Find out why at this free forum sponsored by CEMOTAP NY AND CEMOTAP OHIO on Zoom on Saturday MARCH 28, 2021 AT 2 pm. RSVP by Calling or Texting 347-907-0629 or emailing Bashlefi@gmail.com 7. 50+ actions across the country 2 in NYC on Saturday, Feb 20   Click Here to view the full list of 50+ actions around the country! National Day of Action in Solidarity with Amazon Workers Unionizing in Alabama Saturday, 1pm Union Square 14th & Broadway In front of Bezos-Owned Whole Foods Saturday, 1pm  Linden Blvd and Essex in East New York, Brooklyn  by Amazon Facility The Southern Workers Assembly has issued a call for a National Day of Solidarity with Alabama Amazon Workers on Saturday, February 20. Actions are being planned across the South and the U.S. on that day. Click Here to view the full list of 50+ actions around the country! Find more information and sign the petition at supportamazonworkers.org Between Feb 8, and March 29, approximately 6,000 Amazon workers at a warehouse in Bessemer, Alabama will begin voting by mail on whether to be represented by the Retail, Wholesale Department Store Workers Union. The harsh working conditions at Amazon warehouses, along with Amazon’s refusal to adopt measures that protect workers from COVID 19, have pushed Amazon and Whole Foods workers every- where to step up organizing and fighting back. These predominantly Black Amazon workers who have in recent months formed the BAmazon Workers Union, are on the cusp of launching a history-changing workers organization against one of the biggest and most powerful transnational corporations in the world, and its super rich union busting owner, Jeff Bezos. In addition, these workers are standing up to the racist, anti-union laws that suppress labor across the south. No matter what the outcome of the vote, this fight for a union in Alabama is already rocking Wall Street and energizing a much needed national explosion of worker organizing. NATIONWIDE MASS SOLIDARITY WILL BE DECISIVE Amazon and Jeff Bezos, are well known and hated for their anti-worker, anti-community, and racist drive to be the richest and most powerful corporation in the world. But Amazon’s bad reputation and high profile are also their greatest weakness. If we rise up everywhere, during the union vote, and let Bezos know that he will not be allowed to crush this union drive, it could have a huge impact. (GDW NOTE: Nice - but I would really rather have had that kind of unity and fervor when your only Democratic Senator was up for re-election and you did not get out those essential votes - instead of letting the repuglycons win - IJS/SMH - GDW) You are invited to a virtual organizing meeting on Feb. 12. There we will discuss (and decide on) how a campaign of mass solidarity can be organized in every part of the country during the seven week long voting period for the union in Bessemer. Please register today and invite others who might be interested! February 12 is the anniversary of the first day of the historic 1968 Memphis sanitation workers strike. It was during Dr. King’s 2nd visit to Memphis to support the strike that he was assassinated. NOW THAT YOU KNOW WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT? Stay Blessed & ECLECTICALLY BLACK Gloria DULAN-Wilson

Agenda Sat Feb 20, 2021 No earlier events 7pm UNIA BLACK HISTORY EVENT Zoom Meeting No later events

GDW EVENT ALERT: MLK DAY OF SERVICE EVENTS - BE THERE FOR THE GATHERING AT THE ROCKY STEPS TODAY 1:18:2021 12:00 -3:00

By Gloria DULAN-Wilson

Hello All:

Blessings, peace, progress, prosperity, enlightenment and favor on this Martin Luther King Day!

I am sharing this wonderful communication I received from my sister friend Taleah Taylor - please share and tune in or attend the event this afternoon here in Philadelphia - 

Good Morning Community Partners,

Join the discussion of PROSPERITY & PEACE = SOLUTIONS with @bmcfly & @nogunzone as we UNIFY to eradicate SOCIAL INJUSTICES in the BLACK & BROWN communities ✅✅

Anything that can happen in Philly, will happen in Philly once we UNITE and humanity is in our hearts and displayed through action 🏽

We need to pinpoint SOLUTIONS 🏽

We need to hold our elected officials accountable 🏽

We need to use our VOICES to make change in our current failed systems that are designed for only one race to excel 

We need to replace our poor decisions with powerful, meaningful and deliberate ones in order to DEMAND CHANGE 🏽

We need to end all the community scam artists taking advantage of our struggles 🏽

The problems in America exist because we have people in place that make life altering decisions for us,  but they have no clue on how to connect with US 🏽

It’s going to be a failure in any system until we WAKE UP In 2020, WE have learned that WE as a dynamic group of people can move mountains when we  stick together!!

Momentum is on our side so lets start off 2021 with a positive BANG!! on the steps of the Art Museum with @bmcfly @freeway & Friends !

Join The City Of Dreams Coalition @sistertaleah @iamplex & the Social Music Movement as we support & share the stage with some of the most influential community leaders our City has to offer, such as, @famouskwalker @phlillysmotivation @oglaw @impurplequeen @urbnseek @chicwitdajuice @antbrownent

We are talking about peace ☮️ We are talking about solutions 

We are talking about the future 

We are calling out the Whole City for this one ! 

It's time for us to stand up and make a change ~ Block by Block !

Who is standing tall for #philly ? 

“Before any other lives, Philly lives gotta matter!!

The change gotta start at home first!

We doing this for a better Philly a “NEW PHILLY” ~ @sonofthe215

.

Its not enough to just get angry about social and racial injustice there must be a relentless pursuit to right whats wrong; pick a side and lets go  ~ @iamplex

.

In order to fix the trenches, you must be in the trenches, block by block  ~ @sistertaleah 

.

But remember, none of this happens on it’s own. All of this depends on our participation; on each of us accepting responsibility...............!!

"Our Constitution has no power on it’s own. WE the PEOPLE give it power. WE the PEOPLE give it meaning" ~ President Barack Obama 

.

A VISION without EXECUTION = INSANITY 

.

Event Hosts:

Brandon Chastang ( @bmcfly ) &

Terrance (@nogunzone )

Date  : 1-18-20

Location: Philadelphia Art Museum ( steps )

Set Up : 11am

Interviews begin :11:30am

Start time : 12 noon 

Keynote speakers & special guests 12noon - 3pm

Good Morning Community Partners,

Event Coordinator/Media Contact :

Sister Taleah Taylor, President of the City of Dreams Coalition &

CoChair w/Beanie Sigel for the Social Music Movement 

Cell - 267-271-1967

Email - cityofdreamscoalition@gmail.com

IG - @cityofdreamscoalition & @sistertaleah

.

.

If you should have any further questions and/or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly.

Thank you for your time and consideration .

Sincerely,

Sister Taleah Taylor 

President of the City of Dreams Coalition 

Co-Chair of the Social Music Movement

Vice-Chair of the Philadelphia anti violence coalition 

Founder of 1 Mutha 2 Anutha 

Contact : 267-271-1967

Email: cityofdreamscoalition@gmail.com or codcmedia215@gmail.com

IG : @cityofdreamscoalition & @sistertaleah

Sincerely,
Sister Taleah Taylor 
President of the City of Dreams Coalition, Philly

 

NOW THAT YOU KNOW

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

 

 

Gloria DULAN-Wilson

 

 

 

Founder & CCO of the Social Music Movement 
Executive Director & CoFounder of the Turn Up, Turn Down Violence School Tour
CCO & Founder of From 1 Mother 2 Another

Ig@cityofdreamscoalition

Cell : 267-271-1967

Congressman John Conyers has joined the Ancestor/Angels Leaving Some Mighty Big Shoes to Fill

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

We lost a giant yesterday, October 27, 2019, when we lost Congressman John Conyers - the Dean of the House of Representatives.  He was one of my personal heroes - so I admit that I took it personally when the announcement came across my screen.  It's one of those times when I subconsciously wanted to throw my computer across the room - partly in anger, and partly because I was so hurt at the loss of this great, stalwart champion for Black people and Black causes.
 

Congressman John Conyers  1929-2019

This is  the year 2019 -  the 400th year since the brutal kidnapping of millions of Black people from Africa, transporting us across the Atlantic ocean, and forcing us into 400 years of slave labor, racism, and heinous inhumane treatment.  It is the year that we commemorate our resilience, triumph over tragedy, and accomplishments of our ancestors and contemporaries.  But it appears to me that we are suffering some significant losses in the midst of our triumphs. The loss of Congressman Elijah Cummings a few short weeks ago, and now the transition of Congressman John Conyers, kind of makes if a Pyrrhic victory. 

No one was more aware of that than Detroit's Congressman, John Conyers.  And for that reason, Conyers, along with several other fledgling members of  Congress  - having realized that, even though they were elected officials, they were still experiencing racism from their fellow caucasian congress members - formed the CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS in 1969.

In addition to other historical factoids, it should be noted that Congressman Conyers was also the last remaining member of Congress who had served since the presidency of Lyndon Baines Johnson - and his Great Society - it was then that the Voting Rights Act, the Civil Rights Act, Housing Urban Development (HUD), Medicare and Medicaid, and other positive social programs were formed. 

It was Conyers who demanded a holiday in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968 after his assassination on April 4.  While most think it was because of Stevie Wonder's song, "Happy Birthday To Ya!" that did the trick; few recognized the Motown connections of Conyers, as well as his being the progenitor of the bill that many bet would never come to pass.  And, as usual, they were absolutely wrong.   

The post-Korean War Veteran was an activist from Day One.  He was endorsed by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., which may have had a bearing on his successfully winning in the 1964 race for Congress.  In 1965, after having been successfully elected to Congress, he hired Rosa Parks as the secretary and receptionist for his Detroit office.  "U.S. Rep. John Conyers, the Detroit Democrat who is the senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, was elected to Congress in 1964, the year the Civil Rights Act was passed. He immediately hired Rosa Parks as a member of his staff. Parks, whose political views mirrored those of the outspoken Conyers, would remain on the congressman's staff until her retirement in 1988."  They remained lifelong friends. 

John Conyers and Rosa Parks during his 1964 Campaign for Congress

Also, it was Conyers who put the issue of REPARATIONS FOR BLACK PEOPLE before the Congress in 1989;  it became known as HR40 in reference to the 40 acres and a mule that had been promised as part of the Emancipation Proclamation.  He consistently brought up the issue of reparations  every year thereafter, while still in office.  He introduced an expanded version of the bill in February, 2017 before the 115th  Congress, calling it the COMMISSION TO STUDY AND DEVELOP REPARATION PROTOCOLS FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS ACT.  It might be noted that the New York Post recently published an article saying that the majority of white Americans were against paying reparations to Black Americans for slavery.  In fact, the article was published 2 days before Congressman Conyers' transition.   Funnily enough,  though, no where in the article did it say anything about the millions of  Africans who later became Black Americans who were likewise just as vehemently opposed to being kidnapped from Africa and forced into slavery.  Nor did it mention the fact that we also did not like the concept of racism, lynching, environmental and education apartheid practiced broadly in the US.  I think Congressman Conyers would have said something similar to that, and proceeded to move forward, totally unphased by the article, to push the agenda forward.

I so admired the Congressman, who always had a pleasant smile and kind things to say.  One third of my family -  on the Dulan side - live in Detroit - but I could never catch up with them.  They had scattered since the 60s, and it was difficult to contact them.  The Congressman promised to have his brother reach out and see if he could locate them.  Of course, with so many constituency issues, it never happened.  But it became our running conversation.  I appreciated the fact that he never forgot to bring it up.  He was such a genteel gentleman.  

He was always the first person on the front row of the Congressional Black Caucus' annual Town Hall Meeting.  If I was lucky, and got there early enough, I got to sit next to him and get the benefit of his wit and wisdom.  The grand old man of the Caucus had seen it all, but was always encouraged by the newly elected congress members - "fresh blood" he called them - who came in with new ideas and renewed definiteness of purpose.  

He had a lot to brag about, but never did - such as having served 53 years in Congress - the longest ever for a Black congress member.  He could have bragged on having helped establish the Congressional Black Caucus, but he didn't.  He did everything he could to expand and enhance it's efficacy and membership.  

One conversations I remember having with Congressman Conyers was about Black candidates for Congress, and the necessity for the expansion of the Congressional Black Caucus membership.  He thought it was great that there were more African Americans running for Congress; but, instead of running against incumbent Black congressmembers who are already in office because it as a "safe bet," they should be running in other areas against those white congressional members who have done nothing to serve the Black constituency.   This would both expand the number of members in the CBC, who currently total 55 members - or 10% of the 535 members of Congress, and bolster their capacity to have an even greater impact on legislation and other issues that impact Black people.

He was disappointed that his proposal for Reparations for Black people ended up being a "study," as opposed to an actual bill.  He considered a study just one step away from "not gonna happen."  I remember him saying, "It's like saying let's don't but say we did."  The problem was, at the time, especially under the Bush II Administration, there was no Democratic majority to push the agenda forward - and there were several Black Democrats who were afraid to even deal with the issue.  Despite this, he continued to consistently put it before Congress.  

It must have been gratifying to have it considered in the summer of 2019 - even though, at present, little more than a sensationalistic televised session of a Congressional hearing featuring Ta-Nehisi Coates, Danny Glover, Dr. Julianne Malveaux and others discussing the necessity and viability of reparations.  Still it was a first that most likely would not have happened had Congressman Conyers not diligently and persistently insisted on keeping the proposed bill alive.  BTW: What's happening at this point with Reparations, CBC?  It's estimated that the reparations would be $1.7 Trillion!  A small price to pay when you consider the 4 centuries and counting Black people have contributed, via blood, sweat, tears to the building of what was once the most powerful Nation in the world. 

Congressman Conyers also used to joke about the Spouses Fashion Show - which, unfortunately, no longer exists.  It got more participants than any other event during the Caucus Weekend.   He used to comment that if it wasn't for that fashion show the turn out would be abysmal.  Of course, he always impeccably dressed as though he stepped out of GQ.  

John Conyers, Jr. 1964

Congressman Conyers served as the ranking Democrat on the Judiciary Committee from 1995 to 2007, and from 2011 to 2017.  He also served on the House Oversight Committee from 1989 to 1995.   "The House Judiciary Committee is a standing committee responsible for overseeing the administration of justice withing the federal courts, administrative agencies and Federal law enforcement entities." - Google   

The Committee on Oversight and Reform is the main investigative committee of the House of Representatives.  They had the authority to issue subpoenas without a committee vote or consultation with the ranking house member.  Interestingly enough, both Conyers and Elijah Cummings have served on this committee - both are no longer with us.    Their subcommittees include: National Security, Government Operations, Economic and Consumer Policy, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, and Environment - a powerful Committee indeed.  

Also note that at the time of the allegations against Congressman Conyers, he was on the Judiciary Committee, and had issued a stinging statement against T-rump's proposed Gang Deportation Act:

Sep 14, 2017    House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers (MI-13) today submitted the following statement to the record in opposition to H.R. 3697, the so-called “Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act”

"This House should stop jamming through pieces of the Trump mass deportation plan

M. Chair, H.R. 3697 is yet another exercise in false advertising by the Majority.  Named the “Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act,” this legislation is so over broad that it would lead to the deportation of immigrants with absolutely no criminal record and would apply to individuals with no connection to gangs.In short, this blatantly anti-immigrant legislation casts a wide and dangerous net in furtherance of President Trump’s mass deportation agenda.  I say this for several reasons.       To begin with, H.R. 3967 authorizes the Trump Administration to brand a group of immigrants a “gang” without requiring a conviction or even an arrest. In fact, it would allow individuals to be deported or denied admission based on a mere “belief” –however tenuous – of their connection to unlawful activity.  In addition, the bill’s definition of a “gang” is so broad that it would apply to individuals who clearly are not members of criminal gangs.  I doubt that my Republican colleagues really believe that 5 Christian ministers providing shelter to undocumented immigrants constitute a criminal gang. But by voting for this measure, that’s precisely what lawmakers would turn them into.  The bill instantly places such religious workers throughout America –from nuns to rabbis, imams to priests – into the same classification as MS-13.Finally, we are rushing this deeply flawed legislation through the House today while nearly 800,000 young people – 800,000 law abiding members of our communities – are facing deportation in as little as 6 months. These are young people who are as American as any of us.  They have grown up in our communities, attended our schools, and have become our neighbors, our teachers, first responders, doctors, and lawyers.  But because of action taken by President Trump last week, they now are living in fear and uncertainty. There is a bipartisan bill with overwhelming support across the country that would allow these young people to remain in the United States – the only home most have ever known – and continue contributing to our communities and our economy. But that bill, the DREAM Act, has languished for years.

 But, instead of taking up the DREAM Act, we are rushing H.R. 3697 through just days after it was introduced and without any hearings, markups, or the opportunity for amendment.This House should stop jamming through pieces of the Trump mass deportation plan and instead recommit itself to lifting up the young people of our communities by passing the DREAM act.It is what's right for our economy, our Nation and it is our moral responsibility. I urge my colleagues to oppose H.R. 3697 and I reserve the balance of my time."

It should be noted that on November 28, 2017, allegations were leveled against Congressman Conyers for sexual improprieties by former staffers.  

Coincidence?  I think not.  

Like so many other allegations leveled against successful, influential Black men when they've stepped beyond the proscribed bounds set by the meanstream, they came against a man whose record had stood the test of time.  Perhaps they knew that, at his advanced age, he would not want to have his record and name dragged through the smut by people whose only interest was how to fill headlines.  And with an Icon like John Conyers, what a field day they would have.  Rather than be fodder for their yellow journalism, he stepped down.  At 88 years of age,  he had more than adequately served his people, constituency and country - he had nothing left to prove.  I also hope the Black media does not regurgitate the meanstream media headlines about an alleged sexual harassment that was never proven.  He deserves better than that.

I also hope, this time we take a different tact on the transition of the great John Conyers to the realm of Ancestor/Angel.  Instead of just mourning his loss, let's celebrate his legacy, and study his life.  He has made such a great impact on Black culture and legacy, it would be a shame just to squander it under a few headlines.  He was a veritable walking human history.  And that legacy still lives.

If you balance the preponderance of his accomplishments against any perceived shortcomings, the scales weigh overwhelmingly in his favor from the most positive standpoint.
As a member of the media who has had the privilege of covering the Congressional Black Caucus for 35 years, I have to say that it was a total privilege and honor to have had the opportunity of meeting this wonderful, Fine Black Man.  

We should/must all honor, treasure, and learn from the example he set and continue to exemplify in our life and times.  The memory and contribution of John Conyers, Jr. lives on.

NOW THAT YOU KNOW

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

Stay Blessed &

ECLECTICALLY BLACK

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

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GDW EVENT ALERT: Tony Monteiro Gandhi Year 2 - June 14-15

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

Mahatma Gandhi, the Indian Anticolonial & Black Freedom Struggle

ANTHONY MONTEIRO, my Brother/Friend & LU Classmate & Fine Black Man, sent me this link that I am sharing with you.

The Saturday Free School June 14 & 15

FRIDAY, JUNE 14  Fri 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM

• Anthony Monteiro   "Please join us for the second event of the Year of Gandhi, 'Now is the Time: Mahatma Gandhi, Indian Anti Colonial Struggle and the Black Freedom Movement' for a discussion of what the ideas and legacy of these great movements for freedom tell us about our role today. -

• "Through panel presentations and open discussion we will explore together the path forward for humanity in this time of crisis. An examination of the examples of Martin Luther King Jr, Mahatma Gandhi and others will guide our discussions on how to fight for truth, peace and justice.
  
  "The event will include a screening of Richard Attenborough's movie "Gandhi", and a cultural celebration with music, dance and poetry."  - Anthony Monteiro
  
  
• 

• Kid Friendly

InterestedGoing

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The Saturday Free School —

The year of 2019 is the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth. We, in Philadelphia, will continue our celebrations for the year with our second event, Now is the Time: Mahatma Gandhi, Indian Anti-Colonial Struggle and the Black Freedom Movement, where we call on people to look back at the Indian Anti-Colonial Struggle and the Black Freedom Movement to anchor us today in a new resistance. 

These are difficult times for people around the world. The ruling elite in the United States has brought the world close to war. This society is driven by increasing violence, in the form of white supremacy and economic exploitation, leading to misery and poverty around the country. Philadelphia is the poorest big city in the United States, and all around us, we see an illogical society unable to provide people with basic needs, but also unable to create meaning in the lives of people. A crisis in which a society is unable to create meaning for those who live in it is a crisis of civilization, and these are signs of the increasing calamity that western civilization faces.

In this time, people are crying out for a new knowledge and morality, that can liberate them from the shackles of oppression and create new meaning in a time of crisis. They are increasingly rejecting elites who control knowledge. They are rejecting “experts” who stand above the people, and exercise authority and control over knowledge. They are rejecting the attacks of these elites on our great freedom fighters. 

And so we turn to Gandhi as a figure for our times. A celebration of Gandhi, is a celebration of the Indian freedom struggle, a multi-faceted struggle which heralded the end of colonialism in India and inspired the liberation struggles in Africa and Afro-America. A celebration of Gandhi is a celebration of Martin Luther King Jr., a great soul himself and the greatest interpreter of Gandhi, who provided an extraordinary synthesis and radical practice of the ideas of Gandhi. It is grounding ourselves in the values and ideas of the black freedom movement, and seeking the path forward. A celebration of Gandhi is an interrogation of Western Civilization, and of the violence in our societies. And finally, a celebration of Gandhi is a call for world peace. 

We seek to know the world in order to change it. We will discuss and learn from the ideas of the Indian freedom struggle and the Black Freedom Movement but also from some of the world’s greatest civilizational traditions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Black Christianity and Islam and African spiritual traditions. We will discuss the deep connection between India and Afro-America, the role of the black church and the black colleges and universities in forging this connection through figures like Howard Thurman and Sue Bailey Thurman, Mordecai Johnson, William Stuart Nelson and others. We will bring light to the ideological and principled unity between these past heroes, and the lessons for today. 

We call upon the people of Philadelphia to join us and continue the struggle for peace and justice.https://www.yearofgandhi2019.org/now-is-the-time.html

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The Saturday Free School —

https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/news/kings-pilgrimage-india-exhibit-feb-10-1959-mar-18-1959Audio of Dr. King's farewell address as he leaves New Delhi after his trip across India. Dr. King visited many places in India, including Tagore's center at Shantiniketan, the place where the Buddha found enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, Gandhi's ashram at Sabarmati, and the southern most tip of the nation at Cape Comorin where the three great bodies of water, the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal meet.

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The Saturday Free School — 

Lawrence Dunbar Reddick's account of the press conference held by Dr. King in Delhi on 10th February 1959."My Friends,For a long while I have looked forward to visiting your great country.To other countries I may go as a tourist, but to India I come as a pilgrim.This is because India means to me Mahatma Gandhi, a truly great personality of the ages.India also means to me Pandit Nehru and his wise statesmanship and intellectuality that are recognized the world over.Perhaps, above all, India is the land where the techniques of non-violent social change were developed that my people have used in Montgomery, Alabama and elsewhere throughout the American South. We have found them to be effective and sustaining—they work!Accordingly, I bring greetings to the people of India—greetings and thanks for what your freedom movement has meant to ours. During our brief stay here, we hope that you will receive us as friends, will share with us your problems and aspirations and will let us share ours with you.We hope and pray that the bonds of friendship will be strengthened between us and among all men who dedicate their lives and possessions to justice, peace and brotherhood.In the name of my people and my country, America, I salute you and extend the hand of a brother."https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/king-papers/documents/account-lawrence-dunbar-reddick-press-conference-new-delhi-10-february-1959

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May 30, 2019 at 9:20 PM

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About The Saturday Free School

The Saturday Free School

Media · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

All who practice knowledge for liberation are welcome to the free school. Every Saturday at 9:30AM,   at the Church of the Advocate  1801 DIAMOND ST, PHILLY 19121

About the Venue

Church of the Advocate

Nonprofit Organization · 917 likes

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