Detroit Juneteenth Marked by Anti-racist Demonstrations and New Street Mural

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By Detroit Fighting Words Staff

A “Power to the People” street mural was unveiled on June 19 (Juneteenth) along Woodward Avenue between Congress and Larned in downtown Detroit.

The project was developed by local African American artist Hubert Massey with the collaboration of 30 high school students. Juneteenth took on an added significance in 2020 coming right alongside the upsurge in mass demonstration, urban rebellions and the renewed debate over the role and status of the police.

In the next block from where the mural is located, several African American organizations staffed tables with artwork and political propaganda. Various groups were in attendance including Black Youth Project 100, the Black Women’s Coalition, among others.

Also taking place just several blocks away at Detroit police headquarters is the daily 4:00 pm rally and march against police brutality. The group, Detroit Will Breathe, has drafted a series of demands to the City administration including the defunding of police, the banning of crowd-control weapons used by cops and the channeling of these resources into programs for education and housing.

Members of the Moratorium NOW! Coalition and the Communist Workers League (CWL) have been present at the demonstrations distributing literature, posters and addressing the audiences on several occasions.

Aiyana Stanley Jones banner in downtown Detroit on Juneteenth 2020

Power to the People Mural opening in Downtown Detroit

Pan-African Journal: Worldwide Radio Broadcast June 30, 2020 Edition

https://bit.ly/2VyIJSa

Listen to the Tues. June 30, 2020 edition of the Pan-African Journal: Worldwide Radio Broadcast hosted by Abayomi Azikiwe, editor of the Pan-African News Wire. The program features our regular PANW report with dispatches on the escalating cases of COVID-19 in the United States and the impact on the economy; in the Southern African state of Mozambique the government is extending a state of emergency to address the continuing threat of the pandemic; Tanzanian President John Magufuli has declared again his committment to anti-imperialism; and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is celebrating 60 years of independence from Belgium. In the second hour we rebroadcast a World Health Organization (WHO) briefing by Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus where the status of the COVID-19 pandemic and other medical issues are discussed. In the final hour we look back on the life, times and contributions of the founder of the modern Congolese state Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba (1925-1961).

Patrice Lumumba's Letter to his wife before his death on ...

Congolese state Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba (1925-1961) / https://ibw21.org/

 

Freedom Inc & Freedom Youth Squad Victory in Police Free Schools Campaign: Madison School Board Ends Contract With Cops

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Read our statement about our BIG WIN today for #PoliceFreeSchools.

Make sure you follow Freedom Inc and Freedom Youth Squad for upcoming events and actions! The revolution is always in the hands, minds, and spirits of our young people.

Text of the statement:

June 29, 2020
Dear Community,

Moments ago, the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) Board of Education voted unanimously to end the contract with the Madison Police Department (MPD) that funded police presence in each of the four Madison high schools. After countless hours of community engagement, public testimony, and powerful protest, we have won police free schools!!!

Come and celebrate this victory with us this Friday

We are so proud of our Black and Southeast Asian youth organizers of the Freedom Youth Squad (FYS) as they celebrate a huge victory in our Police Free Schools Campaign. We are beyond grateful to community members who have supported our campaign, specifically the Safe Schools Coalition and our Black, Hmong, and Khmer elders.

This great victory is made possible, not only by the leadership of Freedom, Inc.’s Black and Southeast girls and LGBTQI+ youth here in Madison, but also by the many activists and organizers across the country and the world leading our current global uprising in defense of Black life. Following the police murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and countless others, millions of people are taking action to demand #DefundPolice and #InvestInCommunity. We are winning AND we are not done yet!

MMSD schools are still practicing punitive disciplinary policies and practices and failing our youth. Until these schools are safe for Black youth, we will continue to fight for:
Accountability processes for school administrators and other adults who use the police against students.
Transformative Justice instead of punishment.
Investment into the leadership, creativity, and wellness of Black youth and other Youth of Color.
Community Control over schools. Most impacted youth, parents, and trusted adults need real decision making power over schools.

Follow Freedom, Inc. and Freedom Youth Squad on Facebook for upcoming events and actions! The revolution is always in the hands, minds, and spirits of our young people. Continue to support us along the way.

Love & Power,
Freedom, Inc.

Milwaukee, July 1, 2020: Stand For Justice

Image may contain: one or more people, text that says 'STAND UP, SPEAK OUT'

Stand For Justice

“Stand for Justice”

Let’s ALL exercise our right to support Black Lives Matter in ways both large and small. Come “Stand” with us rain or shine every Wednesday and Saturday from 12:00-1:30 p.m. on 27th & Oklahoma. Bring your own sign and chair if you like.

This small protest is perfect for folks like me who are unable to attend long protests and rallies. Remember: EVERYTHING WE DO MATTERS.

Organized by Karen Hartwell, Kathleen Kat Hickman-Turner, and Rachel Adair

Madison: Queer Power Rising!

Image may contain: 1 person, text that says 'Queer Power Rising means that we will own our beauty and magic. We will feel safe in our bodies, and be able to do what we want with our bodies. We will lead, love and create fearlessly. ZON MOUA'

Meet Zon Moua:

“In thinking about mass independence and liberation movements, we don’t often connect queer and womxn to these significant accomplishments. At Freedom Inc., we know that it’s important to prioritize and cultivate queer and womxn leadership. We also value personal experiences, community building, and a safe and loving future for all queer people of all ages. We are slowly transforming the world around us, and for now, we are starting with the space that’s in between the walls of our new office building and our youths’ schools. As of June 29, 2020, Freedom Inc., won its four-year campaign to get police free schools in Madison, WI, however, our fight is far from over. This fight isn’t over because too many of us lack basic amenities (access to equitable and dignified housing, healthcare, food sources, water, etc.), a loving and caring community, and a bright future that’s free from all forms of violence. One essential way to be a part of this movement is to donate money. We need cash to ensure that our work, office/community space, and the Black and Southeast Asian queer and transgender community are prospering and living their best lives.”

Donate here: https://www.giveoutday.org/story/Supportqueerpower

Madison: Queer Power Rising!

Image may contain: one or more people, text that says 'Queer Power Rising means putting my body on the line, because I know in the end when we win. NO ONE will lay a hand on me or my people. MASTER ROSHG WRILE SC MARTIAL ARTS 武天老師 KALEB HAWJ'

Meet Gender Justice Advocate Kaleb: “What Does Success Look Like to Us?
1) Our dream is to see Hmong gender-non-conforming youth and survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, once isolated and experiencing much violence, become leaders creating new language for Hmong queer folks and organizing for community gardens. Food justice + Gender-self-love = success!
2) We want to see Black gender non-conforming youth and survivors of incarceration and homelessness, once not feeling supported or seen, become empowered and leaders in their community. Ending mass incarceration + healing = success!”
Donate to his fundraiser for Freedom Inc. at: https://www.giveoutday.org/story/Kalebzoonraug