The 137th consecutive week of protest by NAVC was at the intersection of South Orange Avenue and South 11th Street for Calvin Johnson a worker at Golden Pizzeria on South Orange Avenue where he was murdered on Saturday night.
We, as NAVC, show how we have power. Black Power. Power to the People power. The power to stop traffic on South Orange Avenue in protest against the violence. During rush hour. We made the Irvington Police retreat. The power of the people calling for Peace. On Our Streets.
There is a follow-up meeting for men. A young brother passed out the flyers. I am writing this with only respect for NAVC... I think it is a mistake to have the follow-up meeting only for men. I think it is important to have programs and events specifically for male empowerment, but a follow-up meeting for NAVC hosted by a council member should be open to all. I don't think the solution to Newark's problems is for "Men to take charge of our community." To what extent should we segregate around gender as we build community empowerment? We are all the leaders; we are all shapers and makers--that's the utopian vision that I am actualizing in the real. I would have loved to be invited to be part of discussion of street patrols, safe passage, soul sessions and more. When we know our sisters are also our soldiers, we should be included as central and essential to shaping our transformations. The change we demand is not just for us; it is through us.
Peace.
After talking to a few colleagues about the flyer, my thoughts on it are changing. I was missing a historical context where there are often followup events geared to different groups and some open. It may have been specifically the line about "men take charge of our community" that I have a problem with, not necessarily the event. But then how also that rhetoric of patriarchy also exists in our community practices. I have a friend I want to attend. I hope I remember to give him the flyer when I am on campus today.
ReplyDelete