Story Archives 2008

by Joseph Bolden/PNN

It has been years since delving into recent past. Like an archeologist’s utmost care, they lightly dust off bones, metal, scrapings off objects most of us would toss as nothing. Here are my scraps from years past.

Covert Racism

In 1994 after moving out of a shelter on Geary and Polk Streets in San Francisco, I worked for Goodwill Industries. I learned computer operations and Goodwill’s system of processing donated items. I don’t remember my exact job title. Before leaving Goodwill to work at Poor Magazine, someone assigned to me, who probably had university and graduate training, assessed my skills. We talked about what I wanted most at the time. I said, “To be a columnist writing for a magazine or newspaper”. “Well Joseph” they responded, “You must deal in reality. It takes 4 years of journalism school for most people to achieve that. You need a job now”. “Ok” I said, not wanting to dispute or argue with her. What she didn’t know about me was my back story. I was a natural storyteller. As a child, I told stories and wrote them. I was beginning to write poetry and short stories. I turned down a job where I’d be doing photography—filming weddings—while being paid a janitor’s wage. Working at Poor Magazine in 1998 gave me the opportunity to write columns. Although my first efforts were marked with errors, I was finally able to hone my work down (although I still make errors from time to time). Moral of tale told: Don’t assume anyone cannot do what they desire because of circumstances they are in at the moment. I know the woman was trying to help. If I had been younger I may have given up. Being older, however, I didn’t listen and did what I had to do. I followed what was in my heart. This is an example of class racism on a micro level. It didn’t kill my spirit because I was old enough to know better. But for younger folk it could deter a dream and its possibilities. Sad thing is they don’t know the psychological harm this does. This class/racism is so covert that it’s hidden, even from the person doing the deed.

Overt Racism

The second is when I’m walking anywhere. I notice my hands out of my pocket swinging as to assure society that I have no weapons. As an observer I’ve seen people move faster in a hurried fashion when crossing streets or turn corners, especially when groups of rainbow folk are behind them or facing them when walking in their direction. I have purposely made noise so as not to frighten or scare white women; or I look past them, not into their eyes.

So as you can see, I’ve seen overt racism as a black male American citizen. This is all I can think of on the subject

by Tony Robles/Special to PNN

CW...i'm wondering what this stands for? Perhaps, "Can't Write?" At any rate, your article is filled with reactionary rhetoric and loads of manipulation. A homeless man who sees security guards as his family? Who are you kidding? Where are the homeless supposed to go? Are they at fault for the ills plaguing society--the wide gaps between rich and poor and the lack of accountability of big corporations? I guess it's the homeless that have gentrified San Francisco to the extent that they cannot afford to live here anymore.

Ironically, many of the homeless folks i know are native San Franciscans. One friend is a 6th generation San Franciscan who was sent to Vietnam and kicked around from job to job after bombing villages. He couldn't live with what he had seen and done and became homeless. I guess this was his fault as well.

The problem with you guys who write for the papers (and I’ve seen you on TV as well) is that you don't look as though you've missed many meals. You look exactly like the guys who got their asses kicked in high school. And now you run around with your positions and smug air of superiority while the real San Franciscans, the one's who've actually done something in this city, are having a very hard time or can't afford to live in this City at all. The folks in government and the press who represent us do not represent us at all. That's the problem.

So next time, point your righteous finger at the people who are really at fault--the politicians and developers and judges. If you call yourself a responsible journalist, then this should go without saying.

by Lola Bean/PNN

The day was shady, but not as shady as the San Francisco Chronicle.

It was noon and I was standing with my folks from POOR Magazine outside the Chronicle Building on Fifth and Mission. We were there with a crowd of allies and fellow community members that were disgusted by the way CW Nevius was talking about folks that fall on hard times in one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in.

I happen to be one of those people. I am facing homelessness at the end of September of this year. It’s not the first time. I was brought up in a struggling and abusive working class family. My mother kicked out of my home as a teenager, and years of struggling and often failing to keep a roof over my head soon followed.

This time, though, I have a BA and the student loan payments to prove it. I’ve learned to cope well with my migraines and PTSD. I have years of job experience the countless number of resumes I’ve distributed, and I’ve even owned my own business. Still, I have found myself without money, without a job, and soon without a roof.

It’s no secret that thinly veiled behind the “progressive” image that city media producers like the Chronicle have created, San Francisco remains to be divided by class in a very real way. In San Francisco, if you don’t have a roof you are considered a drug addict and a criminal at worse and a dirty neighborhood nuisance at best. Just ask the Chronicle. Better yet, ask self-appointed expert on homelessness, CW Nevius.

In recent articles CW Nevius has thrown away any remaining thread of journalistic integrity and embarked on a slam campaign against poor folks and folks struggling to make ends meet in one of the most expensive cities in the world. The hate speech he uses is backed by his own personal opinion and marketed to the public through the Chronicle as some sort of newsworthy truth.

Take for example, Nevius’s account of the reason’s one finds “homeless encampments” in Golden Gate Park. In the Aug. 26, 2007 article “Recycling center near Golden Gate Park may add to illegal activity” Nevius writes:

The obvious reasons are that the park is large and hard to patrol, it is adjacent to panhandler- and needle exchange-friendly Haight Street, and San Francisco's temperate climate keeps camping out from becoming too uncomfortable.

Wow.

So if you missed that, let me re-cap.

The question is: Why are there homeless encampments in San Francisco?

Nevius’s answer: People camp in Golden Gate Park because of 1) a lack of police, 2) it’s close to Haight Street, and 3) nice weather.

I wonder what research Nevius did to make these claims. How did this make it past the fact-checkers? I guess when it comes to poor folks, the Chronicle can say whatever they want. It’s not like we have the money to sue them, right?

Outside the Chronicle building, a large crowd has formed. There are signs reading “Would you call Jesus a homeless junkie?” and “Stop the Hate Speech about Poor People” and “Where’s the Love?”

Tiny, co founder of POOR Magazine, takes the mic and clearly states why we are all together standing in the shadows of the Chronicle building. “What we are talking about today is responsible journalism.” Gloves off and camouflage, Tiny called out the Chronicle for their blatant use of hate speech against poor people and demanded that they retract their statements.

The Chronicle and CW Nevius has compared poor folks to wild animals, made us out to be criminals and dangerous drug addicts, and even thrown verbal arrows at us for really “cleaning up the city” by recycling to try to feed ourselves and our families.

For example, in his article “Recycling center near Golden Gate Park may add to illegal activity,” Nevius describes recyclers like keeping the landfills clean is some kind of devious thing that only lowlifes and opportunistic people do.

Many of us have had to struggle to find whatever activities we can do in order to secure the most basic things, like food and clothing. Many have had to do this work to provide not only for themselves, but for their children. This is how Nevius describes the recycling center by Golden Gate Park:

"It's a cash register for them," says a nearby neighbor, who asked not to be identified. "It is accommodating their lifestyle."

by Leroy Moore/PNN

On Thursday August 23rd 2007 over forty people, advocates and a few media correspondents were in front of San Francisco City Hall demanding that the Hospital Council open their meeting to the public regarding recent cases of homeless patients being dumped on the streets.

According to Planning for Elders, the Hospital Council and Department of Health held a recent meeting on discharging homeless patients from hospitals but did not invite key stakeholders, as required by state law. Advocates and people who were dumped by hospitals took the mic outside this day to tell their stories and to remind us that the Hospital Council is breaking state law.

During these powerful speeches, the Mayor got out of his limo and walked up the stairs. We invited him to speak on this manner but he just darted into City Hall.

While I was standing there listening to these stories, my mind wandered back to POOR’s community newsroom that had happened just a few weeks before at the US Social Forum in Atlanta.

Many people shared stories of community hospitals in their hometowns being shut down by the state government. These stories came from people who lived in New York, New Orleans, Puerto Rico, Detroit, LA and even from right in Atlanta, where just a few blocks away, the Grady Memorial Hospital was slated to be closed.

Atlanta resident, Rev. Calvin E. Peterson, who was born at Grady Hospital in 1948 and also worked with the hospital on their accessibility plan, wrote in his book, Nothing Is Impossible: Spiritual & Social Activist for Disability Rights & The Independent Living Movement, that Grady Hospital is the only county hospital that accepts poor people. He also told me in a recent interview that the Black poor community would be in an uproar if the state closed down Grady Hospital.

With hospitals on the edge of closing from Georgia to California, it makes no sense why here in San Francisco the Hospital Council is breaking the federal law of 1986 Emergency Medical Treatment and Act of Labor Act ("EMTALA) and state law AB 2745.

In addition, I learned that some years ago California Hospitals Association produced a manual entitled, A Guide to Patient Anti-Dumping Laws. So why can’t they fellow what they preach? Why are they holding closed meetings that break state and federal laws?

Many at the rally said that because they, the hospital council members, are represented by multi million dollar healthcare industry companies, they try at all costs to keep them out of trouble. The legislation was designed to get community stakeholders to work together to solve the problem; however this will be impossible until the Council opens its meetings to the public who are directly affected by this legislation.

For more information contact James Chionsini at Planning for Elders (415) 871-8783 or email james@planningforeleders.org or www.planningforelders.org

by Sam Drew/PNN

Two helicopters hovered menacingly above the crowd keeping a watchful eye on the group below. Several SFPD squad cars drove by and barked orders in an attempt to keep law and order.

Now what had action had elicited this heavy police response? Either someone had just robbed a bank and was holed up in a residence, or maybe the bomb squad had been called in for a suspicious package left in park, or maybe even a crazed radical had made an attempt on the life of a beloved politician. But no, sadly the real reason for this menacing police presence was the Service Employees International Union 24/7 (S.E.I.U. 24/7) rally in support of the striking security officers fighting for fair wages and affordable health care.

Your intrepid POOR Magazine reporter (and undercover security officer) was up at 5:30 a.m. to report and sup-port by joining the security picket line for this historical union action. SEIU 24/7 is only five years old, a relatively new union that represents 5,000 officers in the Bay Area .The majority of the officers are African –American with a large representation of Pilipinos and most of them protect multi–million dollar buildings in San Francisco.

They are responsible for hundreds of lives because they are first responders in case of any disaster or emergency. But these first responders have to deal with inadequate health care and in many cases inadequate training, even though they work for some of the richest property owners in the world. Have you ever heard of Morgan Stanley or Shorenstein Properties? These are some of the heavy weights who can’t afford to provide decent wages and health care benefits for their security service employees, but can for their janitors and engineers. Local 24\7 found that “security officers average $5 an hour less than other union workers in the same building.”

“Security officers are our partners in public safety, but they are unable to get adequate training because you can’t train a workforce that’s in a revolving door” said John Hanley San Francisco Fire Fighters Union President.

According to the SEIU, ““experts estimate the turnover among security officers to be up to 400 %,” which is far higher than even the fast food industry.”

As soon as I arrived in front of 50 Fremont around 6:30 a.m., organizer Larry Ball smiled and asked, “Where were you? You’re late,” as he handed me a sign to carry. I was quickly escorted to an already active picket line with security officers and other union members chanting. Rows of purple and yellow strike signs were placed on the sidewalk like picket fences on well-manicured lawns in the Midwest. I squeezed in between the lady with the bullhorn and the guy with the bent sign.

“Spread out,” shouted Mr. Ball “Keep the line tight,” he reminded everyone. We began marching in lockstep going round in circles screaming, “What do we want? A contract. When do we want it? Now!” After 15 minutes of marching and chanting I know where in for a long day. We were supposed to be on the line until 6 p.m. that night. I was glad I brought my comfortable shoes.

After 15 minutes it was time to rest a few minutes and get to know my fellow protestors. As I sat and talked, Mr. Ball sat down near me. “Even though your sitting you still have to hold the sign,” he said as he attempted to show me the right way to hold the sign. Larry Ball has a unique way of giving instructions in a non-threatening way always with a smile on his face.

We were all there to let the public as well as the companies know the reason for our grievances. Pamphlets were being handed out to all those who would accept them and most people did as they passed by. Some people rejected them as force of habit of living in the big city.

My fellow protestor is from Los Angeles. She is a member of SOULA the Los Angeles union for security officers. As we talked, we found out that we have had similar difficulties with the major security companies.

I told her about the check difficulties I had throughout my career. “One time I was shorted out of 8 hours overtime pay, I kept the paperwork as proof I did the overtime and I had to spend time and money to go to the headquarters to confront the company but when I first came in and gave my proof I was told I was wrong…the short of stature representative told me ‘We’ve already mailed the overtime checks out Mr. Drew’ but I remained unmoved and repeated my demand for the payment for work performed, but the company man refused to look me in the eye and continued to stare at his computer. He called in his fellow company man and exclaimed to his buddy ‘This one is on you homie, I’m on vacation.’

Yes, I was owed for overtime but short of stature representative said I had to wait till next pay period 2 weeks from now to get paid. I know the rules state that the company has to pay you within 3 days but the company man says,” I just work here Mr. Drew, I don’t make the rules!”

It was time to start the protest line again. Ed Meyers, representative for S.E.I.U. 24\7 exclaimed that other unions have to respect our picket line and not cross it. Not only did we have to chant, walk in circles and inform every one about our action, but we also had to challenge other unions to respect our line. This is too much like work, I thought to myself.

But then suddenly the media arrived with their cameras and tailored suits. This is the type of news the mainstream eats up. Antagonist pitted against each other on film for the six o clock news. We did our little protest thing for the camera and then they left.

The San Francisco Labor Council, the local body of the AFL-CIO that represents 150 affiliated labor unions, support the strike. This is proven when a young man attempts to make a delivery. I kindly informed him this is an SEIU 24\7 strike line. He looked at me and rapidly spewed, “I ain’t crossing no picket line.” He then quickly got on the phone to inform his employers there would be no deliveries that day.

During my 10 hours on the strike line there were many examples of support. Construction workers walked by letting us know they could hear us chanting 20 floors up. Well-wishers dropped off food and local merchants gave out gift certificates. The striking guards from 50 Fremont had streams of community supporters from their building giving them words of support. Evidently, they appreciate the security officers more than the security companies or the property owners.

At 5 p.m. we all gathered on Market Street for a final rally. Speakers included San Francisco Supervisor Tom Ammiano, Oakland Assemblyman Sandre Swanson and representatives from the offices of San Francisco Supervisor Chris Daly and Assemblyman Mark Leno. They all spoke to the tired S.E.I.U. picketers and their supporters. Assembly member Sandre Swanson (D-Oakland) and his peers in the state legislature released “Separate but Unequal” a report that urged the leading property owners of commercial real estate to end the double standard that keeps security officers in poverty.

One after another they voiced their support of working people in San Francisco seeking livable wages and affordable health care. As a religious leader prayed for our just struggle, I glanced up to the sky after hearing an unusual noise coming from the heavens. It was two helicopters hovering above as if they were spying on the procession. Then I thought to myself “It makes perfect sense- in San Francisco- a city that’s ranked third in the nation for the highest income inequality between the haves and the have nots- it’s a crime for working people to seek decent wages and affordable healthcare…Book em’ Dano.”

by Joseph Bolden

What Now?

Apologies to those who waited for part two of the fiasco called the U.S. Social Forum in Atlanta, Georgia.

What a concept especially when the free and independent press were literally in makeshift cages until a public breakout and response revealed its false front.

Other more newsworthy people or were much better at showing the sham for what it is.

My thoughts are of a friend’s upcoming birthday. I’m no gift maker guy, baking cakes,cookies has to be precise,sent at correct times.

I don’t the mailing system not even Express Mail to get it to the intended party on time.

Jewelry,earrings, gemstones,too much money, plus she or other friends are free agents in this age of economically self ownership somewhat free of male crappola.

Then it came to me!

From cycles in life I see in a watch repair store what could be perfect gifts or not depending on momentary whims of aforementioned friend.

All I know is these two items plus songs from the heart hopefully will convey my high my regard.

This is my What Now for the time being not thinking much of anything until that dawning day is done.

by Joseph Bolden

Walkin’ The Walk

I just heard about "The Longest Walk" from books by Peter,Birchall,George Meegan,Slavomir,Rawicz,and other authors on the subject.

Info [www.amazon.com/Long-Walk-True-Story-Freedom/dp/1558216847 -185k–www.amazon.com & en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Long_Walk also you can google it up too.

The 300 mile forced walk of Navajo and Hopi "First Real Americans into exile in New Mexico.

There are long walks all over the country in remember,honor,this occasion.

Also to commeorate The Longest Walk of 1978 from San Francisco to Washington DC., bringing attention to indigenous sacred sites.

I wanted to go on this long journey by foot myself and could have had I known of it earlier.

Being formally houseless,jobless it would’ve been nothing to trudge along the trail with many more for dissimilar backgrounds truth is I couldn’t,not being psychological or mentally healthy state of mind.

Now it I can,except for minor inconveniences of finally having a regular job,pay check,other opportunities literally inviting me to San Diego.

In 2007 last year was the first S.F. to Wash,DC, trek.

Well,cannot go now but doesn’t mean I cannot donate cash,clothes,walk for a few days in this second his/her-storic making march.

A friend who is partly indigenous convinced me to do what I can if I couldn’t walk all way.

So a commitment is made for 2008’s donation to the walk and in 2009 to clear all commitments for this strenuous five month foot journey.

I have a year to cleanse my body of commercially grown toxins,be physically, mentally stronger with a combination of Yoga-Pilates,Tai Chi, swimming,and traditional weight training,lastly because I haven’t a car to walk as much as I can barring overworking myself to exhaustion.

So everyone out their including a certain San Diego couple needing a decent,honest, Housesafegy

I certainly would except the job offered (Do hope they have good,kind, neighbors,and/or friends that will contact them about this column).

If not may they check my slight ad change regarding negotiable prices.

Back to the commitment– this column is basically one long public bulletin for anyone and everyone who can participate physically or like me do what they can even if they’re unable to participate fully as a one of many healthy thousands– yes,I said thousands on this walk.

People,Please Donate what you can in tents, blanket,clothes,lanterns, medical supplies,fireproof matches,fruit,meat,and vegetarian,or other dietary options,lastly some people can be in cars who drive up ahead incase of medical emergencies crop up suddenly.

I for instance control my asthma by walking, some exercise,and pills or an inhaler.

I’m susceptible to extremes of cold and heat especially the cold.

Living on the street has left me vulnerable.

If not flu then flu like symptoms which upsets and acerbates my lungs.

The human body can only bare so much extremes living outside unprotected for many extreme exposure eventually causes the body to shut down and cease to function resulting in morbidity DEATH.

I guess its good not to go in 2008 because of my health but in 2009 might be healthy enough to go out on the trip.

For all of you that can and do go from San Francisco to Washington, DC.

I pray you appreciate both the journey and the marvelous,common miracle, that your healthy body affords you.

It’s the main reason last week I challenged Multi billionaires to place their blood,cells, neurons, bones,ligaments,joints, veins,genes,down to the molecular strands level to create a new birthright for all people-kind A.I. Appropriate Immortality,
an example inapropriate immortalty shown later.

[Along with that other famous A.I. you know?

Add nanotechnology to the mix and what have you got?]

I don't have a clue but I'd have new lungs,body, reworked,improved neural netted brain plus maybe a slight extended lease on my otherwise shorterned life span.

Here is an example of Inapropriate Immortality.
Nightmares of eternal 5 to 12 year old children.

The correct, A.I. is a 25 to 40's 70 to 90 year olds looking,acting younger and who actually are youthful no matter their age.

I’d certainly go for it if the opportunity presented itself to me secretly or publicly.

Wouldn’t mind being the reverse "Ben Richards"
[lookup "The Immortals by James Gunn–and a 1970’s TV movie and series by the same name].

I don’t know short of rediscovering the Philosopher’s Stone my shelf life is shortened by a few decades unless applied science makes its breakthroughs despite this Church ‘n’ State combo where a President and Evangelical Religious Right hold sway.

I do know if all scientists,researchers, students,professors,and business folks running global medical corps.

Globally,if they decide "Let’s Do This." This administration couldn’t impede,delay, retard,slow,or stop the life extending to immortalizing knowledge tsunami tidal wave hitting the world at different points simultaneously or in spurts.

Lets face folks politics is a stop gap eventually all governments fall though people survive.

I say let's all of us make it through,survive, and live,love healthier after long after this current administration is only a bad,sad,weird footnote in history.

People were here long before and will stay long after governments fall but our civilizations must evolve beyond planetary governing.

Guess I kind of got of main topic.

Those who can do the long walk do it! Those who cannot support it as much as possible.

by Vivian Hain/PNN East Bay Correspondent

Every year on the Saturday closest to the traditional date of the arrival of Columbus at Turtle Island the Indigenous People’s Day Pow-Wow and Indian Market is held in Berkeley. These events, which took place on October 6th this year, celebrate the survival and revitalization of Indigenous cultures and are held in commemoration of Native resistance to the forces still threatening to destroy them. The celebration of this annual holiday was meant to honor all Indigenous ancestors and the generations who are continuing the struggle for social justice today.

As a recent Berkeley resident, I was somewhat appalled at the fact that there was absolutely no advertisement or promotion done for Berkeley’s Indigenous People’s Day in such a so-called highly educated and liberal city and community. The week before this event, another event that was held at the same park location called How Berkeley Can You Be? which was sponsored and predominately attended by middle-class white folks and was advertised and promoted throughout Berkeley (with a large street banner), so I knew about the event well in advance. Yet, I didn’t even know that Berkeley’s Indigenous People’s Day was happening at all until just a couple days before the event.

One morning, while walking from my car to Berkeley City College on I saw this ugly looking piece of paper stapled to a tall wooden post of the traffic light as I waited to cross the street. It was an official notice sloppily taped to that wooden post by the City of Berkeley to warn all the middle-class white ‘homesteaders’ who live near Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Park of ‘noise variance’. It was a noise permit giving permission to the Indigenous people, the true owners of the land, the allowance to sing, dance and play music. As a person of indigenous blood, I felt deeply hurt and insulted as I looked at that dull colored sign coldly looking back at me, as if my people are going to be some sort of noisy nuisance to this supposed progressive community. I thought to myself: “What a terrible way to find out about such an important event…”

A few days later, I attended the Indigenous People’s Day event with my daughters Jasmine, Janina, Zosia and POOR Magazine’s co-founder Tiny Gray-Garcia’s little son Tiburcio. Under a clear and sunny sky with the Berkeley Police Department ‘conveniently located’ in the backdrop across the park, the show went on.

There were Intertribal dance groups, traditional drum circles, along with many Native American foods and arts crafts vendors. The event’s M.C. was Val Shadowhawk and Arena Director, Earl Neconie, a friend of mine and fellow student at Berkeley City College. The Headwoman Dancer was Felicia LoneBear. Thee were also two drum circles, the Host Northern Drum All Nations and the Host Southern Drum Red Buffalo.

In the first part of the ceremony, many good people in the community and Oakland’s Intertribal Friendship House were acknowledged with respect. This was followed by an opening ceremonial dance and the traditional ‘Gourd Dance’, a memorial dance for all of the indigenous peoples who served in the U.S. military, many having had sacrificed their lives for a nation undeserving of their honorable service. During these two dances, people were asked to not take photos out of respect for the spirits who came and went before us.

In the opening ceremonial dance, many of the grass dancers moved with the beat of the drum as the high curves of their traditional headpieces clipped about like horses' manes. In the traditional Gourd Dance, the men moved around the large chalk circle of the arena in the center in the park, stepping to the rhythm of the drum with their long ribbons on their outfits and leggings almost brushing the ground as the fringes hid their intricate foot movements. Another part of the traditional Gourd Dance was a tribute to call upon the ancestor spirits to connect with those who suffer social and economic oppression under the current regime here in Amerikka. I was very emotionally moved by this.

My friend Earl Neconie, who is of the Kiowa Nation and a veteran, spoke eloquently about the many social justice struggles for Indigenous peoples here in the Bay Area, in California, Amerikkka and throughout the world. He addressed the continual growing problem of houselessness and poverty in Native American communities and that most of the affected population are veterans who have been forgotten by the very oppressive government that disenfranchised them in the first place. He also recognized the Indigenous people’s struggles in both Alaska and Hawaii and the growing social epidemic of drug use amongst the younger Native Americans.

After listening to Earl’s amazing speech, the ceremonies resumed with music, song and dance. That is when my daughter Jasmine quietly turned to me with glassy eyes, telling me that the traditional drums and songs sound so sad to her, that something inside of her feels as if she is connecting a sense of sorrow for something that had come well before her life. She said that she couldn’t exactly understand, but that she could feel it within of her soul through the music.

I also felt sad inside, sad for my ancestors, my elders, my Grandmother, my mother, Mama Dee (Mother of Tiny and Co-founder of POOR Magazine) and for my oldest brother Raymond, who lives in poverty on an oppressed government funded ‘Indian Reservation round up’ for the Washoe Nation way up in Markleeville, California. On this reservation his children are either living on welfare like myself or having a hard time finding work. One of my nephews is currently serving in Iraq because he told me on the phone before he left that, “there’s nothing here for young people in my community, except drinking and doing dope... there’s no schools really and everyone works at Wal-Mart up here”

After the event was over, I felt sad for all of the Indigenous people of Turtle Island and in the world who live the daily struggle of just trying to ‘live’. While walking back to my car, crossing the street with the little ones, I noticed that ugly oppressive ‘noise variance’ sign still posted on that tall wooden streetlight post. As I continued to walk past it, I ripped it right off that wooden post. As it slowly floated down to gutter of the street, I felt a sense of resistance, yet I know that there is so much more work ahead of us and for our future generations to make true social change...

by Leroy Moore

In the last two months I’ve had a wonderful opportunity to see and read books by authors of color with disabilities. Although our bookstores are still filled with mostly white authors in the disability section, it seems as the day has finally come where people of color with disabilities are getting some exposure in the literary world

As most of you know I’ve always collected books, music and artwork by people of color with disabilities but in the last couple of months I’ve found and ordered more books by disabled authors of color then ever before. Most of the books didn’t come by shopping in bookstores but were found online. I hope this continues and our bookstores, educational institutions and non-profits will begin to add some of the powerful books I’m about to list to their bookshelves, libraries and curriculum.

Check out this short list and do what I did, Google the authors’ name, get their contact info and support their writings. Invite them to your class or radio show, buy their books and, if you teach, make it a reading assignment for your class.

These are books I received in the last month or so:

The Pro Se: A Disabled Women’s Journey Towards Social Justice Activism Volume One
by Milan Mitchell
www. Milanmitchell.com

Sentences: The Life of MF GRIMM
by Percy Carey Illustrations By Ronald Wimberly
www.vertigocomics.com

Gay, Black, Crippled, Fat: A Collection of Short Stories

By Adarro Minton
www.outskirtspress.com

Ancient Tradition: Soul Poetry

By David Weeks
www.myspace.com/ancienttradition

Going Full Circle: From Life to Death to Life

By Kenneth Tyson Jr.
www.ktysonenterprises.com

UN Armed But Dangerous

By Tawana Williams
www.Tawanawilliams.com

Gangs, Drugs and Denial: A Disabled Latino Immigrant Struggling in the U.S.A

By Angel Garcia
www.poormagazine.com

thefemaleking: Poems

By Maria R. Palacios
http://www.myspace.com/goddessonwheels

These are only some of the fabulous books recently I found by disabled authors of color. Support them!

Leroy Moore

by Joseph Bolden

Heroes of Dark and Light

We love dark heroes, the ones with suicidal tendencies when battling evil or part of that evil within themselves.

Our beloved dark hero is Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

A supernatural being, irresistible to both sexes.

Cursed, evil, fighting evil within themselves.

They seek for redemption.

I’ll mention part of the title has moon in it about a change human literally married into.

Unlike Werewolves, that can walk,work,in the day,fear the full moon.

Vampires shun sunshine,rise in pitch of night feed,he blood on hapless humans.

In today’s time save lives from those like him/her self.

Yet another hero isn’t as easily afforded much fanfare they are diametrically opposed to their dark brother’s and sister’s.

Their power from denial of most of what human call earthy living.

They slave away in hidden corners secrecy is a must for they know what happens when exposed.

The Alchemist looks to change lead to gold as a test of spiritual purification.

If they can purify lead supposedly to higher gold content then the tincture or red glowing elixir is ready to consume.

When it’s all done as her or she drinks said liquid of the philosopher’s stone only then is all the time, effort,poverty,illness, loss of family,or having a family.

The elixir supposedly confers near unlimited powers to those partaking of the drink.

From speaking with God,other sentient beings.

Mental/physical genetic changes quantum leaping evolution.

To unlocking all the hidden potentials of humanity!

Unfortunately in this a permanent awakened state our illuminated human must shield him or herself from empathic, unshielded minds of sleeping humanity.

They’re younger,skin so pure to glow from within.

They find solutions to problems plaguing people kind for thousands of years.

The laws of physics, chemistry,everything is easily assessable to them yet they are humble,shy, servants,caretakers,of humanity disguised as ordinary people.

Hard to make shero or hero out of those who actively shun the glare of fame.

There may rise a person whom by accident or design was given the elixir as cosmic joke only this now fully forever awakened Joy/Jim average can do all he wants!

They might attract another ancient alchemist or more who’s school them in the vast powers they have while the newcomer teaches the ancient how to remain vital when the other thought the dreary centuries as a waste of sentience.

Hmmm,a hero who has mischievous moments, isn’t evil but a sense of humor and as for whichever opposite sex lets say our hero only has three main worries.

Learning the difference between being irresistible from extreme likeability, and true love, producing illuminated progeny, dealing a vastly extended life span, and learning his/her new found powers, what they are,their limits,and going beyond them.

On second thought who wants a shining hero able to control great power without being corrupted by it who know untold secrets,saves lives in small unknown ways and has God,or Gods, ancients,also other alchemists,or sentient beings even saints and angels to back him up if he really fouls things up?

I guess a Vampire Detective is easier to work with than an near all powerful,youth person accidentally (by design) given awesome reponcibity and powers.