Story Archives 2012

This declaration was made by the International Indigenous Women's Reproductive and Environmental Health Initiative, who just released the 2nd Declaration for "HEALTH, LIFE AND DEFENSE OF OUR LANDS, RIGHTS AND FUTURE GENERATIONS" and that was affirmed by consensus April 29th, 2012 in Chickaloon Native Village, Alaska

We, Indigenous women from North America, Latin America, the Arctic and the Pacific, gathered April 27th - 29th, 2012 at the 2nd INTERNATIONAL INDIGENOUS WOMEN'S ENVIRONMENTAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SYMPOSIUM, at the Yah Ne Dah Ah Tribal School, Chickaloon Native Village in Alaska.  

We express our heartfelt thanks to the Native Village of Chickaloon and the Ya Ne Dah Ah Tribal School for their warm hospitality. We heard their stories, songs and language and learned about the devastating environmental, cultural, and social impacts of coal mining by the US Navy in Chickaloon traditional lands from 1914 to 1922.   We stand in strong solidarity with Chickaloon Village’s current fight to prevent new coal mining in their traditional lands which would drastically impact the health of the children, the environment and Community as a whole.

We thank the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues for recognizing the 1st International Indigenous Women’s Symposium on Environmental and Reproductive Health at its 10th session, and receiving the report of the 2nd Symposium at this session.  We also thank the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples James Anaya for visiting the 2nd Symposium in conjunction with his US Country Visit on April 28th, 2012, and for his commitment to include the concerns expressed by participants his report to the UN Human Rights Council.      

We have shared our stories and the experiences of our Peoples.  We express our collective outrage that current federal and international laws permit industry, military and all levels of government to knowingly produce, release, store, transport, export, import and dump hazardous chemicals and radioactive materials, and expand contaminating activities such as fossil fuel development, hydraulic fracturing, uranium mining and milling, introduction of genetically modified seeds and animals, bio-fuel production and high-pesticide agriculture.

As Indigenous mothers and grandmothers, youth and elders, traditional healers, tribal leaders, human rights and environmental activists, we express our profound concern for the life and health of our communities, children, ecosystems and Mother Earth due to the proliferation of environmental toxins. 

In response, we affirm, and reaffirm, the following:

1) We steadfastly reaffirm the 1st “DECLARATION FOR HEALTH, LIFE AND DEFENSE OF OUR LANDS, RIGHTS AND FUTURE GENERATIONS” adopted by consensus at the International Indigenous Women’s Symposium in Alamo, California on July 1st, 2010. This can be found at http://www.nativeyouthsexualhealth.com/july12010.pdf

2)  We acknowledge the sacredness of the life-giving force of our birthing places.   Many are under attack from toxic contamination, extractive industries and other industrial processes.  These include salmon spawning, caribou and moose birthing places, as well as women’s wombs.  

3)  Our health and well-being, lands and resources including air and water, languages, cultures, traditional foods and subsistence, sovereignty and self-determination, life and security of person, free prior and informed consent and the transmission of traditional knowledge and teachings to our future generations are inherent and inalienable human rights.  They are affirmed in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and other international standards, and must be upheld, respected and fully implemented by States, UN bodies, corporations and Indigenous Peoples of the world.    

4)  Our bodies are sacred places that must be protected, honored and kept free of harmful contaminants so that new generations of our Nations are born strong and healthy.  The right to self-determination for Indigenous Peoples includes our Indigenous identities, our sexualities and our reproductive health for the future of our Nations.

5) The detrimental health effects of toxic contaminants on Indigenous women are well documented, and are affirmed through testimonies presented in this Symposium.  These include high levels of toxics in Indigenous women’s breast milk, placental cord blood, blood serum and body fat infertility, miscarriages, premature births, premature menopause, early menses, reproductive system cancers, decreased lactation and  inability to produce healthy children. This causes severe psychological, relational, emotional and economic damage to mothers, families and communities.

6)  Environmental toxins also have severe negative impacts on the health and development of our children and unborn generations.  Many toxic chemicals impair the endocrine and immune systems in utero, affecting health and reproductive capacity of future generations.   The intellectual and neurological development of our children are also affected, impacting their ability to retain and pass on our culture, ceremonies, stories, languages and songs.

7)  The individual and collective impacts of intergenerational trauma and the legacy of removal and violence are passed on to future generations.  Intergenerational trauma amplifies and reinforces impacts of extractive industry, military and environmental degradation in our communities.  Addressing intergenerational trauma is a core component of rebuilding reproductive health for our communities.

8)  Environmental contaminants causing disease, birth defects and death are deliberately released into the environment  because they are toxic to living things (i.e. pesticides), or as a result of industrial or military processes that are judged by States and corporations to pose an “acceptable risk” and “allowable harm.”  States and corporations deny “provable” impacts despite the clear evidence that they cause a range of serious health and reproductive impacts which disproportionately affect Indigenous women and children.   This constitutes “environmental violence” by States and corporations and must be identified as such by Indigenous Peoples and human rights bodies.

9)  Environmental contamination infringes on the cultural practices of Indigenous Peoples including women’s coming of age, rites of passage and other ceremonies for the continuation of life.  The use of pesticides on materials used for baskets and cradle boards has resulted in increased rates of cancer for basket makers.  Plants, herbs, and traditional medicines vital to Indigenous Peoples’ maternal and child health are often outlawed, prohibited, contaminated or are becoming extinct.

10)  Land privatization, corporatization and militarization divides our collective land bases, facilitating resource extraction, displacement, forced removal and environmental contamination, impacting Indigenous women’s economic, cultural and social practices and reproductive health.    

11) We recognize the links between our concerns and struggles.  Coal mining contaminates water and decimates fish, wildlife and traditional medicines.  Burning coal is also a primary source of mercury emissions and climate change, affecting Indigenous communities globally.  Pesticides used in Mexico and other countries contaminate Indigenous communities at the source of exposure, and then enters the environment and food chain, traveling to the Arctic and concentrating in traditional food, bodies, and breast milk. Likewise, introduction of extractive industries near our communities often results in increased levels of sexual exploitation and violence for our Indigenous women and girls.

12)  We will continue to use our own languages and ways of knowing.  Our understandings cannot always be expressed in the language of modern science and law.  Our Peoples, especially our traditional knowledge holders, spiritual leaders and elders are the experts.  We affirm their teachings that we are now in a time that will determine our survival, depending on the choices we make.

13) We affirm the use of our own Indigenous justice and legal systems, including Treaty-Based justice systems to hold those accountable for environmental violence.

14) We recognize the importance of continuing to educate our own Peoples and communities about the links between reproductive health, environmental contaminants and their human rights as affirmed in the UN Declaration, Nation-to-Nation Treaties and other international standards.  When Indigenous communities understand these links, they become active participants in resisting environmental violence and violations of their rights.

15) We firmly denounce the continued impunity of States and corporations for the environmental violence they carry out or permit affecting Indigenous Peoples ecosystems, traditional foods, health, well-being and ways of life.  

16) While we recognize the impacts and tragedies that have occurred as a result of environmental violence, we also celebrate our struggles, victories and our continued strength, resilience and resistance.  

Based on these shared understandings, we adopt by consensus this 2nd DECLARATION for the Health, Survival and Defense of OUR LANDS, OUR RIGHTS and our FUTURE GENERATIONS and make the following recommendations:
 

That Indigenous Peoples, Nations and Communities:

1)  Identify and document the disproportionate impacts of environmental toxins on Indigenous women and children as "environmental violence" for which States and corporations can be held accountable.

2) Provide community capacity-building and training linking reproductive and environmental health and human rights.

3)  Maintain, support, strengthen and assert traditional systems of law, community organization, decision-making, leadership and representation.

That States and their subsidiary governments (Territories, provinces/states, municipal etc.): 

1) Fully implement and uphold, without qualification, the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including Article 29 regarding the right of Indigenous Peoples to the protection of their environments and the State obligation to ensure free prior and informed consent regarding hazardous materials. We also call for the full and unqualified implementation of Articles 23 and 24 affirming our collective rights to health and use of traditional medicines.

2)  Eliminate the production and use of pesticides, industrial chemicals and toxic by-products that disrupt the endocrine system, affect learning and neurological development, cause cancers and other illnesses, undermine women’s reproductive and maternal health, contaminate lands, waters and traditional food sources and affect any aspect of the health and development of our future generations.

3) Take responsibility for effective and immediate clean-up of contaminated sites created by activities which they permitted or approved in collaboration and coordination with impacted Indigenous Peoples.

4) Implement programs to restore the health of Indigenous Peoples, including women and children who have been negatively impacted by environmental toxins, including their export and import in collaboration and coordination with the affected Indigenous Peoples including Indigenous women.

5)  Immediately cease the practice of exporting and importing banned pesticides, toxic wastes and other chemicals in particular from the United States.  .

6) Implement and mandate culturally relevant gender based analysis in all impact statements regarding mining and other industries, also ensuring FPIC.

7)  Recognize the knowledge and practices of Indigenous women’s health, birthing, traditional midwifery, and the use of Indigenous medicinal knowledge on equal footing with other health systems and methods, and the right of Indigenous healers to protect and use this knowledge as they so choose.

8) Prosecute companies and hold military accountable for the full extent of their violations to the rights of Indigenous Peoples pertaining to the contamination of lands, territories and resources, and respect Indigenous Peoples’ legal and judicial systems in accordance with Article 27 of the UN Declaration in their efforts to hold government and corporations accountable.

9) We call in particular upon Canada and the United States to implement the recommendations made in 2007, 2008 and 2012 by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) calling upon them to take appropriate legislative measures to prevent the transnational corporations they license from negatively impacting the rights of Indigenous outside Canada and the United States.

Recommendations to the United Nations System and International processes:

1)  That the Permanent Forum 11th session in its half-day session on food sovereignty consider the direct links between food sovereignty, environmental violence and reproductive health and the specific impacts to Indigenous women, children and unborn generations.

2)  That the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples address reproductive and environmental health, and  receive the report of the 3rd symposium to be  held in 2014 in the autonomous region of Nicaragua.

3)  That effective, transparent international mechanisms be established to ensure accountability, redress and restitution with the full participation of affected Indigenous Peoples and for UN Human rights bodies to dedicate particular attention to the matter of environmental violence.  

4) That the World Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio + 20, 2012) reaffirm the “precautionary approach as an alternative to the models of “risk assessment” and “management” of toxic chemicals and pesticides, and recognize and support sustainable agricultural methods and practices used traditionally by Indigenous Peoples.

5) That UN Conventions and national laws which permit the  export, transport and import of banned pesticides, wastes and other toxics without the free, prior and informed consent of the Indigenous Peoples and communities who may be impacted be immediately reviewed  and revised

6) That the United Nations, its agencies and members ensure that Human Rights principles and standards are mainstreamed in all international standard-setting processes addressing environment and development, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.  

7) That the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and other UN bodies and mechanisms focus attention and collect information from Indigenous Peoples, in particular Indigenous women, on the links between environmental contamination and reproductive health and  recommend effective solutions and remedies at the international level.

8) We endorse the “Indigenous Mothers Against Mercury” open letter’s recommendations calling for strong language in the new legally-binding International Treaty on Mercury, to “halt emissions of mercury into the environment from all sources, including the burning of coal,” and “to ensure the full, formal and effective participation of Indigenous Peoples, including Indigenous women.”  We also recommend that the Permanent Forum at its 11th session call upon States and the UN Environmental Program to incorporate the recognition of Indigenous Peoples and in the operative text of the Treaty.

Cross Cutting

1) We recommend that States, UN agencies and Indigenous Peoples affirm and utilize the Precautionary Principle, recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ traditional knowledge about the effects of chronic pollution as well as the social stressors caused by development and industry that impact and divide communities.  These include increased mental health concerns, violence against Indigenous women, children, and families, sexually transmitted infections including HIV, incarceration, child removal and suicide.

2) We reiterate our support for a moratorium on new fossil fuel exploration, processing and extraction, as the first step towards the full phase-out of fossil fuels with a just transition to sustainable energy and the protection of our Peoples and ecosystems from the devastating impacts of climate change.

3) We call upon Indigenous, National and International processes to respect the traditional knowledge of Indigenous women regarding sustainable development, environmental protection, cultural practices, food production and health and to include their full and effective participation as leaders and experts in all levels of decision-making on these matters.

Conclusion

We commit to continue our work and fulfill our responsibilities to our children and the generations still to come. We commit to reclaim our wellness as Indigenous women and Peoples. We reaffirm that our children have a right to be born healthy and to live in a clean environment, and that in order to heal our Peoples and Mother Earth, we have to continue to heal ourselves, tell our stories and be who we are.

“We are like a strong river that rises and falls, is always connected and will never stop flowing.”

Affirmed by consensus of the participants in the Symposium on April 29th, 2012:

1. Alice Skenandore – Midwife, Wise Women Gathering Place, LCO Ojibwe, Wisconsin, USA
2. Alyssa Macy – International Indian Treaty Council, Warm Spring Tribe, Oregon , USA
3. Andrea Carmen - International Indian Treaty Council, Yaqui Nation, Mexico, USA
4. Aurelia Espinoza Buitimea – Traditional healer, curandera and midwife, Jittoa Bat Natika Weria, Yaqui Nation, Sonora Mexico
5. Blanch Okboak – Teller Traditional Council, Inupiat, Alaska
6. Brandy Standifer – Village of Tyonek Tribal Member, Tyonek, Alaska
7. Camille Gemmill – Youth Representative, Gwich’in Nation, Alaska
8. Charlotte Jane Kava -  Inupiat, St. Lawrence Island, Native Village of Savoonga, Alaska
9. Danika Littlechild – International Indian Treaty Council, Ermineskin Cree Nation, Canada
10. Donna Miranda-Begay – Chairwoman, Tubatulabal Tribe, California, USA
11. Edda Moreno – Centro para la Autonomía y Desarrollo de los Pueblos Miskitu, Nicaragua
12. Elvia Beltran Villeda - Red Indigena de Turismo de México, Pueblo Hnahnu, Mexico
13. Emily (Funny) Murray – Elim Students Against Uranium, Inupiaq, Elim, Alaska
14. Erin Konsmo - Native Youth Sexual Health Network, Metis Nation of Alberta,  Canada
15. Enei Begay – Black Mesa Water Coalition, Dine, Arizona, USA
16. Faith Gemmill - California Indian Environmental Alliance, International Indian Treaty  Council, REDOIL, Arctic Village, Gwich’in, Alaska and Pit River, Wintu California, USA
17. Faustina Buitimea Gotogopicio – Tradtional healer, curandera, Yaqui Nation, Sonora Mexico
18. Harriett Penayah – Elder, Native Village of Savoonga, St. Lawrence Island, Yupik, Alaska
19. Hinewirangi Kohu –Te Rau Aroha, Maori Women’s Centers, Aotearoa (New Zealand)
20. Jackie Warledo - International Indian Treaty Council, Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, USA
21. Janet Mitchell – Inupiaq, Kivalina City Council, Alaska
22. Janet Daniels – Elder, Chickaloon Native Village, Chickaloon, Alaska
23. Jeannette Corbiere Lavel – Native Women’s Association of Canada, Anishnabe Nation, Canada
24. Jessica Danforth - Native Youth Sexual Health Network, Mohawk Nation, USA and Canada
25. Judy Hughes – National Aboriginal Health Organization, Metis Nation of Alberta, Canada
26. Julia Dorris – Traditional Council of Kalskag, Yupik, Alaska
27. Kandi Mossett – Indigenous Environmental Network, Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, USA
28. Kari L. Shaginoff - International Indian Treaty Council, Ya Ne Dah Ah Tribal School, Chickaloon, Alaska
29. Karla Brollier – Alaska Community Action on Toxics, Ahtna-Cantwell, Alaska
30. Kathy Sanchez – Tewa Women United, San Ildefonso Pueblo, New Mexico, USA
31. Lisa Wade – Chickaloon Village Health Director,  Chickaloon, Alaska
32. Manuela Victoria Barrientos Carbajal – Chirapaq, Community of Hualia, Peru
33. Maria Berenice Sandez Lozada – Di sunga a Nana Shimjai, Nahua-Otomi, Mexico
34. Marian Naranjo - Honor Our Pueblo Existence, Santa Clara Pueblo, New Mexico, USA
35. Martha Itta -  Inupiaq, Tribal Administrator, Native Village of Nuiqsut, Alaska
36. Maudilia López Cardona - Frente de Defensa Miguelense, Mam Maya, Guatemala
37. Melina Laboucan-Massimo – Lubicon Cree First Nation, Canada
38. Monique Sonoquie - California Indian Basket Weavers Alliance, Chumash, California, USA
39. Norma Chickalusion – Village of Tyonek Tribal Member, Tyonek, Alaska
40. Patricia Wade – Editor Chickaloon News, Chickaloon, Alaska
41. Pauline Kohler – Aleknagik Traditional Council, Yupik, Alaska
42. Penny Westing – Chickaloon Village Traditional Council Secretary, Chickaloon, Alaska
43. Princess Lucaj – Gwich’in Steering Committee, Gwich’in, Alaska
44. Rita Blumenstein – Traditional Healer, Yupik, Chefornak, Alaska
45. Rosemary Ahtuangaruk – Inupaiq, Native Villate of Nuiqsut, Alaska
46. Samantha Englishoe – Alaska Community Action on Toxics, Tlingit, Gwichin
47. Sewa Carmen – Chickaloon Village Youth Representative, Chickaloon, Alaska
48. Shawna Larson – Chickaloon Village Traditional Council Member, Chickaloon, Alaska
49. Sondra Stuart – Chickaloon Village Tribal Citizen, Chickaloon, Alaska
50. Susie Booshu – Native Village of Gambell, Yupik, Alaska
51. Viola Waghiyi – Native Village of Savoonga, St. Lawrence  Island, Yupik, Alaska
52. Xiomara Ownes – Traditional Healer, Tlingit, Athabascan, Alaska

The artwork is provided by Erin Konsmo.

Krip-Hop Nation (KHN) We have been friends for a long time but I’m not a father tell me as a Black disabled father what do you face in public.

Rob Da’ Noize Temple:  Normally people would stop and stare when I would take my children out to the playground and play ball with them. I felt more concerned about my children’s feelings,being that I would be the only disabled father in the park and sometimes my children would be ridiculed, however my children dealt with it.  My mother was my mentor she taught me at an early age how to do most things with one            hand, cooking household cleaning and taking care of my younger  brother, so my children lived a pretty normal life.

Lee Williams: Surprisingly, I generally get favorable response, you know how I am…..I SMILE AND SPEAK TO JUST ABOUT EVERYONE I ENCOUNTER.  I think that after all of the years, since 1980, I found that it puts them at ease, because they have no idea as to how we, as a person with a disability is going to    respond…..Some of us are uptight, and might respond in negative fashion….not nessisarily because they are disabled…..maybe they just got a parking ticket……a smile and a warm ‘hello’ puts a different spin on meeting the general public.  My children, Grand, Greatgrand, and Great Greatgranies, keep a smile on my face all of the time…..The public generally admires that.

King Kaution: As a black farther being disabled in public I’m always faced with alot of answering questions from kids when they see me with my boys. Alot of men woulda gave up and leave it up to the mothers.. I get congratulated from the public cause they see I’m not letting my situation stop me from being involved in my kids lives .

2) KHN: color:black">Hey CoolV you are different from Keith Jones, Rob ‘Da Noize Temple and Lee Williams because you told me that you are looking after your   sister’s children and one have autism.  Tell us how did that change your life being a caretaker or a father like figure and has that played into your work in the entertainment field?

CoolV: Well 1st it demands more time because he requires a lil bit more attention because he has special needs but although they tag him as disabled he can do just about anything anyone else can just needs a love and encouragement. If you don’t believe me see the story called “My Name Is Khan” an autistic man who was so special he received an award from the president for all the amazing things he did. He has taught me the value of hard work because he tries extra hard also the how to forgive others. He is so caring and selfless in love he tries to help almost everyone. I got him when my sister found out she had cancer and neither her nor her husband was not able to take care of him and his other brothers. My mom & me raise these boys. The rest of the family chips in my older sister had them 1st and as they got older I felt they need to step in.  So in short they helped me go harder to set the example and also taught me how to forgive people. As for my life in the entertainment field I can’t just pick up and go when I want to and I have to be supportive to his needs.

3)   KHN:  Tell us about your kids and what do you want for them?

Rob Da’ Noize Temple: I have 5 children 3 girls and 2 boys, 11grand-children and 1 great grand-child, my oldest son Anthony, passed away in 2010 from complications due to sickle cell anemia.  My oldest daughter Yvonne was my right hand she took on that role herself, and would assist me with the things I might have trouble with, like cooking, household chores, braiding her sister’s hair and watching her when I would have to go out and gig.  I only wanted the best for my children.  This music was for my children to provide them a legacy to be proud of.  I never knew that I would be blacklisted my entire career, I chased this music dream and sometimes I missed those precious moments I could have shared with my children.  It was hard enough to try and make it with one-hand in the music business, but to be shut-down, silenced, a career totally eclipsed truly affected my children and how I had to raise them. Fortunately I worked in corporate America as well.  I was the first black disabled corporate accounting manager at Time Inc. I had to single handily, no pun intended, juggle corporate life and the music business along with family.

Lee Williams: Well, like most proud fathers, I pray that they will have the very

best of all good things.  We have a few phd’s in the crew and others  striving.  Wonderful people, my kids.

King Kaution: My kids are my motivation to live life to the fullest..i want them to be the best at whatever they wanna be. My oldest love video games and i taught him how to use the computer at age 3....same as my youngest who is 5 now and love basketball..my oldest wanna design games in the future ...they both like hearing themselves on the Mic...my big helpers like helping me get dressed to helping me record by clicking the buttons and putting my headphones on.... I want my kids to know that no matter your situation life still goes on

4) KHN:  As an artist/activist has your children been interested in your work and have they got used to other friends, musicians and activists with disabilities

Rob Da’ Noize Temple:  Yes my children follow everything I am into.  They see the challenges that I had to overcome and they are proud of where w were able to make it in life despite the setbacks.  My disability has never been an issue with my children, I am sure they had those moments when they might have gotten teased at school about their father’s arm.  However they now look at my disability as a badge of honor, simply my uniqueness in this universe.  They are very excited about my involvement with the Krip Hop Nation.

Lee Willams: OF COURSE !!  I USED TO TAKE MY KIDS TO MY SHOWS, AND THEY PROBABLY KNOW MORE PEOPLE IN THE ARTS THAN I      DO NOW.  MOST OF THEM SING, ALL OF THEM DANCE. YEAH, THEY ARE MY BIGEST FANS.

King Kaution: i don't know too many disabled artist in mainstream...when

people see me with my kids they congratulate me for not giving up...

5) KHN:  Give us your outlook on mainstream view around Black masculinity and disability plus does that thinking totally change when people see you with your kids?

Rob Da’ Noize Temple:  I don’t think that there will be a fair outlook when it comes to the view that mainstream has towards the disabled.  The two issues disability and masculinity have to be addressed individually.  There was never an  issue of my masculinity, I found that I encountered discrimination based on the unknown, I don’t fit in, or that I want something from them or I deserve some sympathy because of my disability I just wanted my piece of the rock.  I only encountered issues of masculinity when dealing with the “ism’ and secret cliques in the music business where your sexuality and preference are more important than your talent.  That has truly affected my career and my ability to take care of my family.

color:black">  CoolV: I think it’s kind of sad how a lot of our young black men are raised by single parent household without a male figure yet go do the same thing to their kids that their father did to them as a child. I see it like this you have either two options...  You either hate it so much that it changes you and you try to be the best man and best father figure you can be or use that as an excuse and continue that vicious cycle and do exactly or worse to your child and plant that seed of hate for your offspring.  I think the perception of what most people think of black    men and kids these days are low so their expectations are low I hear it all the time of how most of our black men don’t take care of their kids and yada yada yada although some of it is true you can NOT make a general statement on our men because now-a-days I’m finding out its a lot of us.  The sad thing is their is a lot of people who just don’t understand kids with disabilities and are ignorant to just how amazing and special they are because they are to busy judging a book by its cover.  I usually get the wow factor and when they find out they are my sisters kids some are like wow others are looking like yeah I bet them are his kids which I laugh and think man we either got some strong genes or my sister must of been mad at me because truth be told we do look-a-like.  But I think our society have the wrong depiction of what a real man is anyway the heroes are the fathers and those community leaders who are fighting for better schools, education and to feed the homeless and who have opened programs to help our young men.

Lee Williams: Well, we, as a people, have always had that rep for our masculinity, and athletic ability.  Most people with disabilities do what I do….my children and I are generally  so involved with what we are doing that we hardly  notice….but you know that I dance, and I am an athlete  as well.  Generally,  people are surprised to know that I ski and race as well as several other events.

6)  KHN:  Rob, Keith and Lee you did a song with or bout your son.  Tell us about                             those songs?

Rob Da’ Noize Temple:  That song “Antonio’s Song” was written for my oldest son Anthony “Antonio P. St@ckz Temple, who passed away in 2010 at the age of 23.  I am still in a state of shock, we were really just starting to grow closer and gaining an understanding of each other. I got to record his first album on my record label, but he is not here to share it.  So there is some bitterness I feel that had I “made it” in this industry he would still be here, but no one gave me a chance, they just turned their back.  As I said previously, this music was for my children, to provide them a better life to help heal the world through song.  I know I could have been a better father, but I tried, I never gave up, I always believed in God and the gifts He gave me.  That song wrote itself through the tears, the heartache, the feeling of loss, my son whispered the words and the music to me

CoolV:  I thought about doing a song about my nephews but it doesn’t matter to me honestly its knowing I played a great role in their lives is all that counts.

 Lee Williams:  Lee jr.  wrote the song, and he wrote it about me.  That is what I told him, years ago.  No matter what, I would be there for him…..Rain or   Shine…..it took us a few years before we could do it without crying like crazy.  I love the song…I love him.

King Kaution: I’m waiting on the right beat to make a song.

7)    KHN:  What are some of the projects you are working on.

 Rob Da’ Noize Temple:  I am still on tour as keyboardist and DJ with the group Rapper’s Delight aka The Sugarhill Gang, the group is also in the studio working on a new album and the soundtrack for their new documentary “I Want MY Name Back”.  I am also working on the musical score for a new Black Broadway play entitled A Season For Love, I am working on music for a cookbook, The new Temple Dynasty CD, arranging and producing music for the legendary music producer George Kerr and of course the new Krip Hop/MWD CD to be released on my label this summe.

CoolV: Wow man you know how I am Leroy too many to name here Let’s just say I’m the founder of the Rated Next Brand #TRN which umbrellas a lot of companies in short I’m a small business and entertainment marketing consultant, promoter, public speaker, humanist, producer, event coordinator, promoter etc.  I wear many hats but my most proud is uncle/dad and Operation We Care and now the “M.A.D” movement which stands for “Make A Difference” program in short I feel instead of complaining what are you doing to make a difference? Ask yourself that question and if the answer is nothing then I impose another question what are you willing to do? We can all make a difference it doesn’t matter how big or small the contribution you make it all helps and it doesn’t always have to be monetary it can be time it all helps and counts in the end! Team Rated Next new website coming soon, a workshop tour with my boy Money Mike (Mike Minter) my partner from Money & Music Inc. where he handles the financial tips (He is amazing and one of the top financial advisors in the country ) also CEO of Minco Financial and I give the marketing tips. As for my track records let’s just say I work hard and have been in the industry for a minute and was just featured in Arizona Weekly.  Nominated and came in 4th place for the Shorty Awards this year for the best in marketing and have a couple of interviews with major publications my most proud one is Soul Train (I’m Honored) because I was a big fan but honestly I am honored with all my features or stories no matter how big or small the media outlet.  When a person thinks that much of you you got to be honored and humbled.  I am looking forward to the cover of special edition Wave magazine, my candid interview with Divas On Deck ‘s own ms B so GOD is good and there is a lot on deck just follow me on Facebook (official whistle or twitter @coolvsratednext to see what’s NEXT!) You heard the whistle!!!

Lee Williams:  Well, you know that I have an art gallery now, and my daughter Tique runs the spot.  I have done a few voice overs and of course, I do the art.  The rest of the time I am staying low.  You know that I just got out of hospital.

King Kaution:  b.a.r.z beats and rhymes original mixtape. King of the jungle mixtape ft comedian Dave Jones. Best kept secret mixtape...king and queen of Gunrule mixtapes... My documentary about music and my accident

 8)  KHN:  It is very hard to find Black disabled male role models in today                        society.  Do you think that there is room for Black disabled fathers                         to make it through all the isms in both communities, the hyper                        masculinity and bling bling on a bigger stage at father’s day and all                         year around for young Black disabled boys growing up now?

Rob Da’ Noize Temple:  I think the whole definition of role model has to be redefined.  For me The Most High God is the only role model.  What defines a father is shaped by their upbringing, how they view love, how they view women, how they view family.  Growing up in a single family home, my mother had to take on the role of both parents. My uncles, cousins and the male adults around me served as role models, I would try to emulate at least the better qualities.  I am just a father who just happens to be disabled that’s how I would prefer to be viewed, no GQ magazine look, no bulging muscles, no bling bling, those are but momentary things.  Running up and down the court or catching the ball or scoring the run for the team doesn’t make you a role model.  Will you be there, will you sacrifice, and will you be selfless will you really be willing to learn what it takes to keep your family together.  When the underground street movement Brooklyn House began, I was accepted as just a “real” dude an ‘OG”, I never tried to be a role model, if they saw something in me that was good, then let it serve as an inspiration.  I get that kind of respect from the streets today, just by being real, “real recognized real”.  If I had to point to one disabled person who influenced me it would be Stevie Wonder, he is an artists, musician, activists and father.

CoolV:  There is NOT enough support for men that are doing what they are supposed to do sometimes. It is hard raising my boys but what’s crazy is the school systems and communities do not have enough support for those that do I think that if we acknowledged the ones that did instead of so much drama there would not be as many dead beat dads.  It is hard for a black man to raise a kid disabled or not.  It’s tough but its extra tough because society doesn’t care and they have to work that much harder to provide that much more.  As for the black role models we have to 1st stop being so judgmental of each other and a lil more supportive and also give men more support when they are doing the right thing and we have to stop feeding into what the media tells us who and what we should be!

King Kaution:  If we had the support and men to step up we can inspire the

youth...i like to look nice and just cause we in a chair don't mean we

gotta dress like patients lol

9)  KHN:  You have sons and daughters are there any difference how they relate

                  to you etc?

Rob Da’ Noize Temple:  Well each of my children deals with me on a different level.  My daughters were first and when I separated from their mother they came and lived with me in New Jersey for 12 years and then returned to New York in 1986.  We have a great relationship because we did everything together. They had to sacrifice much from mom to mom, home to home as I tackled this music game, my daughters are my rock, I just discovered another daughter that was mine after 23 years, that’s a whole new chapter.  My youngest son is a         music producer and he is in the music business as well he is more like    my partner I began teaching him music when he was a baby, he will carry on the legacy.

Lee Williams: I know that the girls take great care of me.  They know how much I love and care for them.  They respect  me and no sweeter kids  will you ever find.

King Kaution:  I have two sons.  My oldest wanna see me get up...he helps A lot My youngest is catching on but does some things the way i do like using the mouse with my pinky lol

10) KHN:  If you feel comfortable tell how your dad dealt with your disability?

Rob Da’ Noize Temple:  My dad and my mom separated when I was child, although I saw my dad growing up, he died when I was a teenager, I grew up in a single parent home. My mother, who was also an entertainer, assumed the roll of dad.  My mother taught me how to cook, sew, clean house, karate, iron clothes, do the laundry and wash dishes.  She wanted me to be independent to do for self.  She knew there would be little compassion for my situation, so she prepared me to face the challenges of life.  My mother never wanted me to feel sorry for myself, or expect sympathy from anyone.  She built me to be self-contained and she wrapped her teaching in love.

CoolV:  Its no problem the truth is my father was a dead beat and although I love him and wish him well we don’t communicate because of his pride.  I never wanted to NOT have a relationship but some men will never own up to what they done or how they failed as a parent. We have been passed that for years but he has a different outlook on life then I and God gave him another chance with my brother which he did a better job.  Just wish I could speak to him man to man and he be honest instead of living ne denial which a lot of men do these days they don’t want to take ownership when they mess up and this have hurt our families, spouses, friends and even the way we perform our jobs.

Lee Williams:  Gee…I was quite up in years when we got together.  But he wanted to pick me up and carry me, and sometimes he did.  I am the eldest of all of his kids, but he wanted to baby me.  He loved my children to the max

King Kaution: Never seen my dad & I’ll cry till the day my heart stopped...he

stayed in the hospital everyday till i started moving ...he brought his friend pastor mcfall and Marvin sapp in to pray for my healing ....its working but my mom quit her job to take care of me

11)  KHN: Your family is so talented musicians and singers, as disable musicians what are you passing down about the music industry to your children?

Rob Da’ Noize Temple:  Family is everything, my family gave me love,    and those musicians I’ve played with all surrounded me with a wall of sound to enhance my playing.  My years in the music business are bittersweet.  By my own existence I state never give up, believe in yourself, believe in God most of all.  My children has seen the treatment and disrespect I have been dealt in this industry, and I try to caution my youngest son, who is walking in my footsteps, on the pitfalls to be aware of.  My children continue to be my motivation, the reason I keep on pushing on.

12)  KHN: On Father’s day what do you say to fathers?

Rob Da’ Noize Temple:  Don’t be afraid to fail, for in your failure there is victory.  Love that woman, love that child, and don’t be afraid to cry.  Go that extra mile, I wish I had the wisdom then so that I would have really known how to bring my children closer and not lose them chasing my dream.  Cherish each moment with your children; never  take for granted that they will always be there.

CoolV: I say to all those fathers biological or not “Happy Fathers Day!” also to those that are NOT it’s never to late to make a difference and even if your son is grown if they got kids be a grand parent and turn your failure into a success story by helping the young men in the community because honestly the world need more dads!

Lee Williams:  Happy Father’s Day & Thanks again.

King Kaution: kids need us..interact with your kids..talk to them share how y'all feel tell them how much u care and show them...educate them outside of school.no matter what stay in their lives .

13)  KHN: Any last words:

Rob Da’ Noize Temple:  HAPPY FATHERS DAY…..

           
Lee Williams: Yea, thank you so much for the interview, and Leroy, go have a few kids.

King Kaution:  shouts to leroy Moore for the opportunity to share a part of my life. Cool v for sharing his story and giving me inspiration to never give up...pray for me

14)  KHN: How can people contact you?

 Rob Da’ Noize Temple  www.facebook.com/robdanoizetemple

www.myspace.com/robdanoizetemple

www.myspace.com/solidnoize

www.facebook.com/templedynasty

www.myspace.com/templedynasty

www.myspace.com/kriphop

CoolV: Google Me haha just kidding (I always wanted to say that in an interview) it’s like I said earlier add me on Facebook or twitter @coolvsratednext or just email me coolvbiz@gmail.com Leroy thank you from the bottom of my heart not just for giving me a platform to speak but for being an amazing brother, better friend and someone who always fights for others and show love I am humbled, honored and forever thankful and to all those that took the time to read about little old me I thank you and hope I wasn’t too wordy or boring you just heard the whistle ….....................Its Official!!

            Mr. Official Whistle “Cool V”

Lee Williams: CONTACT ME AT (925) 5656743.  THANKS AGAIN MY BROTHER.  KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK THAT YOU DO FOR THE DISABLED COMMUNITY, AND THE COUNTRY IN GENERAL.  GOD BLESS YOU.

King Kaution:  follow me @IAMKINGKAUTION
Kingkaution@r2lrecords.com
r2records.com coming soon
kingkaution@gmail.com
Facebook King Kaution

I don't know if there's an easy way to say this .... It's not you, it's me.  We have had some wonderful times together.  We'll always have '08.

As I watch the campaign unfold I can't help but wonder how we found ourselves in this spot .... Again.  The spot where it seems, progressives are portrayed as "big government, wealth redistributing, morally flawed, everybody deserves a medal, anti-capitalism, tree-hugging punks.  Again. As we try to rail against the depiction I find myself disappointed and at times a bit dispirited at the seemingly repetitive nature of our futility.

 How is it possible? Is the populous that tuned out? Are we that tuned out?

Every Sunday morning I sit and click.  "This Week", "Meet the Press" and such with the same focus on absolutely the wrong things.  Watching questions being posed like they're in a game of T-ball.  And, if not for the devastation that would be the result of failed vigilance, it would be comical.  Comical I tell you.  With each stated claim of this nation's greatness, I marvel at the boldness of it.  However, strangely enough I sort of admire the dogged dedication and steadfastness of it all.

Think about it, what is there not to admire?  How else do you explain some of the fundamental stances? 

"Economic growth Is only stimulated through less regulations, less taxes and with these things in place capitalism and the private sector will be unleashed.  Thus, releasing a tidal wave of prosperity for everyone."   And people believe it!  Ha! I mean seriously, but hey maybe it's me.... That's why this is so hard for me to say to you ....

I fear we've grown apart ... You've changed so much that at times I wonder, "are you in there?".  I mean what happened?  We always had each others back when came to stuff like, the ability to eat, pay bills, get a good education and earn a decent pay.  We fought for that.  YOU fought for that and didn't flinch.  Amazing.  Now, it seems even you are starting to believe what they're saying about us.  Compromise is a nobel word capitulation is not. 

How did we let the education of our children, the safety of communities, the very people who are us become vilified and with little resistance?  How?  Why do we not seem to have that same doggedness and steadfastness that for all intensive purposes seeks to reinstate the gilded age of the robber baron.  Except, this time it's being done with compliance ... And I don't know anymore if you're with me in this fight.  Are you?  I hope you are .... I really hope you are.

The voter suppression, the union busting, the homophobia, the racism, the sexism, the ableism and, the unveiled attempt to paint America as "theirs".  You heard it, "Let's take 'our' country back."   So, when they sing, "Our country tis of thee...." who exactly is the OUR?  You know, I remember when this would happen in the past we would not only fight but rigorously push for the fundamental of our principles,  equality.  We don't fight together anymore, now it seems that you're scared that you'll have to actually stand toe to toe.  It's not the flinching ... it's the caving.  It's not the willingness to bargain.  It's not the pragmatic approach to problems.  It just seems at times that you are befuddled at their tenacity.

Equality in access to opportunity is no weak-minded spineless position to take.  It by its very nature causes us as a.country to at least need to come to terms with certain realities.  But more importantly, it offers endless opportunities to make the promise of this nation actualized. 

 I hope you understand .... It has reached a tipping point of sorts.

Keith P. Jones - Progressive

Advocate/Activist

As part of Living Pimp-Free: The Revolutionary Change Session @ POOR Magazine held on Juneteenth Weekend 2012  all of the revolutionary participants of the session joined indigenous leaders from across Pachamama standing up for our Ohlone ancestors sacred burial ground at Sogorea Te (in Vallejo, CalifasAztlan)  and against the devil-opers from Greater Vallejo Recreation District who desecrated a 3500 year old shell mound to create a bike trail.

A Open Letter from Corrina Gould on Sogorea Te

El perceptivo de un trabajador inmigrante en un proyecto multimillonario de condominios 8 Washington

15 Mayo, 2012

Estaba asiendo fila para podrer ablar con alguien que me diera informasion aserca de los condominios que piensan hacer en el embarcadero que cuesta dos millones de dollares y que enmpesaran a construirlo a finales de mayo o en Junio. 

Dijo el Señor Hernandez cuando le pregunte si el sabia cuando empesarian.

Cuando si esto benefisiaba a la guente el me respondio que si porque ellos trabajan con la union y si se construye alli esto alludaria a la gente a crear mas trabajos con aseguransa  para los trabajadores, y que entonses ellos ya no tendrian que ir al Hospital General porque tendian aseguransa en otro Hospital, y  porque sus trabajadores que el tiene ganan aproximada mente mas de treinta y cinco mil dollars al año y que el quiere que ellos ganen mas de esa cantidad. Que bien se escucha  porque el dijo que estan peliando para que la gente que no tiene trabajo tenga on trabajo. 

Pero si nos quedamos de brasos crusados sin aser nada esperando que el superbisor  haga algo por nosotros el no esta asiendo nada ni prollectos tienedijo el senor Hernandez.

Pero cuando los personas que iban con migo le isieron unas preguntas el paresia enojarse y contra desir las preguntas y cuando ellas ya no estaban el me dijo no le aga caso a ellos porque ella no entiende nada pero nosotros estamos aqui para alludar y dar tabajo bajo una proteccion y con aseguransa y lo que importa es que tengamos mas trabajos dijo el señor hernandez y cuando  yo le dije esta bien pero que pasara con los que no tenemos papeles el se sonrrio y dijo de algo se empiesa talbes limpiando cuartos o tendiendo camas dijo. 

Pero a mi me parese que esto no alluda en nada a los inmigrantes  porque esta jente que trabaja aalli en construccion todos tienen papales y ademas en ese lugar ban apoder vibir solo los ricos porque nosotros los pobres no podemos pagar tanto dinero si apenas pagamos renta de los cuartos viejos y pequeños. Enberdad ahunque digan que no es para gente rica  si lo es porque cualquier prollecto que agan en este pais siempre es para lo mejor de los ricos y entre mas suben los ricos mas abajo nos ponen a los pobres y mas a los inmigrantes que este  condominio  no benefisia a nadie de las personas como yo que no tenemos papeles. Por eso digo que las personas que an nasido en este pais y son hijos de padres latinos piensan que si estan  alludando a los latinos a agarrar trabajos pero no porque a nadi nos quieren dar trabajos por el simple echo de ser indocumentados. Yo pienso que nos quieren engañar porque en nada nos benefisia  porque esta siudad es demasiada cara  no hay nada barato asi que al señor Hernandez yo no le creo nada.

las voces de inmigrantes de PNN lloran para Anastasio Hernandez-Rojas/Voices of immigrants in resistance @ PNN cries for Anastasio Hernandez-Rojas

Espanol sigue/ Scroll down for English

Duele el Corazon  de los inmigrantes.

Por amor a los hijos abese  perdemos la vida  por que ellos son todo para nosotros y no queremos que esten solos.

Por eso hay mucha jente que cuando an sido deportados intentan regresar a este pais por su famila pero em el intento muchas personas mueren ya sea por las pamdillas en el camino o por las ahutoridades que se sienten dueñas de la vida de otras personas  y que no tienen alma pues son demasiados malbado.

Yo siento el corason lo traigo en la garganta porque soy una mujer inmigrante y soy madre poreso . Me duele que que la migra  sea demasiada  odiosa hay acaben con la vida de gente trabajadora y padres de famila que solo estan crusando las fronteras para poder abrasar a sus hijos y pore so los matan y como nosotros no tenemos armas conque defendernos ellos nos matan como si nosotros los inmigrantes fueramos ratones .

En año  2010  a las 8 de la noche el dia viernes 28 de mayo en la garita  de San Isidro Tijuana.

Mas de 20 agentes de imigracion  y otros ofisiales

Golpearon a Anastasio Hernandez-Rojas  un mexicano padre de 5 hijos lamentable mente fallesio por una gran golpisa que le dieron los ofisiale de la migra apesar de tantos gritos y suplicas de el mejicano escomo si ellos estubieran sordos y unas personas que pasaban por alli grabaron unos videos para que la jente se de cueenta el odio rasial que tiene la migra a los inmigrantes.

Yo no se a cuanta jente an asesinano porque solo se laban las maos disiendo que las camaras no Serbian.

Alomejor es sierto y pore so se aprobechan de aser con la gente lo que se les da su regalada gana.

Lo que isieron con elseñor hernandes no se bale porque ya le abian amarrado las manos  lo tenian en el suelo tirado lo estaban golpeando mas de 20 asesinos  digo porque aunque no lo asepte la migra eso son porque lo tenian a el como los leones rodean a un benado cuando lo tienen atrapado todos se lamben la trompa saboriandose.Asi igual  se ben en el video los de lamigra esperando a que ora esta persona moria para selebrar  segun ellos su bictoria pero apesar de todo esto yo pienso que segun disen los testigos uno de ellos les iso senales y saco su pistola electica para acabar con el señor Hernandez y lo logro porque eso fue lo que rebelo la aptopcia que 2 descargas electricas probocaron la muerte de el señor Anastasio  dejando a su  esposa y sus hijos solos 

Por eso yo me siento como si fuera  un hijo de el.

Pues yo pase por ese dolor de perder ami padre cuando era una niña  de tan solo 10 años y apesar que el asesino de mi padre fue el canser me duele el Corazon

No quero ni pensar com se sienten los hijos de el ya que an pasado dos años pero cada dia que pasa se ve la ahusensa Deberdad que no tengo palabras para estas personas que probocaron su muerte solo les digo que Dios los perdone y que no encueten paz en sus corasones asta que se rindan al que es dueño de la vida y deberdad ya quiero que paren de aser esto con las personas inosentes ponganse la mano en la conciensia sies que tienen nosotros abeses benimos ullendo de nuestros paises y no es justo que nos maten.

Ingles Sigue/English Follows

Voices of immigrants cry for Anastasio Hernandez-Rojas