I sometimes get frustrated with this board when I find more argument than actual active movement, so rather than simply bitching about it I figured I would make a real activist post (as I see it).

OKP Activist, lets make this board a resource rather than a venue for argument.
--------------------------------------------------------------

Please respond by answering these questions (dont have to answer all of them if you dont want to)

1. Is their a local activist/community upliftment group that you are involved with? Post up a link. Lets find out what is out there and see what other people are doing.
(mine is www.coloradohiphop.org, check out the articles on the news page)


2. What do you do on a monthly basis to work towards change? (posting on these boards does not count)


3. What is the biggest issue your community faces? (im talking local community)



4. How can we as individual people realstically make an impact?

>I sometimes get frustrated with this board when I find more
>argument than actual active movement, so rather than simply
>bitching about it I figured I would make a real activist
>post (as I see it).

Say word!

>>1. Is their a local activist/community upliftment group
>that you are involved with? Post up a link. Lets find out
>what is out there and see what other people are doing.
>(mine is www.coloradohiphop.org, check out the articles on
>the news page)

The world stage in leimert park (l.a.) it's a real cool place and their trying to do some things for the community www.theworldstage.org

>2. What do you do on a monthly basis to work towards
>change? (posting on these boards does not count)

Right now I'm just gathering information. I'm exploring the idea of a 3rd party movement spurred by blk folk, or a possible take-over of the NAACP and steering them in a more militant direction. Why recreate the wheel (c) Tavis Smiley

>3. What is the biggest issue your community faces? (im
>talking local community)

Violence & Crime.

>4. How can we as individual people realstically make an
>impact?

This is tough, but I believe it starts w/a concetrated effort to really address the real issues at the root of these problems rather than ignoring them or hiding from them.

The stage seems like it has got all sort of potential. I find that art is a great way to empower and awaken people.

In regards to the 3rd party have you thought of using hip-hop as a gathering purpose?

hip-hop would be a great medium, however whenever I ask hip-hop peeps about this they're either apathetic, or too demoralized to believe that the idea has any merit. So I've got to find a way to hip them to the possibilities.

>hip-hop would be a great medium, however whenever I ask
>hip-hop peeps about this they're either apathetic, or too
>demoralized to believe that the idea has any merit. So I've
>got to find a way to hip them to the possibilities.

True statement for sure.

I think we need to remind (oursleves and others) that this movement came from the disenfranchised and is a political movement at its core.

I also have been reading about the power of hip-hop in South America and how it is becoming a viable force down there.

Thanks for giving me a forum to present my resume.
1. Vancouver has an Anti-Poverty Committee organized to wage pro-bono suits and legal aid to those who cannot afford it. It is a campaign set to expose the discrimination against the poor and underprivalaged on the part of the city and law enforcement.
Check it out at http://apc.resist.ca/home

2. I meet regularly with the activists at this group to plan events, and currently we have a benefit concert organized to raise funds and awareness. I also sit on my campus' Africa Awareness club, and this month we tabled and brought speakers to talk about the situation in Sudan's Darfur region.

3. The biggest issue that Vancouver faces, like many communities across North America is economic and racial discrimination, with one almost always linked to the other.

4. As individual, especially as students, we can influence the minds and opinions of others in our social circles and on our campuses. University is where many of tomorrow's leaders ge their ideas. Political parties in Canada actively recruit from colleges, and we are lobbying student government and promoting candidates that advocate progessive politics in the comminity.

Good stuff.

Hopefully we can get some other Vancover folk hooked up with you.

>Please respond by answering these questions (dont have to
>answer all of them if you dont want to)
>
>1. Is their a local activist/community upliftment group
>that you are involved with? Post up a link.

http://dayprogram.net/ (this is my "baby")
http://www.ctcnet.org/ (I'm on the board)
http://www.cpcs.umb.edu/vista/
http://www.cpcs.umb.edu/main-nonflash.html (I designed the overall site and I'm adjunct faculty in the Community Media & Technology program)

>2. What do you do on a monthly basis to work towards
>change? (posting on these boards does not count)

I am helping to develop art and technology program for youth and tech skills training to support programs for at-risk youth and the disadvantaged, with a particular emphasis on 21st century learning, academic support, and ICT Literacy.  Project-based, arts, or media, and technology programs are my specialty, esp. helping young people gain skills that prepare them for college and tomorrow’s workforce.

>3. What is the biggest issue your community faces? (im
>talking local community)

I am not really "local" but I am trying to make my "world" a little smaller right now. For the past few years, I've been traveling and helping lots of local communities. As a teacher I notice that many urban kids are lacking in "21 century" skills, mainly the ability to adapt to change, juggle multiple responsibilities and routinely make decisions on their own. Rather than rely on technology training I prefer to focus on the creative and "wholistic" aspects of development.

>4. How can we as individual people realstically make an
>impact?

I say start from your own corner. If you ask people they will respond based on what they know, are interested in or good at.

Im glad their are people out there like you helping give skills to the next generation.

i will check out those sites too.

gone on dey now girl. do the damn thing.



______________________________
Avi? We'll Miss you Butch!



Instores Feb. 8th NothernArc's very own Black Bill Gate's Hosted By John Legend.


Feb. 25th: Groove Theory (Final Fridays) @ Djangos OKP's Nabi and spinning downstairs, Upstairs. Free with RSVP before 1am.





_________________
Inaug'ral Member of the OkaySports Hall of Fame.

You're the moderator now. You're supposed to be objective. Are you making fun of me? Hee, hee. :-)

>gone on dey now girl. do the damn thing.

Seriously, thanks and peace to you. :-)

>1. Is their a local activist/community upliftment group
>that you are involved with? Post up a link. Lets find out
>what is out there and see what other people are doing.
>(mine is www.coloradohiphop.org, check out the articles on
>the news page)

I'm notactive anymore now that I'm back in school but:
www.ayaed.com is where I loved to help out.

They have a warrior and healers session upcoming if u in the A and u interested. It costs, but it's a quality program- totally Afrikan centered, and its just a dope space for learning, fellowship, and growth.


>
>
>2. What do you do on a monthly basis to work towards
>change? (posting on these boards does not count)

I try to be active in small ways now that my free time is limited between NorthernArc, school, work and house hunting. I give to programs, I donate. I put events up on northernarc's website so those inclined know that some of them events is out there. course, our boards are down AGAIN, but hey- stuff happens.
>
>3. What is the biggest issue your community faces? (im
>talking local community)
>

Economic development: Housing, Maximizing on untapped talent in the community, and jobs (I'd like to see more apprenticed based learning for those with special challenges that can't attend school for various reasons or join a mason or tech school program- basically for homeless cats and ex prisoners willing to work).


>
>4. How can we as individual people realstically make an
>impact?

Get out there. do what you can. "Slow motion better than no motion." (c) Kanye.


______________________________
Avi? We fittna do it.



Instores Feb. 8th NothernArc's very own Black Bill Gate's Hosted By John Legend.


Feb. 25th: Groove Theory (Final Fridays) @ Djangos OKP's Nabi and spinning downstairs, Upstairs. Free with RSVP before 1am.





_________________
Inaug'ral Member of the OkaySports Hall of Fame.

Great resources.

I agree that we make a difference one step at a time.

Lets use this post to empower and strengthen the movement.

http://www.daveyd.com/zulunationhistory.html

This article describes the Zulu Nation and how they unified around hip-hop to empower their community.

Great idea. I'm trying get something started on my campus.

where are you at?




______________________________
Avi? We fittna do it.



Instores Feb. 8th NothernArc's very own Black Bill Gate's Hosted By John Legend.


Feb. 25th: Groove Theory (Final Fridays) @ Djangos OKP's Nabi and spinning downstairs, Upstairs. Free with RSVP before 1am.





_________________
Inaug'ral Member of the OkaySports Hall of Fame.

I'm at Marquette University and trying to work with the local alderman on setting up a weekend mentor program with college students and younger children.

what ages u lookin at? how will the alderman help?


______________________________
Avi? We fittna do it.



Instores Feb. 8th NothernArc's very own Black Bill Gate's Hosted By John Legend.


Feb. 25th: Groove Theory (Final Fridays) @ Djangos OKP's Nabi and spinning downstairs, Upstairs. Free with RSVP before 1am.





_________________
Inaug'ral Member of the OkaySports Hall of Fame.

Basically getting us a place to hold meetings because usually places on campus are booked by campus organizations and talk to young preteens/teens 12-17 about how we got into college and the struggles/pressures they face.

>Basically getting us a place to hold meetings because
>usually places on campus are booked by campus organizations
>and talk to young preteens/teens 12-17 about how we got into
>college and the struggles/pressures they face.

Im saying, become a campus orginization, I know there might be some paper work but then you could use your own money (student fees) for something that helps the community!

.


______________________________
Avi? We fittna do it.



Instores Feb. 8th NothernArc's very own Black Bill Gate's Hosted By John Legend.


Feb. 25th: Groove Theory (Final Fridays) @ Djangos OKP's Nabi and spinning downstairs, Upstairs. Free with RSVP before 1am.





_________________
Inaug'ral Member of the OkaySports Hall of Fame.

>I'm at Marquette University and trying to work with the
>local alderman on setting up a weekend mentor program with
>college students and younger children.

An idea- Talk to your student events/activities committee and see if you can find some funding for this program. You would not need much. I started a program like this at my college and we got some money each semester to throw a pizza party and an end of the year celebration.

The other benefit to being funded by the student fees is that your group can become officially tied to the school and therefore more visible.

i've been doing some volunteer work with must ministries in atlanta the past couple of months. they're a church/organization that does alot of work with the homeless here, but they're not your typical faith based organization. i like dealing with them because they not only try to feed and clothe the desttute; but they also try to rehab those cats and get them back into the workforce and fending for themselves again.

http://www.mustministries.org/

Always intrests me more than simply talking about faith.

Good stuff

>1. Is their a local activist/community upliftment group
>that you are involved with?
~I volunteer with the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Camden County, which basically means that I'm an unpaid social worker for a child in out of home placement in the DYFS system. I also volunteer with On Your Feet Project Philly (www.oyfp.org). We do PR and events for other NPOs looking to get the work out about thier missions and expand thier volunteer base. If you know of any orgs looking for help like that let me know. I do some side work for Planned Parenthood and I "organize" the Camden March for Women meetup group although that's kinda fallin' apart so I don't know if it counts any more. And last but not least I work for the National Conference for Community and Justice where I facilitate diveristy workshops for youth.

>2. What do you do on a monthly basis to work towards
>change? (posting on these boards does not count)
~see above

That's all I got for now!

Thanks for the post.

Good info for Philly people here.

>
>1. I develop affordable housing units.
>
>2. My business...consult to non-profit and for-profit builders and investors seeking to develop affordable infill housing.
>
>
>3. Biggest issue: probably trying to accumulate wealth per american dream instructions. My issue: core redevelopment under neo-liberal urban policy...affordable housing confronting urban infill discourse confronting gentrification issues.
>
>
>4. Go out and make a career dedicated to leaving the world a better place. I love "activists," but I don't wave pickets and call into Democracy Now! bitching about my senator or HUD reforms, etc. I get my fucking hands dirty in the street and use accomplishments as motivation for the next project. Too many people taking jobs and becoming workers to the man, and feeling like they've done something because they phone banked one time for Al Gore. You have to take over your life and immerse yourself in changing people's lives for the better, instead of letting someone else change your life.

I'm not a motivational speaker, but I play one on TV.

DO you have any links to some of the things your talking about?

http://cityyear.org/sites/little_rock/

What do you do with the program?

Lots of views but not enough resources I know theres some cats out there doing things.

Let us know!

Post a link so we can get connected!

DEEDS? Especially 'go it alone' type causes.

they were pretty much heckling my Works...mainly because they're so REAL-----most Activists don't want to join in, via, that fear of today's Tumultuous White-racism...example:

I listed an effort of mine in petitioning this STATE'S Governors' office about racial-profiling minorities are absorbing in predominantly-Black or Hispanic communities, regarding the "Click-It or Ticket"-Legislation being enforced in America now...cats just looked at that, like, oh well good for you. Still, they saw no issue at Hand...from what I could tell in posts/responses to it.

I also, had a Roc-A-Fella rep contact my re: my music...until they discovered what I anticipated re: Community-uplifting--------from any Label/sponsor that I have a relationship with and...you better believe them mufu's ran scared!

I hear you on a couple of things.

1. The seat belt law is indeed another form of racial profiling made easy and legal.

So how about you post an address or a link so other people can contact the proper people to make their voice heard.

Now in regards to the Roc-a-fella thing I think we got to realize that music has got to return to the streets. Is there a way you could create your own sort of street team?

Use your music as an organizing factor to motivate those in your area.

because the fallout of the racial-profiling, is nationwide...thats the purpose of The newest seat-belt Law when it became national Law; to enforce it DISPROPORTIONATELY and use it to circumvent minority's 4th Amendment right.

I don't see any support for me in this Effort, until a few years down the Line when enough minorities here have absorbed their 4th Amendment civil-right violated by The Law-----via them getting pulled over for 'no seat-belt'...according to American History, thats usually when minorities seek to get involved-----when the racial-disparity is tooo obvious.

******************************
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http://profiles.myspace.com/users/3870323
******************************
Inaug'ral Member of the OkaySports Hall of Fame.

<---- Our newest All-American Canidate @ saftey,a Pup: Kelin Johnson.

IM NOT IN AN(ACTVIST GROUP), I DONT DO ANYTHING ON A MONTHLY BASIS, BUT I WILL SAY THE THERE IS NO BIGGER ISSUE THAN THE MIS-EDUATION AND DIS-INFORMATION GIVEN TO US AND ACROSS THE BOARD IGNORANCE OF ALL PEOPLE( NOT JUST US AND LATINOS). THE BEST WAY TO MAKE AN IMPACT IS TEACH EACHOTHER AND EDUCATE EACH OTHER ABOUT EVERYTHING FROM HISTORY TO POLITICS TO THE WAYS OF THE WHYTE POWER STRUCTURE. SEACHING FOR CHANGE IN THIS SOCIETY IS NOT REALISTIC, THE SOCIAL ORDER HAS BEEN THE SAME SINCE THE DAYS OF SLAVERY. SO WHY WOULD "THEY" "GIVE" "US" ANYTHING. A GOOD WAY TO BEGIN GOIN IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION WOULD BE FOR EVERY BLACK PERSON TO STUDY MALCOLM X AND MARCUS GARVEY EXTENSIVELY. AND "NEVER FORGET" LIKE THEY ALL SAID AFTER THE HOLICUAST AND 9/11. NEVER FOGET THE HISTORY, AS PAINFUL AS IT CAN BE FOR US. I CAN SAY MORE BUT ID BE HERE TOO LONG, BUT PEACE EVERYBODY. AND ALSO TRY TO SEE A DOCUMENTARY CALLED "9/11:ROAD TO TYRANNY" TO UNDERSTAND WHAT WE(ALL OF US NON-WHITES AND WHITES NOT PART OF THE POWER STRUCTURE) ARE AND WILL BE FACING IN THIS WORLD. THINK GLOBALLY PEOPLE LIKE MALCOLM AND GARVEY.

P.S. CASTRO... LEARN ABOUT CASTRO AND HIS REVOLUTION.

For the last seven years, I worked on a non-profit funded organic farm. We worked on solar energy as well, and some outreach education with anyone interested, including kids. Surplus produce went to low income housing projects and homeless shelters in the community.

Unfortunately, at 28, I've recently been diagnosed with malabsorption syndrome and some other yet to be determined but very debilitating autoimmune disorder, so I had to quit working there.

Now, I have to figure out what kind of good project I can do while sick...I have been a musician on the side so perhaps I can do something with that...but as someone mentioned already on this thread it is hard to get other musicians inspired to do something remotely altruistic.

Nevertheless, thanks for this post. Most people just talk and talk and talk and talk about how messed up everything is but don't do shit to make it a better place. It's nice to hear from a few people who do.

so...i guess i'll make this a musician's personal while I am at it. Versatile musician(primarily bassist) who is relocating soon to Philadelphia seeks like minded musicians to form socially conscious band.

ha!

peace

Please respond by answering these questions (dont have to
>answer all of them if you dont want to)
>
>1. Is their a local activist/community upliftment group
>that you are involved with? Post up a link. Lets find out
>what is out there and see what other people are doing.
>(mine is www.coloradohiphop.org, check out the articles on
>the news page)


The Concerned Professional Firefighters of Detroit
http://www.detnews.com/2005/metro/0501/30/B04-74236.htm

(look in the gray box under "This week")



>2. What do you do on a monthly basis to work towards
>change? (posting on these boards does not count)

I try to educate people about what's really going on out here.

Thesis-Anti Thesis-Consensus, The New World Order, Gold-Silver-Bronze, you know............



>3. What is the biggest issue your community faces? (im
>talking local community)

Economic Polarization

>
>4. How can we as individual people realstically make an
>impact?

Become more aware of what's going on around you physically and mentally.

Imagine where you see yourself one year from now and then move forward and begin to take action to make that happen. What can you do make things better in the society in which you live.

______________________________

Instores Feb. 8th NothernArc's very own Black Bill Gate's Hosted By John Legend.





_________________
Inaug'ral Member of the OkaySports Hall of Fame.

i helped found and currently write for and co-edit our city's progressive alternative paper, the madison observer:

www.madisonobserver.org

we focus on unheard or distorted voices and have been pretty succesful since we started-- april 2003.

for y'all out there looking to do some good, media is very, very important. by working with indepenedent media, you can build bridges between different community activist groups and give everyone a forum to discuss tactics, educate each other or whatever. it's an insane amount of work, but if you can find a good group of dedicated people who are interested in this, it's really important.

Have you and your paper connected with any of the "big" independent zines?

Here are a couple of good ones, a great way to balance the information that the regular media gives us.


mother jones www.motherjones.com
Utne Reader www.UTNE.com

Right now, I am trying to find a way to bridge a few of the various indy and community media groups (ACM, NAMAC) with the community technology orgs (CTCNet, CTC VISTA), especially around telecom policy. The rewrite happens this year and the opportunities to hear the unheard voices may be reduced to nothing if folks don't deal with the 2005 Telecom Act.

******************************

_____________________________

"its wierd when they have some middle aged white man sitten there... "u've killed about 8 cops by now!"
shit i dont even think of it like that when im playing...its
all about context.
those psychologists are running a hustle...they know good
and well 1 out of every several thousand kids actually lets
these games affect them like that..but that ONE is making
them millions. cant knock da hustle!!"
-- (c) A certain OKP that doesn't like violence in Hip Hop, but Accepts Violence in Video Games.











_________________
Inaug'ral Member of the OkaySports Hall of Fame.

"sometimes get frustrated with this board when I find more argument than actual active movement, so rather than simply bitching about it I figured I would make a real activist post (as I see it)."

"3. What is the biggest issue your community faces? (im talking local community) "

That's dumb as hell. You ask why you argue here all the time, and then answer your own question. Yall New York Niggas is slow for real. Happy as niggas.

You argue because all you have are questions, and no answers. Damn, stupidity makes me want to vomit.

What the fuck are you all trying to activate? Your mother fuckin Jerry Curls? Idiots.

Ask Chicago what the biggest problem is...... murder and drugs. Crackhead ass niggas.

Homie-

No need to be upset, if you not feeling this post please ignore it.

There are some good resources available and I would love to hear about any groups you are involved with in the CHI-town.

This post is a resource post.

Peace.

spokenexistence.com

Chicago residents. hit us up. lets connect

Excellent post!

1. Is their a local activist/community upliftment group that you are involved with? Post up a link.

I am the co-founder of The Foundation for the Study of Hiphop Consciousness, a Los Angeles based organization which uses Hiphop as a tool for social change and youth empowerment. You can go to www.thefoundationonline.net for more info.


2. What do you do on a monthly basis to work towards change?

I run weekly support groups for "at-risk" teens and will soon be running groups about 3 to 4 times a week. I have the Strength in Numbers network created to promote conscious Hiphop. I am also in the process of creating a teen leadership program.


3. What is the biggest issue your community faces? (im talking local community)

In L.A. the biggest issues are violence, police brutality, and a general sense of depression (that's pretty much all around though!)


4. How can we as individual people realstically make an impact?

Individuals can make a realistic impact by reaching out to the youth directly around them. That means cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbors, big brother or big sister organizations, etc... There are many organizations who are looking for members or help. If all else fails, educate yourself and treat your neighbors with respect, set an example. We are the leaders we've been waiting for.

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_____________________________
Inaug'ral Member of the OkaySports Hall of Fame.

www.ummah1421.com/boards
www.northernarc.net

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http://profiles.myspace.com/users/3870323
******************************
Inaug'ral Member of the OkaySports Hall of Fame.

<---- LOMU!

up

Lets get some new info on this!

is the group I'm most affiliated with / support