Black Lives Matter: Kalamazoo|Battle Creek

Black Lives Matter: Kalamazoo|Battle Creek - BLM Grassroots November

Updated about 22 hours ago

Kalamazoo Community activists dive deep into the ongoing struggle for justice and community empowerment. The episode opens with an ancestral acknowledgment, setting a tone of reverence for those who came before. Moni and her co-hosts discuss the importance of political education and uplifting community voices. The conversation spans a wide range of topics, including the injustices faced by incarcerated individuals, ICE raids, and the importance of solidarity in the face of oppression. The hosts also highlight the significance of Hoodoo Heritage Month and the role of African spiritual practices in the fight for liberation. They stress the need for community support and organizing, sharing resources for those affected by systemic inequities. This episode encapsulates the essence of BLM grassroots work, focusing on both the challenges and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Chapters

Introduction to the Podcast Series (00:03:01)
The hosts introduce the second podcast in their series focusing on community voices and political education, aligned with BLM grassroots values.

The hosts introduce themselves and the purpose of the podcast series, emphasizing the importance of uplifting community voices and sharing political education both locally and nationally. They welcome listeners to the show, setting the stage for the discussions to come.
Ancestral Acknowledgement (00:03:37)
The hosts acknowledge their ancestors, recognizing the struggles and perseverance that have shaped the present.

The hosts lead an ancestral acknowledgement, recognizing those who came before, both willingly and unwillingly, and who faced oppression but also celebrated black joy. They emphasize the importance of acknowledging the pain and perseverance of their ancestors in shaping the current reality.
Exploring Personal Ancestry (00:05:10)
A host shares their journey of tracing ancestry through maps and stories, highlighting personal connections to the Great Migration.

The host discusses their efforts to trace their ancestry, using maps and historical data to track the movement of their ancestors across the southern United States during the Great Migration. They reflect on the significance of this journey in understanding their personal and familial history.
Genealogy Resources and Workshops (00:07:00)
The podcast mentions resources available for tracing ancestry, including genealogy workshops and family history research.

The hosts discuss workshops and resources available for those interested in tracing their ancestry, highlighting the importance of understanding personal history and making connections with one's roots.
Hoodoo Heritage Month and Social Media Learning (00:07:50)
The host shares their social media journey in learning about Hoodoo Heritage Month, emphasizing intentional engagement.

The host discusses their growing awareness and intentional engagement with Hoodoo Heritage Month, learned through social media interactions. They express excitement about sharing this knowledge and participating in the cultural learning and sharing that occurs during this time.
Discussion on ICE Raids and Community Impact (00:08:20)
The hosts discuss the impact of ICE raids on black and brown communities, highlighting issues of military and police practices.

The conversation turns to recent ICE raids and their effects on communities of color, with particular focus on the militarized response to civic unrest and the treatment of incarcerated individuals. The hosts emphasize the need for awareness and advocacy against these practices.
Prisoner Rights and Concerns (00:10:51)
The hosts express concern over the treatment of prisoners, particularly regarding communication restrictions and medical neglect.

The hosts discuss issues in the prison system, such as the increased cost of phone calls for inmates and the lack of visitation rights. They share concerns about medical neglect and the overall treatment of black and brown incarcerated individuals, urging listeners to remain vigilant about these issues.
Wa Keisha's Law and Prison Accountability (00:12:05)
The podcast covers Wa Keisha's Law, which demands family notification of prisoners' health and well-being incidents.

The discussion highlights Wa Keisha's Law, which mandates that families must be notified of any incidents affecting the health or safety of their incarcerated loved ones. The hosts stress the importance of accountability and transparency in the prison system to protect the rights of prisoners and their families.
Documentary Recommendations and Reflections (00:13:31)
The hosts recommend the documentary 'The Alabama Solution' and discuss its portrayal of the prison system and activism.

The hosts discuss a documentary that critically examines the prison system through the lens of the Free Alabama Movement. They reflect on the importance of such media in raising awareness about the conditions faced by incarcerated individuals and the activism that arises from these situations.
BLM Grassroots Newsletter and Call to Action (00:14:25)
The newsletter highlights the ongoing struggle for black freedom and the call for community action and solidarity.

The podcast shares insights from the BLM Grassroots National Newsletter, which calls for unwavering commitment to black liberation and solidarity in the face of systemic oppression. The hosts emphasize the need for strategic use of voice, body, and resources in the fight for justice and equality.
Discussion on Lynching and Systemic Racism (00:15:45)
The hosts address recent lynching cases and systemic racism, urging continued resistance and remembrance.

The conversation turns to recent incidents of lynching and the persistence of systemic racism. The hosts call for collective action and remembrance of the past as they highlight ongoing efforts to resist and combat racial violence and injustice.
Trey Reed Case and Community Investigation (00:16:45)
The podcast discusses the case of Trey Reed and the community's response, including a people's investigation and legal support.

The hosts talk about the case of Trey Reed, a student found dead under suspicious circumstances, and the subsequent community-led investigation. They mention the involvement of attorney Ben Crump and the support from Colin Kaepernick to seek justice and accountability for Reed's death.
Ryan Hinton Case and Legal Demands (00:18:29)
The hosts discuss the case of Ryan Hinton, highlighting demands for legal transparency and community control over police.

The podcast covers the case of Ryan Hinton, whose death has raised significant concerns about police accountability and transparency. The hosts list the community's demands, including the release of all related evidence and the dismissal of charges against Hinton's father, emphasizing the need for true community control over law enforcement.
Reflections on Justice and Morality (00:20:20)
The hosts reflect on different approaches to justice and the moral complexities involved in the pursuit of liberation.

The conversation explores the various ways people seek justice in an unjust world, acknowledging the moral dilemmas and sacrifices involved. The hosts discuss the importance of understanding different perspectives and the historical context of resistance in the fight for liberation.
Kalamazoo and Community Change Efforts (00:22:49)
Discussion of community efforts in Kalamazoo to impact change, with a focus on collaboration and remembering roots.

The hosts talk about the various efforts within the Kalamazoo community to enact change, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among different approaches. They remind listeners to stay true to their roots and be accountable to the communities they aim to serve.
Police Oversight and Accountability (00:24:07)
Concerns about police oversight in East Lansing and the importance of community involvement in accountability.

The hosts discuss recent incidents in East Lansing involving police oversight and the need for community involvement in holding law enforcement accountable. They highlight the discrepancies between police reports and video evidence, urging vigilance and advocacy for transparency.
Historical Context of Police Violence (00:25:23)
The hosts reflect on the historical context of police violence, emphasizing the need for continued activism and documentation.

Reflecting on the historical context of police violence, the hosts discuss the importance of continued activism and the role of documentation in defending against systemic oppression. They stress the necessity of remaining engaged and aware of the ongoing struggles faced by marginalized communities.
ICE Raids and Community Resistance (00:27:36)
The podcast addresses ICE raids and the impact on immigrant communities, emphasizing solidarity and resistance.

The hosts discuss recent ICE raids targeting immigrant communities, highlighting the fear and disruption caused by these actions. They emphasize the importance of solidarity between black and brown communities in resisting these tactics and advocate for the protection of all marginalized groups.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action (00:31:01)
The hosts conclude with a call to action, urging listeners to stay informed, engaged, and supportive of community efforts.

In their closing remarks, the hosts urge listeners to stay informed and engaged in the ongoing struggles for justice and equality. They call for continued support of community efforts, emphasizing the power of collective action in bringing about meaningful change.
ICE Profiling and Colonial Borders (00:37:07)
Discussion on ICE profiling Latinx individuals and the historical context of colonial borders on Turtle Island and Abia Yala.

The speaker discusses how ICE profiles individuals on the basis of ethnicity and the historical context of colonial borders in North America and the Caribbean, known as Turtle Island and Abia Yala. They emphasize how indigenous trade routes existed before these borders and how these borders are used to separate and control people.
BLM Boise Member's Release and ICE Raids (00:38:09)
Aon Hardy from BLM Boise was released after a DEA raid, but the location of others taken by ICE remains unknown.

The narrative shifts to Aon Hardy, a BLM Boise member who was released after a DEA raid. The speaker expresses concern about not knowing the whereabouts of others taken by ICE during the raid and highlights efforts to gather information and support affected families.
The Importance of Documentation and Spreading Information (00:39:35)
Emphasis on documenting and spreading information to support families affected by ICE operations and the role of law as a tool of oppression.

The speaker stresses the importance of documenting events and spreading information to help families locate their loved ones taken by ICE. They reflect on how the law is often used as a tool of oppression rather than protection, particularly against marginalized communities.
BLM and Antifa as Political Scapegoats (00:40:28)
Discussion on Trump declaring BLM and Antifa as threats, highlighting the political scapegoating of liberation movements.

The conversation turns to Trump declaring Black Lives Matter (BLM) and Antifa as threats, despite Antifa being more of an ideology than an organization. The speaker criticizes this political scapegoating as a way to discredit and neutralize liberation movements.
Vigilantism and Political Manipulation (00:40:46)
The speaker discusses how political statements target and manipulate poorer working-class whites to act as vigilantes.

The speaker reflects on how political statements are crafted to appeal to and manipulate poorer working-class white individuals, encouraging them to act as vigilantes and support divisive policies. This manipulation is seen as a deliberate strategy to control certain demographics.
Knowing and Exercising Rights (00:41:26)
The importance of knowing and exercising rights in the face of legal oppression, while acknowledging systemic disregard for those rights.

The discussion shifts to the importance of knowing one's rights and how they can be exercised in certain situations. However, the speaker acknowledges that systemic oppression often disregards these rights, emphasizing the need for awareness and community support.
Community Solidarity and Resistance (00:43:43)
Encouragement to build networks of solidarity and resistance against targeted settler colonialism and political triangulation.

The speaker encourages building solidarity networks with communities facing similar struggles. They highlight the importance of resisting settler colonialism and political triangulation, advocating for mutual support and collective action to withstand targeted oppression.
Organizing Against Criminalization of Mutual Aid (00:45:10)
Efforts to organize against legislative bills in Michigan that criminalize mutual aid and sanctuary policies for immigrants.

The speaker details efforts to organize against four legislative bills in Michigan that seek to criminalize mutual aid for immigrants and ban sanctuary policies. They describe a protest aimed at pressuring bill co-sponsors to withdraw their support, highlighting the broader implications for community aid.
Palestine Solidarity Events (00:47:47)
Promotion of events focused on Palestinian issues, including discussions on Zionism and advocacy for the Palestinian cause.

The speaker promotes events focused on Palestinian issues, including a discussion titled 'Palestinian Context' with Dr. Mark Braverman. These events aim to explore the intersection of Zionism, Christian values, and the ongoing genocide of Palestinians, encouraging advocacy and solidarity.
ICE Surveillance and Community Support (00:50:32)
Raising awareness of ICE activities and encouraging community support networks to protect vulnerable individuals.

The speaker raises awareness about ICE activities and encourages community members to plug into networks advocating against ICE. They stress the importance of knowing one's rights and being prepared for encounters with ICE, advocating for community-driven support and vigilance.
Legislation Targeting Protests and Homelessness (00:54:17)
Discussion on proposed Michigan Department of Transportation rules criminalizing homelessness and protest activities.

The speaker discusses proposed rules by the Michigan Department of Transportation that would criminalize living in vehicles and protesting on public sidewalks and bridges. These rules are seen as a direct attack on the visibility of protests and the rights of homeless individuals.
Community Organizing and Resource Sharing (00:57:17)
Efforts to collect food and resources for vulnerable communities, emphasizing the importance of mutual aid and solidarity.

The conversation highlights community efforts to collect food and resources for vulnerable populations, particularly in light of recent legislative threats. The importance of mutual aid and solidarity is emphasized, with several initiatives and events aimed at supporting affected individuals.
Analysis of Anti-Immigrant Legislation (01:02:10)
Analysis of introduced legislation targeting immigrants and those providing aid, with severe penalties for violations.

The speaker analyzes introduced legislation targeting immigrants and those who aid them, noting the severe penalties for violations. The language and intent of the legislation are critiqued, highlighting the broader implications for community support networks.
Historical Context of Anti-Immigrant Policies (01:03:17)
Connecting historical anti-immigrant policies with current legislative efforts, emphasizing the cyclical nature of oppression.

The speaker connects current legislative efforts against immigrants with historical policies that criminalized aiding fugitive slaves. This historical context emphasizes the cyclical nature of oppression and the need for communities to stand in solidarity against such measures.
Food Insecurity and Community Resources (01:05:10)
Highlighting food insecurity issues and community resources available to support those affected by SNAP benefit cuts.

The speaker highlights the issue of food insecurity exacerbated by cuts to SNAP benefits. They provide information on community resources such as food banks and pantries available to support affected families, emphasizing the importance of community support during times of crisis.
Closing Reflections on Ancestry and Heritage (01:14:44)
Reflections on the importance of ancestral heritage and historical knowledge in current socio-political struggles.

The speaker closes with reflections on the importance of understanding ancestral heritage and historical knowledge, particularly in the context of current socio-political struggles. They emphasize the value of learning from past movements and empowering communities through education and solidarity.
Introduction to Afro-Diasporic Traditions (01:15:21)
Discussion on holding multiple ways of knowledge, the impact of colonization, and the importance of spirituality and religion in retaining traditions.

The speaker introduces the topic of Afro-diasporic traditions and emphasizes the importance of holding multiple ways of knowledge to retain cultural traditions in a world that has been colonized in many ways. The discussion highlights how spirituality and religion have played significant roles in maintaining these traditions.
Fe Gede: Haitian Day of the Dead (01:16:09)
Exploration of Fe Gede, a Haitian holiday similar to the Day of the Dead, involving celebration of spirits and ancestors through various rituals.

The speaker explains Fe Gede, a Haitian holiday resembling the Day of the Dead, which involves acknowledging and celebrating the spirits of those who have passed. The celebration includes food offerings, cleaning and painting tombs, and is marked by specific colors like black, white, and purple.
Connection between Haitian and African Traditions (01:17:02)
Exploration of the connections between Haitian traditions and their African roots, particularly through the spiritual practice of Vodou.

The speaker discusses the connections between Haitian traditions and African roots, emphasizing the spiritual practice of Vodou, which originated in Benin and traveled with enslaved people to Haiti. The connection between Haiti and Louisiana is also highlighted, particularly in the context of spiritual practices like Vodou and hoodoo.
Historical Context of African Spiritual Practices (01:18:08)
Analysis of the historical development of hoodoo and other African spiritual practices in the context of slavery and cultural survival.

The speaker provides a historical analysis of how hoodoo and other African spiritual practices developed as a result of the cultural survival and adaptation of enslaved Africans. The blending of various African traditions in the Americas is explored, highlighting the dynamic nature of these spiritual practices.
Mojo Working and African Spirituality (01:19:10)
Introduction to the book 'Mojo Working' and its exploration of African spiritual practices and their survival through history.

The speaker introduces 'Mojo Working' by Katrina Hazzard-Donald, a book that explores African spiritual practices and their survival through slavery and cultural adaptation. The book discusses the role of African religions in cultural retention and the blending of these practices with other traditions.
The Legacy of African Spirituality (01:21:00)
Discussion on the legacy and resilience of African spiritual practices, their connection to resistance, and their continued relevance.

The speaker reflects on the legacy of African spiritual practices, noting their resilience and role in resistance against oppression. The discussion includes how these traditions have persisted and adapted over time, maintaining cultural identity and spiritual strength in the face of adversity.
Book Recommendations on African Spirituality (01:23:01)
Recommendation of books exploring African spirituality, herbalism, and the intersection of African and indigenous traditions.

The speaker recommends several books for further exploration of African spirituality and herbalism, including 'Working the Roots' by Michelle E. Lee and 'Orisha Goddesses and Voodoo Queens' by Lilith Dorsey. These texts explore the intersection of African and indigenous traditions and their cultural significance.
Conclusion and Call to Action (01:24:24)
A call to embrace and acknowledge African spiritual practices and their role in cultural identity and resistance.

The speaker concludes by urging the audience to embrace and acknowledge African spiritual practices, emphasizing their importance in cultural identity and resistance. The discussion highlights the need to honor these traditions and their role in empowering communities throughout history.
Closing Thoughts on Cultural Connections (01:30:00)
Final reflections on cultural connections, resistance, and the importance of community support and spiritual resilience.

The closing segment includes reflections on the importance of cultural connections and resistance, highlighting the role of community support and spiritual resilience in overcoming adversity. The speaker encourages the audience to find joy and peace in cultural traditions and to support each other in the ongoing struggle for freedom and justice.