We do not speak for you – we are a place where you can speak
War has been declared not only on marginalized people but our democracy. We are at a point in our history where we are moving rapidly toward tyranny. The presidential candidate won the election and has total control of all branches of government and refuses to follow any of the court rules and the historical norms. If the democratic process has fallen apart and checks and balances are not working, what are the choices of the grassroots? A non-violent revolution. This site seeks to bring a progressive perspective and activist strategies to meet the challenges in our communities.
We believe that no one will do it for us but us. We are not a large organization or institution. We are individuals doing the best we can with what we’ve got. We cannot do it alone. If you would like to share with 4comculture.com contact us at info@4comculture.com.
In the wake of a Black Corrections Officer being abducted out of his car by seven ICE agents in Portland, Maine on Saturday, January 24, 2026, I have something to share with white people of good intention.
Dear White People, Here are some considerations I think you may find valuable:
1. Don’t wallow in your sense of helplessness. Do not decide there is nothing you can do. Coming to that conclusion is you giving yourself permission to do nothing, not even look for what you can do, when realistically, you’re more likely to have a range of options and the challenge will be how to optimize your time and effort. Until you find the “best” answer to that question, do something. Do not do nothing.
2. Recognize that your protests are important. Your efforts to resist and record are valuable. Things would be so much worse than they are now if you weren’t engaged in these actions.
3. That said, there’s still more to do.
4. In the face of white craziness, it is more important than ever that you examine your own systemic white skin privilege, so that you don’t inadvertently support those who hate you.
5. Yes, Black and Brown People need to be involved. Our assignments are different.
6. Recognize that Black and Brown People have been in this struggle for generations, while the majority of white people have sat back in their systemic white skin privileges and/or indulged their white fragility.
7. Consider that Systemic Whiteness messages that Black and Brown People only exist for a White agenda. White people may argue with each other about which white agenda, but there is tacit agreement on our worth being based on your agenda.
8. Consider that our mutual White opposition wants Black and Brown People to get angry, stupid, and violent. They are hoping to provoke us into coming onto the front lines. This is part of their white agenda. It shouldn’t be part of yours.
9. Recognize that when you stop telling each other (and Black and Brown People) what we “should be doing” (in your opinion), you become part of the solution.
10. Recognize that there is not enough of my Black self to plug in everywhere that I can be useful.
11. Remember that listening to understand is a good thing. *
12. It’s really okay if you are motivated by self-interest. Caring about me actually promotes and protects your prosperity and security. We are living in a Pastor Martin Niemoller moment in history.
Sincerely Denise K. Tuggle
PS: As I write this, there has been no further news on the unnamed Black Corrections Officer. He has been disappeared. Imo, this is reminiscent of Nazi Germany, the Russian Pogroms, historic US slave patrols, and secret police in various countries.
*especially to Black Women, cause we been trying to keep you out of this mess for years, you damn fools! And yes, it gets tiresome.
By wearing this whistle we will call for our communities to take action. We let those in our neighborhood know that we support them and hate is not welcome. And that we will take action. Some of us are not brave enough to personally intervene, but we will be watching and gathering evidence with our cell phones, others will quietly go into their houses and will call for help. We will get financial support and we will wear these whistles in solidarity. Hanging a bright party favor whistle in your window, from your porch, from a tree lets people know that this is a neighborhood that cares. These whistles don’t make a lot of noise, but they are symbolic.
I’m reaching out to share something important. These are serious times, and I believe we can no longer afford to say, “I don’t know” or remain passive. We all wake up at different moments, but now more than ever, we need to hold ourselves, our friends, relatives, and associates accountable. Our democracy is at stake.
As part of aligning my actions with my values, I’m reducing my contacts and focusing on meaningful connections.
As I step into this conversation with young women artists, I aim to challenge and inspire critical thought while remaining respectful and open-minded. Our discussions can illuminate the complexities of feminism, art, and spirituality today. Thoughtful questions and a willingness to share experiences, create an environment where all voices can be heard and valued.
Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of art, feminism, and spirituality, one compelling discussion is the intersection of these themes in the lives of young women artists. As we engage I reflect on my unique perspective as an 80-year-old Black man. My goal is to bring thought-provoking insights, encourage critical reflection, and spark meaningful dialogue without veering into offensive territory.
Understanding “Woo-Woo”
The term “woo-woo” often evokes reflections on beliefs and practices that may seem abstract or disconnected from scientific reasoning. In creative circles, some embrace this term as a badge of honor, associating it with personal empowerment and spiritual exploration. However, it can also critique superficial spirituality. As we embark on this conversation, it’s essential to consider how artists interpret “woo-woo.”
– Do they view it as an essential facet of their creativity and identity?
– Is there a generational divide in understanding its significance?
– In what ways might their relationship with “woo-woo” reflect their artistic ethos?
Given my life experiences, I challenge perceptions by pushing to explore how “woo-woo” fits into the larger societal fabric—especially concerning intersectional feminism and the struggles of marginalized communities.
Themes for Exploration
1. Generational Differences in Feminism:
How do today’s artists define feminism compared to past movements? Is there continuity with the legacies of Black feminists like Audre Lorde or bell hooks, or do these histories feel distant to them? I ask for reflection on the intersectionality of their work, ensuring it encompasses diverse voices, including those of older Black men and women.
2. Art as a Political Tool:
Let’s delve into the role of art in challenging power structures. Is the motivation radical, or is it self-serving? Sharing experiences of art as activism during the Civil Rights Movement, how do they perceive their work’s political impact?
3. Can We Critique “Woo-Woo” Culture?
If artists embrace “woo-woo,” can we examine its implications? Does it risk becoming disconnected from pressing real-world issues like racism and poverty? Is “woo-woo” a privilege afforded to those not entangled in survival struggles? Can it reflect broader societal disparities?
4. Race, Gender, and Privilege:
It’s crucial to discuss how race intersects with feminism and artistic practices. Are artists aware of how their perspectives might be shaped by whiteness? Black artists have integrated spirituality into their activism, reinforcing the connection between art and the fight for justice.
5. Engaging the Audience:
Who is the intended audience for their art? Does it resonate with marginalized communities, or does it cater primarily to privileged and academic spaces? Let’s reflect on whether “woo-woo” artistic expressions can genuinely instigate change, or if they merely serve to bolster personal identities.
Provocative Yet Respectful Engagement
Navigating this conversation thoughtfully, can we incorporate the following strategies?
– Humor and Wit: Using light-hearted humor can defuse tension. For instance, one might quip, “Woo-woo? Back in my day, we just called it nonsense! So, how have you all turned that into something meaningful?”
– Personal Narratives: Do you have any stories from your life, like the civil rights activism of my youth, that can illustrate your points clearly? I might ask, “When I was your age, we were marching in the streets. How does ‘woo-woo’ contribute to social change today?”
– Acknowledging Humanity: Even in critique, can we express admiration for the artists’ dedication, affirming, “We may not agree with everything, but we genuinely respect your passion for your art and beliefs.”
Here’s to a thought-provoking discussion—let’s encourage each other to think critically, respect one another’s beliefs, and navigate the intricacies of art and feminism together!
Resources for Further Exploration
For those interested in deepening this conversation, consider engaging with works that explore feminism, intersectionality, and the role of art as a catalyst for change. Notable books include: Sister Outsider by Audre Lord and Ain’t I a Woman by bell hooks. Additionally, examining the Black Arts Movement and critical perspectives on “woo-woo” culture may help illuminate some of these discussions.
WE DO NOT SPEAK FOR YOU – WE ARE A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN SPEAK
War has been declared not only on marginalized people but our democracy. We are at a point in our history where we are moving rapidly toward tyranny. The presidential candidate won the election and has total control of all branches of government and refuses to follow any of the court rules and the historical norms. If the democratic process has fallen apart and checks and balances are not working, what are the choices of the grassroots? A non-violent revolution. This site seeks to bring a progressive perspective and activist strategies to meet the challenges in our communities.
We believe that no one will do it for us but us. We are not a large organization or institution. We are individuals doing the best we can with what we’ve got. We cannot do it alone. If you would like to share with 4comculture.com contact us at info@4comculture.com.
We Remember Our Oath Not to a Person But to The Constitution
Black History in the United States began when the first African indentured servants and enslaved people were brought west in the early seventeenth century. They were forced to do back-breaking labor on plantations and separated from their homes and families. Despite their unjust inferior status, they fought against Great Britain in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and against the Confederate South in the Civil War. During the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation freed all those enslaved in Confederate states and territories. Then at the end of the war, the 13th Amendment was ratified, freeing all enslaved individuals within the United States. Though they had freedom on paper, Black Americans faced significant discrimination in the workplace, the education system, and the political and social spheres. In the South, they suffered under the discriminatory Jim Crow laws that kept them segregated in all public places. In the mid-1950s, the civil rights movement began in earnest and Blacks protested across the United States until the Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964. Though this improved their position in American society, Black Americans still face prejudice and discrimination today.Continue Reading ›
Source Information
Fold3, Black History (https://www.fold3.com/collection/african-american : accessed Nov 9, 2025), database and images, https://www.fold3.com/collection/african-americanTotal Publications35Total Records805,317
We are living in dark times. Armed conflicts, discrimination, hate crimes, political extremism, and the widening gap between the rich and poor are creating anger and unrest. Democracy is under attack in many countries, and the COVID-19 pandemic has caused immense suffering. On top of it all, the climate crisis threatens all life on Earth, with its devastating effects already being felt: melting ice, rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and increasingly destructive fires – even in the Arctic.
You may wonder: How can we still talk about hope?
It’s true that some days feel hopeless, and the challenges we face – greed, corruption, hatred, and prejudice – seem insurmountable. But in these moments, we are reminded of the extraordinary courage and determination of people fighting for justice, equality, and the environment. Even when they lose their lives, their voices resonate, inspiring us to believe in the ultimate goodness of humanity.
As Doug Abrams writes in The Book of Hope by Jane Goodall and Douglas Abrams, many people – especially the young – feel angry, despairing, or apathetic because we’ve compromised their future by relentlessly exploiting our planet’s finite resources. Yet, it is not too late.There is still a window of time to heal the harm we’ve done, but that window is closing. We must act NOW.
True hope is not passive wishful thinking. Real hope requires action and engagement. Even the smallest ethical actions matter because their cumulative effect can create meaningful change. Why would we act if we didn’t believe it could make a difference?
This is why we sing, why we take action, and why we invite you to join us in choosing hope – for the planet, for our children, and for future generations. Together, we can still make a difference.
Grannies invite you to:
At events, start conversations with people outside your demographic—such as someone who is a person of color, disabled, or gay. Listen more than you talk and aim to make genuine connections. Invite them to your home to build friendships.
Sing. Music is magic. It touches a part of our brain and soul that is very basic and gentle. We hear the “beat” in the womb and it continues throughout our lives.
Donate to food programs like 2nd Harvest & El Mercadito to support families depending on SNAP and immigrant families coping with hardships due to targeting by ICE and loss of resources. For El Mercadito bring nonperishable foods and personal hygiene items to Latinos en Spokane at 1502 N. Monroe (M-F: 11am-3pm).
When you feel outraged, devastated, passionate, thankful, testify in a letter to the editor.
Support your neighbors in need, regardless of politics.
Act it out. Street theater at events, in malls, and politicians offices can be effective action. Join the Funeral for Democracy events!
Cultivate the habit of showing up. Show up for others, for calls for community action, for opportunities to learn and grow. Showing up becomes a way of life that leads to a meaningful life full of meaningful relationships and purpose and FUN!
