Category Archives: History

A Conversation on Feminism, Art, and “Woo-Woo”

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By Robert Lloyd

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.

Gallery For Community & Culture

We Remember Our Oath Not to a Person But to The Constitution

blackS have supported democracy since we got rid of kings

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

People Get Ready There’s a Train a Comin’

This song inspired by Curtis Mayfield’s song of the 60’s is meant to bring unity, courage, and hope to challenging times.

People stay ready, there’s a movement to start,
Bring your courage, your fire, your heart.
You don’t need permission, just take your stand,
The power’s in the people, hand in hand.
The chains might rattle, but they won’t hold tight,
When love and resistance shine through the night.
Truth’s our engine, hope the tracks we ride,
We’ll break through the darkness, side by side.
People stay ready, there’s a storm ahead,
You don’t need no ticket, just rise instead.
Justice is calling, hear the freedom bell,
We’re fighting for tomorrow, where all can dwell.
There’s no room for hatred, no place for fear,
The time is now, the path is clear.
Together we’re mighty, together we’re strong,
We’ll write the future, where we belong.
So rise up boldly, let the world take note,
Freedom’s the anthem, every voice a vote.
People stay ready, the time has come,
We’re building the future, for everyone.
People stay ready, there’s a movement to start,
Bring your courage, your fire, your heart.
You don’t need permission, just take your stand,
The power’s in the people, hand in hand.

CORE’s Rules for Direct Action

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CORE’s (Congress of Racial Equality) Rules for Direct Action became a model for nonviolent resistance worldwide. Their emphasis on preparation, discipline, and moral clarity ensured that their actions were both effective and ethically grounded. These principles continue to influence modern social movements, from environmental activism to racial justice campaigns. By combining strategic planning with cultural tools, CORE and similar organizations demonstrated the power of nonviolence in achieving systemic change.

CORE’S Rules for Direct Action full article CLICK HERE

History and Influence of CORE article CLICK HERE

History and Influence of CORE

Founded in 1942 by James Farmer and an interracial group of students in Chicago, the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) pioneered the use of nonviolent direct action in America’s civil rights struggle.The Congress of Racial Equality’s (CORE) Rules for Direct Action had a profound impact on the advancement of social justice, particularly during the civil rights movement in the United States. These rules, rooted in nonviolent resistance, shaped the strategies and outcomes of social justice movements by providing a framework for challenging systemic oppression while maintaining moral authority. Below is an analysis of how these rules influenced social justice efforts.

1. Empowering Marginalized Communities

CORE’s rules emphasized nonviolent direct action as a way for marginalized communities to assert their rights and demand justice without resorting to violence. This approach:

  • Gave agency to oppressed groups: By training individuals in nonviolent tactics, CORE empowered ordinary people to participate in protests, sit-ins, and boycotts, making them active agents of change .
  • Built solidarity across racial lines: CORE’s interracial founding and commitment to equality demonstrated that social justice could be pursued collectively, transcending racial and cultural barriers.

For example, CORE’s early sit-ins in the 1940s and 1950s successfully desegregated restaurants and public facilities in northern cities, proving that nonviolent action could achieve tangible results.

2. Establishing Nonviolence as a Moral and Strategic Tool

CORE’s rules were inspired by Gandhian principles of nonviolence, which emphasized the moral high ground in the fight for justice. This approach had several key impacts:

  • Moral legitimacy: Nonviolence exposed the brutality of segregation and racism, particularly when peaceful protesters were met with violence. This shifted public opinion and garnered sympathy for the civil rights movement.
  • Strategic effectiveness: Nonviolent tactics like sit-ins, Freedom Rides, and boycotts disrupted systems of oppression without alienating potential allies. For example, the Freedom Rides of 1961, organized by CORE, challenged segregation in interstate travel and drew national attention to the injustices of Jim Crow laws .

By adhering to nonviolence, CORE and other civil rights organizations were able to frame their struggle as a fight for universal human rights, forcing the U.S. to confront its contradictions between democratic ideals and racial inequality.

3. Inspiring Broader Social Justice Movements

CORE’s rules and tactics became a blueprint for other social justice movements, both in the U.S. and globally:

  • Civil Rights Movement: CORE’s success in using nonviolent direct action inspired other organizations, such as the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), to adopt similar strategies .
  • Global Movements: The principles of nonviolence and direct action influenced anti-apartheid activists in South Africa, as well as other movements for racial and social justice worldwide.

4. Highlighting the Role of Leadership and Organization

CORE’s rules emphasized the importance of investigation, documentation, and negotiation before taking direct action. This structured approach ensured that protests were well-organized and focused on specific goals:

  • Leadership and training: CORE provided training in nonviolent resistance, preparing activists to remain disciplined even in the face of provocation .
  • Strategic planning: By thoroughly investigating issues and negotiating with authorities before resorting to direct action, CORE demonstrated that social justice efforts could be both principled and pragmatic.

However, as CORE’s influence waned in later years due to internal divisions and shifts in leadership, some critics noted that a lack of organization and functional leadership hindered its ability to sustain participation in social justice efforts.

5. Bridging the Gap Between Local and National Movements

CORE’s decentralized structure allowed local chapters to address specific issues in their communities while contributing to the broader civil rights movement:

  • Local impact: CORE chapters in places like Mississippi played a critical role in desegregating public facilities and registering Black voters during the 1960s .
  • National influence: CORE’s actions, such as the Freedom Rides and the March on Washington, brought national attention to the fight for racial equality and pressured policymakers to enact civil rights legislation.

This dual focus on local and national action demonstrated how grassroots organizing could drive systemic change.

6. Challenges and Limitations

While CORE’s rules for action had a significant impact on social justice, they also faced challenges:

  • Internal divisions: As CORE’s leadership shifted in the late 1960s, the organization moved away from its nonviolent roots and adopted more conservative positions, leading to a decline in its influence .
  • Resistance to nonviolence: Some activists, frustrated by the slow pace of change, questioned the effectiveness of nonviolence and turned to more militant approaches. This tension highlighted the limits of CORE’s strategy in addressing systemic racism .

7. Cultural and Symbolic Impact

CORE’s rules for action also shaped the cultural dimensions of social justice movements:

  • Symbols of resistance: CORE’s use of sit-ins, Freedom Rides, and other forms of civil disobedience became iconic symbols of the civil rights struggle .
  • Music and art: CORE and other organizations used songs like “We Shall Overcome” to unite activists and convey the moral urgency of their cause.
  • Media influence: By adhering to nonviolence, CORE ensured that images of peaceful protesters being attacked by police or mobs would resonate with the public and expose the brutality of segregation .

Conclusion

CORE’s Rules for Direct Action had a transformative impact on social justice by providing a disciplined, nonviolent framework for challenging systemic oppression. These rules empowered marginalized communities, established nonviolence as a powerful tool for change, and inspired movements worldwide. While CORE faced challenges in sustaining its influence, its legacy continues to shape the strategies and principles of modern social justice efforts.

CORE’S Rules for Direct Action full article CLICK HERE

CORE’s Rules for Direct Action

The Congress of Racial Equality and its Rules for Direct action

The Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) and its Rules for Direct Action were foundational to the civil rights movement in the United States. These rules were inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of nonviolence and were instrumental in shaping the strategies of CORE and other civil rights organizations, including Martin Luther King Jr.’s leadership in the broader movement. Below is an overview of CORE’s Rules for Action and how they compare to the principles of other organizations.

1. CORE’s Rules for Direct Action

CORE’s Rules for Direct Action were designed to guide activists in their efforts to challenge racial segregation and discrimination through nonviolent resistance. These rules emphasized preparation, discipline, and a step-by-step approach to achieving change.

Key Rules for Action:

  1. Investigate: Before taking action, activists were instructed to thoroughly investigate the issue at hand. This involved gathering facts and understanding the root causes of the problem.
  2. Document: Activists were required to document the facts of the situation to build a strong case for their demands. This step ensured credibility and transparency.
  3. Negotiate: CORE emphasized negotiation with those in power to resolve the issue peacefully. This step reflected their commitment to nonviolence and dialogue.
  4. Take Direct Action: If negotiation failed, activists were encouraged to take nonviolent direct action. This could include sit-ins, boycotts, or other forms of civil disobedience designed to draw attention to the issue and pressure decision-makers.

Principles of Nonviolence:

  • CORE’s actions were rooted in nonviolence, inspired by Gandhi’s philosophy of civil disobedience. Activists were trained to remain peaceful even in the face of violence or provocation.
  • The goal was to expose the injustice of segregation and discrimination while maintaining the moral high ground.

2. How CORE’s Rules Compare to Other Organizations

Other civil rights and social justice organizations adopted similar principles, though their approaches varied depending on their goals and leadership structures.

Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC):

  • Led by Martin Luther King Jr., the SCLC also emphasized nonviolent direct action and negotiation.
  • The SCLC’s campaigns, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Birmingham Campaign, followed a similar step-by-step approach: investigation, negotiation, and direct action.

Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC):

  • SNCC worked closely with CORE, particularly in the South, and shared its commitment to nonviolence.
  • However, SNCC placed a stronger emphasis on grassroots organizing and empowering local communities to lead their own movements.

Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR):

  • CORE was initially an offshoot of the Fellowship of Reconciliation, a pacifist organization that promoted nonviolence and civil disobedience.
  • FOR provided training and support to CORE members, helping to shape their strategies and philosophy.

3. Leadership and Decision-Making in CORE

CORE’s leadership structure combined top-down guidance with grassroots participation:

  • Top-Down Leadership: CORE’s national leadership, including figures like James Farmer, provided strategic direction and training for activists.
  • Grassroots Participation: Local CORE chapters had significant autonomy to organize actions and respond to issues in their communities.

During mass protests, leadership was often structured but flexible, allowing for both coordination and organic participation. For example:

  • During the Freedom Rides, CORE leaders coordinated the overall strategy, but local activists and participants played a critical role in executing the actions.

4. Use of Culture and Symbols

CORE, like other civil rights organizations, used cultural tools to inspire and mobilize people:

  • Language: CORE’s messaging emphasized equality, justice, and nonviolence. Their rhetoric appealed to universal values and the moral conscience of the nation.
  • Symbols: CORE used symbols of unity and resistance, such as the American flag, to highlight the contradiction between the nation’s ideals and the reality of segregation.
  • Music: Songs like “We Shall Overcome” were central to CORE’s actions, uniting participants and reinforcing their commitment to nonviolence.
  • Wardrobes: Activists often dressed formally during protests to project dignity and respectability, countering stereotypes and appealing to public sympathy.

5. Broader Implications of CORE’s Rules

CORE’s Rules for Direct Action became a model for nonviolent resistance worldwide. Their emphasis on preparation, discipline, and moral clarity ensured that their actions were both effective and ethically grounded. These principles continue to influence modern social movements, from environmental activism to racial justice campaigns. By combining strategic planning with cultural tools, CORE and similar organizations demonstrated the power of nonviolence in achieving systemic change.

History and Influence of CORE article CLICK HERE

If It Doesn’t Affect Me Why Should I Care?

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I haven’t lost my Social Security check yet.

I’ve got health care.

DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) doesn’t affect me.

I’ve got a job.

I’m not an immigrant.

Addressing the question “if it doesn’t affect me directly, why should I care?”, it’s crucial to understand the broader impact of community organizations. Understanding and evaluating community organizations requires a multifaceted approach. By considering their effectiveness, transparency, coalition-building efforts, and legitimacy indicators, you can make informed decisions about which organizations to support and engage with. Remember that while an organization’s impact may not always be immediately apparent to you personally, their work often contributes to broader societal improvements that can benefit everyone in the long term.

For full article We Need Organizations CLICK HERE

Actions and Strategies

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For full article CLICK HERE

IN TIMES OF TRUMP DISMANTLING AMERICAN GOVERNMENT 

Comprehensive Strategies to Regain Control and Protect Democratic Institutions from Systematic Dismantling

# Immediate Action Strategies

The success of these strategies depends on coordinated action across multiple sectors and sustained commitment to democratic principles. The research suggests that combining legal mechanisms, civil society action, and international support provides the most effective approach to protecting and restoring democratic institutions.