I actually don't think that this relates directly to my internship at CASA. But, I'm at work on a Tuesday evening and I'm imputing voter information into the computer so naturally I'm bored and naturally I'm listening to music.
The new NAS album "Untitled" or as he originally titled it "Ni**er" came out today so I'm listening it out online. The song "Ya'll my Ni**as" caught my eye, or ear rather. Actually, a specific line...check it:
"They got Nigeria and Niger
Two different countries
Somehow Niger turned to ni**er
And shit got ugly
The problem is we started thinking like the colonists..."
Now, I was born in Nigeria for those of you who don't know. And, to a very large extent I associate my identification and consciousness to the land whose name has Latin orgin and comes from the word "niger" which means black. Other variants include the Spanish/Portuguese word "neger" which also means black. The French, "neger," you guessed it, means black. The significance of the names Nigeria and Niger, given to my homeland isn't as deep as some may seem, it simply meant land of black inhabitants. Now, what is the significance of this seemingly non-related post...
it all just got me thinking I suppose. I proudly wear the colors green and white. I proudly identify as a Nigerian, West African. But, what does that really mean? Alas, my country will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2 years but it is much older than 50. The collected land and people that inhabit what is known as modern day Nigeria will be 50. The country gained its independence from the British in 1960. Just writing that sentence fills me with directed rage. I know that sounds like an oxymoron but just give me a couple of years to organize this J.D. degree and I'm going to wreak havoc...ugh, "gained independence..." I'll move on I suppose. The lines on the map that make up Nigeria will be 50...because truly that's all the country is...lines on a map.
Not all of the groups of people who now live and die in Nigeria once lived in such close proximity. They were forced to move closer by the Europeans during the Trans-Atlantic slave trade and Colonialism/Imperialism. Gotta love that era! And, listening to Nasir Jones took me back, just like that movie I was watching last night did. It took me back to last summer, in Ghana, visiting the slave dungeons at Elmina and Cape Coast...
I can't even try to articulate all the sensations I experienced. It was as if everything was being stimulated at once, and not just my 5 senses, but the senses within the senses, and the ones within those....
conclusion: Europeans came to my homeland, raped my people and our resources physically, mentally, emotionally, economically, spiritually, religiously, politically and any other lly you can think of, and then they took a map and drew some random lines...
fast forward to 2008, I walk around a proud Nigerian without really knowing what that means. And, people have the nerve to question my state of mind, disposition, opinions, and emotions....
they don't even want to get me started!
Power!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Organizing & Tequila
We had our first generation change summer session this past Friday. It was enlightening and necessary. It was on "National Youth Organizing" and we had 3 dynamic speakers. Carmen Berkley from USSA (big sis), Edith Sargon of Choice USA, and Jessy Tolkan of Energy Action. Great discussion. Great minds. Power!
Whenever I attend sessions such as this I always get re- energized and reinvigorated. I was familiar with a lot of the things Carmen was saying (because she's my big sister) but I learned some interesting things about the other women and their organizations. Organizing is fucking powerful man...I wish more people knew there were careers in it...
Jessy got me thinking about the whole environmental/green movement. I want to get engaged. I really do. It's just hard as a person of color to dedicate my time when I know there are more pressing matters at hand. Also, the green movement like the GLBTQ movement is led primarily by progressive white folks while people of color are consistently being pushed to the outskirts. Jessey kind of hit on this. She talked about how in the past the green movement has worked versus other movements especially people of color movements and her organization works to pull all the different organizations in and work with them...collectively for all of their issues...so you can't advocate for energy stuff and ignore the sweat workers movement...it makes sense in my head but I don't know how practical it all is? I guess I need to attend one of their sessions or conferences or something. I'm trying to be a environmental friendly black progressive...ha!
I'm getting into it though...reading up on some of Damali Ayo's ish....I need to connect with more black green folks. That's the support I need/want right now. And, then I can branch out. I need to understand this monster as it relates to me, Sheila, a progressive black, female, GLBTQ identifying, immigrant youth...
ya dig?
The session was cool. After that we went to happy hour. Tequila...yum! Great people. Great minds. Great conversation. Kali, myself, Neha, Kiran, Cari, and some other guy (who came w/ Kali's boo). We had a very interesting conversation about Israel and Palestine and half way into it I had to fall back...it was more of an educational seminar for me. Not my expertise but I'm always willing to learn...
we dropped the guy and went to Busboys & Poets. More drinks and an even better conversation with just the girls about our lives and the complexities of it all...
it was a good reminder of why programs like this works. I think the Center Community Change will be wise to adapt the Gen Change program next year so that it incorporates more connections with the interns and fellows. There's nothing more uplifting and beautiful than getting to know other young, progressive folk who think like you, are dedicated to the social justice movement like yourself, and who have been through similar ish as you....
just an observation. But, it rivaled some of my favorite conversations ever. Made me realize why I love conferences with people such as this. We're all different to look at. What was it? An Iraqi, a Nigerian, an Indian, and half Jewish Indian....but the program is fostering bonding and connecting across our differences in culture, experiences, and school of thought...
Power!
Jessy got me thinking about the whole environmental/green movement. I want to get engaged. I really do. It's just hard as a person of color to dedicate my time when I know there are more pressing matters at hand. Also, the green movement like the GLBTQ movement is led primarily by progressive white folks while people of color are consistently being pushed to the outskirts. Jessey kind of hit on this. She talked about how in the past the green movement has worked versus other movements especially people of color movements and her organization works to pull all the different organizations in and work with them...collectively for all of their issues...so you can't advocate for energy stuff and ignore the sweat workers movement...it makes sense in my head but I don't know how practical it all is? I guess I need to attend one of their sessions or conferences or something. I'm trying to be a environmental friendly black progressive...ha!
I'm getting into it though...reading up on some of Damali Ayo's ish....I need to connect with more black green folks. That's the support I need/want right now. And, then I can branch out. I need to understand this monster as it relates to me, Sheila, a progressive black, female, GLBTQ identifying, immigrant youth...
ya dig?
The session was cool. After that we went to happy hour. Tequila...yum! Great people. Great minds. Great conversation. Kali, myself, Neha, Kiran, Cari, and some other guy (who came w/ Kali's boo). We had a very interesting conversation about Israel and Palestine and half way into it I had to fall back...it was more of an educational seminar for me. Not my expertise but I'm always willing to learn...
we dropped the guy and went to Busboys & Poets. More drinks and an even better conversation with just the girls about our lives and the complexities of it all...
it was a good reminder of why programs like this works. I think the Center Community Change will be wise to adapt the Gen Change program next year so that it incorporates more connections with the interns and fellows. There's nothing more uplifting and beautiful than getting to know other young, progressive folk who think like you, are dedicated to the social justice movement like yourself, and who have been through similar ish as you....
just an observation. But, it rivaled some of my favorite conversations ever. Made me realize why I love conferences with people such as this. We're all different to look at. What was it? An Iraqi, a Nigerian, an Indian, and half Jewish Indian....but the program is fostering bonding and connecting across our differences in culture, experiences, and school of thought...
Power!
Coincidence or Consequence?
It's been a while. It's officially the 5th week of the internship so after this week it'll be the halfway point. So, what I've been up to so far? We started our first week of the citizenship ceremonies last week. We went to the Immigration building at 31 Hopkins Plaza in Baltimore, clad in our bright red CASA t-shirts and educated and registered newly naturalized citizens to vote.
It pretty much consisted of us getting there, going through security, and walking around with voter registration forms talking to people who were waiting for their ceremonies and trying to convince them to register to vote even though they would not "technically" be citizens until after their swearing.
This task is harder than it sounds because of our arduous naturalization process. About 90% of the people we talk to are people of color and most of them have gone through some much shit to become citizens of this great country that they aren't trying to get roped into anything that's going to jeopardize all that time, effort, and money. I actually don't blame them. But, I have to keep on chugging w/ the job...
Some people take the forms, fill them out, and promise to give them to us after their ceremony. Most, take it home to complete. And, some outright deny us to our faces. My question is...why else become a citizen? I guess it's the power that comes along with having an American passport but they only main difference in terms of rights is voting. Alas, I won't ever understand...it may be timing though, like, I stated before. They may just be scared. They aren't even citizens yet...ya dig?
We did really well Wednesday last week. We registered and collected about 40 forms. That's not bad for about an hour and a half. What people don't realize is that this is really an untapped constituency. I can't imagine the number of newly naturalized citizens who just never register to vote.
So, I do that on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays and on Mondays and Fridays I try to compile every one's information so that we can follow up with them and hopefully get them engaged in the movement. Things are moving along finally. There was a huge rally yesterday outside the immigration building concerning some raids that occurred at a panting factory in Annapolis. Not a good look for our voter registration. We were in the paper and our name was said numerous times...
go figure they moved the citizenship ceremony up to 2 p.m. and its usually at 3 p.m. We registered a grand total of 3 people yesterday at the INS building. Coincidence on Consequence?
Power!
It pretty much consisted of us getting there, going through security, and walking around with voter registration forms talking to people who were waiting for their ceremonies and trying to convince them to register to vote even though they would not "technically" be citizens until after their swearing.
This task is harder than it sounds because of our arduous naturalization process. About 90% of the people we talk to are people of color and most of them have gone through some much shit to become citizens of this great country that they aren't trying to get roped into anything that's going to jeopardize all that time, effort, and money. I actually don't blame them. But, I have to keep on chugging w/ the job...
Some people take the forms, fill them out, and promise to give them to us after their ceremony. Most, take it home to complete. And, some outright deny us to our faces. My question is...why else become a citizen? I guess it's the power that comes along with having an American passport but they only main difference in terms of rights is voting. Alas, I won't ever understand...it may be timing though, like, I stated before. They may just be scared. They aren't even citizens yet...ya dig?
We did really well Wednesday last week. We registered and collected about 40 forms. That's not bad for about an hour and a half. What people don't realize is that this is really an untapped constituency. I can't imagine the number of newly naturalized citizens who just never register to vote.
So, I do that on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays and on Mondays and Fridays I try to compile every one's information so that we can follow up with them and hopefully get them engaged in the movement. Things are moving along finally. There was a huge rally yesterday outside the immigration building concerning some raids that occurred at a panting factory in Annapolis. Not a good look for our voter registration. We were in the paper and our name was said numerous times...
go figure they moved the citizenship ceremony up to 2 p.m. and its usually at 3 p.m. We registered a grand total of 3 people yesterday at the INS building. Coincidence on Consequence?
Power!
Monday, June 16, 2008
New Americans Voter Promoter
So, it's officially the second week at CASA. Although, according to the Center for Community Change this is my third week. Things are going swell. They are a little slow for now but they will definitely pick up next week.
During the first week, I got introduced to the office and staff. Everyone is really laid back and friendly so I'll have no problem here. I'm a little intimidated/insecure though because everyone in the office is bilingual except me. They all speak Spanish fluently and although I have some grasp of Spanish I find myself not speaking it because I don't want to be wrong/stupid...
I feel like one of these days I'm going to just have to take that plunge...because it's annoying not being able to communicate effectively with some people. Also, it's a respect thing for me. I feel like I should know how to speak their language if I'm coming into their offices and communities...isn't that one of the fundamental principles they teach us in progressive organizing?
So, what exactly am I doing this summer? Well, my official title is New Americans Voter Promoter Intern. I'll be heading up the vote work this summer, reaching out to newly naturalized citizens to educate/register them to vote. Fundamentally, the goal is to get them engaged in the process of becoming an active citizen because damnit, they have rights too.
So, I have three main projects I'll be working on:
1) Citizenship Ceremonies: 3 days out of the week, from 2-5 I'll be going to the Federal building (immigration building) to register people who have just come out of their citizenship ceremony. This is a genius idea because it is a demographic that is truly untapped. What better way to get a hold of new citizens than at their ceremony?
2) Festivals/Events: on the weekends/evenings I'll be attending events/festivals (Latino Fest, Artscape, Concerts, Fest Africa, Caribbean Festival, Salsapolkalooza, etc) to educate/register people to vote. This is going to be hella fun and I feel like I'll be eating a lot.
3) Colleges/Universities: I'll be coordinating at least 3 voter registration drives on college campuses in August.
So, those are my main duties/projects. As you can see I'll be all over. 3 days a week I'll be at the USCIS building and on certain weekends I'll be at events. I love it. Right now, I'm in the office everyday and I'm bored already but I'll be more excited when I get on the move...next week.
Tomorrow we have our training for volunteers and Saturday is Latino Fest. I'm currently working on a flyer to include in the new citizen packets and a banner for our tables/booths at events.
Also, I'll be attending a Community Development Subcommittee Hearing at City Hall. Should be educational...
So, things are moving, slowly but steadily...regardless, I'm grateful for this opportunity. Shout outs to Liz my Supervisor for being so cool/down to earth/laid back/chill.
Power to the People.
During the first week, I got introduced to the office and staff. Everyone is really laid back and friendly so I'll have no problem here. I'm a little intimidated/insecure though because everyone in the office is bilingual except me. They all speak Spanish fluently and although I have some grasp of Spanish I find myself not speaking it because I don't want to be wrong/stupid...
I feel like one of these days I'm going to just have to take that plunge...because it's annoying not being able to communicate effectively with some people. Also, it's a respect thing for me. I feel like I should know how to speak their language if I'm coming into their offices and communities...isn't that one of the fundamental principles they teach us in progressive organizing?
So, what exactly am I doing this summer? Well, my official title is New Americans Voter Promoter Intern. I'll be heading up the vote work this summer, reaching out to newly naturalized citizens to educate/register them to vote. Fundamentally, the goal is to get them engaged in the process of becoming an active citizen because damnit, they have rights too.
So, I have three main projects I'll be working on:
1) Citizenship Ceremonies: 3 days out of the week, from 2-5 I'll be going to the Federal building (immigration building) to register people who have just come out of their citizenship ceremony. This is a genius idea because it is a demographic that is truly untapped. What better way to get a hold of new citizens than at their ceremony?
2) Festivals/Events: on the weekends/evenings I'll be attending events/festivals (Latino Fest, Artscape, Concerts, Fest Africa, Caribbean Festival, Salsapolkalooza, etc) to educate/register people to vote. This is going to be hella fun and I feel like I'll be eating a lot.
3) Colleges/Universities: I'll be coordinating at least 3 voter registration drives on college campuses in August.
So, those are my main duties/projects. As you can see I'll be all over. 3 days a week I'll be at the USCIS building and on certain weekends I'll be at events. I love it. Right now, I'm in the office everyday and I'm bored already but I'll be more excited when I get on the move...next week.
Tomorrow we have our training for volunteers and Saturday is Latino Fest. I'm currently working on a flyer to include in the new citizen packets and a banner for our tables/booths at events.
Also, I'll be attending a Community Development Subcommittee Hearing at City Hall. Should be educational...
Councilman Bill Cole and Councilman Bill Henry have called for a televised hearing on the regulations with the Community Development Subcommittee for next Wednesday, June 18 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 4th Floor, City Hall. On June 18, one day before the one year anniversary of the Law, we ask you to join the Baltimore City Inclusive Housing Coalition of 1199 SEIU, AFSCME Council 67, NAACP-Baltimore, CPHA, BRIDGE, CASA of Maryland, ACORN of Maryland, Beyond the Boundaries-Archdiocese of Baltimore and the Greater Baltimore Urban League at City Hall to voice the call for swift and effective implementation of Inclusionary Housing regulations, with no delays beyond July 1.
So, things are moving, slowly but steadily...regardless, I'm grateful for this opportunity. Shout outs to Liz my Supervisor for being so cool/down to earth/laid back/chill.
Power to the People.
Friday, June 13, 2008
On the last day of training, at the last session, during the last hour...we were asked to write down what we hoped to accomplish at the end of our internships/fellowships. Mine reads:
To empower people who feel hopeless and who people haven't taken the time to INSPIRE. To grow both consciously and spiritually.
I've been in the game for two weeks I suppose. I guess I should start documenting some of this experience. I'm going to take it back to last week though...Nashville, TN for the generation change training. There were about 60 of us (fellows and interns) and we went through a week of rigorous training on everything from power analysis to self-interest, direct action organizing to fundraising. It was very educational but as usual I learned the most from the out of class conversations and relationship building...
I met amazing folks, from all walks of life and I learned something from every person I connected with...we talked and touched and touched and talked and we shared ourselves with one another. Thanks to all the kids who gave me a piece of themselves.
We are in this together. We are a family.
I couldn't make it to the airplane to read my love notes (also during the last session we were asked to write notes to some of the people we connected the most with, inspiring words, touching words). On the shuttle to the airport I started reading them. They mean the world to me and I promise I'm going to keep them near and dear to my heart.
- soul rebel. cool, positive vibes. great at bringing peeps 2gether.
- I am so happy about the connection we made. Please use your passion and strength to stand strong. I really love you and will be there for you. I will take your strength with me everywhere I go.
- Just Be.
- Thank you for sharing so much w/ me. The talks we had about "bi-racial relationships" & the great insight you gave me. I wish you the best of luck & I'll miss you! You gave me new direction & understanding on issues that I otherwise could have never done on my own.
Just a few...
Nashville was amazing because of the people. When I first got off the plan the first thing I noticed was a woman with a confederate flag hat on that read "redneck bitch." Wait, it gets better...as I was waiting for the shuttle to take me to the Scarritt Bennett Center I noticed a shuttle pull up that was called "Driving Ms. Daisy Shuttle." Yeah, I don't actually think that Nashville is where I'm going to raise my children but I had some good times there.
We went out, had drinks, danced, and even threw up together...hehe. But, all in all a wonderful start to an experience I am very fortunate to have....
- 2 mins.
- good morning, good morning, good morning, GOOD MORNING.
- now, I know why you don't like arrogant people....
Just some things I'd like to remember from our trainers (who were amazing by the way). Good times. Good people. Good spirit.
oh, the memories. Good Luck everyone!
Power to the People.
To empower people who feel hopeless and who people haven't taken the time to INSPIRE. To grow both consciously and spiritually.
I've been in the game for two weeks I suppose. I guess I should start documenting some of this experience. I'm going to take it back to last week though...Nashville, TN for the generation change training. There were about 60 of us (fellows and interns) and we went through a week of rigorous training on everything from power analysis to self-interest, direct action organizing to fundraising. It was very educational but as usual I learned the most from the out of class conversations and relationship building...
I met amazing folks, from all walks of life and I learned something from every person I connected with...we talked and touched and touched and talked and we shared ourselves with one another. Thanks to all the kids who gave me a piece of themselves.
We are in this together. We are a family.
I couldn't make it to the airplane to read my love notes (also during the last session we were asked to write notes to some of the people we connected the most with, inspiring words, touching words). On the shuttle to the airport I started reading them. They mean the world to me and I promise I'm going to keep them near and dear to my heart.
- soul rebel. cool, positive vibes. great at bringing peeps 2gether.
- I am so happy about the connection we made. Please use your passion and strength to stand strong. I really love you and will be there for you. I will take your strength with me everywhere I go.
- Just Be.
- Thank you for sharing so much w/ me. The talks we had about "bi-racial relationships" & the great insight you gave me. I wish you the best of luck & I'll miss you! You gave me new direction & understanding on issues that I otherwise could have never done on my own.
Just a few...
Nashville was amazing because of the people. When I first got off the plan the first thing I noticed was a woman with a confederate flag hat on that read "redneck bitch." Wait, it gets better...as I was waiting for the shuttle to take me to the Scarritt Bennett Center I noticed a shuttle pull up that was called "Driving Ms. Daisy Shuttle." Yeah, I don't actually think that Nashville is where I'm going to raise my children but I had some good times there.
We went out, had drinks, danced, and even threw up together...hehe. But, all in all a wonderful start to an experience I am very fortunate to have....
- 2 mins.
- good morning, good morning, good morning, GOOD MORNING.
- now, I know why you don't like arrogant people....
Just some things I'd like to remember from our trainers (who were amazing by the way). Good times. Good people. Good spirit.
oh, the memories. Good Luck everyone!
Power to the People.
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