To Protect Your Energy:-

Floating Market, Tailand.

Embrace your Blackness.

Yes, we have power!

I've been reading this book on the establishment, maintenance and refinement of White Supremacy in the known universe. Yes, it is The United Independent Compensatory Code/System/Concept: a textbook/workbook for thought, speech and/or action of racism (white supremacy) by Neely Fuller, Jr. The book has me hooked with a pencil in hand always star-ing important statements but I really do not buy the author's point on absolute powerlessness among non-white people. I hear his argument about the lack of success victims of racism have had in overthrowing and replacing white supremacy with justice and correctness in the known universe, but at the same time I disagree with his point of our incapability to do so. I disagree that we are mentally inferior than whites, esp. white supremacists (racists). I see why he repeats this argument over and over again -- to highlight the ability and responsibility white supremacists (racists) have to bring justice and correctness in the known world.  But every time I join a march in support of peoples' suffering from many injustices I can't stop being amazed by the strength, passion and willingness people have to come together and stand/march/chant & stand in uncomfortable weather conditions in order to create solidarity and try to raise awareness about a given topic. A topic that touches home and the soul. Every time I see and feel that energy for hope and change I just cannot believe that we are incapable to tackle the bigger picture. The mere fact of acknowledging (and not ignoring) what is going on that's creating injustice in our existence is powerful and that's why I can't share Fuller's point. 

Today, when I joined the march in response to the decision on Eric Garner's case at Foley Park in Manhattan I stepped in and found some organizer friends that had brought the youth to the march. I couldn't stop being amazed by their energy and most important by all the questions they had about the circumstances in which we currently live. Most of the youth were recently arrived immigrants from different countries, but the young men I kept nearby (so they wouldn't get separated from the larger group) came from various countries in Asia. One of them asked me in various occasions what the people were chanting because they were singing so speedy that he couldn't understand and he didn't want to support something he didn't understand. I smiled and explained with my heart humbled and with admiration every time.   His smart assessment proves how sophisticated and aware our youth of color are. Tonight was a blessing and I am happy to be around powerful people who are passionated to stand and march for justice. 

“Some problems we share as women, some we do not. You [white women] fear your children will grow up to join the patriarchy and testify against you; we fear our children will be dragged from a car and shot down in the street, and you will turn your backs on the reasons they are dying.”

— Audre Lorde, “Age, Race, Class, and Sex: Women Redefining Difference” (via commiekinkshamer)

Indigenous Zapatista woman & a sign declaring the area to be a Rebel Autonomous Zapatista Municipality.

nos fuimos! 

PLAYING WITH FIRE: Political Interventions, Dissident Acts, and Mischievous Actions On-view from Sept 4, 2014 to Jan 3, 2015 El Museo del Barrio, NYC Guest curated by multi-disciplinary artist Nicolas Dumit Estevez, the exhibition, purposely welcomes impolite, undomesticated, rebellious, hilarious, and even sacrilegious discourses and gestures that stick out their tongues at oppressive systems and push for the re-politicization of society and the art space.  .

For more info, visit http://www.elmuseo.org/playing-with-fire/

Decolonize by Pixelina Photography on Flickr.

El Grito 3- my rendition of Ecuadorian painter, Oswaldo Guayasamin’s piece. I gravitated toward this painting after hearing today’s news. #elgrito #oswaldoguayasamin #thecry #peshawarattack #pakistan

Different platforms have been offered, and thanks to the people in those settings and self-confidence, I’ve been able to grow. This is personal. But believing in the self is the most important tool one has to create change: in society, in your community -your beautiful and fierce community- in your mind, body and soul. 

Black Moon is in Libra and is the best moment to set intentions to start new life projects, explore deep love and self-love. 

This picture of Mother Water captured in Portland, Maine frames this transition so beautifully.