Hangin out w this little gal. (Taken with instagram)
Thirty two delegates from the Pacific Northwest joined thousands of demonstrators from across the globe in one of the largest US mobilizations to confront NATO (North Atlantic Trade Organization) and the G8 last weekend in Chicago. On May 19th, on the birthdate people’s leaders like Malcolm and Ho Chi Minh, the US Chapter of the International League of People’s Struggle (ILPS) held its founding assembly preceding the massive protest, and led a contingent of over 230 people representing national liberation struggles around the world as a key strategy in defeating the US-NATO agenda against imperialism.
Bayan USA, a member organization of the ILPS representing the National Democratic Movement of the Philippines, also held it’s 4th Congress. Gabriela USA, the women’s arm of the National Democratic movement, held its 2nd Congress, and progressive Filipino youth and student organizations across the nation held its founding assembly to establish Anakabayan USA. Please join us in a community reportback to learn about the growing anti-imperialist movement in the US.
(Source: fuckyeahmarxismleninism)
IN HONOR OF MEMORIAL DAY: During World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt pledged that Filipinos who fight for the United States will be granted citizenship and military benefits. As a result, over 200,000 Filipinos fought side by side with American soldiers during World War II. Shortly after the war ended, that promise was taken back with the Recission Act of 1946. It was not until 2009 when President Obama signed a bill that would give Filipino World War II veterans a lump sum compensation of $15K ($9K for those living in the Philippines) to the less than 18,000 veterans who are still alive today. Yes, such an amount is not commensurate to the benefits they missed out on for over 50 years, but yet to this day a majority of them still have not received such meager compensation. So, LET US REMEMBER THE FILIPINO VETERANS WHO WERE NOT ONLY VICTIMS OF WORLD WAR II, BUT ALSO VICTIMS OF INSTITUTIONALIZED RACISM.
(via cultureofsound)
Reflections on the NATO Protests, US Imperialism, and International Solidarity by Julian Jaravata -
“I have thought a lot about what it for means for me to personally work towards transforming a system that is entrenched in the oppression of so many people. However, I am also aware that I am not alone in this work and I owe a great deal to the movement, which has, through working to transform such systems, has also led to my own transformation. From this weekend’s events, I will carry with me a stronger sense of commitment to the movement I am a part of as well as a greater consciousness of those working alongside me as fellow kasamas and allies struggling and working towards change”
Portland’s hand lettering (Taken with instagram)
Playing with @katigbak Yashica film camera (Taken with instagram)
USA TODAY’s overhead shot of the ILPS US, ANABAYAN USA, GABRIELA USA, and BAYAN USA contingent beside the Palestinian flag at the 2012 NATO protest in Chicago.
Emory Douglas, BPP Minister of Propaganda
Happy Birthday Emory Douglas
“Conceptually, Douglas’s images served two purposes: first, illustrating conditions that made revolution seem necessary; and second, constructing a visual mythology of power for people who felt powerless and victimized. Most popular media represents middle to upper class people as “normal.” Douglas was the Norman Rockwell of the ghetto, concentrating on the poor and oppressed. Departing from the WPA/social realist style of portraying poor people, which can be perceived as voyeuristic and patronizing, Douglas’s energetic drawings showed respect and aection. He maintained poor people’s dignity while graphically illustrating harsh situations.”
There are three individuals that have highly influenced me to become the designer for the people that I am today, and that I will be in the future. Emory Douglas is one of them. Happy birthday Emory!
(via fuckyeahmarxismleninism)
“The artist is always a participant. He tries to be true not only to his craft but also to himself. For it is the supreme duty of the artist to investigate the truth, no matter what forces attempt to hide it. And then to report it to the people, to confront them with it, like a whiplash that will cause wounds but will free the mind from the various fantasies and escapist fare that the Establishment pollutes our minds with.” — Lino Brocka (April 3, 1939–May 21, 1991)