I am sure we will read and hear more of this friend's perspective on their conversation.
Of course, when I think of this boy, I think of my son and many of his friends.
How very little progress we have made as a country ~
Thank you, everyone, for responding with calls and signatures and articles and links.
What grace this boy's family has shown -- I am awed by their leadership.
Showing posts with label grief. Show all posts
Showing posts with label grief. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Trayvon's Mom asks us to sign a petition.
Here are her words:
Why This Is Important
On February 26, my son Trayvon Martin was shot and killed as he walked to a family member's home from a convenience store where he had just bought some candy. He was only 17 years old.
Trayvon's killer, George Zimmerman, admitted to police that he shot Trayvon in the chest. Zimmerman, the community's self appointed "neighborhood watch leader," called the police to report a suspicious person when he saw Travyon, a young black man, walking from the store. But Zimmerman, who is white, still hasn't been charged for murdering my son.
Trayvon was my hero. At the age 9, Trayvon pulled his father from a burning kitchen, saving his life. He loved sports and horseback riding. At only 17 he had a bright future ahead of him with dreams of attending college and becoming an aviation mechanic. Now that’s all gone.
When Zimmerman reported Trayvon to the police, they told him not to confront him. But he did anyway. All I know about what happened next is that my 17 year-old son, who was completely unarmed, was shot and killed.
It's been nearly two weeks and the Sanford Police have refused to arrest George Zimmerman. In their public statements, they even go so far as to stand up for the killer - saying he's "a college grad" who took a class in criminal justice.
Please join me in calling on Norman Wolfinger, Florida's 18th District State's Attorney, to investigate my son's murder and prosecute George Zimmerman for the shooting and killing of Trayvon Martin.
Here is a link to the petition.
And, I hope people will use the box on the side of this blog, too...
This is heartbreaking.
Why This Is Important
On February 26, my son Trayvon Martin was shot and killed as he walked to a family member's home from a convenience store where he had just bought some candy. He was only 17 years old.
Trayvon's killer, George Zimmerman, admitted to police that he shot Trayvon in the chest. Zimmerman, the community's self appointed "neighborhood watch leader," called the police to report a suspicious person when he saw Travyon, a young black man, walking from the store. But Zimmerman, who is white, still hasn't been charged for murdering my son.
Trayvon was my hero. At the age 9, Trayvon pulled his father from a burning kitchen, saving his life. He loved sports and horseback riding. At only 17 he had a bright future ahead of him with dreams of attending college and becoming an aviation mechanic. Now that’s all gone.
When Zimmerman reported Trayvon to the police, they told him not to confront him. But he did anyway. All I know about what happened next is that my 17 year-old son, who was completely unarmed, was shot and killed.
It's been nearly two weeks and the Sanford Police have refused to arrest George Zimmerman. In their public statements, they even go so far as to stand up for the killer - saying he's "a college grad" who took a class in criminal justice.
Please join me in calling on Norman Wolfinger, Florida's 18th District State's Attorney, to investigate my son's murder and prosecute George Zimmerman for the shooting and killing of Trayvon Martin.
Here is a link to the petition.
And, I hope people will use the box on the side of this blog, too...
This is heartbreaking.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Saturday, January 7, 2012
How Grace Paley influenced one writer
I have just found this today, and greatly appreciate it.
Near the end, Summer Wood writes,
". . . the one time I met her in person I was overwhelmed with her warmth and kindness toward me."
That was precisely my experience & I have written those words almost verbatim. ! !
The internet has its failings & flimsiness, but I am grateful for the connections & awareness it offers....
Near the end, Summer Wood writes,
". . . the one time I met her in person I was overwhelmed with her warmth and kindness toward me."
That was precisely my experience & I have written those words almost verbatim. ! !
The internet has its failings & flimsiness, but I am grateful for the connections & awareness it offers....
Saturday, December 31, 2011
From Facundo Cabral
The morning Facundo Cabral was murdered, I barely knew who he was. I was moved by the grief a friend of mine in Guatemala conveyed, and her shame at the violence so endemic.
In facebook and online, I found many others grieving the loss of this man, who had so much love for so many, and such wisdom and humor, and, of course, his music....
Here is one saying attributed to him:
Here is my very quick unedited translation:
I am a gifted worrier, a talent both inherited and learned, and sometimes I 'worry' about this blog, not doing justice to my beloveds above: to Rhett S. Jones and Marsha Z. West, to Harold Rogovin and to Grace Paley....
Then I find a comment or a link, find someone who responds to one article or one quote, and the worry evaporates.
How Grateful I am for this community of commenters, bloggers, readers and writer.
Thank you, each and every one.
I celebrate the lives of many who have died, and bring their names and stories to the babies and children and teenagers....
Thank you, each and every one.
In facebook and online, I found many others grieving the loss of this man, who had so much love for so many, and such wisdom and humor, and, of course, his music....
Here is one saying attributed to him:
Se gana y se pierde, se sube y se baja, se nace y se muere. Y si la historia es tan simple, ¿por qué te preocupas tanto?
Here is my very quick unedited translation:
One wins and loses, one is up and down, one is born and dies. And if the history is so simple, why do you worry so much ?
I am a gifted worrier, a talent both inherited and learned, and sometimes I 'worry' about this blog, not doing justice to my beloveds above: to Rhett S. Jones and Marsha Z. West, to Harold Rogovin and to Grace Paley....
Then I find a comment or a link, find someone who responds to one article or one quote, and the worry evaporates.
How Grateful I am for this community of commenters, bloggers, readers and writer.
Thank you, each and every one.
I celebrate the lives of many who have died, and bring their names and stories to the babies and children and teenagers....
Thank you, each and every one.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Richard L. Grossman on the train to New York
Years ago, I traveled from Providence to New York fairly often, and always by train.
One day, at least 20 years ago, there was a man sitting near me, who, I think had been on the train since Boston, and his comment about the litter we observed prompted a lengthy conversation about the state of the world.
That man was Richard L. Grossman, and as I type this, I recall, his daughter might have been a college student in RI, and he might have been leaving Providence for NY, as well. Or possibly, he was on his way to visit her....
We talked for an hour about economics and this country, and he mentioned very casually his writing and leadership.
Weeks or months later, I developed an inkling over who he was. This was before the internet was in my daily use. He had, I think, given me a phone number or an address on a scrap of paper....
I called him or sent him a note, and he sent me a package with about 5 copies of one of his publications . It was a generous gift, and I treasured it.
Yesterday, I learned of his recent death.
Here is The Nation's piece about Richard L. Grossman.
I am really glad that I met him and send my condolences to his loved ones....
One day, at least 20 years ago, there was a man sitting near me, who, I think had been on the train since Boston, and his comment about the litter we observed prompted a lengthy conversation about the state of the world.
That man was Richard L. Grossman, and as I type this, I recall, his daughter might have been a college student in RI, and he might have been leaving Providence for NY, as well. Or possibly, he was on his way to visit her....
We talked for an hour about economics and this country, and he mentioned very casually his writing and leadership.
Weeks or months later, I developed an inkling over who he was. This was before the internet was in my daily use. He had, I think, given me a phone number or an address on a scrap of paper....
I called him or sent him a note, and he sent me a package with about 5 copies of one of his publications . It was a generous gift, and I treasured it.
Yesterday, I learned of his recent death.
Here is The Nation's piece about Richard L. Grossman.
I am really glad that I met him and send my condolences to his loved ones....
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Who Killed Joel ?
Mayor seeks public's help solving teen's slaying
This is so heartbreaking.
I don't know what to say. I don't think the person (or persons) responsible should be executed, but I do think there can be investigation and prosecution....
This address is only blocks away from where my son spent many hours in a home-based day care, a neighborhood which is home to many of my friends, and not far from my own.
An 8th grade boy murdered in his home in front of his family...
This is so heartbreaking.
I don't know what to say. I don't think the person (or persons) responsible should be executed, but I do think there can be investigation and prosecution....
This address is only blocks away from where my son spent many hours in a home-based day care, a neighborhood which is home to many of my friends, and not far from my own.
An 8th grade boy murdered in his home in front of his family...
Friday, September 23, 2011
" Empathy is a Wave..." -- Alice Walker
I have never met Alice Walker, but I was influenced by her poetry and fiction way back in high school, and I love her non-fiction and activism, too.
Here is a brief essay that she wrote for the Middle East Children's Alliance:
Empathy is a Wave: The Banning of Palestinian Children's Art (From the Museum of Children's Art in Oakland)
The Good News is that the Exhibit will take place tomorrow!
" Empathy is a wave that need never be stopped." ~ Alice Walker, 2011
Here is a brief essay that she wrote for the Middle East Children's Alliance:
Empathy is a Wave: The Banning of Palestinian Children's Art (From the Museum of Children's Art in Oakland)
The Good News is that the Exhibit will take place tomorrow!
" Empathy is a wave that need never be stopped." ~ Alice Walker, 2011
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Isn't Executing Folks a form of Terrorism ?
The International Day of Action for Troy Davis was yesterday, but there are still a few days left.
Here is the link to one of the Amnesty International Pages...
These few numbers and addresses are from a recent article by Peter Rothberg in The Nation:
Call (404.656.5651), e-mail (Webmaster@pap.state.ga.us), and fax (404.651.8502) the Board of Pardons and Paroles and voice your support for Davis.
My heart breaks for the mother of the policeman who was killed, and for all of his loved ones, but executing Troy Davis, or anyone, will not bring him back.
Monday, July 18, 2011
In the photo below. . .
. . . are my grandmother, Tillie [ Miller ] Frank & Eric S. Richardson, the father of that baby my Bubbe is holding.
And Eric's birthday was on Saturday...Tillie's birthday was in June.
Before that baby was born, they had developed an affection for each other. . For years Tillie saved the pile of cards and letters he'd sent her.
Until this moment, I haven't pondered that their deaths were only months apart.
The baby is thriving and will clearly be taller than Eric, and it's better if I write very little about him.
Blogs did not exist in my teenage years.
And Eric's birthday was on Saturday...Tillie's birthday was in June.
Before that baby was born, they had developed an affection for each other. . For years Tillie saved the pile of cards and letters he'd sent her.
Until this moment, I haven't pondered that their deaths were only months apart.
The baby is thriving and will clearly be taller than Eric, and it's better if I write very little about him.
Blogs did not exist in my teenage years.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Grateful for the Parents Circle --
I cannot imagine what it is like living in any part of the Middle East, and definitely not in Palestine / Israel.
There is an amazing group of parents who share their bereavement and their vision for a peaceful life.
The Parents Circle.
I have recently found a very moving blog, Bethlehem Blogger, which I recommend and will be adding to the links here....
There is an amazing group of parents who share their bereavement and their vision for a peaceful life.
The Parents Circle.
I have recently found a very moving blog, Bethlehem Blogger, which I recommend and will be adding to the links here....
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish Will Speak in Massachusetts (2/18/11)
Today is the Birthday of Dr. Abuelaish and I hope he is surrounded by loved ones and has great joy and peace . . .
I am thinking of his daughters and niece, Bissan, Mayar, Aya and Noor and grateful for the foundation, Daughters for Life, which honors their memories...
Although the Tour Schedule page for that site is Under Construction, I have spoken with someone at the Harvard Bookstore, who confirmed that Dr. Abuelaish will be speaking there on Friday, February 18th.
The only thing that would keep me away is another Snow/Sleet Storm....
I am thinking of his daughters and niece, Bissan, Mayar, Aya and Noor and grateful for the foundation, Daughters for Life, which honors their memories...
Although the Tour Schedule page for that site is Under Construction, I have spoken with someone at the Harvard Bookstore, who confirmed that Dr. Abuelaish will be speaking there on Friday, February 18th.
The only thing that would keep me away is another Snow/Sleet Storm....
Thursday, January 20, 2011
"Where Love resides..." Listening to Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish
Thanks to Richard Silverstein's tremendous site, I was able to watch a video of this Palestinian man who has suffered unimaginable violence and who has a message of love and family to share.
The video was made by Todd Boyle.
I have now failed several times to download the video successfully, and it seems that the audio is not always clear.
Here is the link to Richard's post which contains the video of Dr. Abuelaish speaking in Washington State on the 17th.
In my attempts to bring it to this blog ( it is on my facebook profile ) -- I have listened to much of it more than once. That it made me shed many tears doesn't convey how much clarity and intimacy there is in this speech.
His wisdom and work are a faithful tribute to Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Thank you Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish for your Faith and Love.
The video was made by Todd Boyle.
I have now failed several times to download the video successfully, and it seems that the audio is not always clear.
Here is the link to Richard's post which contains the video of Dr. Abuelaish speaking in Washington State on the 17th.
In my attempts to bring it to this blog ( it is on my facebook profile ) -- I have listened to much of it more than once. That it made me shed many tears doesn't convey how much clarity and intimacy there is in this speech.
His wisdom and work are a faithful tribute to Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Thank you Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish for your Faith and Love.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Funda Fest Approaches ~
Storytelling is one of those Gifts we can never receive too much of ~
It is less than a week away. I often miss it, but it makes me happy simply knowing it is happening.
Storytelling is good for what ails us.
And I do know some of the members of The Rhode Island Black Storytellers personally...
I am hoping to post something for each of the people who died on Saturday.
John McDaid has published their names.
His blog is very much worth visiting.
Returning to Funda Fest 13. This is from the RIBS site:
Today is my brother's birthday. Happy Birthday, Ben ! He doesn't read this, but if a cousin or friend does, today is the day.
George Washington Carver might have been born today, too . . . The biographies of him we were offered in school were so narrow, about him as a brilliant inventor, yes, but no telling of his family life or loves....If anyone has read a worthwhile biography, please let me know...
It is less than a week away. I often miss it, but it makes me happy simply knowing it is happening.
Storytelling is good for what ails us.
And I do know some of the members of The Rhode Island Black Storytellers personally...
I am hoping to post something for each of the people who died on Saturday.
John McDaid has published their names.
His blog is very much worth visiting.
Returning to Funda Fest 13. This is from the RIBS site:
A Celebration of Black Storytelling, January 16 through January 23, 2011
Rhode Island Black Storytellers (RIBS) presents its 13th Annual FUNDA FEST bringing a workshop, story swap, school shows, and public performances of spoken word, love stories, folk tales, true stories from Westerly to Woonsocket, Providence to Newport.
FUNDA means to teach and to learn in Zulu and Kiswahili. RIBS' mission is to promote the awareness, appreciation, and application of Black Storytelling through performance, educational, cultural, and historical experiences.
Whether you are a kid, have a kid, or are a kid at heart, stories are for all of us, no matter what age, culture or experience. Join us!
Today is my brother's birthday. Happy Birthday, Ben ! He doesn't read this, but if a cousin or friend does, today is the day.
George Washington Carver might have been born today, too . . . The biographies of him we were offered in school were so narrow, about him as a brilliant inventor, yes, but no telling of his family life or loves....If anyone has read a worthwhile biography, please let me know...
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Gratitude to Activists' and Artists' Responses to AIDS
When I think about HIV and AIDS, I have many responses.
I remember the first time a friend shared HIV+ status with me.
I think of the many people I have known with HIV and how eclectic they are; some are thriving in every sense; some are struggling or have died.
I am grateful to many activists who responded to the bigotry and negligence, and to artists ( of all genres ) who have found ways to illustrate the experiences.
Here is Fading Ad Blog
which I have just discovered...
Rhode Island, the smallest of all 50 states, has how many AIDS Service Organizations ?
How have cuts to the Department of Health affected us ?
I remember the first time a friend shared HIV+ status with me.
I think of the many people I have known with HIV and how eclectic they are; some are thriving in every sense; some are struggling or have died.
I am grateful to many activists who responded to the bigotry and negligence, and to artists ( of all genres ) who have found ways to illustrate the experiences.
Here is Fading Ad Blog
which I have just discovered...
Rhode Island, the smallest of all 50 states, has how many AIDS Service Organizations ?
How have cuts to the Department of Health affected us ?
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Congratulations Clarice & Elmo & Marsha Z. West : 22 Years Ago
This week I have been feeling the spirit of Marsha Z. West and recalling her vivid performance in George Wolfe's The Colored Museum at The Providence Black Repertory Theater four years ago. Every moment of that production was transforming.
Only a trip to the hospital ( son's appendicitis ) prevented us from seeing the last night of that run which was the week before Thanksgiving...
I did one of my little searches for Marsha on the internet , and found a New York Times Article from 1988
If that link works, you'll find that Marsha and Clarice Laverne Thompson and Elmo Terry-Morgan all won Audelco Awards.
Surely George Houston Bass and Rhett S. Jones won Audelco Awards for their founding of Rites And Reason Theatre, and I will someday track that down. Rites and Reason was one of the best things at Brown when I was there.
As an undergraduate, I was simply in awe of these folks, and now meeting them and having been directed and instructed by them, my respect only grows. One day Ethan and I were leaving a PC Basketball game, and he spotted Elmo. It was such a sweet moment.
Happy Birthday, Elmo ! Ok, this is about 9 days late, but birthdays can be extended. Extended Family, Extended Birthday, Peace and Love.
Clarice's birthday is not that far off . . . so Early Happy Birthday to you, And Love to Everyone....
As Marsha said: "Smooches".
Only a trip to the hospital ( son's appendicitis ) prevented us from seeing the last night of that run which was the week before Thanksgiving...
I did one of my little searches for Marsha on the internet , and found a New York Times Article from 1988
If that link works, you'll find that Marsha and Clarice Laverne Thompson and Elmo Terry-Morgan all won Audelco Awards.
Surely George Houston Bass and Rhett S. Jones won Audelco Awards for their founding of Rites And Reason Theatre, and I will someday track that down. Rites and Reason was one of the best things at Brown when I was there.
As an undergraduate, I was simply in awe of these folks, and now meeting them and having been directed and instructed by them, my respect only grows. One day Ethan and I were leaving a PC Basketball game, and he spotted Elmo. It was such a sweet moment.
Happy Birthday, Elmo ! Ok, this is about 9 days late, but birthdays can be extended. Extended Family, Extended Birthday, Peace and Love.
Clarice's birthday is not that far off . . . so Early Happy Birthday to you, And Love to Everyone....
As Marsha said: "Smooches".
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Happy Birthday, Paul Robeson !
Paul Robeson's birthday is tomorrow. His extraordinary gifts and generosity deserve celebration all year long. Robeson's great mind, heart and body were (and are)beloved internationally. He might be better known in other countries than in the U.S. When I mention his name, often the first response is the song, "Ol' Man River"; but man's brilliance and leadership defy stereotypes.
My grandfather was a professional anti-communist, and someone who was sometimes kind and sometimes cruel. One of his kind acts was to find tickets for my mother and a friend to hear Paul Robeson (at Carnegie Hall?)perform.
"It was like hearing God (god?)sing", is the way my Mom has described it.
For years I was unhappy with Jackie Robinson, because he testified (as did so many) against Paul Robeson. I learned, a few years ago, that Robeson forgave him, and the two had a reconciliation.
Here is the wikipedia entry on Paul Robeson.
Here also is a link to an article about Robeson. I haven't watched the video clips it includes.
Lastly, I want to recommend the Martin Duberman biography of Paul Robeson. I cried many times reading it, and I am aware of its controversies. It is a very detailed, carefully composed, thorough book.
My grandfather was a professional anti-communist, and someone who was sometimes kind and sometimes cruel. One of his kind acts was to find tickets for my mother and a friend to hear Paul Robeson (at Carnegie Hall?)perform.
"It was like hearing God (god?)sing", is the way my Mom has described it.
For years I was unhappy with Jackie Robinson, because he testified (as did so many) against Paul Robeson. I learned, a few years ago, that Robeson forgave him, and the two had a reconciliation.
Here is the wikipedia entry on Paul Robeson.
Here also is a link to an article about Robeson. I haven't watched the video clips it includes.
Lastly, I want to recommend the Martin Duberman biography of Paul Robeson. I cried many times reading it, and I am aware of its controversies. It is a very detailed, carefully composed, thorough book.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Howard Zinn Presente!
"To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness… And if we do act, we don’t have to wait for some grand utopian future. The future is an infinite succession of presents."
~~Howard Zinn
Visit his site. Then click where it says. "Click here to continue to Howard Zinn's Site".
We will carry his work forward.
~~Howard Zinn
Visit his site. Then click where it says. "Click here to continue to Howard Zinn's Site".
We will carry his work forward.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Third Annual Ciara Durkin Toy Drive is December 5!
The 3rd annual Ciara Durkin Toy Drive will take place on Saturday, December 5 from 12-2pm at the Kennedy Senior Center, 440 East Squantum St Quincy, MA to benefit Toys for Tots.
Special guests will be in attendance for pictures and autographs.
There will be a raffle to benefit the Quincy Crisis Center
Enter to win a Matt Light autographed football or a Luis Tiant autographed baseball!
Watching President Obama give his speech a few days ago, I wondered what Ciara would think of it all...
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