‘Raise Your Voice’ Archives
LOVE, UNITY, ARISE
By Peter Molenaar Some definitions: 1.) A “proto-fascist” is one who sets the stage with scape-goating and the promotion of chauvinism. 2.) Fascism is the open faced terroristic dictatorship of the most reactionary, chauvinistic, imperialistic sector of the capitalist ruling class. 3.) A ”˜Popular Front”' is the strategic movement which unites elements from all social classes in defense of democracy. With the above in mind, I was pleased to find the commentary from the Ingebretsen family in last month”'s issue of The Alley. In small part it reads: “”¦Over the past 30 years, we have had the good fortune to see our community enriched beyond measure by the presence, dedication, and big hearts of our Latino and East African neighbors”¦Let”'s not forget to see the beauty and potential in one another.” From the standpoint of the Popular Front, small business persons like the Ingebretsens are as important as a white worker who [...]
Ilhan and Neegonnweedun
By Peter Molenaar Was it fifteen years ago that a Somali man named Jaylani suffered a psychotic breakdown at the Chicago Crossing parking lot off Franklin Avenue? He would be executed by the police before that day was done. Had he been white, people believed another outcome would have occurred. So then, Neegonnwayweedun ”“ The Thunder before the Storm ”“ yes, Clyde Bellecourt led a long column of Somali people and their supporters. Protesters marched from Lake Street down Chicago Avenue to the County Government Center. Clyde said to the Somali people “Don”'t let them send you back!” Note: This summer, at the Phillips Community Center, I witnessed a beautiful cultural exchange between Native and Somali youth. November 4, 2016”¦ We gathered at the American Indian Center to purchase copies of The Thunder before the Storm ”“ the autobiography of Clyde Bellecourt. In one passage of the book, in the spirit of forgiveness, [...]
