Coming back to the blank space of my blog is not unlike facing the blank page. I have so many thoughts pressing out. The question is where do I begin? Actually though
beginnings are rarely the problem
the thought or breath
the stroke or settle
that word-
the second step though
or third
Like everyone I have been chewing on this America and its never fulfilled and seemingly forsaken dream. I am less interested in Trump, as I am in our actions in response to his cabinet and agenda. I am heartened that there are so many coordinated responses and a determination to not call this time normal, to not get used to the idea. Most of them like Color of Change and The World Can’t Wait have been around working on change and are more pointed and energetic now. If ever there was a time for action, it is now. If ever there was a time to not be swallowed by our fears, cynicism, hopelessness it is also now.
When you, when I decide what I can do, what I can add to my busy schedule, how I have to turn away from my aches and pains and the betrayals of the body that come with aging, I think on my dear friend Kiilu Nyasha.
She became an activist, a revolutionary in her teens. Now with almost eight decades on the planet, severely disabled, spending most of her hours in a bed, she writes letters to and for political prisoners, articles for newspapers and produces and hosts “Freedom is a Constant Struggle” an important local tv show (available online –
Here’s a recent episode Aired LIVE on 12/15/2016 This episode of Freedom Is a Constant Struggle covers the issue of increased homelessness in San Francisco, a discussion with Jennifer Friedenbach the Executive Director of the Coalition on Homelessness. ). Kiilu Nyasha does all that she can to keep working to make this a better world. She stays engaged in the constant struggle for freedom, as we all should.
I remember some years ago when my father, daughter, grandson and I were in a demonstration to free Mumia. A reporter walked up and wanted to take a picture. He was delighted that four generations of a family were in concert demanding change. My father was more sanguine, he had hoped we would be further ahead at that point. That is the road I now walk. But we are where we are. And as always the struggle continues. What are we to do but keep on keepin’ on…
One of my small actions is to be a part of Litquake presenting No Shadow Without Light: Writers Respond to Trump, On Wednesday January 18 at 6pm- Koret Auditorium of San Francisco’s Main Library, at the corner of Grove and Larkin. FREE. As of today the tentative line-up will include me, Ishmael Reed, Tennessee Reed, Robert Mailer Anderson, Sarah Ladipo Manyika, and more. I will keep you up to date on the and more.