Women and Politics with Adrienne White: New Episode of Rights Not Reserved
Adrienne White, VP of Finance at The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, talked with us about Women and Politics on our latest episode of our podcast, Rights Not Reserved. Topics include: Adrienne’s transformative experience with Black Girls Run Putting love back into politics Government’s role as counterbalances to market forces Gerrymandering Personalizing bills such as Georgia HB 51 How to get involved in politics The sexism faced by women running for office CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE VIA ITUNES
Let’s Foster Both Love and Human Rights on Valentine’s Day
Author Deborah Richardson is the Senior Advisor for Partner Engagement of The National Center for Civil and Human Rights Two of the most prevalent symbols of Valentine’s Day are chocolate and roses. However, if you have not visited the Center for Civil and Human Rights, you may not know that these two items, especially to meet the high volume created by Valentine’s Day, are responsible for egregious labor exploitation of women and vulnerable children. Seventy percent of roses sold in the United States are imported from Ecuador. Human rights groups and universities have documented the horrific working conditions of the women in Ecuador who toil long hours in the fields. According to the New York Times, “due to repeate exposure to the pesticides used to produce high quality roses, women in the industry had more miscarriages than average and that more than 60 percent of all workers suffered headaches, nausea, blurred vision or fatigue (Thompson 2003).” These health risks are in addition to the very low wages that keep their families impoverished. The harvesting of cocoa beans is especially troubling as seventy percent of the workers are children in West Africa. Major chocolate companies have been under fire by both Congress and consumer groups since 2001 to end their practices of recruiting and hiring child labor. Activists report that chocolate companies have repeatedly missed the deadlines that they agreed to. In a story by the CNN Freedom Project, they share the story of Abdul, who was recruited to pick cocoa beans after his mother died when he was seven. At the time of the story Abdul was 10 years old, had no formal education, and had performed this grueling work for over 3 years. The sad irony is that Abdul had never tasted chocolate. We have freedom to choose how we spend our dollars, however, we can make choices where our consumerism isn’t tied to the explicit exploitation of others. Flowers grown locally can be found with a web search, and there are certainly many creative options of gifts to express your love and care for your special someone. It will be an even greater demonstration of affection knowing that it wasn’t given by taking away the freedom of others.
Marking the Anniversary of the UDHR: Support Refugees
Author of this blog post, Jill Savitt is a human rights advocate with expertise in the fields of genocide prevention and strategic communications for advocacy campaigns on human rights issues. She is also the Human Rights Curator of The Center’s SPARK OF CONVICTION exhibition. December 10, Human Rights Day, will mark the 68th anniversary of the Universal Declaration for Human Rights (UDHR) – the bill of rights for all mankind. Created in the aftermath of the horrors of World War II, and built from the tenets of constitutions and religions around the world, the UDHR outlines a set of universal standards for human dignity. One core principle addresses the right of everyone to leave their country if they have a credible fear of being harmed there – killed, tortured, or politically persecuted – and to find safety and protection in another country. An entire body of law has developed around the rights of refugees – and the obligations of governments to take in those forced to flee their homes. Right now, according to the United Nations, there are now some 20 million refugees around the world – the largest number since World War II. Syrians account for the greatest number – more than half the country’s population is displaced, by barrel bombs and chemical attacks and other violence from the Assad regime, and more recently, from violence by the so-called Islamic State. Most have fled to neighboring countries – Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan. But the humanitarian commitment from Western governments to aid refugees has fallen considerably below the level of need, which has put an increased burden on the countries closest to Syria. As a result, neighboring countries have imposed restrictions on allowing more refugees in, and have made life even harder — and harsher — for those who have already fled. That’s why so many more Syrians have attempted to get into Europe – more than a million over the past year. Some have attempted the dangerous journey by sea – and lost their lives, as was so tragically represented by the images of three-year-old Alan Kurdi, who drowned; since 2014, more than 7,000 people have died at sea making the journey. Despite the evidence of so much despair, Europe has been closing its borders, and the United States has been equally unwelcoming. Historically the global leader on refugee resettlement and humanitarian aid, the United States, as of this fall, had resettled just 10,000 Syrians – less than 0.2 percent of the total Syrian refugee population. In part, the response is because of an upsurge in nativism. Populist leaders in Europe and the US have launched full-throated campaigns to demonize refugees – claiming, often with no concrete evidence, that refugees will take jobs, burden economies and commit terrorist acts. These populists distort legitimate fears and anxieties for their own political gain. One country’s response to Syria’s refugees has been entirely different. Canada has welcomed tens of thousands of Syria’s refugees, and the country’s president, Justin Trudeau, has even greeted new arrivals at the airport. In addition to a traditional government program for refugee resettlement, Canada allows private citizens to sponsor individual refugees and their families. Private citizens agree to pay for refugees’ travel, as well as their housing and food for one year, and commit to helping refugees integrate into life in Canada. Groups of friends, family or co-workers form to share the costs. The bonds of friendship that have formed between Canadians and new arrivals are life affirming – and show what is possible when people connect on a human level. Perhaps more importantly, Canada has experienced absolutely no negative economic or security consequences for its generosity. The United States does not yet allow private sponsorship by citizens, though US refugee advocates are increasingly putting this issue on the policy agenda. But we don’t need to wait for an official program to welcome refugees, especially those who have arrived recently from Syria or elsewhere; over the past decade, the US has resettled more than a million refugees – so there are many people to meet, welcome, and embrace. From inviting a refugee for coffee or dinner to pushing back on racist claims on social media, Americans can make good on the promises and spirit of the UDHR. This would make an enormous contribution to changing the negative, and false, narrative that has taken hold about refugees. In polarized and perilous times, individual acts of humanity are essential to turn the tide. This requires people to act their conscience – to not only think in new ways, but to act. Will you commit to making December 10, the anniversary of the UDHR, the day you do?
The Way Forward by Deborah Richardson
Deborah Richardson is the Executive Vice President of The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Inc. There has been much analysis on the outcome of our recent Presidential Election. I applaud Secretary Clinton for her gracious concession and addressing her supporters regarding the need to move past the divisive culture created in the campaign toward peace and conciliation. This evening, I had the pleasure of having dinner with my niece and nephew who both attended Georgetown University and are certainly part of the Talented Tenth that Dr. Dubois refers to as the black intelligentsia charged with leading the race forward. They shared that they both were despondent, afraid of the future, and the uncertainty of how to begin reconciliatory dialogues among friends who clearly did not share their same political views. In reflecting on this moment, I am reminded that as a country, we have been down this path before. The outcomes of Presidential elections are always filled with anxiety regarding the uncertainty of the unknown. Will the incoming President’s agenda align with what I care about? There is a huge opportunity before us to ignite our civic engagement responsibilities as citizens, Democracies were never intended to be controlled by those at the top. WE the people elect our political representatives and it is up to WE the people to set the agenda. Instead of passively watching the news and lamenting over the opinions among the political pundits, how about holding our own think tank conversations in our living rooms, faith communities, schools and even at the Center for Civil and Human Rights? What are the issues you care about—economic justice, gender equity, environmental protections, LGBT rights, ending the culture of violence against women in our schools, the military and other institutions? The list of critical issues of our times is long and all deserve attention. Today I was fortunate to attend the JuST (Juvenile Sex Trafficking) National Advisory Council meeting sponsored by Shared Hope International. Policy wonks, law enforcement, child welfare workers, advocates and survivors discussed protocols and priorities recommendations for state governments to implement the recently passed Justice for Juvenile Victims Act together for 6 hours. Based on our diverse perspectives and experiences, there were few items discussed that began with a consensus, but through the hard work of listening deeply, questioning for clarification, and the art of compromise, we ended the day with recommendations that far exceeded what any of us individually could have produced. Our way forward is to reignite citizen participation. Gather persons of differing views and life experiences who share a commitment toward addressing an issue. Our continuing to gather and talk in silos with like-minded people is part of the problem, not the solution. Now is our opportunity to test the model of inclusive democracy, where all persons have a seat at the table, and the outcome is the result of our collective voices. As my friend, Rev. Joanna Adams shared with me—Hope has two daughters–anger and courage. Anger at what ought to be and the courage to make what ought to be, come to be. In the spirit of progress, Deborah J. Richardson Executive Vice President
The Center Counts Down to the Vote!
The Center for Civil and Human Rights is celebrating the right to vote by asking our team members why they believe it is so important to vote!
MNI WICONI: An interview with Cannupa Hanska
Author of this post, Christina Dana, is the Visitor Services Assistant at the Center for Civil and Human Rights. Cannupa Hanska Luger describes himself as a multi-disciplinary communicator. After spending an afternoon with him and his mural Every Line is a Song. Each Shape is a Story at the Center for Civil and Human Rights, it would be difficult to call him anything else. As an interviewee, he is above all earnest. His passion and history are reflected in the things he says and the energy with which he says them -whether we’re talking about indigenous identity, art, or politics. Luger has bound all of these elements into an engaging and cohesive voice. Our conversation shared two common threads with Luger’s mural: water and the Earth. The importance of these topics is further emphasized because both the inspiration of Luger’s piece and his shirt read “MNI WICONI,” which is Lakota for “water is life.” Cannupa describes human and tribe geography as collections of freestanding islands on the ocean of the United States. He also tells me that his studio in Santa Fe is an island and his wife a seabird who comes to roost and critique his art. Aptly enough, Luger’s first career aspirations were in oceanography. The Lakota people’s history and creation story speak of them as a river people. Water, Luger reminds me, makes up 70% of what we are. It is the resource we share both as a community and in our physical composition. Every Line is a Song. Each Shape is a Story is a yarn and nail sketch centering on three women encapsulated by a river and its surrounding landscape. When first approached with the opportunity to showcase indigenous stories at the Center, Luger had a different design in mind. However after returning to Standing Rock Reservation (home to both the Lakota people and the highly contested Dakota Access Pipeline) to attend a protest, the immediacy of the pipeline debate and Luger’s own deep-rooted identity as a man of the Lakota demanded this change in composition. With this piece, Luger wants to express the notion that “we are all humans – and this is not our land, we are its people.” Every Line is a Song. Each Shape is a Story portrays three intergenerational women who have inspired Luger’s work. Even though these women come directly from his own life, Luger prefers for them to remain nameless as it helps bolster the connection between them and the viewer: we are all made from water and we all come from the land. “WE ARE ALL HUMANS – AND THIS IS NOT OUR LAND, WE ARE ITS PEOPLE.” Towards the end of our interview, I started to press Luger for any thoughts or wisdom with which to prepare potential viewers and was met with nothing. Whatever you take from it, he says, is sincere, honest, and the true meaning of the piece. Luger allows viewers to finish this piece for him with whatever life experience(s) they bring to the table. Even though he was hesitant to call it generous, I see this as a gift. And the best way to pay that gift back is to engage with the art, the land, and each other. In truth, we are all just water anyway.
Selma Dillard: Women of the March on Washington 1963
During the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington in 2013, The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Inc. sent youth to the 2013 March to interview the inspirational activists who participated in the original March on Washington in 1963. As part of our Women’s HERstory Month Blog Series, we will post a video every Friday in March to spotlight the powerful women telling their experiences at the March on Washington. Our first weekly spotlight is dedicated to Selma Dillard. Take a minute to listen to her important story about why she joined the March on Washington in 1963 and the power she felt being a part of the movement. She also gave some invaluable advice to the youth who are looking to make change in the world: “Age is not important.” Watch the video above for the full conversation!
National Center For Civil And Human Rights CEO Talks Refugees
by Myke Johns, WABE “The Center did a fantastic job choosing an African young boy to be the head of it,” Derreck Kayongo chuckles, referring to his recent installation as CEO of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta. Kayongo, after all, has a lifetime of experience with the subject. At age 10, Kayongo and his family fled the Ugandan Civil War and became political refugees who eventually settled in the United States. He went on to receive a Masters of Law and Diplomacy from Tufts University at age 22, and went on to work with Amnesty International and CARE in the Southeast before founding the Global Soap Project, which recycles and distributes soap in an effort to bring basic hygiene to those who lack access to it around the world. Kayongo sat down with Valerie Jackson to talk about the importance of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, his goals as CEO and his thoughts on serving the refugee population in America. “America is built on people who miss home,” Kayongo says. “They were British, they were German, they were Italian … they all miss home. But now is a time for you to learn to become an American.” This article was originally posted by Myke Johns, WABE 90.1. For the full interview with Valerie Jackson click here.