![St Louis news January 2022](/sites/default/files/images/STL%20news%20Jan%202022%201%20-%20ML%20King%20by%20SLU.jpg)
The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. answers questions at a press conference before his speech at Saint Louis University in 1964. St. Louis University / AFSC
"My heart began to throb with inexpressible joy."
- Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Montgomery, Alabama in November 1956.
Happy New Year!
Let's remind ourselves of the beauty of collaboration. After 381 days, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebrated helping dismantle Montgomery's racist busing practices at the heels of partnerships. The feat was not the product of any individual effort but that of intense collective organizing. This accomplishment followed the dedication of community like members of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, leaders such as E.D. Nixon, young people like Claudette Colvin, legal minds like Fred Gray, and women such as Jo Ann Robinson alongside Rosa Parks. King's cause for joy was tied not only to the fruits of Browder vs. Gayle but the rewards of unity, togetherness, and teamwork. Different backgrounds, walks of life, and diversity of perspectives rather than isolation led to the same goal: a win toward freedom.
Let's emphasize solidarity rather than that which is solitary as we move through 2022!
With Love,
Jonathan Pulphus
Program Associate
SANKOFA: 2021 EDITIONSankofa, which is Swahili principle for "go back and get it," demands that we take inventory on the strides and experiences that we've had to help prepare us for the future. Celebrate with AFSC STL as we review milestones that we accomplished with youth and families in 2021 as we shift gears in the new year! January
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From our partnersYouth Council for Positive Development The Youth Council for Positive Development is sponsoring a visual essay contest about how to protect oneself from covid-19, and we want YUIR to have the opportunity to participate. Students can create a poster or a video explaining how to protect themselves against Coronavirus. They'll be judged on creativity, originality, and accuracy of information. First place prizes range from $100-$500 depending on the age group. The contest will run from January 18th to February 4th. YCPD will announce the winner on February 18th and honor them at our Virtual Anniversary Celebration on February 26th. The deadline is February 4, 2022.
AFSC MICHIGAN The people living at our women's prison have been tortured and living in terrible conditions. Please circulate this to your networks: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/address-inhumane-dangerous-conditions-at-huron-valley-womens-prison. Address Inhumane & Dangerous Conditions at Huron Valley Women's Prison. Conditions at Michigan's one prison for women have been problematic long before COVID. Overcrowding, lack of access to mental health and adequate medical services, lack of programming, and more. For More Information, Contact: Natalie Holbrook at NHolbrook@afsc.org
Featured articleCheck Out Mustafa Ali-Smith's contribution on TruthOut titled Police-Led Youth Programs Don’t Actually Combat the School-to-Prison Pipeline
LITERATURESt. Louis American
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