Writer James Baldwin at home in Saint Paul de Vence, South of France, in 1985. ULF ANDERSEN / GETTY IMAGES / AFSC
On September 5, 1963, Black freedom figher Malcolm X debated the prolific Black revolutionary writer James Baldwin (above) in Chicago around the effectiveness of the "Sit-In" movement of Birmingham, Alabama.
"Not that I want anybody’s cup of coffee or even to go particularly to anybody’s school; it is because the country cannot afford... [the] demoralization and bitterness and hatred which can... blow this country wide apart." - James Baldwin "Debate with Malcolm X" in Chicago
AFSC STL is excited that fall is here. Crisp autumn leaves will soon decorate the streets flipping like cartwheels in the wind’s light breeze. We look forward to walking with our scholars toward pushing for change complimentary to the transitioning seasons.
In solidarity,
Jonathan Pulphus
Program Associate
AFSC ST. LOUIS / YUIR
YOUTH COUNCIL 2ND COHORT APPLICATION LIVE!
Youth and Families! The application for the Youth Council 2nd Cohort is now live. Tired of feeling alone when thinking about issues in your community? Sick of witnessing injustices and wanting to act against it to build fair communities that are joyous? This is a paid opportunity for youth activits to work toward developing community, enhancing skill sets, and transforming community.
Please complete this application by Sunday, October 10 at 11:59 pm.
YOUTH OP-EDS!
We hosted a workshop in August 2021 with our Youth Council members and worked on developing op-ed writing tied to reimagining safety in schools. Check out the eloquent and sharp responses from our scholars!
Why Are Metal Detectors Necessary? - Yosiyah Griffin, Sixth-grader
Where is the healthy food? - Grace Griffin, Seventh-grader
The real threat to Missouri classrooms isn’t Critical Race Theory - Cailan Wooten, Tenth-grader
We are extremely proud of our scholars for penning their recommendations, bringing their contributions, and calling out systems of injustice.
HELP GUIDE OUR YOUTH ADVOCACY WORK!
JOIN OUR PROGRAM COMMITTEE!
We are looking for caring adults to dedicate time. Ideal participants would have a lens for helping guide youth and an oppenness to sharing their own lessons around anti-oppression work. More information is forthcoming. Please reach out to Jonathan Pulphus, Program Associate, for details: Email: jpulphus@afsc.org. Phone: 314-556-4633.
REVISIT THE COMMUNITY SAFETY BEYOND POLICING WEBINARS
Join our webinar series to explore how communities across the U.S. are working toward a future where rely less on police—and ensure community safety for all. Follow this webinar series and catch up on previous ones using this link. More info - Sarah Nash at: snash@afsc.org.
FROM OUR PARTNERS AT MISSOURIANS FOR ALTERNATIVES TO THE DEATH PENALTY
Join us October 2 on International Wrongful Conviction Day at noon CT to learn how to advocate for people in prison and hear about needed legislation for those who are wrongfully convicted. With Obie Anthony, exoneree and founder of Exonerated Nation; Latahra Smith, investigator and founder of KC Freedom Project; Kira Dunn, advocate and wife of Christopher Dunn, a wrongfully convicted incarcerated man; Maria Miller, advocate and founder of Our Lives Matter; Lauren Sobchak, organizer at MADP, and Michelle Smith, advocate and Racial Justice Coordinator at MADP.
Register: www.bit.ly/WCDMissouri
Ernest Johnson is one of several Black men with disabilities on death row in the country. Join us on Sunday, October 3, at 3PM CT for a webinar exploring this injustice. We will be joined by renowned scholar, author, and professor, Dr. Tommy J Curry.
Register: www.bit.ly/DPADBM
Take action now by calling Governor Parson!
(573) 751-3222
“Hi, my name is _____ and I live in [city and zip code]. I am calling today to ask that Governor Parson grant clemency to Ernest Lee Johnson, who is scheduled to be executed on Oct. 5th, 2021. As a person with an intellectual disability, Ernest is not eligible for execution. Please grant Ernest clemency and commute his sentence to life.”
With 75% of our death row community at or near the end of their final appeals, we will very likely see a horrific increase in executions in the coming year. Visit our website to learn how you can get involved and support our work toward abolition.
FEATURED ARTICLE
Check Out kihana miraya ross' contribution on Medium entitled Funneling Our Children From Classrooms to Cages Ends Now.
LITERATURE
St. Louis American
• Moral authority is missing in Black leadership by Mike Jones
• Three principles for reshaping public safety in St. Louis by Mayor Tishaura Jones
• Making sense of the new multiracial America by Julianne Malveaux
• What part of death don’t you understand? by Jamala Rogers