#reflectionsfrom1619

LAWRENCE JAMES

“One of the things that is so significant is the method of today...of how people are oppressed. Say for example in Brooklyn, I’ve noticed that there has been such an increase of storage facilities that are being built. And most of the people that I know, in my income bracket are priced out of the housing market. So...the whole concept of slavery and racism I believe is more economic today than anything else. So it's still happening...just in a different form.” 

Lawrence James is interviewed by Lina Chang at the Central Library on November 20th, 2019.

To hear the excerpt, click below.

BERNADETTE OKEKE

“My personal definition of utopia in the scope of this revolution, would be more youth...voting age individuals, to be more participatory in the political process. Not just speak about it, do. Do go out and vote, do get involved with your community board meetings...budgetary voting...participatory voting, etc.” 

Bernadette OKeKe is interviewed by Lina Chang at the Central Library on October 26th, 2019. 

To hear the excerpt, click below.

ARETHA CAMPBELL

“I think we have to move from just existing, surviving to thriving...that’s what I want for black people. So what is a revolution? I don’t think we’ve ever had a revolution in the US, because a revolution is dramatic change...it’s when the thing that is oppressing you is totally dismantled. I look to a place like Haiti...more than I look to France...because they had a revolution and they totally dismantled slavery. That’s what I need to happen...from this day forward we're dismantling white supremacy...all the oppressive systems we are having here.” 

Aretha Campbell is interviewed by Taina Evans at the Central Library on October 26th, 2019. 

To hear the excerpt, click below.

MARSHA DESORMEAUX

“Every generation, every couple of decades people forget the struggle...I try to teach my daughter about these things not because I want her to feel that we come from a people of struggle...but that we come from a line of people who have overcome struggle, and that we persevere.”

Marsha Desormeaux is interviewed by Lina Chang at the Central Library on October 26th, 2019. To hear the excerpt, click below.