Decolonize the New World 2012

West Coast Anti-Colonial, Anti-Capitalist Convergence

DAY OF ACTION AGAINST MEXICAN, US & CANADIAN CONSULATES & EMBASSIES

(Details TBA for San Fran/Seattle)

On October 5th, 2012 we are calling for a global day of action against the Mexican, US, and Canadian consulates and embassies worldwide. We are not recommending any particular actions; instead we are calling for as many people as possible to expose the role of these entities in resource extraction and poisoning of the earth, genocides, and assassinations of rebels rising up against the many headed hydra of capitalism—especially its mining companies.

In the spirit of resistance, we are calling for actions against the embassies of these countries to reaffirm our solidarity with Indigenous peoples who are fighting back against the systemic rape of the earth and exposing the sickness of capitalism. The three fascist governments of Mexico, the US, and Canada make up the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Canada is a legal exception with regards to mining policy: it is the only nation-state that does not require its companies to follow its own laws when operating in another nation-state.  While it is important to call attention to Canada’s exceptional legal status, it is equally if not more important to recognize that all mining is fundamentally unsustainable and will always be pitted against the earth and its inhabitants.

Mining companies are maintained by the militaries and police forces of these fascist states.  Whenever a population rises up to stop the exploitation of the land, they are inevitably confronted by the forces of the Policia Federal, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, or the Federal Bureau of Investigations.  In the most unstable situations, insurgent populations are encircled by the military and put under siege.

These companies and governments have not relented in their efforts to enslave and poison the planet within their webs of fences, pipelines, murder and money.  They must be confronted directly and it is our hope that this call serves to bolster intergalactic solidarity in the fight against capitalism, genocide, and slavery.  We welcome all actions against these institutions and recommend the wide spread diffusion of this call out.

No borders or prisons can contain or suppress our intergalactic solidarity.
Long live life!
Long live freedom!
Love and Solidarity!
 
This action is part of the Decolonize the New World 2012: West Coast Anti-Colonial, Anti-Capitalist Convergence in San Francisco during Columbus Day weekend. The convergence is being called for by Decolonize and Anti-Capitalist comrades in the Pacific Northwest and Bay Area.

For Immediate Release: "Rise & Decolonize 2, Tuesday May 1st"

 “Rise & Decolonize 2: May Day General Strike” at Westlake Park

Organizers create family-friendly, arts & culturally rooted space for May 1^st 

In solidarity with International Worker’s Day and the Global General Strike, Hip Hop Occupies to Decolonize presents Rise & Decolonize 2, showcase and rally at Westlake Park. On Tuesday, May 1^st from 9am to 4pm, artists, youth, families, and the broader Seattle community will take a day off and come out for music, live art, dance, cypher sessions, and more in the spirit of resistance & Hip Hop. “Rise & Decolonize 2” will feature a diverse, multi-generational showcase with over forty performers and speakers ages four and up, including special guest, internationally renowned poet and historian Walidah. A full list of performers and detailed schedule is available on the Hip Hop Occupies website.   

Maria Guillen, organizer with Hip Hop Occupies says, “In times of decolonization, hip hop manifests as a collective voice and the spirit of self-determination. Just like Hip Hop and art transcends borders as a result of young people reclaiming streets and spaces, we celebrate building community outside oppressive systems. No longer will our creativity be crushed out of us. We are what we’ve been waiting for. May Day 2012... expect us.”

As Seattle gathers in creative resistance, we will remember the 1886 Haymarket Massacre in Chicago and acknowledge the legacies of the tens of thousands of people across the country who carried a three day general strike in support of the 8 hour work day on May 1, 1886. We will remember the Great American Boycott of 2006 where millions of im/migrant workers and economic refugees took to the streets to stand up against H.R. 4437, racist attacks against Im/migrants and all victims of economic violence across the globe. We will also remember and honor Trayvon Marvin, Rekia Boyd, Shaima Alawai, John T. Williams, and all those whose lives were lost to systemic and internalized white supremacy. Join us in remembrance of the past and creation of the future.  Another world is possible.

Event Date:         Tuesday, May 1^st, 2012

Event Location:   Westlake Park, 4th & Pine in Downtown Seattle


Event Schedule:

9:00am - 10:45am: Breakfast, Meet & Greet, Set-up

10:45am - 11:00am: Opening Remarks

11:00am-12:00: Performance Block - Primary DJ: Sean Malik

11:00 - 11:05: Speakers - Maru Villalpando (2.5m) & Aaron Dixon (2.5m)

11:05 - 11:25: Black Magic Noize (20m)

11:25 - 11:30: Prince Capone (5m)

11:30 - 11:35: Jamil Suleman (5m)

11:35 - 11:45: Ms. Kash (10m)

11:45 - 12:00: DJ Sean Malik Spins/ B-Boys

12:00pm-12:55pm Performance Block – Primary DJ: Cues

12:00 - 12:05: Speakers –Occupy Chaplains (2.5m) & Duff B/Red Spark (2.5m)

12:05 - 12:10: Zulu Kids (5m)

12:10 - 12:15:  Beloved (5m)

12:15 - 12:20: Tre’Shawn (5m)

12:20 - 12:30: Youth Speaking Truth (10m)

12:30 - 12:40: Kama of Kalamashaka (10m)

12:40 - 12:55: DJ Cues Spins/B-Boys

12:55-2:05pm Performance Block – Primary DJ: Seabefore

12:55 - 1:00: Speakers – Jace Ecaj (2.5m) & Gregory Lewis (2.5m)

1:00 - 1:30: Wapifasa Block w/ Notorious Potential, Too Chill, Massiah & Mic Flont (30m)

1:30 - 1:50: Maria Guillen, Stephany Koch Hazelrigg & Members of Sea Fandango Community (20m)

1:50 - 2:05: DJs Seabefore Spins/B-Boys

2:05-2:55pm Performance Block – Primary DJ: Too Quick

2:05 - 2:10: Jadis Sue Floe (5m)

2:10 - 2:15: Dan Manno (5m)

2:15 - 2:25: Dee.Ale (10min)

2:25 - 2:35:  Spyc-E (10m)

2:35 - 2:40: Speakers – Black Orchid Collective (2.5m) & Didi (2.5m)

2:40 - 2:55: DJ Too Quick Spins/B-Boys

2:55pm-4:00pm- Performance Block – Primary DJ: Seabefore

2:55 - 3:00: J.Infinite (5m)

3:00 - 3:05: Ethos (5m)

3:10 - 3:25: Sista Hailstorm (15m)

3:25 - 3:30: Speakers - Chris Rodriguez (2.5m) & Tabitha Milan (2.5m)

3:30 - 3:45: Suntonio Bandanaz (15m)

3:45 - 4:00: Walidah (15m)

4:00 - 4:15: Closing Remarks/ Opening Up Cypher Spaces (DJs Breakdown now, band sets up)

4:15pm - 6:00pm: Baron DeKalb holds down Cypher Space, hosted by J Revels

6:00pm - 7:00pm: Break Down & Clean Up 

Early April Updates

It's about to be a beautiful and busy week as we continue our countdown to Rise & Decolonize Part 2, May Day General Strike on Tuesday May 1st. Our calendar this week is FULL of amazing women-centered Hip Hop events including a show, a Zulu Jam, Ladies' First, and a special debut screening of Cuanda Una Mujer Avanza. For more info on these events, check the calendar below. Due to the packed nature of the week, we will not be having a meeting, but there will be a banner-making party TONIGHT @ the Wildcat at 8:30pm (1105 23rd Ave) for the Trayvon Martin Rally tomorrow, so drop through to connect with folks. Announcements are as follows:

1) We have almost solidified a mighty exciting lineup for our 4 hour May Day showcase, so if you want to perform, speak, dance, or create, be sure to reach out soon. There will be cypher spaces and open mics, but space is filling up fast.

2) To further support community self-determination and solidarity, Hip Hop Occupies to Decolonize has partnered up with new allies at Seattle Solidarity Network. As our first joint campaign together, we are demanding just compensation and reconciliation for the mistreatment and unfounded dismissal of our sister Jai Bird Washington by her former employer, who has a long history of shady business practices and worker abuse. Jai is a beloved artist, independent journalist, and member of 206 Zulu, as well as the single mother of an amazing 6 year old. We are asking that you save the date April 14th to stand behind her. Stay tuned for updates on this fight, and reach out if you could use advocacy around an issue of injustice in your day to day life.

3) Hip Hop Occupies is supporting Occupy Seattle and other communities allies in the announcement of a new "Food for Everyone" project, which will offer free Sunday lunches to various Seattle neighborhoods. Beginning April 8th, there are five free lunch events in the works in Rainier Valley, CD, Cap Hill, Downtown, and the Beacon area. If you live in these areas and want to support this effort through cooking, serving, performing, or just coming to eat and kick it, just email hiphopoccupies@gmail.com and we'll get you added to the Food For Everyone! list.

Thanks for taking the time to read. I hope you will join us in your support for one or all of the projects above and the events below. As the movement evolves, our individual relationships, communities, and networks only serve to strengthen each other in the creation and exercise of collective power.


Wednesday, March 28th 4-7pm Seattle Unite 1000 Hoodies for Trayvon Rally @ Westlake Park Come down to make a statement against hate and injustice. Come march, create, and express in remembrance of Trayvon Martin, John T. Williams, Shaima Alawadi, and all innocent people whose lives have been viciously taken as a results of systemic and internalized white supremacy.

Wednesday, March 28th 9-2am Ladies Rock the House @ Waids. Urban Sea presents live performances by Rose Bent, Julie C, Nichole Halleen, Terabyte&The battery eaters, MOET. With Djz: Zeta Barber, Ganjaology crew, & DJ SeaBefore & Live Painting by Maria Guillen. $5-21 and over.

Friday, March 30th 7-11:30pm Zulu Jam @ Washington Hall- Zulu Jam: Malika Edition! In honor of Women's Herstory Month, with DJ Mixxtress. Zulu Kids Showcase, Northwest B-Girls Showcase, Beloved, Julie C, Sista Hailstorm, & Spyc-E Hosted by Sista Hailstorm & BeLoved w/ art by JaiBird.. Cypher with black books, chess, photography by Ms. Music Girl. Free - All Ages

Tuesday, April 3rd 9-11pm - Cuando Uno Mujer Avanza @ Washington Hall- Hip Hop Occupies, Ladies First, & 206 Zulu present film screening and discussion with film maker, Simón Sedillo. This documentary film is about "Mare" a female hip hop artist from Oaxaca, Mexico. Mare is medicine for the devaluating experiences of many young women of color today. As a young native Zapotec female MC born in Oaxaca City, her unique life experience is a rarely heard perspective on life and community liberation. As an up and coming MC in a state know for popular and indigenous rebellion, Mare's life and experience has been channeled into very power full and conscious rapping and singing. Suggested donation of $5 to support Rise & Decolonize May Day! All ages.

Saturday, April 7th-8-11pm Ladies' First Presents Stephany Hazelrigg's EP Release @ Life Enrichment Bookstore. An engaging and empowering facilitator, cultural worker, and social artist living deeply & directly from her belief in the power of art to create space, healing, and change.her disciplines and mediums are as multiple and mixed as her identities, stephany lives the poetry of her existence out loud; outside genres, disciplines, and binaries. stephany has been making poems, prayers, paintings, plays, drawings, dances, journals, stories, songs, beats, movement, rituals, and ceremonies along shorelines and mountaintops all throughout her lifetimes. she is grateful to be here. Sliding scale donation, all ages.

COUNTDOWN TO MAY 1st! Rise & Decolonize @ Westlake Park 11am-4pm

Seattle to Oakland: We ain’t Joking!

Hip Hop Occupies Report-Back on Bay Area Caravan

On February 16^th, a delegation of artists and organizers from Hip Hop Occupies, and the People of Color Caucus of Occupy Seattle participated in a three car caravan down I-5 to connect with the Bay Area movement. In the five day expedition, Hip Hop Occupies took it to the communities, schools, and streets; house parties, marches, and prisons, and more, building with allies and expanding the network. The following is a multimedia report back on what went down, as well as a glimpse of what’s next for Hip Hop Occupies.

The first action was the Pacific Steel Workers March for Dignity, for those who had been raided by ICE. Hip Hop Occupies members marched through Berkley alongside immigrant steel workers, flying some of the same banners flown at the January Seattle Solidarity Action in Support of Ruby Ridge dairy workers. “Hip Hop transcends borders,” says muralist/poet Maria Gullien, “and the struggles of farmer workers and migrant communities are the same struggles we see in the inner cities. We are in solidarity with the entire community that is this struggle.”

After the march, HHO stopped off to pay respects at the Mike Dream Memorial Wall, a masterpiece of finished graffiti pieces that stretches a full quarter mile across the 24th train yard in Oakland. "I wanted to go here specifically because it's a beautiful example of graffiti culture, it's reverent of the ancestors and people who came before, and the pieces carry strong sentiments of resistance," said Henry Luke. From there, HHO joined the Dignity March Afterparty that was at La Pena, a community arts center in Berkley. Speakers from participating organizations shared words and thanks, followed by performances featuring Mad Lines the Lioness, Aisha Fukushima, True-One, and DJ Cezanna.
The next day, Hip Hop Occupies hit the classroom in Oakland, participating in a panel on Occupy Seattle. Topics covered included the radical/revolutionary nature of Hip Hop, and the need for creative expression in the revolution. Panelists highlighted events such as “Rise & Decolonize: Let’s Get Free” , as well as the Hip Hop picket line that closed down Terminal 5 at the D12 Port Shutdowns. Relating the structure of the Hip Hop Occupies network to the structure of community, members challenged hierarchical organizing models, with emphasis on accountability, solidarity, and autonomy.

For art therapy the next day, some of our delegation headed to 24^th Street in the Mission District of San Francisco, a Historical Chicano Community, to see the woman muralist walls. Highlighting the different aspects of women’s struggles in Latin America and around the world, the artwork speaks for itself, and inspired some beautiful ciphers amongst our emcees.

On Monday the 20^th, Hip Hop Occupies got down with Occupy San Quentin, part of the National Occupy Action Day in Support of Prisoners. “Our brothers and sisters in the community are thrown into this institution of slavery,” says poet Matt Erickson, “The prison industrial complex consistently benefits from the enslavement of people of color and the impoverished.” Cody adds, “Prisoners are the bottom 1% of the 99%. 1% of the US population is in prison.” There, HHO had the honor of building with Emory Douglass, revolutionary artist of the Black Panther Party. When asked his analysis of why art was important in the revolution, he replied, "Art is important because it gives you an interpretation of the politics and the struggle. It can be inspiring, it can be enlightening, it can be informative and educational. It can be a guide to truth and a guide to action. It's like a language." Enjoy some footage below of artists Jabari Shaw and Timbuktu Akaamka speaking and performing "This is Modern Slavery" at the rally.

As a last stop, Hip Hop Occupies connected with partners Shamako Noble and D’Labrie from Hip Hop Congress at the downtown Oakland offices of WEAP: Women’s Economic Agenda Project. There, we built on HHO’s endorsement and participation in the upcoming World Court of Women being held May 10th in Oakland.

With the wrap-up of the trip we reach the exciting part of this report back. Next steps! Hip Hop Occupies is calling for input and participation for a number of projects and actions in the Spring and Summer including a mural campaign heading up to May Day, a “Summer of the Block Party” National community-building effort, creative direct action collaborations and more. Join us at our next meeting, email hiphopoccupies@gmail.com to get on the mailing list.

Hip Hop Decolonize in Solidarity with United Farm Workers

Occupy Seattle Joins in Solidarity with the United Farm Workers

Contact:

UFWsolidarity@gmail.com

(206) 745-0164

On January 27, 2012 Decolonize/Occupy Seattle will demonstrate their continued solidarity with laborers world-wide as we join with the United Farm Workers (UFW) in their long standing campaign for justice for the farm workers at Ruby Ridge Dairy, whose labor supplies the Darigold corporation with its dairy products.

Workers at Ruby Ridge work long days without breaks, when they ask for water they are told to drink from where the cows drink and are threatened with guns when attempting to organize; many have experienced wage theft.Farmworkers are not included in the National Labor Relations Act and already one third of the organizers have been fired for trying to form a union. "We want the community to join our struggle so that Darigold can hear the call for justice. We are workers, we make Darigold strong and rich, and we demand justice." (Margarito Martinez, farmworker and ex. Ruby Ridge worker)

Actions have already been taken to hold Darigold accountable for the injustice at Ruby Ridge, yet nothing has changed. Like many large corporations, Darigold continues to turn a blind eye to the abuses being suffered by the workers who labor to produce their milk and their profits. Farm workers and UFW supporters found themselves greeted by security guards when they traveled to Darigold’s headquarters to discuss a remedy to the abuses.

In response, the United Farm Workers started a petition and on January 27, 2012, with support from Decolonize/Occupy Seattle and the greater Seattle community, will deliver these petitions to the Darigold Headquarters.

We call on all people to join with the United Farm Workers and Decolonize/Occupy Seattle to demand justice for Farm workers. On January 27, 2012 we will meet at Westlake at 2pm and march to the Darigold Headquarters at 1130 Rainier Ave. South. There we will rally at 3pm to call on Darigold to take immediate action to resolve the issues facing workers at Ruby Ridge. Transportation will be provided for those who need it

The farm worker’s fight is the same fight against corporate greed that has led to the occupy movement. They are part of the 99%! JOIN THOUSANDS to demand that Darigold use its influence over its dairies to stop the abuses. Tell them they cannot ignore farm workers!!

Occupy Seattle se une en solidaridad con La Unión de Campesinos

Seattle, WA-Enero 27, 2012

Contacto:

UFWsolidarity@gmail.com

(206) 745-0164

En Enero 27, 2012 Decolonize/Occupy Seattle demostrara su continua solidaridad con los trabajadores del mundo al unirse con la Unión de Campesinos (UFW) en su larga campaña por justicia para los trabajadores en la lechería Ruby Ridge, la cual abastece a la corporación Darigold con sus productos lácteos.

Los trabajadores en Ruby Ridge trabajan largas horas sin descansos, cuando piden agua se les dice que tomen del agua que toman las vacas, y son amenazados con escopetas cuando intentan organizarse; muchas han sido víctimas del robo de dinero. Los campesinos no están incluidos en el Acta de Relaciones Laborales Nacional y ya una tercera parte de los organizadores han sido despedidos por tratar de formar una unión. “Le pedimos a la comunidad que se una a la causa para que Darigold escuche el sonido del llamado a justicia. Somos trabajadores, hacemos a Darigold fuerte y rica, y exigimos justicia. “-Margarito Martinez (Campesino y ex. Trabajador de Ruby Ridge)

Diversas acciones han sido llevadas a cabo para exigir contabilidad a Darigold por las injusticias que suceden en Ruby Ridge, pero nada ha cambiado. Como muchas corporaciones, Darigold se ciega a ver los abusos que sufren los trabajadores que laboran para producirle su leche y sus ganancias. Campesinos y apoyadores de la Unión de Campesinos se vieron recibidos por guardias de seguridad cuando viajaron a las oficinas executivas de Darigold para hablar sobre un remedio a los abusos.

Como respuesta, la Unión de Campesinos empezó una petición y en Enero 27, 2012 con el apoyo de Decolonize/Occupy Seattle y la comunidad de Seattle, entregaran las peticiones a las oficinas executivas de Darigold.

Hacemos el llamado a todas las personas para que se unan a la Unión de Campesinos y Decolonize/Occupy Seattle para exigir justicia para los campesinos. En Enero 27, 2012 nos reuniremos en Westlake a las 2pm y marcharemos a las oficinas executivas de Darigold en el 1130 Rainier Ave. South. Habrá un rally a las 3pm para hacer el llamado a Darigold para que tome acciones inmediatas para resolver los asuntos que enfrentan los trabajadores de Ruby Ridge. Habrá transportación para aquellos que la necesiten.

La lucha de los trabajadores es la misma lucha en contra de codicia que a llevado al movimiento Occupy. ¡Los campesinos son parte del 99%! UNASE A MILES para exigir que Darigold use su influencia sobre sus lecherías para frenar los abusos. ¡Déjeles saber que no pueden ignorar a los campesinos!