Daily Archives: March 9, 2021

Freedom is not a gift from heaven you have to fight for it every day. These words from Simon Wiesenthal are just one of the quotes about freedom and human rights displayed on screens in the Mobile Museum of Tolerance (MMOT), which visited Forest Park last week.

Forest Park middle school students in District 91 were some of the first in the state to experience lessons from the past in the MMOT on March 4 and 5.

The MMOT is a museum on wheels, a collaboration between the Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC) and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to bring important lessons about civil rights and the Holocaust directly to schools and communities across Illinois. The MMOT website says it was modeled after the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centers Tour for Humanity bus, which was launched in 2013 and has visited schools all across Canada. But the MMOT is the first of its kind of the United States.

MMOT will utilize innovative technology and interactive lessons to bring its message of tolerance directly to Illinois communities, reads the website. With a plan to visit around 150 schools and communities each year, the MMOT hopes to inspire thousands of Illinoisans to stand up to hate and strive toward positive social change.

On Thursday, D91 middle school students learning remotely watched a remote broadcast of a civil rights presentation from the MMOT, a video the Review watched inside the mobile theater with D91 Principal Tiffany Brunson and Assistant Principal Eric Beltran and several PTO members.

After the video, facilitator Alison Slovin, Midwest director for the Simon Wiesenthal Center, engaged students in a conversation about the video. She shared her own experiences and that of her daughter who have faced prejudice as Jews.

Slovin talked about the role bystanders play in issues such as civil rights and discrimination, and Brunson said that in the district, students are taught to be upstanders, who defend others in a safe way, always going to an adult if they need help.

On Friday, students who are attending classes in-person three days a week got to visit the museum in person, donning masks and watching a video about the Holocaust. Again, the video presentation was followed up with a discussion.

Its the follow-up thats important.

You cant teach these concepts in a bubble; they should be followed up by a conversation, said Suzy Dees, director of professional learning from West 40. All the things that students think of later, after watching the presentation, is where the real opportunity to learn is.

We are very excited about the MMOT coming to FPMS, said Brunson. We have such a diverse student population in Forest Park and we must all learn to recognize and appreciate our differences.

Superintendent Lou Cavallo said the MMOT is absolutely essential for our community. He added, The Mobile Museum of Tolerance (MMOT) visit fits perfectly with our Equity Imperative mission of nurturing dialogue around all issues of inequity.

Learn more at https://mmot.com/

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Lessons in freedom focus on the past - Forest Park Review

WARRENTON, Va., March 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --Having lost the presidency, the House of Representatives and the Senate, what can Republicans and other concerned people do to restore the liberties lost in the process?

Tom DeWeese, president of the American Policy Center, a grassroots action and education foundation dedicated to the promotion of free enterprise and limited government regulations over commerce and individuals, says they need to stop depending on one person one icon to lead them forward and take responsibility into their own hands by forming Freedom Pods in their communities. By Freedom Pods he means joining forces with a collection of local officials and citizens who share their values.

DeWeese says, "For several decades the radical left has been dedicated in its efforts to organize at every level of government while advocates of limited government failed to do the required 'dirty work' of local organization and activism to protect our freedoms. We gave the left a pretty clear playing field to organize and seize control, and now we are suffering under the result. For the dedicated left, no position was too small. No appointed board was ignored. When was the last time local conservative activists cared about positions like city attorney? Yet these are the very officials who are enforcing the COVID-19 lockdown policies, dictated by governors and mayors."

He continues, "After witnessing this current election crisis, don't you wish people with conservative values had been interested in gaining positions on the local Board of Elections? Local government is now infested with planners, NGOs, and federal agencies dictating policies. And the only reason they have power and influence now is because the left fought to elect representatives who then gave it to them. So, if you want to transform your community into a Freedom Pod you must start from scratch."

DeWeese outlines five steps for creating local Freedom Pods.

No. 1:Research the players at City Hall and the planning groups and NGOs operating in your city to see what programs they are promoting and how they are funded.

No. 2: Build a team that includes researchers, watchers who agree to attend every public meeting, a strategist who will use the research to lead the team, agitators who will speak out at meetings, victims who will share ways city policies will damage them, people who will reach out to media, activists who will carry signs, protest in front of City Hall and pack Council Chambers and a social media team to develop a website and get the word out.

No. 3:Take Legal Action by utilizing Section 1983 of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and Section 3 of the 14th Amendment.

No. 4:Build a Campaign by creating an effective precinct organization in every neighborhood.

No. 5:Build a Grading System, a 1 to 10 point scorecard on how well elected officials are defending liberty. Send the scorecard to the news media and post it on social media.

Credentials: Tom DeWeese is president of the American Policy Center and author of three books including Now Tell Me I was Wrong, ERASE, and Sustainable, the WAR on Free Enterprise, Private Property, and Individuals.Heis a speaker and nationally recognized property rights advocate who has debated at Cambridge University.DeWeese has been featured by Fox News, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, the Washington Times, and other media nationwide.

Contact: Tom DeWeese, (540) 341-891; [emailprotected] ; http://www.americanpolicy.org

SOURCE Tom DeWeese

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Are Freedom Pods the Answer to Taking the County Back from the Radical Left? - PRNewswire

A 33-year-old Rapper- Pablo Hasls arrest on Tuesday, 16th February, over some controversial lyrics and tweets has fuelled a fiery fight for Spains freedom. He has been imprisoned for comparing Judges to Nazis, criticising Police for brutality, asserting support for ETA (a Basque separatist group), and jabs at King Juan Carlos. A Catalan police spokesman informed the news agency AFP that Police had to enter a university to find Hasl. They had to deconstruct the rapper and his 50 supporters barricade by pushing away chairs and garbage bins amongst other objects. Hed refused to turn himself in earlier on Friday resulting in Tuesdays row to enforce the judicial ruling. El Pas newspaper also revealed that when escorted out, Hasl shouted: They will never silence us! Earlier in the day, hed tweeted: Tweets for which Im going to be jailed in a few minutes or hours. Literally for explaining reality. Tomorrow it could be you.

The rappers words and public arrest have stirred an uproar amongst young Spaniards taking to the streets for Hasl and reasons harboured under the umbrella of his support. A prominent cause of resentment is the Spanish Monarchy- notably King Juan Carlos, who fled to the Emirates during a court investigation into a major financial scandal. On one Saturday evening protest, the crowd chanted: Where is the change? Where is the progress? and Juan Carlos de Borbn, womaniser and thief.

Many are vexed over free assembly and artists being criminalised under the 2015 Public Security Law (informally deemed the gag law) despite exercising human rights. They demand that the left-wing government abolish the law as promised. Other deep-rooted failures causing outrage are the high unemployment rates and rent prices. Youth are left with a future of only worsening economic conditions accelerated by the dire effects of COVID-19. The pandemic reduced Spains economy by 11% in 2020, leaving every 4 out of 10 eligible workers below 25 unemployed (the highest rate in Europe). Enric Juliana, an opinion columnist with La Vanguardia (Barcelonas major newspaper), expressed their pain well. She explained, Its not the same now for a person who is 60with life experience and everything completely organised as it is for a person who is 18 now and has the feeling that every hour they lose to this pandemic, its like losing their entire life.

Protests that had initially been peaceful on 17th February morphed quickly into violent riots in the night. Banners and signs were replaced by burning furniture, bottles, and stones, and make-shift barricades, prompting Police to use tear or rubber and foam bullets. Even Banks and shops were broken into and looted. Barcelona saw 29 arrested along with eight injured, according to the regional Emergency Service. The protests had continued to Thursday when approximately 300 met with Police greeting them with stones and setting a fire.

Six were arrested, and two officers were injured. Madrid saw a similar play-out of events at Madrids main square- Puerta del Sol. According to Police, 14 were arrested, and five officers were wounded, as reported by the news agency- Europa Press. The clashes were so violent that a protester had allegedly lost an eye the day before due to a foam projectile that Mossos dEsquadra Police used. Other Spanish cities such as Granada also participated in these dangerous riots. And unsurprisingly, Lleida Prison in Hasls hometown, where he is currently, saw the worst of these riots, with rioters assuring him, saying, Pablo, comrade, you are not alone. There were thousands of protesters, and cases of arrest and injuries sadly rose as the nightly riots continued. This isnt due to the majority of protesters that come in peace seeking social and economic reforms and the ability to exercise human rights but a result of a select few succumbing to violence.

Hasl and these protests have amassed substantial attention. For instance, Barcelonas Mayor -Ada Colau, reminded protesters that Defending the freedom of expression doesnt justify in any case the destruction of property, frightening our fellow citizens and hurting businesses already hurt by the crisis [pandemic]. Meanwhile, other politicians want to silence public opinion altogether, such as Jos Luis Martinez-Almeida (Mayor of Madrid), who stated that those who do not accept the rules have no place in our society. And Imma Viudes, spokeswoman of the SAP-Fepol union for the Catalan police, doesnt seem to disagree according to her words on Spanish National Radio: We dont have the means to control this

Someone is going to have to put their fist down. However, Amnesty International has shown exceptional support for Hasl, saying that his arrest was an excessive and disproportionate restriction on his freedom of expression. Esteban Beltrn, the director of Amnesty International Spain, insisted that No one should face criminal prosecution only for expressing themselves on social media or for singing something that may be distasteful or shocking. The far-left, anti-monarchy United We Can Party is also expressing confident support for Hasl and the protests as they guarantee to work for a total pardon for Hasl and others that exercise freedom of speech. They do so despite objection from the pro-monarchy Socialist Party in power currently.

Although it is inspiring to see youth hold politicians accountable for their promises and take a stand for fundamental rights, the violent riots caused by the select few are a disappointing expression of these demands. Those making reprimands through destruction, especially in these unprecedented times, hinder the progress that youth, at large, desire.

The 2015 gag law has already garnered heavy criticism given its many weaknesses, but repressing freedom of speech and assembly are significant concerns in these violent protests. The law has placed strict guidelines on many things, including the location and timing of demonstrations. Not abiding by the laws clauses will result in hefty fines that could climb up to 600,000 euros (for unauthorised protests near key infrastructure) while 30,000 euros is expected for protests that cause serious disturbances of public safety. For instance, Greenpeace had done a demonstration in 2011 at a Valencia nuclear plant deemed a serious disturbance, resulting in a trial.

Miguel ngel Soto from Greenpeace had insisted: Its our right to express our opinion, to march to parliament, to go to nuclear power plants to say that they are dangerous or unfurl a banner on a building or street. A panel of Human Rights Experts, including Maina Kiai, also criticized the law. Kiai said it violates the very essence of the right to the assembly since it penalises a wide range of actions and behaviours that are essential for the exercise of this fundamental right, thus sharply limiting its exercise. While David Kaye on the panel remarked, This project of reform unnecessarily and disproportionately restricts basic freedoms such as the collective exercise of the right to freedom of opinion and expression in Spain. Meanwhile, Spanish creatives and artists condemned Hasls arrest and the repression of their freedoms with a petition signed by 200 creatives, including Hollywoods Javier Bardem. It warns that the law is a risk to all public personalities who dare to openly criticise the actions of state institutions.

Nevertheless, Hasls sentence may be extended to two years rather than nine months upon his refusal to pay fines. Meanwhile, Spain is continuing to see large demonstrations; protesters arent quite ready to quit yet. Unfortunately, a peaceful approach seems far-fetched, and whether changes will occur is debatable as no clear plans are disclosed. Still, there is some hope upon the governments announcement that it will relax free speech laws and lower penalties for crimes of expression.

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Rapper's Arrest Fuels A Fiery Freedom Fight In Spain - The Organization for World Peace

That being said, Ben's approach is grounded and driven by a deep typographic understanding, both in how they apply their knowledge and their enormous appreciation for the significance it carries. In this, Ben's work finds its home when empowering others and whilst steering clear of rigid expectations. "More recently, I realised that I also just want to have fun and create fun work," they tell us, adding "a lot of the industry feels very serious."

Perhaps this is where the strength of Ben's work lies; tackling topics serious and close to them with a poignant mix of playfulness and sincerity. An attitude not too far removed from a significant source of inspiration, Pop Music. "I'm a huge pop music fan, and I'm always fascinated by the world-building by the likes of Gaga and Madonna," Ben explains, thriving in the significance of story and concept throughout their music, videos and tours, as well as the fashion displayed throughout. "It's all about creating an experience for their community/fans," they add, "there's an essence and energy in there that I try to bring into my practice."

Ben Eli, Pop Music Will Never Be Low Brow, 2021

Ben Eli, Ben Eli Studio, 2021

Alongside their adoration for Pop is further momentous influence from Popular Culture and LGBTQ+ culture and history, manifesting prominently in printed materials something seen in the ephemeral and tactile tone of their work, even in a flat and digital space. "One thing I miss the most about the pre-Covid world is trawling through bookstores and flicking through fashion magazines or art books," Ben recalls, suggesting 'No Sleep: NYC Nightlife Flyers 1988-1998' by DJ Stretch Armstrong and Luis Venegas' 'Candy Magazine' a celebration of the communities found in Transgender, Gender Nonconforming, Non-binary and Drag societies. "I find myself reaching for these a lot," they add, "whether it's for art direction and typography inspiration or for research into history and stories that inspire me on a more personal level."

In Ben's words, the result of this is work that feels quite "loud and brash", the inevitable concoction of thematically appropriately rule-breaking and the "excessiveness of Pop Culture" they are inspired by. In total contrast to the minimalism of their practice all but a few years ago, Ben attributes this glorious transcendence of raging colour and questioning to the acceptance of their identity. "I definitely want it to feel queer, be unapologetic and take up space," they add. This attitude is ever-present in their work, brimming with character and interrogation.

Ben Eli, Tracey Emin The Kiss Was Beautiful, 2019

Ben Eli, WAP, 2020

Keeping inspired is top of Ben's priority list right now; achieving as much by looking at where they can push the expected and accepted. "At the moment, I love mixing different typefaces," they add, "stretching type, and just breaking all the type rules I worked so hard to learn whilst studying."

Depop may seemingly have been the unlikely source of inspiration to this drive. Having worked there from 2017 and subsequently working into their rebrand, Ben recalls the freedom granted at the company, despite its scale. "I can't tell you how much I was able to play, experiment and push and pull things to see what worked, what didn't, and what we liked," Ben explains, enjoying the revisiting and the improvement one could execute whilst working in-house. "Depop has such an engaged community, and I took a lot of pride in creating work with and from them," they tell us, "it taught me a lot about the importance of building community and empowering people.

Ben Eli, Ben Eli Studio, 2020

Ben Eli, Live Work Pose, 2020

Having since moved into London-based creative agency Livity, Ben has since learned to work across the multitude of levels across a design agency, dealing with clients, projects, budgets, plans and everything in-between. Learning also not to be too precious, they explain "it can all change so quickly the next day, and you have to keep pushing it," adding, "it really helps to stay open to that change, but also if you have a strong, collaborative, team foundation it is much easier to navigate."

Due to both the experience they've gained and the limited free-time available for having a full-time job, Ben is now much more selective with the freelance work they take on. "I use those as an opportunity to supplement my practice," they explain, "and do things I am passionate about and align most with my values," giving room for the creative satisfaction granted from personal work.

A recent highlight of Ben's personal work is their on-going project Queer Liberation Now!, a very significant piece that registers profoundly with their identity. "I made it in response to the epidemic of violence the LGBTQ+ community faces daily," Ben explains, "especially towards Black trans women."

Ben Eli, Portrait of Sophie Xeon, 2021

Ben Eli, Jenny Holzer, 2019

Beginning as something to help "uncloud" their thoughts, Ben never initially intended it to be shared but then considered how often work on this topic is seen. "I realised in the creative industry, how often do we get to see work demanding the protection of our community?" they explain, "a piece directly calling for the safety of Black Trans Women?" Thinking they would fall into the same traps we all do when sticking to your own echo chamber, Ben shared it and was met with a welcoming crowd.

Inspired by the ephemera found at protests, as well as activist Marsha P Johnson, Ben tells us "I wasn't focused on creating something compositionally beautiful," adding "it was purely about the essence, the feeling, and the individual parts and what each one means to me."

Ben Eli, John Berger Ways Of Seeing, 2019

Ben Eli, Patsy, 2021

As is the case for many, the past year for Ben has been one of reflection and re-evaluation. Taking into consideration the values they hold dear to them, Ben explains, "I truly want to spend my time doing, and what makes me happy," whether that is getting stuck into their personal practice or working on the editorial design, they really miss getting their teeth into. "I'm also playing around with the idea of starting my own practice, PATSY (named after my Grandma!)," Ben explains; a project that would be centred on creative experimentation and collaboration. "This is inspired by the time I would spend growing up at her kitchen table drawing, painting and finding my creative side," they explain, wanting to use PATSY as an opportunity to develop further and research their side projects.

What Ben's studio could provide, which the industry so truly needs, is greater representation, using it as a platform to "collaborate with my peers, especially other Queer, Black or POC creatives," Ben tells us. "It tends to feel quite isolating an industry built for the Cis, White, Straight experience," they conclude, "so I'd like to direct my practice into fostering a new sense of community and celebrate our work."

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Ben Eli's liberating practice and the importance of creative freedom - Creative Boom

Freedom Mobile signs on as new Lead Sponsor and Official Mobile Partner of The 50th Annual JUNO Awards and TikTok joins as new Lead Sponsor and Official Voting Platform of JUNO Fan Choice

Voting is now open for JUNO Fan Choice Presented by Freedom Mobile. Fans are encouraged to vote on TikTok and at junofanchoice.ca

TORONTO, March 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) is pleased to announce the nominees for JUNO Fan Choice Presented by Freedom Mobile. New this year, Freedom Mobile has signed on as a Lead Sponsor of The 50th Annual JUNO Awards and the new Presenting Partner of the JUNO Fan Choice Award. TikTok has also joined as a Lead Sponsor and has been named as the Official Voting Platform, where fans can discover and vote their favourite nominee directly in the app.

JUNO Fan Choice Presented by Freedom Mobile is the only fan voted award at the JUNOS, chosen by Canadian music fans. This year, there are five first-time nominees in this category including Curtis Waters, JP Saxe, Lennon Stella, Les Cowboys Fringants and Tate McRae. They will be joining five past nominees including Ali Gatie, Justin Bieber and NAV, plus Shawn Mendes and The Weeknd who are both nominated for the sixth straight year in this category. The winner will be revealed live at The 2021 JUNO Awards nationwide broadcast on Sunday, May 16 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBC.

Voting is now open and Canadians are invited to vote for their favourite artist on TikTok, the Official Voting Platform, and by visiting junofanchoice.ca for all voting options. There are no limits to the number of times people can vote, so fans are encouraged to visit weekly, daily or by the hour. Follow the official JUNO Awards TikTok account to stay up to date on JUNO Fan Choice.

We are thrilled to have Freedom Mobile join us as Presenting Partner of JUNO Fan Choice and have TikTok as the Official Voting Platform, says Allan Reid, President & CEO, CARAS/The JUNO Awards & MusiCounts. Their support will help us connect Canadians, music and culture and were grateful to have them on board for the 2021 JUNO Awards Golden Anniversary.

Music connects us all. It brings us together in times of celebration and sadness, and elevates us when we need inspiration or encouragement, says Lisa Cooke, Vice President, Advertising, Shaw Communications. Right now, Canadians need to be connected more than ever, which is why Freedom Mobile is proud to unite music fans across the country and support Canadas most iconic music event in its Golden Anniversary year with JUNO Fan Choice presented by Freedom Mobile.

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"TikTok is changing the way people consume music and has been a launchpad for new and emerging Canadian talent, but also a way for fans of all ages to rediscover catalogue tracks and legendary artists," Adam Burchill, Head of Music, TikTok Canada. "Working with the JUNO Awards, an iconic Canadian institution, is a natural partnership as our platform provides fans with the opportunity to celebrate their favourite artists where they're actually enjoying it."

For the full list of 2021 JUNO Award nominees, tune in today at 11AM ET/8AM PT for the JUNO Awards Nominee Announcement Virtual Presentation. The virtual event will live stream on CBC Music's social channels and on cbcmusic.ca/junos.

The 50th anniversary of the JUNO Awards will broadcast nationwide Sunday, May 16 on CBC TV, CBC Gem, CBC Radio One, CBC Music and globally on cbcmusic.ca/junos.

For promotional graphics, publicity photos, suggested social copy, logos and more reference our Digital Toolkit

Web Links:Official JUNO Awards website: http://www.junoawards.caCBC Music: http://www.cbcmusic.ca/junosDigital Toolkit

JUNO AwardsTwitter: @TheJUNOAwards / Instagram: @TheJUNOAwards / Facebook: @TheJUNOAwards Hashtag: #JUNOS, #JUNOS50

Exclusive Broadcast and Content Partner: CBC

CARAS acknowledges the financial support of FACTOR, the Government of Canada and of Canadas Private Radio Broadcasters.

Lead Sponsors: TD Bank Group, SiriusXM Canada, Freedom Mobile, Ford of Canada and TikTok

Funding Partners: The Province of Ontario, the City of Toronto and Radio Starmaker Fund

About CARASThe Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) is a not-for-profit organization created to preserve and enhance the Canadian music industry and promote higher artistic and industry standards. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the JUNO Awards, a national celebration of Canadian music. In honour of this significant milestone, CARAS will launch exciting initiatives in the host city of Toronto, and nationally across our country. Each initiative will drive forward CARAS four key pillars: Educate through MusiCounts charitable programs and community resources, Develop emerging artists through mentorship and development programs, Celebrate Canadian artists with year-round JUNO Awards showcasing, and Honour music industry icons through the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. In a time unlike any other, our sound connects and unites us. The JUNOS are proud to represent so many Canadian facets of music, performance and recording, distinctly, All Our Sound. For more information on the 50th Annual JUNO Awards or The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) please visit http://www.junoawards.ca.

Freedom Mobile Inc. is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Shaw Communications.

About Shaw Communications Inc.

Shaw Communications Inc. is a leading Canadian connectivity company. The Wireline division consists of Consumer and Business services. Consumer serves residential customers with broadband Internet, Shaw Go WiFi, video and digital phone. Business provides business customers with Internet, data, WiFi, digital phone and video services. The Wireless division provides wireless voice and LTE data services through an expanding and improving mobile wireless network infrastructure.

Shaw is traded on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges and is included in the S&P/TSX 60 Index (Symbol: TSX - SJR.B, SJR.PR.A, SJR.PR.B, NYSE SJR, and TSXV SJR.A). For more information, please visit http://www.shaw.ca.

TikTokTikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok has global offices including Toronto, Los Angeles, Silicon Valley, New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo. http://www.tiktok.com.

About CBC/Radio-CanadaCBC/Radio-Canada is Canadas national public broadcaster. Through our mandate to inform, enlighten and entertain, we play a central role in strengthening Canadian culture. As Canadas trusted news source, we offer a uniquely Canadian perspective on news, current affairs and world affairs. Our distinctively homegrown entertainment programming draws audiences from across the country. Deeply rooted in communities, CBC/Radio-Canada offers diverse content in English, French and eight Indigenous languages. We also deliver content in Spanish, Arabic and Chinese, as well as both official languages, through Radio Canada International (RCI). We are leading the transformation to meet the needs of Canadians in a digital world.

About CBC MusicCBC Music connects Canadians with the very best in music. Available through the CBC Listen app, online, on radio and in television specials throughout the year, CBC Music privileges Canadian artists and songs. Offering 200 free music streams, CBC Music draws from all genres and classifications with knowledgeable hosts and programmers. Home to the JUNO Awards and your favourite music from across the country, discover the next great act with CBC Music. For more, visit http://www.cbcmusic.ca.

For interview requests, image requests or additional information, please contact:Sheri Clish, rock-it promotions, sheri@rockitpromo.com Tonisha Bath, rock-it promotions, tonisha@rockitpromo.com

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Nominations Announced for JUNO Fan Choice Presented by Freedom Mobile, with Voting on TikTok - Yahoo Finance

The Descendants of Enslaved Communities at the University held a virtual collaborative arts event to celebrate Liberation and Freedom Day to promote and honor the legacies of the enslaved laborers who contributed to the University. The event was composed of pre-filmed performances, stories and conversations among descendants and premiered virtually on Friday.

Liberation and Freedom Day was first celebrated in 2017 when the Charlottesville City Council voted to commemorate March 3 as a day of celebration and reflection honoring the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Charlottesville, allowing many enslaved African Americans to escape and follow the troops.

Descendents of Enslaved Communities at U.Va. organized the virtual event. On their website, the organization defines its mission as to research and reclaim the narrative, to honor the legacies of enslaved and free Black communities and their descendants, and to achieve restorative justice for communities rooted at the University of Virginia and surrounding regions.

DEC Co-Chair DeTeasa Brown Gathers introduced the event and the organization, explaining that DEC will serve as the collective voice of all descendants of enslaved and free Black communities who labored at the University of Virginia through research, education and preservation.

Following Gatherss introduction, Anthony Max-Yeboah poured a libation a liquid offering that Max-Yeboah performed in the Ghanaian language, he said, in acknowledgment of the laborers who did not speak English at the Memorial to Enslaved Laborers to pay tribute to our ancestors and celebrate their achievements.

The event was interspersed with short clips of descendants of enslaved laborers explaining what the Memorial to Enslaved Laborers meant to them.

Kimalle Cottrell Dickerson a descendant of enslaved laborers Jim, Lucy and Dolly Dickerson called the Memorial a visible reminder of the true history of slavery and racism at U.Va.

It is a space to remember the courage [and] contributions of my ancestors and the thousands of others named and unnamed, Dickerson said.

Helice Henderson, DEC board member and descendant of enslaved laborer Jim Henderson, said that the Memorial meant honoring and recognizing [her] ancestor and the other 4,000 slaves who built this institution.

It means telling their stories and [the] start of righting a wrong, Henderson said.

Lorenzo Dickerson, descendant of enslaved laborers Garland William Dabney Maupin and Sam Maupin, said that as a filmmaker and storyteller, the Memorial is an attempt to uncover important stories.

For Dickerson a native of Albemarle county who is currently employed by the University as the director of communications in the Division for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion the location of the Memorial for Enslaved Laborers is more than a destination.

[The Memorial] is a physical acknowledgement of the work these folks did to build the University, Dickerson said.

Other descendants, including Julia Hubbard and Virginia Porter, shared their testimonies through art. Hubbard performed a rendition of Common and John Legends Glory and recited excerpts from Martin Luther King Jr.s I Have A Dream Speech, while Porter recited an original poem about her ancestors and said she felt that she had been called upon to rise to the occasion of keeping our ancestors spirits and memories alive until their souls are at rest.

You thought we had been forgotten but were still here, Porter said. Were the ones who built this University we toiled night and day to make life better for you while our families were trying to have a life.

After reciting her own poem, Porter performed a recitation of the Maya Angelou poem Still, I Rise.

Descendant Kerri Coles performed a poem she wrote as a tribute to her own ancestors and all of those who were enslaved alongside them.

We are guided by the stars by the spirit and energy of our known and unknown African ancestors, Coles said. We are generationally protected, indestructible and abundantly blessed.

Poet and descendant Richelle Claiborne followed Coles poem with her own piece about choice and the lack thereof. Claiborne also called attention to the deaths of Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery when she spoke of her hopes for her own child.

My daughter deserves a chance to go to school and not get shot, to go jogging and not get shot, to sleep in her bed and not get shot, Claiborne said. Choices people make every day without consequence should not cost us our lives.

Following the powerful spoken performances, descendant Veronica Price-Thomas performed a dance at the historic first Baptist Church in Charlottesville. The church was formed in 1863 by Charlottesville Baptist Churchs black congregants, including those enslaved at the University, when they successfully petitioned white church leaders to establish separate services for African American members.

Although a physical tour of the Memorial was not feasible, Gathers provided viewers with a shortened tour at the end of the event, in which she pointed out a poem by enslaved laborer, teacher and writer Isabella Gibbons.

Gathers closed the event with a piece of advice.

If you do nothing else when you come visit the monument, read [Gibbonss] quote, Gathers said.

Can we forget the crack of the whip, the cowhide, the whipping post, the auction block, the handcuffs, the spaniels, the iron collar, the negro-trader tearing the young child from its mothers breast as a whelp from the lioness? Have we forgotten those horrible cruelties, hundreds of our race killed? No, we have not, nor ever will, her message reads.

For more information on the work of DEC and upcoming events, visit their website http://www.descendantsUVA.org.

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Virtual Liberation and Freedom Day event commemorates the legacies of enslaved laborers at U.Va. - University of Virginia The Cavalier Daily

In a recent report Freedom House has lowered India into partly-free category Image Credit: ANI

How free is free and who is to decide? These are questions that all states and societies must answer for themselves. If someone else is to adjudicate in these matters, wouldnt that be a sign of external interference and proof of lack of freedom?

Having said this, every country or culture must also ask itself, quite impartially, if not self-critically, how free are we? This is assuming that freedom is a virtue, which in most modern societies is taken for granted. Freedom from slavery, external control, oppression, exploitation, and physical bondage. These freedoms we might consider universally desirable.

Furthermore, freedom from grinding poverty, inequality, injustice, or deprivation. These are certainly needed too. Roti, kapda, makaan bread, garments, shelter what we consider the bare necessities of life: freedom from not having these would also be essential to any notion of a good life.

Then, basic human dignity, not being denied the respect due to a human being, regardless of ones place of origin, ethnicity, language, religion, skin colour, or domicile. Freedom from bigotry, hatred, discrimination, intolerance, violence, torture, or custody. Due process of law. Freedom from fear of threats to life and limb, property and possessions.

Freedom from fear

Freedom from fear due to state and police brutality and sexual harassment at work or insecurity within the family. Freedom to follow ones social or sexual orientation, choose ones partner, even to cross from one gender to another. These, though debated, are also being globally considered as worth pursuing and guaranteeing.

Ultimately, the freedom to progress as per the orientation or inclination of ones inner being. Freedom to grow to ones fullest potential, unhampered or restrained by external forces and compulsions, whether these are social, religious, political, or economic. Psychologically and spiritually, freedom from anxiety, anomie, alienation, loneliness, suffering. Freedom to realise oneself. Freedom to love. Freedom to be.

The spectrum of freedoms is, indeed, almost limitless. And yet, freedom, though a value, is not absolute. There are natural and social limits to liberty. Even economic, religious, and political restraints. Speaking of the latter, till very recently, most people in most parts of the world were not free in the sense that we think of freedom today.

For instance, and this becomes so apropos on International Womens Day, March 8, women were not allowed to vote in the most advanced democracies of the world till just about a 100 years ago. In fact, some cantons in Switzerland permitted womens franchise as late as the 1970s.

Alignment with US interests

Given this background, we might as well ask how free is Freedom House itself which annually rates other countries across the world on its freedom index. Freedom house is largely funded by the United States government. In fact, according to their own disclosures this support is to the extent of 88% according to the 2018 figures. Given Freedom House's history of advocacy of freedom, especially during the Cold War, its alignment with US interests cannot be doubted.

Freedom, in the Freedom House sense, is thus highly ideological and loaded, not quite as broad and multifaceted as the various dimensions explored earlier. No wonder its annual Freedom in the World Report, which recently downgraded India from free to partly free has been met with dismay and indignation in India. Given our colonial hangover, weve been especially sensitive to criticism by our erstwhile masters, the white Western world.

But can we or should we really live up to their expectations or chart our own course instead? Bullying less powerful governments, parties, and leaders is the habit of the dominant powers of the world. When it suits its interests, the United States itself has unabashedly supported dictators and despots, inits own so-called backyard, Latin America, to distant corners of the world. Some would even say that the US itself is not a particularly free society, with all kinds of competing and sponsored intolerances let loose, like cats among pigeons, on a divided and disgruntled populace.

The good book sayeth, judge not lest ye be judged. But in our compulsion to impose our views and values on others, we are quick to judge and cast aspersions upon them. Let s/he who has not sinned cast the first stone another famous scriptural quotation may apply equally well here. Only the truly free may cast stones, so to speak, at the unfree. Not those who are puppets of their own governments and ideologies.

This does not mean that the Indian state and society should simply ignore such downgrades. We must not condemn ourselves to an ostrichlike denial of the external world or, worse, chauvinistic reactivity.

India should safeguard its constitutional freedoms, including freedom of religion, assembly, expression, and peaceful protest. Due process, executive and judicial transparency, and accountability of the legislature beyond elections are also absolutely necessary in a healthy democracy.

But our freedoms must also be aligned with our own culture, social norms, and the laws of the land. As a sovereign state India is accountable to its own people, who are its true rulers, not to foreign foundations, media houses, or governments.

Makarand R. Paranjape

@MakrandParanspe

Makarand R. Paranjape is Director, Indian Institute of Advanced Study. Views are personal.

Originally posted here:

Freedom in the World 2021: Who decides? | Op-eds Gulf News - Gulf News

Whether the Indian economy is on the road to recovery or not is a matter of debate. The government is celebrating the NSO estimate of 0.4 per cent growth in the third quarter. Allowing for statistical errors, 0.4 per cent could mean either Zero per cent or 0.8 per cent. The government has also glossed over the caveat entered by the NSO in its press release that Estimates are likely to undergo sharp revisions.

We want the economy to revive quickly and attain, at least, the annual GDP (in constant prices) of Rs 140.03 lakh crore estimated for 2018-19 or Rs 145. 69 lakh crore estimated for 2019-20. Those are the two years of rapid decline in the growth rate, yet we achieved positive growth of 6.1 per cent and 4.0 per cent, respectively. The next year, that is 2020-21, was when the pandemic hit the country, aggravated the wounds inflicted by incompetent economic management, and caused a recession the first in 40 years. According to the NSO, the year will end in March 2021 with a GDP (in constant prices) of Rs 134.09 lakh crore, i.e., -8.0 per cent over the previous year. It could be worse.

Meanwhile, the temporary respite of 0.4 per cent growth in Q3 comes with several worrying deductions based on the estimates for the whole year, 2020-21:

1. The growth is entirely attributable to the 3.9 per cent growth registered by Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing and 6.2 per cent by Construction. The slump in Mining, Manufacturing and Trade, Hotels & Transport continues.

2. Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) at Rs 41,44,957 crore is lower than it was in 2018-19 and 2019-20. As a proportion of GDP it is 30.9 per cent.

3. Exports are at Rs 25,98,162 crore and imports at Rs 27,33,144 crore, both lower than they were in the previous two years. As a proportion of GDP they are 19.4 per cent and 20.4 per cent.

4. The per capita GDP has fallen below Rs 1 lakh to Rs 98,928. The obvious conclusion is that while every one has become relatively poorer (except the billionaires whose number increased by 40 in 2020), many millions have been pushed below the poverty line. Those already below the poverty line have been pushed into destitution and, very likely, more indebtedness.

5. The recession and the pandemic have consequences beyond the economy: they have severely affected the education, nutrition and health of the people, and the impact must be more severe on the poor and their children.

The RBI has been more candid in its assessment of the State of the Economy.

Despite an uncritical endorsement of the Budget and other measures taken by the government, the article on the subject in the February 2021 bulletin reached the following conclusion:

There is little doubt today that a recovery based on a revival of consumption is underway. The jury leans towards such recoveries being shallow and short-lived. The key is to whet the appetite for investment, to rekindle the animal spirits. All engines of aggregate demand are starting to fire; only private investment is missing in action. The time is apposite for private investment to come alive Will Indian industry and entrepreneurship pick up the gauntlet?

Amidst a shallow and short-lived recovery and private investment missing, any celebration is totally premature. We must await the estimates for Q4 and for the whole year as well as the indicators for health and education.

While we keep our fingers crossed on the economic situation, there is bad news on another front. Indias rank has slid in the indices of freedom. In the World Press Freedom Index, India ranks 142 out of 180 countries and, in the Human Freedom Index, India is at 111 out of 162 countries. Freedoms in India have reduced, according to a US think tank, Freedom House. Indias score has slipped from 71/100 to 67/100, downgrading it from free category to partly free.

The particular rank or number is not important; what is important is the slide in perception and the impact on the lives of millions of people. Can it be denied that the media has been tamed into submission and that large sections of the media have become like vintage HMV record players of the ruling party and the government? Can it be denied that crimes against women, Muslims, Christians, Dalits and Scheduled Tribes are on the rise (NCRB data) and that such crimes are being committed with impunity? Can it be denied that Muslims are being scapegoated for everything from terrorism to the spread of coronavirus? Can it be denied that the Central government has become more authoritarian, criminal laws more repressive, tax laws and tax administration more intrusive, the police and investigating agencies more oppressive, and economic policies more biased towards the rich and potential monopolies? Can it be denied that the pervasive sentiment is fear? The latest shocker is that a cabal in Delhi had plotted on how to neutralise people who wrote against the government and spread fake news.

A declining economy and diminishing freedom make for an explosive combination. The slide must be arrested. The farmers of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh have chosen one path of resistance. The voters of Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu have another path before them.

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Besides economy, freedom is sliding - The Indian Express