Serhat Toraman’s Post

Where Do We Go From Here? August is over, the heat and fear have passed, But where do we go from here as a community, at last? We talked about words, how powerful they can be, But in our streets, the fight is still not free. We said, "people of colour," then we stopped to think, Because those words can divide, making us blink. In August's sun, the air was filled with words like "thugs" and "immigrants," spoken fast, But were they really talking about "fascists" and "expats" in the past? The riots have ended, the streets are calm now, But for many, the fear remains, like a quiet vow. They stay on guard, always alert, Just for living their lives, feeling the hurt. Don't be fooled by the silence after the storm, Their pain is real, their anger still warm. But in the darkness, a light was found, Communities joined forces, their voices proud and strong. They sent a message, loud and clear, That hate from the far right has no place here. But the problem is bigger than what we can see, It's hidden deep in places we might not agree. It's in our politics, our laws, every day and night, The work to fix it needs more than just one fight. It's a long journey, one we must take with care, To slowly remove racism's grip, everywhere. So as the news fades and voices grow quiet, Remember the work, the need to try it. Protests alone won't solve it all, But join us now, answer the call. The road is long, the climb is tough, But together, we can do enough. To break down walls of hate and fear, And build a world where everyone is clear. So, where do we go from here? We rise, Together, with open eyes. Join us in this work, this important fight, For justice, for peace, for what is right. 2.9.2024 Alyson Malach (she/her)

Today is a solemn day, and it is even more important to draw connections between the Caribbean islands and the Americas. We have a shared history that is critical to our survival and to moving forward in knowledge and unity as part of the African diaspora to our collective freedom. It's important to conceptualize slavery and recognize that it lasted 400 years. It's crucial to know that this meant an estimated more than 12.5 million people were taken from Africa. The beginnings of this brutal project were staged in the Caribbean and extended to the Americas. The colonies in the Caribbean—French, Spanish, and Portuguese, including Haiti, Puerto Rico, and Cuba, among others—were the epicenters of the sugar industries and the slave trade. It is important to remember that Haiti led the first Black revolution, becoming the second nation in the Americas to become a republic and a sovereign nation. As a response, European colonies tightened their hold and refused to let go of this inhumane industry. Puerto Rico was among the last colonies to abolish salvery. Puerto Rican abolitionist like José Julián Acosta, Francisco Mariano Quiñones, Julio L. de Vizcarrondo, Ramón Emeterio Betances, and Segundo Ruiz Belvis lead the fight and slavery was finally abolished in 1873. This is part of our history that all Puerto Ricans should know. Our objective is to solidify the importance of shared knowledge with our community within and beyond the scope of our arts and community building. Highlighting our connections to todays historic significance and invite us all to examine what this means to us as Puerto Ricans and Caribbean people. El Batey #Repost

🇺🇸 Reflecting on History: The Birth of American Independence 🇺🇸 As we celebrate Independence Day, it's crucial to remember the arduous journey that led to the birth of the United States of America. Prior to July 4, 1776, America was a collection of British colonies, subject to the rule of the British Empire. The quest for freedom was not easy; it required fierce determination and sacrifice. The American Revolution, ignited in 1775 and concluded with a peace treaty in 1783, was a watershed moment. Thirteen North American colonies rose in defiance against British control, seeking political independence and the right to self-governance. This struggle was born from years of mounting tensions fueled by British policies that increasingly restricted colonial autonomy. Today, as we enjoy the freedoms secured by our forefathers, let's honor their courage and resilience. The United States stands as a testament to the enduring values of liberty, democracy, and self-determination. May we continue to cherish and protect these principles, ensuring that the sacrifices of the past continue to inspire and guide us toward a brighter future. Click link in bio to read more! #IndependenceDay #AmericanHistory #Freedom #UnitedStates

Today is Emancipation Day, marking the beginnings of the abolition of slavery in Canada in 1834. Celebrate the strength and perseverance of Black and Indigenous communities and reflect on and learn about the dark history of colonialism, segregation, and slavery in Canada. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3OEkbmE

🌍 At the recent Emancipation Jubilee in Jamaica, a powerful moment unfolded as descendants of those who profited from the transatlantic slave trade stood in solidarity with the descendants of the enslaved, offering heartfelt apologies. This historic event underscores the deeply intertwined histories of the African Diaspora and the descendants of those who perpetuated slavery. As we reflect on these apologies, we must consider their profound implications for African Diaspora history and historiography. These acts of contrition are not just symbolic; they are a critical acknowledgment of the ongoing legacies of slavery that continue to shape the lives of Black communities in the Americas today. In a world still grappling with the heritage of the transatlantic slave trade and chattel slavery, these apologies remind us that the history of slavery is not just a distant past but a present reality that demands action and recognition. As we push forward, we must continue to challenge the structures of inequality that persist, using history not just to remember but to drive change.🌍 🔗 [Read more in The Guardian](https://lnkd.in/d9nwsEAW) #EmancipationDay #AfricanDiaspora #HistoryMatters #TransatlanticSlaveTrade #ChangeTheNarrative

Justice and Peace Europe, Sant'Egidio België/Belgique and Pax Christi International co-wrote a manifesto calling for a reaffirmation of the EU’s foundational commitment to #JustPeace. As envisaged by the EU’s Founders, peace should not be seen merely as the absence of war, but as a lasting goal rooted in #justice, #humandignity, and #dialogue. Read more about the initiative: https://lnkd.in/e4h_AFkQ

The nationalist monopoly on the interpretation of Quebec history must be challenged. The one dimensional lens that turns every thing that happened or happens in Quebec into a conflict between the French and English speaking communities of Quebec merits criticism. The 1837-38 rebellions that occurred in Upper and Lower Canada were an important part of our path to democracy in what would become Canada 🇨🇦 - a country that today is an internationally respected success story. The Lower Canada rebellion was a collaborative struggle that spilled the blood of French and English speaking militants in their common quest for democracy. But that is not what is taught in our schools nor propagated by the nationalist commentariat. Quebec nationalist politics has skewed the story of Quebec and Canada in the media and the history curriculum taught to our children for decades. We all need to be reminded that we live in a democracy. People who have a different interpretation of our past and a different vision for our future have every right to express those ideas- as vigorously and passionately as the nationalists. Every voice in Québec matters and merits being heard. Quebec belongs to all of its people not just some politically defined “majority “. Politics is a contact sport. The nationalists often engage in unnecessary roughness. Federalists need to get in the game.

1: On July 27, 1789, U.S. President George Washington signed an act that created the U.S. Department of Foreign Affairs. On September 15, 1789, the U.S. Congress passed an act "to provide for the safe keeping of the Acts, Records, and Seal of the United States, and for other purposes." And that act changed the name of the Department of Foreign Affairs to the Department of State, because some of the department's duties included domestic affairs. 2: At the 1996 Olympic Games in the U.S. city of Atlanta, on July 27, 1996, a terrorist attack occurred when a pipe bomb exploded—killing one person and injuring more than a hundred others in the first terrorist attack at the Olympic Games since the one at the 1972 Games in Munich, West Germany. 3: On July 27, 1830, France's July Revolution began. It led to the resignation of Charles X (10th), and the ascension of Louise-Philippe to the throne. Charles X served as king of France from 1824 to 1830. On July 26, 1830, Charles X published restrictive laws that were considered contrary to the Charter of 1812. The Charter of 1812 came into force through the French Revolution, and it created a constitutional monarchy, a bicameral legislature (two houses of parliament), proclaimed Catholicism as the state religion, guaranteed civil liberties, and allowed religious tolerance in France. The charter remained effective until 1848. 4: The Chicago Race Riots of 1919 began when, on July 27, 1919, a young African American man was stoned and drowned in Lake Michigan for swimming in a part of the lake reserved for Whites only. The Chicago Race Riots were a part of a series of peaceful and violent racial protests across the U.S. after World War I known collectively as “Red Summer” (red meaning bloody). That was during the era of legalised racial segregation in the United States. #history #worldhistory #globalevents #asia #europe #centralamerica #australia #africa #northamerica #southamerica #americanhistory #ushistory

Learn more about the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024) and the theme “People of African descent: recognition, justice and development.” #BHM2024 https://lnkd.in/dT59gs2

What if the founding of America was more about business than freedom? Discover how investors, monarchies, and the church turned land and lives into commodities. In our latest Black August series "Deconstructing the American Business Model" article, we delve into the hidden economic forces behind the colonization of America. Learn how European monarchies, trading companies, private investors, and the Roman Catholic Church orchestrated the systematic exploitation of Indigenous lands and the enslavement of Africans. See the chilling parallels between historical practices and modern capitalism, and understand the true cost of America's wealth. Stay tuned for more as we continue to deconstruct the American business model through the lens of Black Liberation. Support Black and Indigenous businesses this Black August and help us reach our goal of 1000 paid subscribers to Liberation Education. https://lnkd.in/eHTJ8nEU Join our community, engage in meaningful discussions, and access resources to drive systemic change. Visit my website for more insights and tools to create equity in education and beyond. #BlackAugust #Decolonization #EconomicJustice #LiberationEducation