First, a bit of context. I am a DC native. I am a natural activist; I got it honestly from my Mom who was a shit-stirrer from the age of 15 when she joined the Junior NAACP in southern Maryland where there were “White’s Only” facilities and my Grandfather entered through the back door of the hotel/restaurant for which he was the head cook (what we would now call chef). And I am a life-long admirer of Dr. Angela Davis.

Recently, Dr. Angela Davis spoke at Busboys and Poets (a restaurant in DC) right before her birthday, during Palestine Week. If you get a chance, watch the video that is posted on @busboysandpoets Instagram account. She talks about Palestine, activism, community and humanity. I watched it because (I love and admire her, and) I feel very helpless in terms of what I can do to help the Palestinian people. Historically, there has always been a connectedness between the struggle of Black people and Palestinians.

Near the end, owner Andy Shallal asked an interesting question, one which hadn’t occurred to me. He asked her about the upcoming US presidential election. He said that many people with whom he’s spoken are torn more than usual. Many people are angry with “Genocide Joe” (alluding to the continued US allegiance and support of Israel), but do not want to vote for the GOP or that other guy who I refuse to name who is unbelievably able to run again because evil people support him. Andy said that he knows people who intend to not vote during this cycle and some who have even toyed with voting for the other guy. Their rationale: under dire circumstances, people become activated. They wake up and organize and fight.

This is some scary shit, y’all! But I guess I fall into the “sit this one out” bucket because the election hasn’t even crossed my mind. I don’t follow much of what goes on in the US besides within my personal circle.

But, I digress. Please watch the video if you get a chance. Or read up on the history of Israel and Palestine. It is a sad testament to what the absence of humanity does to people. Sadly, this is one of too many global examples.

Oppression is oppression. Let us shout NO!