Activism

APR 28, 2014 - Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, posted this pic of their mobile banner from NRA convention in Indiana of Uncle Ted and the NRA helping us realize that the TRUE poor, picked-on minority is actually middle-class, Christian, white dudes with guns. If only, Ted...if only. CSGV aims to make people aware of the crazy shit that comes out of the mouths of the NRA supporters and to make them MeettheNRA.org and find out what they are really about. (Photo credit: Coalition to Stop Gun Violence)

APR 25, 2014 - Rapper-Activist Common has formed a great non-profit called "Common Ground Foundation" aimed at helping young people "realize their self-worth and become resilient, thriving members of our community." In a statement on his website Common said "I started the Common Ground Foundation because I wanted to help. Most of all help people help themselves. I always believed that if we started with the youth then we would be planting the seeds for our future to blossom. Give the children a sense of hope, self -esteem, and love that will better the world...I think making a difference in the lives of others is life's greatest purpose. I walk this path with faith knowing that the Common Ground Foundation will Change the World."

This is great. I always believed just waiting around for the government to fix everything is a mistake. We need to form more non-profit foundations like this to empower our youth and poor, and help them realize their potential and to seize the day and Rock Your Rights! I urge all young kids and inner-city poor to do what Common suggests: Start eating healthy, have a better attitude, make better financial decisions, get an ID card (free in many states), get a bank account, register to vote, vote, get on a lease or a deed, take a vocational class. Doing all this and more will empower yourself to better places in life. Common Ground also holds summer camps, mentoring sessions, school art productions, and more; and Common himself spends significant time with the youth. Read more about Common Ground Foundation on their website here, and watch Common in a CNN video below talk about his work and passion.

April 21, 2014 - Pat Thetic of Anti-Flag discusses his new project Art For Amnesty and Coachella with Mother Jones in a great article. Pat talks about how the driving beat of punk music when he was young gave him a channel to release his political and activist energy, and talks about the song "Toast to Freedom" and his recent campaign to help the members of Pussy Riot and other artists persecuted for their free speech. They also discuss how the Coachella crowd is not their typical crowd they play too, and the festival is criticized (and rightly so) for costing $400-700 for tickets, travel, etc. and is obviously a crowd with disposable income. Check out Gabrielle Canon's column on Mother Jones here.