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[authoraliciawilliams]

Who'll speaking at Wisconsin's SCBWI? Me!

Who’ll speaking at Wisconsin’s SCBWI? Me!

I’m sharing this little doo-hickey with you. An interview by SCBWI, promoting their upcoming Spring conference. Spring is just around the corner, and with it—the Spring Luncheon: Creating Richer Narratives. We’ve put together an interview series to introduce the speakers. Today we welcome Alicia Williams.   Alicia Williams is a graduate of Hamline University’s MFAC program. She is excited to…

[authoraliciawilliams]

Let me ask a question that I honestly don’t know the answer to.

What happens when you get the courage to #resist and then you’re silenced?

Good question, right?

This actually happened to someone I know. The story is much too personal to go into  details, but I want you to understand the frustration and anger to such an event. Long story short, artist and art teacher Andrea Downs, made a piece for a showcase at her school. All types of people–administrators, peers, students, public and donors–would have been able to view not only her artistic expression and hard work, but her voice, too. Her voice, views, and–personal protest.

Andrea was silenced.

Unbeknownst to her, the art piece was pulled from the gallery. A dialogue was not offered by “the committee” that made this decision. Later, she was able to speak her piece and fight for her rights to one individual, but still, the answer was something like, “Sorry, I understand how you feel, but no.” End of story.

Artists are vulnerable beings. Our spirit lives by expressing ourselves through our art form. Otherwise, we’d be politicians holding town halls or bankers calling the shots. What we do is emotional, heart wrenching, and painful. We grow, cry, talk to ourselves, shut down, open up, talk to others–we feel everything. And, we take risks. And the mass majority of people who don’t think with their right brains like we do, can’t possibly understand how we feel. Heck, half the time we don’t know how we feel, we’re too busy exploring and digging deeper.

As an art teacher, Andrea felt it her duty to be an example to her students. How could she encourage them to question, feel, explore, or take risks, if she was so quickly shut down for doing so?

Let’s think about this. What is the responsibility of an art teacher? Are they only to teach the fundamentals of lines, paint mixing, sculpture, depth, and whatever? Or, should they challenge their students to go further than what’s on the surface? My guess is that we want to cultivate a world where children grow to think for themselves, not memorize. We want them to be expressive and independent, not regurgitating thoughts of friends. We want them to be unafraid to challenge the status quo and use their gifts to do so, not hanker down and draw meaningless caricatures or reproductions. We want them to be able to freely express themselves, everywhere.

Was her art offensive? They wouldn’t pull it for no reason? There had to be a reason!

Take a look for yourselves.

At first glance, you may only see the words that are a play on our president’s slogan. But then you see the words in red: Trump. Hate. But look closer.

What are the small words surrounding the map? Look closer still.

What? “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden…”

Okay, I must be missing something here. Maybe the “committee” members are supporters of 45. Or, afraid that the public or donors might be offended by the political reference?

Ai Weiwei is a Chinese artist/activist in China who openly criticized the government. Uh-oh…. 

Surely people will understand the piece means: chose love, not hate. Right?

  Let me ask the artist. Why did you create this? What were you thinking? We’re not allowed to express our thoughts at work (unless you’re standing by the watercooler, of course).

“On November 29th, 2016, the Southern Poverty Law Center published an article that focused on the 10 days following the election.  Specifically, it addressed the close to 900 harassment and intimidation incidents that were reported, across our country, in the 10 days following the election.  I was appalled by both the shear number of incidents and the fact that they were categorized into the groups of people that I had an individual or very close personal connection with; “anti-immigrant, anti-black, anti-woman, anti-LGBT, anti-Muslim,” etc.

Maps (and the themes of identity and sense of place) have been an significant focal point for much of my artwork for the last 10 years.  Reading this article was an immediate and almost aggressive inspiration to create a piece that would reject our (now) President’s hateful words and actions, and remain committed to only choose love.”

Dang. The answer even feels emotional. Andrea is creating and teaching what so many others have done before her and alongside of her: using art as a form of activism. Even the Southern Poverty Law Center encourages schools to create lesson plans that teach tolerance through art.

You can view Andrea’s activism as political. But that’s more on the surface, we humans don’t like to think deeply or else it might agitate us or be of a different opinion. Art forces you to question: “What is this artist really saying? What do I really see in this?” Andrea is teaching tolerance and love. Wouldn’t it be amazing to teach children how to use art as activism, and that we all support them in their efforts of social responsibility? Imagine more kids using this platform for inclusivity. Perhaps we wouldn’t stare or mock the disabled or fear transgender friends, or hate those that we don’t know.

So, what happens when you’re silenced?

We’re artists. We never are silenced. We always find a way to get our message across. Even if it’s in our front yard.

Love on, Andrea Downs, love on. I hate to sound cliché, but love trumps hate.

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  What happens when you’re silenced? Let me ask a question that I honestly don't know the answer to. What happens when you get the courage to #resist and then you're silenced?

[authoraliciawilliams]

Without a doubt, we are all still in shock. Every single day we’re traumatized by the news. Well, at least for me and many of the people I surround myself with.

Most of us read books and have watched countless movies about the terrors and shame of our history. For me, I never imagined having to engage in a movement of this magnitude. I emphasize the word magnitude because there have been pockets of activism and protests all over the country.

I mean, when Bree Newsome climbed that pole and took down the confederate flag–that was so bravely badazz. When protestors took to the streets in Ferguson, I was amazed (not surprised) at the fierce passion of my people. Yet, with our political leadership today–whew–these pockets are no longer contained in certain areas or are major reactions to specific acts of injustice.

As our presidential election was gearing up, I began to question my role in this new movement. And on election night, I was dumbfounded and found myself struggling with hope.

What do I do? What can I do?

You must understand that artists are a particular type of people. We’re both expressive and vulnerable. I’m a writer, and writers tend to be introverts. We sit alone, becoming one with the words on our computer screens. Typing, deleting, and talking to ourselves. As an introvert, crowds are not my thing. It takes a lot to get me out of the house. But once I’m out, I’m good.

But protests? Marches?

Trust me, there’s a bit of guilt when I haven’t posted selfies of myself marching alongside friends. I believe there’s a certain camaraderie with like-minded people, and you get a sense of fulfillment for fighting for freedom. There’s also the guilt of knowing that my ancestors marched for my civil and voting rights. They were beaten down with clubs, blasted with firehoses, and attacked by dogs.

  Don’t I have a duty to march, too?

Let me let you in on a little secret . . . sometimes I play this game with myself. I say, “Alicia, what would you do if you were in this ____ situation?” I’ve wondered if I would be brave enough to escape slavery or scared of Massah. Would I have given up my seat like Ms. Rosa Parks or succumbed to the intimidation of the bus driver? What about sitting at the lunch counters, would I have sat resolute or black out from the pressure?

I even play this game today. When riding through the back roads of Tennessee, would I eyeball the driver of the pickup truck tailing me? Or keep on, hoping he doesn’t notice I’m Black? Would I stand up to a bully who is pulling off a woman’s hijab or secretly record it on my phone, hoping not to be his next target? Can I go to war with ignorance on Twitter? Okay, my schedule wouldn’t allow for it. Shoot, there’d be an entire revolution happening, and folks would be mad ’cause I couldn’t check my account till ten PM. (Shout out to my Twitter warriors!) Or would I climb a pole and snatch down a flag. Well, let’s be real–I ain’t climbing no pole. I couldn’t do it in elementary school, and am more than positive that I can’t do it now, that’s for certain.

See, life is offering us too many real “what if?” scenarios. I can’t take it!

So, that brings me to my original question: What is my role in society, in this movement?

This wave of change and oppression requires each of us to act. It’s my belief that we’re required to act in the best way that suits us, right? To be honest, I may not be one of the thousands of people who’ll take it to the streets. And as the Civil Right’s Movement of the ’60’s taught us that there will be those who are also called to drive marchers, feed them afterwards, and bandage their wounds. Everyone is able to choose what works for them, but it is important to note that we should take an active role in society.

It is important to understand that with activism, fear may arise. You may be afraid to bring up uncomfortable conversations with friends and family or are comfortable oppressing others, and talking about it! You may be a little scared as you prepare for your march. You may break out in a cold sweat if your Twitter account is trolled. Activism is new for many of us. But those who seek to limit freedoms do so by intimidation. Refuse to be intimidated.

Whether you call your Congressmen/women and annoy them to action, join grassroots organizations, fight voter suppression, donate financially to organizations like the ACLU–find your role. As for me, I write. I deal with the socio-political issues through my stories. I offer hope and bravery through my characters, even though I may fail at it through my sheer humanness. Just as James Baldwin articulated, it is my hope that my words may one day change the world. None of our roles should be considered any less or more impactful for it takes a village to destroy ignorance.

So, if you’re an artist struggling with your role as an activist, know that your art can be activism.

          Artists as activists? Without a doubt, we are all still in shock. Every single day we're traumatized by the news. 

[authoraliciawilliams]

Life can be simple, are we complicating it?

Life can be simple, are we complicating it?

Life can be so simple, really. But we humans complicate everything. As of late, it’s as if the world is folding in on itself. Everyone’s angry. There are sects all around circling and circling, calling names and waiting for someone to throw the first punch. In many cases, the first punch as already been thrown. Don’t folks get tired of having so much hate and anger in their hearts? It’s seems…

[authoraliciawilliams]

I’m tired. I just want to crawl into bed and have blissful, peaceful dreams. But I can’t. I was this close (thumb and pointer finger an inch apart), but I was on FB and read comments about the Charlotte protests. #KeithLamontScott,  was gunned down by police officers in the Queen City. Just a day before, #TerenceCrutcher was killed in Tulsa, Oklahoma. And the day before that…well, you get the picture.

I’m tired of the same stuff, different day. I’m tired of the story Black man/woman killed by police because (insert any of the claims here). I’m tired that folks still argue that “He had a gun” in a right to carry state. Or, she/he should’ve complied, even though hands were up. Or, he/she pointed the gun, when white males can shoot at cops or kill a mall full of folks and still be apprehended alive. Or, when we cry black lives matter, there’s an echo cry of “white/blue/all lives matter”–when, duh, that’s already been established.

I know, it’s just me. I’m the one that’s ranting because I’m tired. Not to be confused with the Twitter complaints of protestors shutting down streets and highways because that’s the real inconvenience. Trust me, I want to hit the highway, mind my own business, and stop off at Friday’s for a drink, too.

Even though I’m exhausted, I’m staying up not to write any of the stuff above. Disregard all of that. I just had to get it out of my system. This blog is only meant to address the riots. “Why tear up stuff?”

First reaction is to of course, question and agree, “I don’t condone rioting or looting of any kind,” right? Then I thought about it…why is it that we only post status updates when it comes to these protests and then label the people as thugs and such? I’m not saying that there hasn’t been an element that has gone astray, but as I told my daughter: we’re dealing with a generation that has been reminded over and over that their lives don’t count, are worthless. When bodies of their brown brothers and sisters can be killed, chilled on the street for hours till the coroner finally comes, and no repercussions at all…well, there is anger beyond what we can imagine in their bodies. They are not the protestors of the CR Movement singing freedom songs. Hope has been snatched away from them, so you think they’ll value someone’s car or store?

Rioters overturn and burn a parking kiosk near Parker Center, LAPD headquarters, in downtown Los Angeles. Los Angeles has undergone several days of rioting due to the acquittal of the LAPD officers who beat Rodney King. Hundreds of businesses were burned to the ground and over 55 people have been killed.

But still…debates continue. Yes, blacks have rioted. Who needs to be reminded of the LA Riots AFTER  the Rodney Kind verdict. Oh yeah, there was a video of several officers beating the heck out of him. “We shall overcome . . . we shall overcome one day-y-y.”

Where was this disdain and public outrage when college boys are being boys and sports fans were just overly passionate?

** FILE** Bubba Helms, left, celebrates after the Detroit Tigers won the 1984 World Series in Detroit in 1984. Detroit erupted into chaos in 1984, following the Tigers’ World Series victory over the San Diego Padres. There hasn’t been a riot since then, but the image of chaos in Detroit has become so ingrained that officials find it necessary to point out when local fans behave themselves. (AP Photo/Robert Kozloff)

Perhaps the protestors should repackage their protests/riots…make them less about protesting their right to live and mask it under sports. Perhaps the masses will be able to identify with their struggle? Okay, I’m being cynical…but forgive me, I haven’t been sleeping too well lately.

Why riot and burn down cities? This is such a tough question given the fact that there is a history of rioting and looting of Black towns with reasons gone unanswered till this day. Recently, @atlantablackstar has reported on eight: 8 Successful and Aspiring Black Communities Destroyed by White Neighbors Atlanta Race Riot (1906); Greenwood , Tulsa, Oklahoma “Black Wall Street” (May 31 – June 1, 1921); Chicago Race Riots (1919); Rosewood Massacre (1923); Washington, D.C. Race Riots (1919); Knoxville, Tennessee Race Riots (1919); New York City Draft Riot (1863); The East St. Louis Massacre (1917)…

And I won’t go into church bombings and stuff like that…I’m so tired to try to go with a full history lesson. But my point is…why is the outrage always one-sided?

Hint: the narrative is slanted. If we are fed day in and out that Blacks have a tendency towards aggression and anger, then it won’t take long to believe this as truth.

Well, aren’t “they” proving it with rioting? *slaps palm to forehead*

I’m tired.

I’ll go ahead and borrow some quotes from Appalachian poet and friend, Rikaldoh Nazahrioh-K.’s page (last initial used only because I didn’t seek permission to post this first). Rikaldoh went back and forth with the question above and here are thoughts from the intellectual:

“The power to protest is inherent to this nation. We have throughout history rioted, burned, destroyed our spaces when government has failed to protect its people. We cannot have amnesia of the fabric of this nation. On the other hand we cannot ask people to turn the other cheek when both cheeks have been slapped multiple times. It is discomforting and disconcerting and perhaps that is what is needed to address the issue of police murdering citizens. We need more people involved demanding change.” (Differing opinion inserted here) . . . “No one has answers that is why e are where we are. Citizens have been patient watching people being killed. Hoping someone in government be it local regional sate or national would intervene and demand, legislate some action to change training or modalities or personnel. No one has and the citizens’ cup has runneth over once again. Until these issues are addressed systemically we will continue to periodically see death and protest. I hope it doesn’t become the norm…”

Well, until thinking like the one below changes, I’m afraid it might be the norm. Lord, I hope not.

Barbara–

the only way to end violence is to be more violent then you enemy….if the blacks would wake up some morning and find 30 decapitated heads hanging from stop signs thet would get the message

Like · Reply · 2 hrs

  But why do they have to riot, though? I'm tired. I just want to crawl into bed and have blissful, peaceful dreams. But I can't.

[authoraliciawilliams]

Hurruh! Superbowl and the Demonstrative Cam Newton!

Hurruh! Superbowl and the Demonstrative Cam Newton!

In a few hours America will go insane when the beloved Superbowl starts. Half-time shows, entertaining commercials, wild fans, themed foods, and of course, an intense game. Amidst all of the excitement, I’m troubled by the villainization of Cam Newton. Not just because I think he’s hot and has an ah-mazing rock hard body that I’d love to touch. *ahem* That’s beside the point, ladies and…