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My White Friend Asked Me on Facebook to Explain White Privilege. I Decided to Be Honest by Lori Lakin Hutcherson — YES! Magazine

Yesterday I was tagged in a post by an old high school friend asking me and a few others a very public, direct question about white privilege and racism. I feel compelled not only to publish his query, but also my response to it, as it may be a helpful discourse for more than just a few folks on Facebook.

Source: My White Friend Asked Me on Facebook to Explain White Privilege. I Decided to Be Honest by Lori Lakin Hutcherson — YES! Magazine

UCSC emerita professor Angela Davis to be inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote, The National Women’s Hall of Fame will host a weekend this September in New York honoring the achievements of American women in the birthplace of the country’s Women’s Rights movement.

The highlight of the weekend will be the induction of 10 prominent women into the Hall of Fame for their historic achievements. UC Santa Cruz distinguished professor emerita Angela Davis will be one of those women receiving that honor.

Source: UCSC emerita professor Angela Davis to be inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame

Ocasio-Cortez Rips Trump’s Racist Attack: Our Power ‘Makes You Seethe’ | HuffPost

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) rebuked President Donald Trump’s bold-faced racism on Sunday after he said on Twitter that progressive Democratic congresswomen should “go back” to the countries they “originally came from,” which he described as “totally broken and crime infested.”

In response, Ocasio-Cortez reminded him that America is her country.

Source: Ocasio-Cortez Rips Trump’s Racist Attack: Our Power ‘Makes You Seethe’ | HuffPost

Thousands in SoCal protest planned ICE raids | abc7.com

Thousands of people across Southern California protested Friday ahead of planned ICE raids scheduled to take place Sunday.

Source: Thousands in SoCal protest planned ICE raids | abc7.com

Grow a 100-Year-Old Self-Sustainable Food Forest in Your Backyard in Just 10 Years

Do you dream of a mini-forest in your backyard? What would you need? A minimum of 100 sq. m. plot. You get a forest at the lowest possible cost- for you and for nature. Give it eight months after planting the saplings, the forest will become so dense that it blocks sunlight from touching the ground. …

Source: Grow a 100-Year-Old Self-Sustainable Food Forest in Your Backyard in Just 10 Years

This Native Tribe in the Philippines Makes Ornately-Carved Bikes from Wood

An Aborigine tribe in the Philippines is making headlines for designing and riding ornately carved bikes made from wood. Though the beautiful bikes were created out of desire and necessity, as few Igolot-Garonne tribe members can afford a conventionally-made bicycle, people around the world are expressing a preference for the carved bike. Photographs of the …

Source: This Native Tribe in the Philippines Makes Ornately-Carved Bikes from Wood

H.I.V. Is Reported Cured in a Second Patient, a Milestone in the Global AIDS Epidemic – The New York Times

Aussie fall from the sky, bleeding from their eyes and mouths

It could have been a scene out of an Alfred Hitchcock fright film — but it was happening in real time. So say bird rescuers who found a chilling scene in South Australia this week when birds were “falling from the sky” and subsequently discovered in trees and on the ground, bleeding from their beaks and eyes.

Source: Aussie fall from the sky, bleeding from their eyes and mouths

If Seeing the World Helps Ruin It, Should We Stay Home? – The New York Times

Thousands protest immigrant concentration camps at vigils across the US – World Socialist Web Site

The vigils were an international event, with at least one event taking place in every US state and across five continents, expressing the broad popular opposition to the persecution of immigrants.

Source: Thousands protest immigrant concentration camps at vigils across the US – World Socialist Web Site

This website was created to be a resource of information on the art of Capoeira Angola. Here, you’ll find information about Capoeira Angola in all its aspects, including articles, music and songs, basic movements, etc. Now mind you, this website is NOT supposed to be an end-all be-all for information about Capoeira Angola. What I post here is MY OWN OPINION. And let me tell you, the more I learn about this art, the more I realize that I have a lot more to learn. This web site is an ongoing project, which means as time goes by, this site will change, just as Capoeira changes with time. Things will be added, and things will be discarded. However, this website, first, last, and middle, will always be about the tradition of Capoeira Angola.

This website serves as a dedicated platform where I share articles, personal reflections, and diverse content exploring the multifaceted experiences of Black men, both here in the United States and in Brazil.For those who genuinely question the fundamental premise behind the "Black Lives Matter" movement, I urge you to click HERE and HERE, and immerse yourself in the lived realities and historical injustices that necessitate such a declaration. This is not merely a slogan; it is a plea for recognition, equality, and an end to systemic discrimination that continues to affect Black communities worldwide.

SO, WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE BLACK IN BRAZIL? The experiences of Black individuals in Brazil are shaped by a long and complex history of slavery and systemic racism, which has deeply influenced societal structures and cultural dynamics. This historical backdrop contributes to a rich and diverse culture that celebrates African heritage and traditions, seen in music, dance, and gastronomy. However, despite these cultural contributions, Black Brazilians continue to face significant challenges, including enduring social inequality, limited access to education, and underrepresentation in political and economic spheres. The struggle for recognition, justice, and equality remains a critical issue, as communities strive to overcome barriers and advocate for their rights in a society still grappling with the legacy of its past. Click HERE to learn more.

WHAT IS A MALANDRO? A malandro is a person who lives outside societal rules, embodying a rogue or trickster archetype that can be seen as either a negative criminal or a clever, resourceful anti-hero, depending on the cultural context and interpretation. This unique figure often operates in the shadows of society, navigating through life with a sense of charm and wit that allows them to evade traditional restrictions. While the term generally carries negative connotations of a crook or petty criminal in Spanish-speaking South America, where it symbolizes deceit and trickery, in Brazilian culture, the malandro has evolved into a complex figure representing cunning, fluidity, and unconventional problem-solving. In fact, this archetype can sometimes be viewed as a folk hero, celebrated for their ability to outsmart the system and adapt to challenging situations. The malandro's adventures often reflect resilience and creativity in the face of adversity, inviting both admiration and criticism, and sparking debates about morality and survival. Click HERE for more.

My friend and Capoeira sister Liza Bernstein has published a fascinating post about the arame, which is an essential component of the berimbau, the most important instrument in our beloved martial art. To learn more about it, just click HERE and dive into Liza's insightful exploration. Her writing not only illuminates the meaning behind the arame but also connects it to the deeper philosophies of Capoeira, making it a must-read for anyone looking to enrich their understanding of this beautiful art form. Don't miss out on the chance to broaden your perspective and immerse yourself in the transformative power of this captivating martial art! And, in case you don't know, she has also published an insightful article on this blog about Mestre Bigodinho, a legendary figure whose contributions to Capoeira have inspired many practitioners around the world. His distinct style and philosophy not only shaped the way Capoeira is practiced but also fostered a sense of community among its followers. You can check out her article HERE to learn more about his life and legacy, and to gain a deeper appreciation for the roots of this incredible art form.

THE BLACK HOLOCAUST!!! This term represents the historical and ongoing atrocities against Black people globally, particularly highlighting the transatlantic slave trade and its enduring impacts, also known as the "Maafa," the "African Holocaust," and the "Holocaust of Enslavement." The legacy of these horrific events continues to resonate today, as descendants of those directly affected grapple with the psychological, cultural, and economic ramifications of centuries of oppression. It serves as a profound reminder of the resilience and strength of Black communities, who have fought tirelessly for justice, equality, and recognition of their history. Acknowledging this dark chapter is crucial for understanding contemporary issues of racial inequality and injustice, as these foundational traumas still shape the societal landscape and the lived experiences of Black individuals. Efforts to educate and raise awareness about the Black Holocaust not only honor the memory of those who suffered but also empower current and future generations to confront and dismantle the systems of oppression that persist in various forms around the world. Click HERE to learn more about it.

SELF-PROTECTION WITH BLACK POWER! Is our history merely about slavery and civil rights? African and African-Diasporic Martial Arts are distinguished by their focus on culture, identity, and method, celebrating the beauty and heritage of our people through a rich tapestry of movement, rhythm, and philosophy. These martial practices, steeped in tradition, not only serve as a means of self-defense but also as a profound expression of cultural identity and historical continuity. While acknowledging the harsh realities of racism and oppression that have shaped our legacy, these martial arts emphasize the resilience and indomitable spirit of our ancestors, empowering individuals to reconnect with their roots, embrace their heritage, and redefine their identity in today’s world. Please click HERE to check out 52 Blocks Norfolk VA, a not-for-profit organization promoting Black History and Pan-Afrikanism through the training and discipline of 52 Blocks, which is an Afrocentric Martial Art embodying Black ingenuity and resilience. Rooted in the American African descendant experience, it transforms historical struggle into tactical defense and artistic expression. The system honors a global lineage of adaptation and survival, empowering all ages to remain grounded and purposeful. Beyond self-defense, 52 Blocks fosters a global community dedicated to growth, unity, and cultural restoration. Additionally, resources like the WARRIOR CLASS podcast (Click HERE to watch) and BLACK LIBERATION MEDIA YouTube channel (Click HERE to watch, and please go to their website black liberation.org) provide valuable insights and perspectives that challenge mainstream narratives, offer historical context, and promote community empowerment through education, discussion, and advocacy for social justice. Together, these elements forge a holistic approach to healing, self-improvement, and cultural celebration, urging us to look beyond the confines of a singular historical narrative. REMEMBER WHO WE ARE.

HELP FOR PALESTINIAN VICTIMS: Click HERE for comprehensive ways to help Palestinians on the ground, where the impact of the ongoing conflict has been devastating. In addition to direct assistance, you can also donate to reputable organizations that provide crucial aid to Palestinians, such as the Palestine Children's Relief Fund (PCRF), which works tirelessly to deliver essential support like food, shelter, and medical care to those affected by the conflict. Furthermore, there are a variety of other organizations you might consider supporting, including the UN Crisis Relief Fund for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, UNICEF, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), all of which play a vital role in providing critical aid in the region. Your contribution can make a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals and families who are facing unimaginable hardships every day.