By Karen Topakian
In a 24-hour period this week, I experienced the double whammy of democracy. I voted and was called for jury duty. Two activities at the cornerstone of our society. And I had no one to blame or credit but myself. I picked this week to serve knowing it included a federal election. Read the rest of this entry »
by Nicole Hsiang
Last weekend, Critical Resistance held a national, free conference called CR10, as a tribute to the conference that happened ten years ago in Berkeley where CR was first born. Thousands of people from around the country came together to share experiences, work, and built community around the struggle to stop the expansion of the Prison Industrial Complex (PIC). The common vision of the growing movement is the belief that the PIC, like slavery, will one day be abolished. Read the rest of this entry »
Agape Foundation Executive Director Karen Topakian with Enduring Visionary Prize Winner Madeline Duckles and Rising Peacemaker Prize Winner Elizabeth Sy at the 4th Annual Peace Prize Awards Ceremony. Photo by Bob Hsiang
To view a photo album of pictures from the event, click here
By Karen Topakian
Amidst a crowd of 150+ people Madeline Duckles took the podium by storm last night to accept the Agape Foundation’s 2008 Enduring Visionary Prize at its 4th Annual Peace Prize. Without referring to any written notes, the 92-year old winner inspired and captivated the audience with her views on war and her experiences with peacemaking. She even dispensed two pieces of practical information:
If you are ever sprayed with tear gas, have someone repeatedly pour cold water in your eyes. It will help the blindness but not the pain. Apparently she knows from what she speaks. Read the rest of this entry »
Community organizers have done a lot for our country
By Karen Topakian
Two nights ago, on the stage of the Republican National Convention former New York mayor, Rudy Giuliani seethed when he said the words community organizer. As he described the two presidential candidates resumes, he laughed when he listed this as Senator Barack Obama’s job experience. Read the rest of this entry »
Made in LA, Agape Grantee Spring ‘07
According to the US Department of Labor, the first Monday in September is celebrated as Labor Day, dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well being of our country. Read the rest of this entry »
Peacemakers deliver hope. With their actions. With their vision. With their leadership. They light the path to equality and justice. For us to follow. Read the rest of this entry »