Solidarity: We know that the structures of domination cannot be undermined without risk. Through solidarity, we share the price of our resistance and attempt to mediate the violence of the systems of oppression. While we may incur suffering as a result of our actions, we don’t embrace suffering for its own sake. Our goal is to alleviate suffering, and our solidarity extends to all who suffer under political and economic repression. -Lisa Fithian

Nonviolence, Solidarity, and Diversity

Direct Action and “The White Moderate” – A reflection on what Dr. King has to say about non-violent direct action, and the significance of what he calls ‘the white moderate.’

Why Calls for ‘Diversity’ On Campus Aren’t Enough – from BlackGirlDangerous, a fabulous blog aimed at amplifying the voices of Queer and Trans People of Color 

On White People, Solidarity and (Not) Marching for Mike Brown: “Solidarity is not meant to be comfortable. It is not shining light on yourself as ally at the expense of the oppressed…It is understanding that…at the end of the day, when you get tired of marching and chanting, you can put your hands down and feel confident that the police won’t see you as a threat. Some of us simply don’t have that luxury.”

Re-Thinking Non-Violent Resistance (PODCAST) – My guests on All Together…described the unacceptability of the way African-Americans are treated by our police and criminal justice system. We discussed what we mean when referencing the non-violent resistance and wondered together what Dr. King and others really had in mind when he preached non-violence?

My “Nonviolent” Stance Was Met With Heavily Armed Men  – “How can the sleeping white church, of which I am a part, mobilize the church militant? How can we spiritually prepare and discipline the followers of Christ to put their bodies on the line?”

Nonviolence as Compliance – “When nonviolence is preached as an attempt to evade the repercussions of political brutality, it betrays itself. When nonviolence begins halfway through the war with the aggressor calling time out, it exposes itself as a ruse…”

From the St. Louis CW Community: “Beyond White Privilege: Witnessing Whiteness,” “Solidarity, Nonviolence and Ferguson,” and “Anti-Racism Organizing for White People” 

4 Ways Humanitarian Work Abroad Reinforces the Oppression It Should Be Fighting – “…given charity work’s imperialist legacy, it’s vital that we approach it collaboratively, in ways that actually serve and empower low-income communities and eliminate the structural forces of political and economic oppression.”

Diversity is for white people: The big lie behind a well-intended word – “…Diversity is not the wake-up call that white America needs. It’s the snooze button….”