5 Things Friday
Reparations take shape in SF, All Hail the Golden Gate Skate King, and we ask: What if the Capitol insurrectionists were Black? Here are your antiracism action steps for January 7.
Hey, it's a new year! Is time a construct? Sure is! But who would we be as human beings without birthdays and deadlines and those "one year later" feels? As in, it's been one year since the white supremacist-led insurrection on the capitol. And while we have things to say about it, the anniversary (and the non-stop media coverage) had us at Rep Co thinking about our own intentions for 2022.
As we have said before, we aren't here to regurgitate all the already-screaming headlines for you. We are here to spotlight and amplify the other stuff—the people on the ground tirelessly doing the work: The artists, the activists, the journalists, the teachers, the doctors, the educators, the elders, the businesses, the designers, the leaders, the musicians, and so, so many more!
And so if you're starting the year wondering if there is in fact hope for the future or if we are all just absolutely fucked, well...fair question. But after spending time with all the aforementioned folks (and the MANY MANY more we will introduce you to this year) we are feeling a whole lotta hope.
Plus, we know you have all resolved to keep doing your part.
Here are your 5 Things.
CONSIDER THIS. When we think about January 6, 2021, we think of the fact that thousands of White Americans stormed the US Capitol yet only 727 have been charged so far. And immediately wonder: What if they were Black? How many shots would’ve been fired? How many would be in prison? As Courageous Conversation Global Foundation points out, the privileged treatment of the January 6th insurrectionists wasn’t an isolated incident. This was another example of the different ways white citizens are treated versus Black citizens in America in the criminal justice system. Support and share the important mission of the Courageous Conversation Global Foundation by purchasing one of their "If They Were Black” shirts, re-imagined RIP shirts by Black artists that highlight the actions of the Jan. 6 insurrectionists and how Black people would likely not have received the same treatment.
SIGN THIS. While we're at it, let's change the damn system. To help end bias against Black Americans in the criminal justice system, send a message to your senators to support the First Step Implementation Act. This act will implement major sentencing reforms, allow people serving juvenile sentences a chance to file for a reduced sentence and more.
READ THIS. You're going to want to know about Dr. Ahimsa Porter Sumchai, a San Francisco physician and founder of the nonprofit Hunters Point Community Biomonitoring Program—she's been screening Hunters Point Shipyard residents for the effects of potentially hazardous chemicals that she's detected in people who live and work near the shipyard. Her story is a must read.
SIGN THIS. You may have seen this shameful display on social media, but it's time to move beyond the likes and shares to make sure the teacher and district is held accountable. For nearly a decade, a high school teacher in Riverside, California has been mocking Indigenous peoples, laughing and making fun of Native American heritage during her classes. Even though the school knew about it, no school officials seemed to care. Her supervisors didn't intervene until footage of one such "lesson" went viral on social media and public pressure made it impossible to continue turning a blind eye—yet as of today she is still teaching. Sign this petition to demand that Mrs. Reed's superiors at the school and at the District level are suspended immediately.
KNOW THIS. We'll admit, we haven't read too many government reports in full, but this one was worth a deep dive. San Francisco's African American Reparations Advisory Committee just released its first report, examining the possibilities of reparations for descendants of enslaved persons in San Francisco and detailing the Committee’s mission and goals. The Report offers a detailed outline of the Committee’s vision, direction, and desired outcomes, and provides a snapshot of the research and outreach they plan to take on over the next two years. We highly suggest you read through and think about how you can support this monumental and necessary process.
LISTEN TO THIS. Because while time is indeed A COMPLETE ILLUSION, we'll still take any excuse to sport sequin pants and groove under a disco ball. And no one inspires this quite like David Miles, Jr., the godfather of skate. So ring in the new year by listening to the newest Storied:SF X Rep Co podcast featuring the iconic founder of the holy rolling Church of 8 Wheels.