Against the Current

February 8, 2024: Students at the University of Michigan led a demonstration in support of Palestinian rights through the Ann Arbor streets. (Kathleen Brown) On May 2, the University of Michigan held its annual commencement ceremony. Nine thousand graduates and almost 60,000 attendees gathered at the Big House to hear a variety of notable speakers… Continue reading In Defense of Derek Peterson’s Commencement Address

The following account is an activist’s report of her experiences and frustrations in joining the immigrant rights defense network Hands Off New York City (HO NYC), where the Upper Eastside activity is apparently under the rather heavy-handed leadership of a local Democratic Party club. Perhaps — at least we’d like to think — in other… Continue reading Immigrant Defense & the Democratic Party in Hands Off New York City

Malcolm X speaking at a rally in Harlem. I HEARD MALCOLM speak when he came to the University of Wisconsin in 1963. He had yet to break with the Nation of Islam and was protected by several of their bodyguards. All were dressed nattily in suits and small knotted neck ties. Malcolm had light skin… Continue reading May 19: Malcolm X on His 101st Birthday

Mass protest won the Voting Rights Act. The WSCOTUS (White Supremacy Court of the United States) majority has abolished it. (ACLU) ON APRIL 29, the far-right Supreme Court majority, in a 6-3 decision, declared that using race to limit inequality is unconstitutional. The argument discards 250 years of legal segregation and the struggle for equality.… Continue reading Supreme Court Guts 1965 Voting Rights Act

Like autoworkers, Starbucks baristas work for the same corporation across borders. Why not organize across them as well? “TARIFF” MAY BE Trump’s the most delightful word in the English language, but for workers, it represents a danger. It’s like accepting a two-tier wage structure to keep one’s job. Been there, done that. When Shawn Fain… Continue reading Labor Beyond Borders

Bruce Springsteen sang his new song, “Streets of Minneapolis” at the rally. (Randy Furst) ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA — Millions of Americans took to the streets March 28 to protest the Trump administration and its assault on democracy, in likely the most massive turnout of demonstrations on a single day in U.S. history. Organizers of the… Continue reading “No Kings” Day in the Twin Cities