Dear John,

This week, I've been reflecting on the ways we demonstrate care for each other. It's been a week marked by the harsh reality of our houseless neighbors facing yet another heartless eviction, a cherished community spot ravaged by fire, and essential workers enduring neglect. Amidst these challenges, I find hope in witnessing how we rally to show up with and for each other. While we will continue to encounter oppression, our collective resilience uplifts us. If we lose sight of our capacity to support one another, we risk stalling the change we aspire to see in the world. So, as you sift through the stories of this week, allow them to bolster your resolve to show care and champion justice.

Here’s what we’re reading, watching and listening to this week.

1. Camp Neookaasi 

This week brought yet another eviction notice for Camp Nenookaasi. It's  disheartening to witness the city's misallocation of resources toward displacing rather than supporting our unhoused neighbors. If you're able,  extend your support to Camp Nenookaasi during this challenging time. Additionally, Camp Neookaasi will be hosting a community breakfast in solidarity with Palestine on Land Day this Saturday. 🍉

2. LA homelessness  

This recent post from the LA City Controller regarding the staggering number of unhoused deaths in LA in 2023 is truly eye-opening. It’s time for our leaders to allocate funds towards sustainable housing solutions – not dismantling encampments.

3. Chicago Teachers Union adovates for housing solutions   

Kevin Moore, a social studies teacher at George Washington High School, highlights the inextricable link between Chicago's housing crisis,teachers' working conditions, and students' learning environments. As chair of the Chicago Teachers Union's housing committee, Moore is advocating for housing solutions to support the increasing number of housing-insecure students.

4. Black Women in labor organizing  

Reflecting on the impact of her labor organizing, Patricia Johnson-Gibson emphasizes, “That fight alone keeps people from sleeping in their cars and being unhoused…Working for a multibillion-dollar organization, that should never happen.” During her second term as VP of health care at SEIU Local 105, Johnson-Gibson led a three-day strike as part of the largest health care strike in U.S. history, addressing dangerous understaffing exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

5. Labor conditions then and now

After the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in March 1911, which claimed 146 lives and ignited Frances Perkins' advocacy, we're compelled to examine our present-day struggle for safe working conditions across all industries. As we reflect on this tragedy, it's essential to scrutinize how our systems and leaders are addressing labor conditions and empowering workers today.

6. Francis Key Scott Bridge

Amidst the tragedy of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse this week, we mourn the workers who died in the incident. As we grapple with this, it's crucial to question why these workers were forced to undertake such perilous tasks in the darkness without direct access to emergency services. With better safety protocols and communication channels for essential workers like this, we can prevent these tragedies. 

7. Keith Ellison sues Evergeen Acres 

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a lawsuit against Evergreen Acres, a dairy farm accused of wage theft totaling over $3 million and providing substandard living conditions to workers, many of which are unauthorized immigrants largely from Mexico. Despite the allegations, Evergreen Acres owners Keith Schaefer and Megan Hill deny the claims, contesting that they underpaid workers or provided inadequate housing, as the case heads to its first hearing on April 19.

8. 19 Bar  

This week, a devastating fire swept through the cherished Minneapolis queer establishment, 19 Bar, leaving employees without work and the community mourning the loss of a vital safe haven. To assist affected workers, a fund has been established, while the Saloon is organizing a benefit event to aid in the rebuilding efforts during this challenging period.

9. Trans Day of Visibility  

Speaking of showing care and creating safe havens for each other, this Sunday, March 31 is Trans Day of Visibility. Starting today, this TikTok duo is starting their campaign to raise $4 million in support of trans healthcare. 

10. Cowboy Carter 

Beyoncé released her new album today. It’s got everything: country, pop, funk. We’re going to be dancing all weekend. 🕺 

And that's a wrap!

Send us what you’re reading, watching and listening to.

Until next time,

Ayanna Lee (they/she)
Digital Manager