Dear John,

Happy Lunar New Year! There is something hopeful about the new year truly beginning now. It is still cold and dark, but there are better days on the horizon. We’re dancing into next week with our Big Love playlist and excitement around our Week of Care in Action. Text CARE to 79606 for updates.

I (Kenza) am off to deal with a frozen car situation…let us know how you’re doing this week.

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

1. Minot

This New Yorker piece looks at the worst hit county in the worst hit state in the worst hit country by COVID: Minot, ND. Read how COVID has impacted this community.

2. Moms

The current layered crises are impacting moms. Read how moms are coping – and empathize – in the New York Times.

3. Voting Rights Act

Author Vann R. Newkirk II weaves his mother’s legacy with the Voting Rights Act as it’s being chipped away by GOP politicians. Read this powerful article on democracy in The Atlantic.  

4. Care

Building a world where everyone is cared for means that institutions need to honor relationships we build beyond romantic love. Imagine love without hierarchy.  

5. Safety

MPD is beyond reform. Minneapolitans deserve better. Read about a different vision for public safety in the Minnesota Reformer.   

6. Anti-Asian Racism

There’s been a rise in violence against Asian people, especially elders, in the Bay Area. Don’t be a bystander. Rise up in solidarity against anti-Asian racism.  

7. adrienne maree brown

We’re big fans. Read adrienne’s latest interview on sustainability, accountability, and care.  

8. United for Accountability

As impeachment proceedings occur, we see AOC and others in their call for accountability, and we are with them. (CW: sexual assault) Read our movement building team’s powerful blog on accountability and sign onto our petition. 

9. Pole

The new Netflix documentary Strip Down, Rise Up explores the world of pole, feminine movement, patriarchy, and reclaiming our bodies. (CW: sexual assault). Read about the documentary and watch the trailer.  

10. Cinderella

Rodger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (AKA the best version) with Brandy and Whitney Houston is available for streaming. Sing along this weekend.  

That’s a wrap. Send us what you’re reading.

 - Kenza Hadj-Moussa & LyLy Vang-Yang