For Black History Month, we decided to spotlight one of the many incredible organizers in each of our partner states who are making Black history of their own every day.
Today we are so proud to introduce you to Matthew from Mississippi and Hodan from Massachusetts.
Matthew made history by organizing the largest local school district campaign in the history of Jackson, with over 60,000 door knocks. Hodan has been organizing since she was 12 years old, and founded her own community organization (Black Boston) in 2020 at only 21 years old.
I’m so inspired by Hodan and Matthew — I know you will be too!
- Joe
|
What kinds of challenges and opportunities has the pandemic presented when it comes to organizing in Black communities?
"When starting Black Boston, we were in full lockdown. At the time, I don’t think we saw many of the challenges that came with organizing in a pandemic because organizing from our laptops and cellphones was all we knew. I think that one of the biggest catalysts to the success of Black Boston was the way we used social media and other digital platforms to engage with our communities. We had to learn how to create safe, engaging, and uplifting spaces online. While this was difficult at first, it taught me a couple lessons. 1) safe spaces can be created anywhere as long as there is a commitment to show up authentically. 2) Organizing that is rooted in love cannot be stopped by ANYTHING. 3) Young people have the capacity to bring new and exciting perspectives to the table, and it is time we are taken more seriously.”
Read Hodan’s full interview here.
FULL INTERVIEW
|
|
Hodan's Organizer Lightning Round
Your ultimate Black History Hero:
Ella Baker
The song you’re currently playing on repeat:
For Me - Pink Sweat$ ft Blxst
The self care practice you can’t do this work without:
Photography
Person you most hope to see run for President in your lifetime:
Stacey Abrams
Your hopes & dreams for 2022 in five words or less:
Continuing to grow with intention
|
|
Keep in touch with Hodan by following her on social!
Black Boston WEBSITE
Black Boston instagram
hodan's instagram
|
What is the most important piece of advice you give to young Black organizers, based on your experience?
“Hesitancy and doubt defined the early stages of my development as an organizer and still, at times, affects me. I’m an overthinker and it’s a process for me that leads to self-doubt, worry, and lack of confidence. All of the negative emotional responses associated with overthinking paralyzes action, especially immediate action. The most important advice I could give is to trust yourself. Nobody knows how to interface with our community better than we do. Use your instincts and lived experiences as a Black person to guide your work. And don’t be too reclusive with your thoughts and ideas. Share and voice them and use them as a part of the pathway to justice and liberation.”
Read Matthew’s full interview here.
FULL INTERVIEW
|
|
Matthew's Organizer Lightning Round
Your ultimate Black History Hero:
Medgar Evers
The song you’re currently playing on repeat:
Jean-Michel by Cordae
The self care practice you can’t do this work without:
Drinking green tea to relax and for good health
Person you most hope to see run for President in your lifetime:
I would love to see a Black person from Mississippi run
Your hopes & dreams for 2022 in five words or less:
Transformative and Restorative
|
|
Keep in touch with Matthew by following him on social!
follow on twitter