Jay-Z and Pacquiao on Same-Sex Marriage

Boxer Manny Pacquiao was recently denied access to a scheduled-interview at the Grove Shopping Mall for his remarks about same-sex marriage, prompted by recent comments made by President Obama. Pacquiao stated that “I am against gay marriage, but I am not condeming gays.”

Unlike Pacquiao, many stars have recently come out not only in support of Obama’s statements, but also for same-sex marriage. Most notably, rapper Jay-Z publicly stated this week that it’s an issue of “discrimination, plain and simple.”

Boxers, hip-hop stars and incumbent presidents: these are not the usual suspects in the conversation about same-sex equality. Have LGBT rights gone mainstream in America? What do you think?

Posted by:

Ife

Free to Love Equal Rights

Just last week, North Carolina voters passed a bill strictly defining marriage as between a man and woman. The day after, President Obama stated that he personally agreed with same-sex marriage.

Last year, my friend, Tom Bridegroom, suddenly died. He was gay and had been living with his partner for several years in California. They had promised to marry as soon as it was legal. Tom’s family never agreed with his homosexuality, and after his sudden death, they decided to cut all contact with his partner, Shane. After an entire year, Shane decided to speak through a YouTube video, about his experience with not only Tom’s family, but with the laws as they currently are.

For some insight on the state of the marriage equality fight, I spoke with LGBT advocate with Milwaukee’s Pathfinders, Julie Brock, about her reaction to the ban in North Carolina, the President and the video, “It could happen to you.”

“I was sad North Carolinians passed the ban, but not surprised,” Brock said. “Oppression is institutionalized in America.”

… Continue Reading

Posted by:

Ife

Chicago’s Green Festival

Last week, Chicago hosted the Green Festival at Navy Pier. This two-day event featured some of America’s most progressive green thinkers such as Van Jones, Amy Goodman, and Naomi Davis – to name a few. The event featured 350 local and national businesses and organizations vetted by the Green Festival for either their organic, sustainability, or social justice practices.

Everything from food and body products, to compost toilets and consumer-ready solar panels was featured at the festival. Ford Motors even featured a new Focus made of organic materials such as corn husk, sweet potatoes, and wheat straw. My personal favorites were all the organic wine and beer but they were nothing compared to the Community Action Area where I met artist and musician Dan Bellini with Occupy Chicago.

… Continue Reading

Posted by:

Ife

When Young People Register, We Vote

A recent CIRCLE study shows that 84 percent of 18-29 year olds that were registered to vote showed up on Election Day to cast a vote in the 2008 election.

So don’t wait til the last minute – register online TODAY.

Posted by:

Ife

Celebration of Life for Rev. Eugene Williams III

Rev. Eugene Williams III was a dedicated community organizer and  religious leader in some of Los Angeles’ poorest neighborhoods. Always working to uplift the community, Rev. Williams used his gifts to help struggling churches raise money and resources that would ultimately go to the communities they served. He passed away on March 16, 2012 of lung cancer. He will be remembered on Saturday May 5th, 2012 at the University of Southern California at 1:00 p.m. Rev. Eugene Williams was a leader and asset to the community. He will be missed.

Posted by:

Ife