Category: local

futurisms and the concept of linear time

yesterday in my class ‘thru another lens’ we studied ‘afrofuturism & non-linear time’ and ‘who will we be when we are free? on palestine & futurity’ with the brilliant Reilly Hirst who helped us break down some of the complexity in ideas related to futurisms. my students rose to the challenge and helped produce a sharp discussion in class. it’s empowering to know that we can hack into an oppressive timeline and create alternative worlds St. John Fisher College  St. John Fisher Honors Program

‘the road to radicalization and the road back’

why are the UR college republicans so obsessed with ‘islamic’ radicalization? although the title of the event doesn’t say so, their guests are the usual ex-muslim / muslim-atheist / muslim-who-worked-for-homeland-security types, native informants who use the war-on-terror framework to secure their own place as ‘good’ muslims. the college republicans, under freshly minted leadership (after their previous president was issued a citation for spreading white supremacist propaganda), organized a similar discussion on ‘religious extremism in the middle east’ right after 50 muslims were massacred at two mosques in new zealand – talk about good timing (or bringing home the message). 9 months later here we are again. instead of these diversionary tactics that focus on 1% of the american population, shouldn’t they confront racism, islamophobic bigotry and general white supremacy within their own ranks? perhaps the center to end hate could help them?

celebrate palestine 2019

with ammi abbu and lovely friends at the #celebrate#palestine event at third #presbyterianchurch in @rochesterny – it’s an event i suggested years ago when i was on the planning committee of the witness palestine film festival 
i also suggested the name ‘celebrate palestine’ because there was a need to highlight palestine’s rich #history and #culture thru #food#music and #storytelling
wonderful turnout today and brilliant presentations by @mahmoudkurd and nadia abuelezam @palestinianspodcast

we’re moving

dear rochester family

i don’t know how to find the right time or the right way to do this. i’d love to meet each and everyone of u and tell u in person. but maybe this is a good way to begin.

we will be moving to long island in march next year. i’m thrilled to be close to our kids (in nyc) and for AT’s excellent job, but i also feel disoriented and numb. i became an activist, a filmmaker, an artist whose work is exhibited, and most recently a college ‘professor,’ here in this city. my work, friendships, and the rochester community are deeply entwined. i don’t know how to separate one from the other.

i love u all and am grateful for all that i have learned from each and everyone of u, in the last 17 years. i hope to meet in person and talk more but most importantly, i hope to stay in touch. 

who knows what this change will signal. i am determined to remain inspired by u and ur presence in the world.