The Social Justice of Textiles
Many of us find comfort in the handmade. We know that most handwoven, embroidered, appliqued, and other ornamental elements of cloth are made by women, many of whom live in rural areas that struggle with poverty, lack of access to health care and limited educational facilities. We buy, collect, wear handmade not only for its […]
Essay: Soothsayer of Next Moves
I’m taking a short hiatus from reporting on the Oaxaca Mask Project to share this essay on being in the time of pandemic and injustice. Let me just put it out there. This is not fun. I scan the horizon for the human figure coming toward me. I watch their feet and bodies. Body language […]
Seriously, On The Mexico-US Border
Seeing Rachel Maddow in tears compelled me to action yesterday. I called and emailed both my Senators Burr and Tillis (R). I made donations to legal defense funds. I live in North Carolina where gerrymandering has determined national elections. I want to think of these representatives as people of good will with an ethical, compassionate […]
Locavores in Oaxaca: Eat Local and Who Makes Our Food
People in the Oaxaca valley have eaten locally grown corn, beans, squash, tomatoes, poultry and fruit for centuries, long before the term locavore came into existence. The farm-to-table movement in the United States is one example of eating fresh food produced within 100 miles. During the years I lived on an organic farm in Pittsboro, […]
Social Justice and Migrant Stories: I Have a Name
I Have a Name has a website. Writer Robert Adler and photographer Tom Feher have embarked on a project to document and personalize the stories of people who seek a better life in the United States. These are the invisible, the undocumented, the nameless, the ones who hide in the shadows, are fearful of discovery. […]
Mexican Immigration Heartbreak: Catch 22
Earlier this week I was visiting friends in Morganton and Valdese, NC, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Morganton is fortunate. It has a chicken plant that is still operating. Who are the workers? Latino/a immigrants. No one else wants the job. Morganton is also the home of the deceased, venerable U.S. Senator […]