Social Solidarity Economy Forum Visits North America

From April 7th - 10th, I had the honor of co-coordinating, along with Emily Kawano from RIPESS, NA, a convergence of hundreds in Detroit for the North American Social Solidarity Economy Forum. It was the first time the Social Solidarity Economy Forum had been held in North America. Presenters and participants came from Cuba, Quebec, Spain, Jackson, MS, St. Louis, MO, New York and all across the globe. We also had many participants and presenters from Detroit who shared the work that Detroiters are doing locally, as well as their Detroit collaborations across the globe.

Black Bottom ArchivesApril 26, 2016Detroit, Social Solidarity Economy Forum, Solidarity Economy, Tawana PettyComment

The Case for Wireless Community Ownership

by Tawana Petty

In just a few months, Detroit will boast one of the fastest internet speeds in the world. For those living in already invested in areas of Detroit like Mid-town, Woodbridge, Eastern Market, Corktown, New Center and Lafayette Park, this may be cause for celebration. Rocket Fiber purports to provide internet speeds “up to 1000 times faster than the average residential connection,” but what does that mean for a predominately Black city, ranked number two in internet disparity? Currently, approximately 40% of Detroit’s population lacks access to the internet.

Police Brutality, Detroit and the History of Organized Intervention

by Tawana Honeycomb Petty

Last week I witnessed what happens when police officers are properly trained in de-escalation and when community members respond accordingly. A scene at the corner of my street, which at its height had at least 12 police cars and 20-30 community members, ended with no lives lost. I am cognizant of the fact that decades of organizing, was at least partially responsible for how the officers responded to the incident on my street.

Black Bottom ArchivesOctober 27, 2015Tawana Petty, Police Brutality, Public Policy, Organizing, DetroitComment

Detroit and the Black Woman Condition

by Tawana Honeycomb Petty

Historically, Black women have been one of the most marginalized groups in the United States. We are often left to lead, as one of my comrades would say, “a life of quiet desperation.” If we are vocal about our conditions, we are “angry Black women.” If we are silent about our conditions, we are “lazy Black women.” If we utilize the limited resources afforded to us as a result of our conditions, which are symptoms of white supremacist policies resulting in institutionalized racism, then we are “Black women looking for a handout.” The Black woman is a punching bag for the dominate culture - governed by capitalism, racism, materialism and militarism.

The Tremendous Loss of a Neighborhood Staple

by Tawana Honeycomb Petty

It is unfortunate that so many of our valuable community assets are left to the mercy of landlords who often fail to see the value in what we bring. Such is the case with Conscious Corner Cafe.

Black Bottom ArchivesSeptember 8, 2015Capitalism, Displacement, Gentrification, Tawana PettyComment

When The Youth Cry Out, We Must Respond

Boggs Center to Nurture Community Leadership

Our young people are breaking the silence and the rest of America needs to listen, look itself in the mirror and act. We stand in solidarity with Baltimore, Ferguson and all oppressed communities responding to police violence. Locally, we remember Aiyana Jones, Shelly “Treasure” Hilliard, Terrence Kellom and others who have lost their lives at the hands of police officers.

The time to break our silence and respond to the call from our young people is now. It is time to cry out for people, not property...

Black Bottom ArchivesJuly 30, 2015Black Paper, Detroit, All About Detroit, Police Brutality, Tawana PettyComment

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