CLP x Morningside Park is a “symbolic victory” considering ALL things. As I explained to the ASNEAA board president (and my mother), it was necessary to persevere given all the hate in the world right now. This pop-up activation was not only a testament to humanity, but a wake-up call for me on how dangerous social justice activism can be. As a black woman, I am well aware of racism and the nuanced practice from microaggressions to physical violence. Gatekeeping of public spaces and resources; is why millions of people took to the street during NO KINGS DAY. The current disparity between America’s richest and poorest populations aren’t the result of “natural order” or “free markets”, but a manufactured manipulation driven by technology and literal “artifical intelligence”.
Rather than be defeated by bureaucratic forces out of my control, I kept my word as a leader to follow through with CLP x Morningside Park programming this month. I had done multiple walkthroughs onsite- and the goal was to target the surrounding community- including collegiate institutions for some cultural engagement. When I arrived on site and saw the weekly farmer’s market, it was a pleasant surprise! I decided to set-up at the West 110th Street and Morningside Drive entrance- next to the lovely Nature Conservancy staff (and much needed affirmation that I am not alone in my ambitious stance for social justice.)
Of course, HARLEM showed ASNEAA mad love!!!! Folks in all walks of life (literally and figuratively), stopped by the retractable banner to learn more about the ASNEAA mission. I know the ancestors of the Harlem Renaissance was proud of my soap boxing! CLP x Morningside Park participants were invited to:
- share their BIPOC heritage
- visit the ASNEAA website and check out geotags!
- play the BIPOC heritage timeline game
- social justice chalking
- donate / ASNEAA swag
Thank you to the CLP x Morningside Park host, sponsors and participants:
