Throughout this year it has been clear how culture has been shaping the public consciousness, pushing forward the visions against systemic oppression in our country. In our final month before the election, BIPOC artists, writers and organizers are tackling one of the tools that can take us further in our collective liberation - the right to vote. Educate yourself in this right and what else is needed to practice true citizenship for ourselves and each other. The list below holds the complexity of voting in this year’s elections featuring recommendations by Cultural Work Coordinator Roshani Thakore at roshani@apano.org and APANO's Arts & Media Project (AMP) members.
Watch
Tools for Artists in Civic Engagement – Artist and activist Favianna Rodriguez is joined by electoral strategist Cristina Uribe and together they provide an overview of the role of artists in powering political and cultural change. The upcoming 2020 General Election is an opportunity to unite in our shared power and have our voices heard. In a time where so much feels uncertain, art inspires and motivates us to take action for justice and a better future. This election year marks a historically significant moment. The pandemic has resulted in massive unemployment and racial health disparities. Across the nation, voters are experiencing voter repression and major challenges to their participation. This is why we need artists more than ever. This workshop will provide concrete examples and tools for artists on how their art can inspire people to participate in the upcoming election and give people the information they need to participate.
Practice
APANO Phonebanking – Connect with your communities by providing information about APANO's endorsed local candidates who are BIPOC and ballot measures. Happening weekly Monday-Thursday from 4-7pm. Email APANO Political Organizer Sophia Vicencio at sophia@apano.org for more info.
AWAKENING 2020 by FOUR FREEDOMS – Four Freedoms invites you “to awaken with us. This fall presents us with imminent possibility, a chance to commit to a world of healing, listening, and justice. The first step is to participate in political processes now, to count yourself in the census, and to vote or to help someone to vote.” An artist-led organization, they model and increase creative civic engagement, discourse and direct action. Check out the Infinite Playbook and join the AWAKENING March for Our Freedoms on October 3rd. More info at @forfreedoms.
Why We Vote: BIPOC Youth Roundtable – Hosted by Multnomah County Library. Young people aren't just the future, we're the right now! When young people vote we're choosing our vision, our creativity, our values, and our needs; because when we show up as individuals, we also show up as a community. Hear directly from young people leading voter registration work in Oregon about WHY we vote! Thursday, October 8th, 7 - 8 pm, online. Register on zoom.
Make Your Plan to VOTE! – Election Day is a month away on November 3, 2020. Oregon’s November 3 General Election includes races for President of the United States, U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, Oregon Secretary of State, State Treasurer, Attorney General, state legislative seats along with ballot measures. Ballots will be mailed to all registered Multnomah County voters beginning Wednesday, October 14.
Listen
Election in End Times – Hosted by How to Survive the End of the World (Autumn Brown and adrienne maree brown). Transcript. This episode is a repost of the Brown sisters 2018 conversation with Three Point Strategies, Jessica Byrd (@JessicaLBYRD) and Kayla Reed (@iKaylaReed) from Action STL. They cover basically everything we all need to know about engaging in the electoral process, especially this corrupt age, with our eyes on freedom.
Freedom Summer: Brittany Packnett Cunningham – In this special season of The Brown Girls Guide to Politics, we are diving into the past and how it is impacting our present and future. From protests to political campaigns, and youth involvement, change is in the air, and the fight for liberation continues. Today’s episode guest is Brittany Packnett Cunningham. Named by People Magazine as one of the five inspiring people chartering a path forward as America fights racism, Brittany is the co-founder of Campaign Zero and a leading force in the fight for social justice.
Read
On Nov. 3, I Am Voting for Myself – ”The American political system has failed us. But when we choose ourselves and we choose our communities, we are insurmountable.” An opinion piece by Adeline Gutierrez Nuñez, an Afro-Dominican writer. She is pursuing a master’s degree in philosophy and social policy and works at the Boston University Center for Antiracist Research.
APANO’s Candidate Endorsements! – As we reflect on what needs to change in order to undo the systems that brought us to this moment, we recognize the great importance of electing leaders who will be our advocates – leaders who come from and know our struggles. Ones who will fight to create fair and equitable healthcare systems for people of color, those who will push to defund the police, legislators that will lead in climate justice. Check out the local ballot measures and candidates that APANO is supporting this November. **Last day to register to vote in Oregon is October 13th! Register online**
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