(no subject)
a little update on some interesting events that have been happening recently.
Really Really Free Market(A.K.A Mercado Libertario-
this is the name of the free-market i went to yesterday in carborro. there were lots of puppet shows performed by social activist groups from D.C. The premise of the really really free market is pretty self-explanatory. It uses carborro's town commons as a central spot for free trade. To elaborate on that statement a little, people make food, clothes or bring old cds, movies, books etc and everything is free... absolutely no charge. there was an abundance of zines being distributed, folk bands playing on and off, and various other performances. everyone who wants to take part can and anyone who can bring a share-skill is encouraged to do so. i got some neat stickers and zines, namely a zine on diy screen printing.
books for prisoners- this is a group that meets every sunday to distribute books to prisoners in the south east and deep south. they gather books through collection. prisoners send letters requesting books and this group does its best to fulfill those requests by sending out books to prisons. i want to type a letter that i kept with me from one of the prisoners:
"I want to personally thank you for sending the books; even though they were not in the catagory i asked for. i am reading Big Time T. Sloan. Now. It is entertainment, books have knolede(sp. knowledge) that is hidden withen the pages. It is up to the person to find it. This is my first time in prison and I have read over 200 books in the last 3 years. where i'm at in mississippi only 3 books a weeks to the newer the condition the better the chance of getting it through. only soft back. If by chance If you have a 2005 of 2006 Almanac I would love to read one I wish I had money to send to help you all but my family is still strugling from hurricane katrina everyone is ok :) If by chance you run across a book about getting inside music entertainman industry please save it for me. thanks and god bless. Jerell"
I loved my work today. I felt like i was actually doing something, even if very small, to better someone's life. I responded to this letter and sent a copy of the book "Light in August" by William Faulkner figuring that it might be interesting to read a novel that is set in this particular prisoner's location.
lastly, we also received a letter from an indigenous political prisoner in NC. His name is Eddie Hatcher; his story is that he got framed for murder. Eddie is a native of an Indian tribe, i unfortunately and regrettably forgot the name of the tribe, who spoke out and assemblied rallies promoting racial and social equality. Anyway, his letter and story in prison really hit hard. Here is a quote from his letter:
"For two years I lay sick on steel, unable to speak, shooting blood out of me. All the while they badgered me to death, harassing day in and day out."
he went on to talk about his intestines and bowel system failing due to malnutrition, not failing to mention how much he missed his young daughter who has not seen since 98.
i really hope this doesnt sound self-righteous as that is not my intention at all. i just want to share an experience with the hope that others may be inspired to start getting involved in the shaping of their respective communities.
- cameron
Really Really Free Market(A.K.A Mercado Libertario-
this is the name of the free-market i went to yesterday in carborro. there were lots of puppet shows performed by social activist groups from D.C. The premise of the really really free market is pretty self-explanatory. It uses carborro's town commons as a central spot for free trade. To elaborate on that statement a little, people make food, clothes or bring old cds, movies, books etc and everything is free... absolutely no charge. there was an abundance of zines being distributed, folk bands playing on and off, and various other performances. everyone who wants to take part can and anyone who can bring a share-skill is encouraged to do so. i got some neat stickers and zines, namely a zine on diy screen printing.
books for prisoners- this is a group that meets every sunday to distribute books to prisoners in the south east and deep south. they gather books through collection. prisoners send letters requesting books and this group does its best to fulfill those requests by sending out books to prisons. i want to type a letter that i kept with me from one of the prisoners:
"I want to personally thank you for sending the books; even though they were not in the catagory i asked for. i am reading Big Time T. Sloan. Now. It is entertainment, books have knolede(sp. knowledge) that is hidden withen the pages. It is up to the person to find it. This is my first time in prison and I have read over 200 books in the last 3 years. where i'm at in mississippi only 3 books a weeks to the newer the condition the better the chance of getting it through. only soft back. If by chance If you have a 2005 of 2006 Almanac I would love to read one I wish I had money to send to help you all but my family is still strugling from hurricane katrina everyone is ok :) If by chance you run across a book about getting inside music entertainman industry please save it for me. thanks and god bless. Jerell"
I loved my work today. I felt like i was actually doing something, even if very small, to better someone's life. I responded to this letter and sent a copy of the book "Light in August" by William Faulkner figuring that it might be interesting to read a novel that is set in this particular prisoner's location.
lastly, we also received a letter from an indigenous political prisoner in NC. His name is Eddie Hatcher; his story is that he got framed for murder. Eddie is a native of an Indian tribe, i unfortunately and regrettably forgot the name of the tribe, who spoke out and assemblied rallies promoting racial and social equality. Anyway, his letter and story in prison really hit hard. Here is a quote from his letter:
"For two years I lay sick on steel, unable to speak, shooting blood out of me. All the while they badgered me to death, harassing day in and day out."
he went on to talk about his intestines and bowel system failing due to malnutrition, not failing to mention how much he missed his young daughter who has not seen since 98.
i really hope this doesnt sound self-righteous as that is not my intention at all. i just want to share an experience with the hope that others may be inspired to start getting involved in the shaping of their respective communities.
- cameron