Today is Giving Tuesday, the international day of giving.
You don't need us to tell you that 2020 has been a year like no other. You've heard it from friends, you've heard it from businesses, you've heard it from politicians. Amid the pain and turmoil multiple crises have caused this year, we have also seen a mass conscious shift towards abolition, greater numbers of people demanding more from the systems that government them, and an exponentially growing network of mutual aid.
In this season filled with spectacle, spending, and surplus, we are yet again reminded of how money and economic systems control our world, shift power to the top, and prey on our every waking desire even during a pandemic. Still, our power is immense. Our power is unapologetic. And our power is growing.
If able, support SoapBox, other grassroots organizations in your communities, and/or mutual aid efforts to actualize a world we believe in and art that reflects that vision.
As the state continues to fail us and a corporations continue to rake in record profits while our loved ones are literally dying, 2020 reminds us time and time again
From #DefundCPD Campaign - "Out of an unprecedented wave of uprisings, a group of Chicago’s Black abolitionist organizers came together and launched #DefundCPD in July with a weekend of mass trainings and a demand to defund the Chicago Police Department by 75%. Our intention was to offer a container for organizing, connecting, and wielding our power in the form of a massive, participatory, grassroots fight to defund police in our city.
Today, Chicago’s City Council approved an anti-Black budget that failed to make changes to reflect what Chicago has been crying out for. The city’s budget process, like many processes in City Hall, has traditionally been a matter of rubber stamping a mayor’s agenda. Because of enormous public pressure and sustained protest, this year’s budget passed but with a historic 21 “no” votes.
We will continue to fight to #DefundCPD year after year. Thank you to each and every person who has been fighting alongside us. We see you. We love you. Together, we will win. Read the full statement at bit.ly/defundcpdstatement."
Chicago Drill and Activism (AKA "Chi DNA") is now in the middle of post! For those under a rock, the Chi DNA feature documentary and larger cross-platform, multi-media project explores the creation, meaning, perspectives, and connections between drill rap and the resurgence of grassroots activism since the early 2010s through the eyes of the people involved. The feature documentary is a nuanced look at the interrelationship between drill rap and activism in Chicago as Tweak'G, independent rapper and activist, traverses many spaces while honing her sound and place in a misunderstood city. Photo of Tweak'G by director Caullen Hudson.
Hey fam, our film/activist comrade Dakota Sillyman, beautiful soul and SoapBox cinematographer behind some of your favorite projects is seeking community support for medical procedures. Consider supporting financially (if able) and/or spreading the word! Photo by Sean Kelly.
SoapBox Productions and Organizing is a film and social activism nonprofit specializing in multimedia storytelling for structural social change. We pair art and media with grassroots organizing efforts by developing, documenting, and promoting racial, economic, and social justice initiatives with community collaborators. Our mission is to utilize media to power and sustain social movements for a more equitable and creative world.
