CHRONIC 2017 WORKSHOP SUMMARIES
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15TH
WELCOME TO CHRONIC 2017
TIME: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Sankofa ( To Go Back) Timeline Session 101 – Cafeteria
The Sankofa session is an opportunity to develop a visual timeline that reflects on a legacy of exploitation and racism in the US as well as our past, present, and future resistance. Included in this exercise is a time for visualizing where we are headed and what our movement will look like in the years to come. We will build upon this timeline throughout the conference.
Christina Spach, Food Chain Workers Alliance
Molefi Askari, Ubuntu Institute for Community Development
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16TH
PROGRAM SESSION BLOCK I
TIME: 10:45 pm – 12:30 pm
Move To Amend – Room 1
This session will discuss the movement to amend the Constitution to abolish corporate personhood and money as speech, and to build a democracy movement across issues and oppressions that works together to replace our current corporate system with a system of justice for all. Also, explore consensus building as a means for network decision making.
George Friday, Move to Amend
Ubuntu Economic Model - Room 2
The Ubuntu model, seeks a solution to the universal provision of the basic human rights to the basic human needs of food, water, shelter, and access to love. Contributionism is a form of social structure built upon the African philosophy of Ubuntu, based on principles of unity within diversity and cooperation. As long as we are born into a world where these things are only available with money that is made scarce for most of us, we will be manipulatable. The five fundamental aspects of contributionism are: 1) no money, 2) no barter, 3) no trade, 4) no differential values attached to materials or services, 5) everyone contributes natural talents and acquired skills freely for the greater good of all. Ubuntu contributionism is a worldwide social movement aimed at creating communities that function
Lance Howard, Professor, Clemson University
Net Neutrality and the Fight to Regain It – Room 3
Our workshop: Engage the Net Neutrality leadership in a conversation about where we are now. The FCC decision on Net Neutrality made possible a huge, community-based movement led by a coalition made up largely of people of color, helped guarantee the independence and fairness of our most important communications resource. This is about your ability to communicate your message. What is at stake? What do we do? What are our chances now? A panel of people who actually worked in leading the successful campaigns now reflects on where we are…and join that conversation.
Alfredo Lopez, May First/People Link
Immigration: Detention and Deportation In A Comparative Perspective – Room 4
For over half a century, immigration has been framed in political and popular discourse as a threat to national security. In recent decades–and especially since 9/11–policy has been shaped by the fear of international terrorism and criminal syndicates. This panel will examine migration-related detention and deportation policies around the world, with a particular focus on North America, Temporary Permanent Status (TPS) and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Panelists will highlight such topics as the growing privatization of enforcement, the criminalization of immigration, possible alternatives to detention, and the unique needs of asylum-seekers, women, and children.
Kathryn Williams, Paralegal
Araceli Hernandez-Laroche, Ph. D., Hispanic Alliance of Spartanburg
Wilfredo Leon, Latino Newspaper
PROGRAM SESSION BLOCK II
TIME: 2:30 pm – 4:15 pm
Environmental Justice in the Carolinas – Room 1
This presentation will cover the four core areas of the Lowcountry Alliance for Model Communities (LAMC): Affordable Housing, Economic Development, Education and Environmental Justice. As part of this discussion, we will address gentrification, economic justice, STEM education and alternative energy implementation in our communities through the application of solar power. Also, environmental issues related to North Carolina will be addressed.
Herbert Abdur-Rahim & Omar Muhammed, South Carolina Environmental Justice Network
Cannabis and Cannabinoid Science - Is it a Human Right? – Room 2
What is cannabis therapeutics all about? Healing and the human body. What is nutrition? Cannabis is nutrition. What makes cannabis so important? It is the king of the plant world when it comes to cannabinoids. What are cannabinoids? Antioxidants, you may know the old term... vitamins. What about the laws of prohibition? Often referred to as the "war on drugs", which has become a war on people and the right for self-determination, especially in medicine! International law lists 50 plants that are essential for health and nutrition, cannabis is one of them and protected by such laws, but not people! Let us talk about research and the world status of such and understand why cannabis is a human rights issue…
Dr. Milton Byrd
Holistic Healing: Surviving Modern Medicine – Room 3
The purpose of the Holistic Healing Workshop is to educate and inform individuals about the power of Holistic healing. This will examine a comparison between the naturopathic and allopathic systems of medicine. A segment of the workshop will dispel erroneous information regarding salt consumption, hydration, kidney filtration, and the consumption of processed bottled oils. Workshop participants will be educated on the benefits of using holistic medicine when it comes to various health conditions.
Dr. Mylissa Aiken-Tate, B.A., M. Ed., N.D., Doctor of Naturopathy
Freedom Manifesto – Room 4
A presentation & discussion on the urgent need to unite the many isolated and grassroots local black community fightbacks into a national black united front; in order to strengthen our community struggles against:
PROGRAM SESSION BLOCK III
TIME: 4:15 pm – 6:00 pm
Building Power In the Face of Precarity - Room 1
In this workshop, participants will utilize various popular education tools to generate and identify the themes of precarity as they exist in our workplaces, neighborhoods, and homes. Together we will define precarity and its impact on our social, political, and economic well-being. Participants will dialog about their engagement in current struggles and vision for a dynamic movement that aligns community, student, and labor organizing through solidarity and unity. We will look at recent (i.e. fast food workers, domestic workers) and historical (i.e. trade unions) examples of labor organizing that attempts to try on new organizing forms in a changed economy.
Loan Tran & Elena Everett, Southern Vision Alliance
Political Impacts of Organizing – Room 2
The recent amendment to the NC state budget bill, eliminating the ability to collect union dues through payroll deduction, is another stark example of a political impact on organizing. The bill, signed by a Democratic governor, who found it easy to sign, demonstrates the lack of accountability to working people. We will discuss the political impacts, consequences and strategies of organizing workers.
Lawrence Moore, Southern Workers Assembly
Donna Dewitt, Former President AFL-CIO
Sebrina Isom, International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Technology and Revolution – Room 3
The problems the human race faces pose the greatest threat to its existence in history. If we can use the technology we have appropriately, plan and develop it intelligently, control it democratically, we can solve those problems. The need for fundamental social change is unquestionable. We must contribute to building a broad left movement strategy; build tighter relationships between experienced movement organizers with limited understanding of technology and techie activists with limited movement experience, and develop relationships that builds respect and power.
Alfredo Lopez, May First
Building A Movement Against Islamophobia and Racism – Room 4
This workshop looks at the ways that race, racism, and racialization are constructed in relation to U.S. Muslims from Middle Eastern and South Asian immigrant communities, Arab Americans, and Black American Muslims. We will also look at the ways that liberal Islamophobia is present in the U.S. today and how it affects people’s perceptions of Muslims and connects to cultural and structural racism and government policies.
Manzoor Cheema, Project South, Muslims For Justice
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH
PROGRAM SESSION BLOCK IV
TIME: 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Role of Black Music in African-American Human Rights and Liberation Struggle - Cafeteria
The Fruit of Labor Singing Ensemble/Cultural Ambassadors of Black Workers For Justice and Hip-Hop For Justice/Black Workers for Justice Youth Group share their cultural work, experiences, music, study of Black music/art/culture in the workers & Black liberation struggle.
Fruits of Labor Singing Ensemble & Hip-Hop For Justice
PROGRAM SESSION BLOCK V
TIME: 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Civil Disobedience- Room 1
This workshop will discuss the dynamics and some of the practicalities of civil disobedience, protesting that breaks the law in a nonviolent way. Not all forms of protest are civil disobedience. This workshop will discuss a number of the basics of CD. What is CD, and why do people do it? How does it work? What kinds of legal, personal, and tactical support does it require? Who should engage in CD and who should avoid it? What can people who get arrested expect, both in the immediate aftermath of the action and over the longer term? This workshop should not be thought of as a substitute for training for particular CD actions. Training for specific actions requires knowledge of the particular situation, the presence of legal advisors, etc. This workshop should serve as a more general introduction to the practice of civil disobedience.
Todd May, Clemson University
Learn From Past, Organize For the Future – Room 2
Throughout history, youth have been at the forefront of change. This session will explore how movement veterans, scholars, and young activists develop vision for organizing for organizing the next generation. Participants will leave with strategies for forging meaning community partnerships that allow us to tell more inclusive, empowering histories. Be a part of the conversation!
Willie Legette, Professor Political Science – South Carolina State University
Omari Fox, Simple Justice
Dari Seabrook, Black Lives Matter – Greenville
Life Experience/Creative Writing Therapy Workshop – Room 3
Creative writing is a tool used as a means of expressing a variety of feelings and emotions. Participants will/can write about what they may have experienced in terms of the various situations. The cleansing and/or understanding of the situation/crisis/problem etc. must begin with self. This is not an academic environment where one is worried about syntax, grammar, punctuation, spelling and other elements associated with academia. The participant will be able to examine the written work, discuss it, learn from it and move on to where they discern they need to be. It might very well serve as a much needed introduction to (1) understanding one’s self (2) getting feedback from others (3) possibly seeking professional counseling.
Omanii Abdullah, Retired Professor, Syracuse University, Poet, Author
Radio Free America & Prison Industrial Complex – Room 4
As an accessible community-based medium, radio has the potential to be transformative. In this session, participants will explore approaches to community radio production and strategies to continue the survival of a medium that amplifies the voices of community members. Also, we the movement to abolish the 13th amendment will be discussed, calling for the dismantling of legalized slavery.
Max Parthas, Abolitionist
Scotty Reid, Black Talk Radio
CLOSING STRATEGY/CALENDAR SETTING
TIME: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
BUILDING A POWERMAP FOR THE CAROLINAS
Power mapping is a visual tool used by social advocates to identify the best individuals to target to promote social change. The role of relationships and networks is very important when advocates seek change in a social justice issue. The power mapping process entails use of a visual tool to conceptualize the sphere of a person or group's influence. The power map tool helps to visualize whom you need to influence, who can influence your target and what can be done to influence the identified person with power.
Omari Fox & George Friday
WELCOME TO CHRONIC 2017
TIME: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Sankofa ( To Go Back) Timeline Session 101 – Cafeteria
The Sankofa session is an opportunity to develop a visual timeline that reflects on a legacy of exploitation and racism in the US as well as our past, present, and future resistance. Included in this exercise is a time for visualizing where we are headed and what our movement will look like in the years to come. We will build upon this timeline throughout the conference.
Christina Spach, Food Chain Workers Alliance
Molefi Askari, Ubuntu Institute for Community Development
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16TH
PROGRAM SESSION BLOCK I
TIME: 10:45 pm – 12:30 pm
Move To Amend – Room 1
This session will discuss the movement to amend the Constitution to abolish corporate personhood and money as speech, and to build a democracy movement across issues and oppressions that works together to replace our current corporate system with a system of justice for all. Also, explore consensus building as a means for network decision making.
George Friday, Move to Amend
Ubuntu Economic Model - Room 2
The Ubuntu model, seeks a solution to the universal provision of the basic human rights to the basic human needs of food, water, shelter, and access to love. Contributionism is a form of social structure built upon the African philosophy of Ubuntu, based on principles of unity within diversity and cooperation. As long as we are born into a world where these things are only available with money that is made scarce for most of us, we will be manipulatable. The five fundamental aspects of contributionism are: 1) no money, 2) no barter, 3) no trade, 4) no differential values attached to materials or services, 5) everyone contributes natural talents and acquired skills freely for the greater good of all. Ubuntu contributionism is a worldwide social movement aimed at creating communities that function
Lance Howard, Professor, Clemson University
Net Neutrality and the Fight to Regain It – Room 3
Our workshop: Engage the Net Neutrality leadership in a conversation about where we are now. The FCC decision on Net Neutrality made possible a huge, community-based movement led by a coalition made up largely of people of color, helped guarantee the independence and fairness of our most important communications resource. This is about your ability to communicate your message. What is at stake? What do we do? What are our chances now? A panel of people who actually worked in leading the successful campaigns now reflects on where we are…and join that conversation.
Alfredo Lopez, May First/People Link
Immigration: Detention and Deportation In A Comparative Perspective – Room 4
For over half a century, immigration has been framed in political and popular discourse as a threat to national security. In recent decades–and especially since 9/11–policy has been shaped by the fear of international terrorism and criminal syndicates. This panel will examine migration-related detention and deportation policies around the world, with a particular focus on North America, Temporary Permanent Status (TPS) and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Panelists will highlight such topics as the growing privatization of enforcement, the criminalization of immigration, possible alternatives to detention, and the unique needs of asylum-seekers, women, and children.
Kathryn Williams, Paralegal
Araceli Hernandez-Laroche, Ph. D., Hispanic Alliance of Spartanburg
Wilfredo Leon, Latino Newspaper
PROGRAM SESSION BLOCK II
TIME: 2:30 pm – 4:15 pm
Environmental Justice in the Carolinas – Room 1
This presentation will cover the four core areas of the Lowcountry Alliance for Model Communities (LAMC): Affordable Housing, Economic Development, Education and Environmental Justice. As part of this discussion, we will address gentrification, economic justice, STEM education and alternative energy implementation in our communities through the application of solar power. Also, environmental issues related to North Carolina will be addressed.
Herbert Abdur-Rahim & Omar Muhammed, South Carolina Environmental Justice Network
Cannabis and Cannabinoid Science - Is it a Human Right? – Room 2
What is cannabis therapeutics all about? Healing and the human body. What is nutrition? Cannabis is nutrition. What makes cannabis so important? It is the king of the plant world when it comes to cannabinoids. What are cannabinoids? Antioxidants, you may know the old term... vitamins. What about the laws of prohibition? Often referred to as the "war on drugs", which has become a war on people and the right for self-determination, especially in medicine! International law lists 50 plants that are essential for health and nutrition, cannabis is one of them and protected by such laws, but not people! Let us talk about research and the world status of such and understand why cannabis is a human rights issue…
Dr. Milton Byrd
Holistic Healing: Surviving Modern Medicine – Room 3
The purpose of the Holistic Healing Workshop is to educate and inform individuals about the power of Holistic healing. This will examine a comparison between the naturopathic and allopathic systems of medicine. A segment of the workshop will dispel erroneous information regarding salt consumption, hydration, kidney filtration, and the consumption of processed bottled oils. Workshop participants will be educated on the benefits of using holistic medicine when it comes to various health conditions.
Dr. Mylissa Aiken-Tate, B.A., M. Ed., N.D., Doctor of Naturopathy
Freedom Manifesto – Room 4
A presentation & discussion on the urgent need to unite the many isolated and grassroots local black community fightbacks into a national black united front; in order to strengthen our community struggles against:
- police repression/brutality, environmental racism
- gentrification/lack of affordable housing/disempowerment
- voting rights, attacking workers/labor/human rights and unions, and
- poor quality schools,/criminalization, etc.
PROGRAM SESSION BLOCK III
TIME: 4:15 pm – 6:00 pm
Building Power In the Face of Precarity - Room 1
In this workshop, participants will utilize various popular education tools to generate and identify the themes of precarity as they exist in our workplaces, neighborhoods, and homes. Together we will define precarity and its impact on our social, political, and economic well-being. Participants will dialog about their engagement in current struggles and vision for a dynamic movement that aligns community, student, and labor organizing through solidarity and unity. We will look at recent (i.e. fast food workers, domestic workers) and historical (i.e. trade unions) examples of labor organizing that attempts to try on new organizing forms in a changed economy.
Loan Tran & Elena Everett, Southern Vision Alliance
Political Impacts of Organizing – Room 2
The recent amendment to the NC state budget bill, eliminating the ability to collect union dues through payroll deduction, is another stark example of a political impact on organizing. The bill, signed by a Democratic governor, who found it easy to sign, demonstrates the lack of accountability to working people. We will discuss the political impacts, consequences and strategies of organizing workers.
Lawrence Moore, Southern Workers Assembly
Donna Dewitt, Former President AFL-CIO
Sebrina Isom, International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Technology and Revolution – Room 3
The problems the human race faces pose the greatest threat to its existence in history. If we can use the technology we have appropriately, plan and develop it intelligently, control it democratically, we can solve those problems. The need for fundamental social change is unquestionable. We must contribute to building a broad left movement strategy; build tighter relationships between experienced movement organizers with limited understanding of technology and techie activists with limited movement experience, and develop relationships that builds respect and power.
Alfredo Lopez, May First
Building A Movement Against Islamophobia and Racism – Room 4
This workshop looks at the ways that race, racism, and racialization are constructed in relation to U.S. Muslims from Middle Eastern and South Asian immigrant communities, Arab Americans, and Black American Muslims. We will also look at the ways that liberal Islamophobia is present in the U.S. today and how it affects people’s perceptions of Muslims and connects to cultural and structural racism and government policies.
Manzoor Cheema, Project South, Muslims For Justice
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH
PROGRAM SESSION BLOCK IV
TIME: 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Role of Black Music in African-American Human Rights and Liberation Struggle - Cafeteria
The Fruit of Labor Singing Ensemble/Cultural Ambassadors of Black Workers For Justice and Hip-Hop For Justice/Black Workers for Justice Youth Group share their cultural work, experiences, music, study of Black music/art/culture in the workers & Black liberation struggle.
Fruits of Labor Singing Ensemble & Hip-Hop For Justice
PROGRAM SESSION BLOCK V
TIME: 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Civil Disobedience- Room 1
This workshop will discuss the dynamics and some of the practicalities of civil disobedience, protesting that breaks the law in a nonviolent way. Not all forms of protest are civil disobedience. This workshop will discuss a number of the basics of CD. What is CD, and why do people do it? How does it work? What kinds of legal, personal, and tactical support does it require? Who should engage in CD and who should avoid it? What can people who get arrested expect, both in the immediate aftermath of the action and over the longer term? This workshop should not be thought of as a substitute for training for particular CD actions. Training for specific actions requires knowledge of the particular situation, the presence of legal advisors, etc. This workshop should serve as a more general introduction to the practice of civil disobedience.
Todd May, Clemson University
Learn From Past, Organize For the Future – Room 2
Throughout history, youth have been at the forefront of change. This session will explore how movement veterans, scholars, and young activists develop vision for organizing for organizing the next generation. Participants will leave with strategies for forging meaning community partnerships that allow us to tell more inclusive, empowering histories. Be a part of the conversation!
Willie Legette, Professor Political Science – South Carolina State University
Omari Fox, Simple Justice
Dari Seabrook, Black Lives Matter – Greenville
Life Experience/Creative Writing Therapy Workshop – Room 3
Creative writing is a tool used as a means of expressing a variety of feelings and emotions. Participants will/can write about what they may have experienced in terms of the various situations. The cleansing and/or understanding of the situation/crisis/problem etc. must begin with self. This is not an academic environment where one is worried about syntax, grammar, punctuation, spelling and other elements associated with academia. The participant will be able to examine the written work, discuss it, learn from it and move on to where they discern they need to be. It might very well serve as a much needed introduction to (1) understanding one’s self (2) getting feedback from others (3) possibly seeking professional counseling.
Omanii Abdullah, Retired Professor, Syracuse University, Poet, Author
Radio Free America & Prison Industrial Complex – Room 4
As an accessible community-based medium, radio has the potential to be transformative. In this session, participants will explore approaches to community radio production and strategies to continue the survival of a medium that amplifies the voices of community members. Also, we the movement to abolish the 13th amendment will be discussed, calling for the dismantling of legalized slavery.
Max Parthas, Abolitionist
Scotty Reid, Black Talk Radio
CLOSING STRATEGY/CALENDAR SETTING
TIME: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
BUILDING A POWERMAP FOR THE CAROLINAS
Power mapping is a visual tool used by social advocates to identify the best individuals to target to promote social change. The role of relationships and networks is very important when advocates seek change in a social justice issue. The power mapping process entails use of a visual tool to conceptualize the sphere of a person or group's influence. The power map tool helps to visualize whom you need to influence, who can influence your target and what can be done to influence the identified person with power.
Omari Fox & George Friday
Agenda
Please take a look at our schedule for CHRONIC 2017. The agenda is subject to change, please be sure to check back for updates. All the times listed in the agenda are within the eastern time zone.
Please note that sessions, which are open to the general public will also be open to the press.
Please note that sessions, which are open to the general public will also be open to the press.
