Laura Briggs - Taking Children

 

Video link

Just heard Laura on KPFA's Against the Grain talking about her new book and a life of study relating to US policy, immigration, and terrorism against people of color in the US and abroad. Her new book "Taking Children-A history of American Terror" ties together what Black and Native folks have been saying and a lot of her own research about how the US has used taking children or separating them from their families as a tool of war/terrorism. One of the reasons things like critical race theory and ethnic studies are banned is because they are not just about a diversity of race or painting a we are the world picture, they talk about speaking truth to power and that means examining the United States past and how it directly relates to the present. I'm looking forward to reading this book. Peep game

Dig this? Check out this video by Vox Media about Indigenous boarding schools or this trailer about Indigenous filmmaker Merata Mita

Earn Your Leisure - History moment

 

This little snippet about red-lining is a jewel. If you haven't heard of the term google "The Case for Reparations" by Tanehisi Coates, 1619 Project is relative, and "Family Properties" by Berryl Satter. In fact, check out this piece I did about the Chicago "Contract Buyers League".

Kickstarter Update: Whats an Art Book and who cares?

 

Wow, its only day 3 and my Kickstarter is almost 80 % funded! Amazing! Thank you all. Here's a bit of info to share....

What is an art book? Who cares? An art book is a tool, an escape, a resource, a push, a friend, its anything you want it to be. Of course we’re talking about paper, binding, pictures, words, etc. But it's also a way to grab attention and get kids to take a break from the screens when you need them to. You can put them on the kitchen table, on your bookshelf, home library, or in a classroom. If you can’t buy them, you can check them out at your local library. But why? Art books are a great way to encourage young creatives! There are lots of different types of art books. Here are a few:


1. Photography: "Reflections in Black by Deborah Willis"

Its a book cataloguing Black photographers from 1840-2000. It has essays, memories, think pieces, and tons and tons of photographs. Black & white, color, experimental, and more. #photography


2. Animation: "Into the Spiderverse"

This is an art of book. Whats that? Well many feature and animated films have art departments that develop the look and feel of a film from the way actors act, to the designs of their clothing. An art of book for a film that you like can expand your understanding of how it was made and who did it. This book features many departments of the film making process. #animation


3. Murals: "Maestrapiece: San Francisco’s Monumental Feminist Mural".

This book celebrates the herstory of a really huge mural painted in the Mission District of San Francisco on one of the first buildings ever dedicated to the lives of women; The Women’s Building. The book is full of old and new images, memories, and writings about how this crew of bad assess women painted this mural and why it means so much. #murals


4. Graffiti: "Piecebook the secret drawings of graffiti writers" by Sacha Jenkins and Chino BYI.

This is an ill book featuring some writing but mostly sketchbook drawings of pieces, characters, throw ups, and more by graffiti writers from the 70s to the 80s I believe. For any kid who was interested in Graffiti or street art this is a must have because it shows you a world that you wouldn’t get to see unless you were a part of the culture. #graffiti


5. Fashion: "The Sourcebook of Fashion Design".

This is a dope book featuring how to’s , writing, and tones of photographs of sketches, designs, fabric, outfits, and garments from the designer fashion industry. And I mention this because you might have a kid who loves fashion. Get them some fashion designer books! #fashiondesign


6. Architecture: The Future of Architecture in 100 Buildings

This book features beautiful images of buildings of the future and some that echo the past. It spans the globe and features captions and short written pieces about the buildings. Got a kid in your life who loves architecture? #architecture


7. US History: "Celebrate People’s History" by Josh MacPhee

is a book of poster art. The art in this book features work by movement artists, groups, and more. The subject matter ranges from individual figures to historic events, places, and groups. And it talks about labor, laws, social justice, ethnic studies, and more. Because each poster has a very short reference it leaves it up to the viewer to look up what strikes them as interesting. #UShistory


8. Makers/ Builders: "Girls Garage" by Emily Pilloton

is an awesome resource for girls about how to build things. It features history, facts, and an encyclopedia about tools and lots of DIY tips on projects. One of the coolest things in it are profiles about women young and old who have built shit!! #builders

9. And lastly, I threw my book in there to illustrate the point that there are lots of different types of art books and mine is one of them. An artist sketchbook with character designs and other things. Thank you for supporting my kickstarter to make this art book a reality. Not only for me but hopefully for some young students out there.


If you're looking for any of these books please go to your local bookstore or library and ask them about these art books!!!

Also did you see this VIDEO?

Ethnic Studies in Every School

This is a print of a recent painting I made for the 16th anniversary art show of the "Trust Your Struggle Collective" in Sacramento California. I am a product of Ethnic Studies as I was able to take classes in it at Berkeley High School (California) and at San Francisco State University.

What is Ethnic Studies? To me, it is a chance to learn about history and cultural from a people of color perspective. Typically US and world history is Eurocentric and leaves out a tremendous amount of stories and history from Black, Indigenous Native Americans, Asians, and Latin@s. I believe very strongly that every school from elementary school up to college should have mandatory ethnic studies classes to educate all students.

After being a student, I had the privilege to be a presenter as part of the Trust Your Struggle Collective in the late 2000's Ethnic Studies Conferences held at SFSU.

Check out the close ups below! You want a print? Go here.

Did you take classes in Ethnic studies? If so comment with your experience.