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In These Times has partnered with the Neighborhood Writing Alliance (NWA) to amplify the stories and struggles of ordinary people, including workers in the United States. This piece, part of an ongoing biweekly series, originally appeared in the Journal of Ordinary Thought, published by NWA. Find more stories and voices at the NWA’s blog.
I am putting down the words of my poem, real life
So that every word that I say comes out right
In order to keep my mind up tight I struggle
And me and my woman struggle, yeah
I dig a woman who’s strong
But not so strong that we can’t get along
Me and my woman we hustle and we tussle
But not with each other, because we are lovers It is against a system that is hell-bent on destroying us
That does not employ us
Then has enough nerve to want to enjoy us
We do not fuss and cuss
We work together to make the community better
To make a better place for all of us
Cleaning up the hood Making it look real good
And helping our neighbors
Who, for whatever reason, are unable I am determined to make our world stable
And my true sister gives me a hand
She understands And loves me for being her man
A love that outshines the sun and comes over the rain
So ebony and mahogany
Come roll up your sleeves and follow me
Put on your thinking cap for some serious, critical rap
Me and my woman struggle
Ah yeah!
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In this new book, longtime organizers and movement educators Mariame Kaba and Kelly Hayes examine the political lessons of the Covid-19 pandemic and its aftermath, including the convergence of mass protest and mass formations of mutual aid. Let This Radicalize You answers the urgent question: What fuels and sustains activism and organizing when it feels like our worlds are collapsing?
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