Blog Posts - PACG - Progressive Action for the Common Good

The History of US Anti-Asian Racism Examined - No Hate In Our States

3/24/2021

The long, ugly history of anti-Asian racism and violence in the U.S.

People of Asian descent have been living in the United States for more than 160 years, and have long been the target of bigotry. Here is a Washington Post article on the violence and racism that Asian immigrants and Asian Americans have faced since before the Civil War.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2021/03/18/history-anti-asian-violence-racism/

Julie Ross

PACG Book Club for May 2021

3/18/2021

**PACG Book Club for May 2021 The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett**

Our May 2021 book will be The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett. We will meet via Zoom on May 17th at 5:30 pm.

Here is a description of the book from Goodreads:

"The Vignes twin sisters will always be identical. But after growing up together in a small, southern black community and running away at age sixteen, it's not just the shape of their daily lives that is different as adults, it's everything: their families, their communities, their racial identities. Many years later, one sister lives with her black daughter in the same southern town she once tried to escape. The other passes for white, and her white husband knows nothing of her past. Still, even separated by so many miles and just as many lies, the fates of the twins remain intertwined. What will happen to the next generation, when their own daughters' storylines intersect?

Weaving together multiple strands and generations of this family, from the Deep South to California, from the 1950s to the 1990s, Brit Bennett produces a story that is at once a riveting, emotional family story and a brilliant exploration of the American history of passing. Looking well beyond issues of race, The Vanishing Half considers the lasting influence of the past as it shapes a person's decisions, desires, and expectations, and explores some of the multiple reasons and realms in which people sometimes feel pulled to live as something other than their origins."

Here is information about the author, Brit Bennett.

This book fits in well with our theme of racial justice. Contact me by clicking on my name for a Zoom link to the May PACG Book Club discussion.

Alta Price

Braveheart Women Podcast - No Hate In Our States

3/16/2021

“Braveheart Women’s Society: Coming of Age in South Dakota” Podcast

The Kitchen Sisters create some wonderful podcasts. This one shares information on the Braveheart Women’s Society, re-established by a group of Yankton Sioux grandmothers to revive an almost forgotten coming-of-age ritual for young girls. Listen here: http://www.kitchensisters.org/girlstories/the-series/brave-heart-2/

Julie Ross

Davenport Bearing Witness to End Gun Violence - Of Interest to Our Community

3/9/2021

Davenport Bearing Witness Works to End Gun Violence
Date/time and location to be determined

Davenport Bearing Witness

As you probably are aware, gun violence is increasing in our community. Davenport Bearing Witness has been holding brief vigils on sites where gun violence have occurred. The group is also working on legislative actions regarding guns and gun violence.

PACG members and friends are invited to participate.

If you would like to be added to the email distribution list, contact John De Taeye.

The Tuskegee Experiement and Its Effect on Covid Vaccine - No Hate In Our States

3/9/2021

“A Shot in the Dark” - the Tuskegee Experiment and Its Effect on the Covid Vaccine Online

As the rollout of coronavirus vaccines unfolds, one big challenge for public health officials has been the skepticism many Black people have toward the vaccine. One notorious medical study — the Tuskegee experiment — has been cited as a reason. But should it be?

Listen this episode of the NPR podcast “Code Switch.”

Julie Ross

Operation Reach Out -Keeping Our Members Connected

3/9/2021

Operation Reach Out

A Message from the Board

As we approach the one-year mark of being in pandemic mode, we would like to acknowledge the activities of Operation Reach Out, a PACG initiative.

PACG realized early the serious nature of the pandemic and recognized that it could be a long haul before our lives would be back to normal. Thus, we had the foresight to experiment with Zoom as a way to continue the work that we do, enabling people to interact face-to-face, albeit virtually.

In addition, knowing how important connection with others is and that this connection could be seriously compromised during a pandemic, we decided to Reach Out to members who might be feeling particularly isolated. We purchased tablets for members who were willing to learn the new Zoom technology. Responses from some of these members have been amazingly positive!

We also called those we felt might be especially isolated to offer support and learn what needs they may have. These members also received gift bags for the winter holidays and, most recently, may be surprised to find Girl Scout cookies delivered to their door steps!

We are proud that volunteers took on this initiative in the name of looking out for the common good of others who have been negatively impacted by the pandemic. And we encourage our progressive counterparts in the community to do the same. The Reach Out initiative epitomizes what PACG is all out! Many thanks to those who have made Operation Reach Out a success!

Allison Ambrose

Black History Month Origins Podcast - No Hate In Our States

3/2/2021

Black History Month Has Ended - Our Learning Continues

No Hate In Our States

This inaugural podcast on the Future of Black History Month series asks how it began and what it can be. Producer Veralyn Williams leads a lively conversation about her annual Black History Month parties - before COVID-19 social distancing was imposed - with some friends of the show.

Then, Dr. Pero Dagbovie, a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of History and an Associate Dean in the Graduate School at Michigan State University, introduces us to Dr. Carter G. Woodson - often called the “Father of Black History” - before explaining how a week-long celebration of Black Achievement at the turn of the 20th century evolved into the month-long observance that we know today.

Listen here: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-united-states/the-origin-story-of-black-NyV6rKOk94b/

Julie Ross

BSLC Grants to Battle Illiteracy - Of Interest to Our Community

3/2/2021

BSLC Offers Grants to Battle Illiteracy
Due Date: Wednesday, March 31st

Bi-State Literacy Council (BSLC)

Bi-State Literacy Council is accepting applications for its Spring funding cycle. Grants are given for up to $500 and are due by March 31st. Download applications here: https://bistateliteracy.org/grants-1.

Learn more about past grant recipients: https://bistateliteracy.org/grant-recipients.

Please share this information with individuals and organizations that might be interested in applying for these grants.

For more information on BSLC:
https://mailchi.mp/c2c700e98dd6/2021springgrants?fbclid=IwAR3_CaZY3YRmqV2u51A40qL_VoH_UzzdWcgiW_u9XDz1CSTMw1Lrz1pKJY8

President, BSLC

Contact Iowa Governor Reynolds Regarding Voter Suppression - What You Can Do Now

3/2/2021

Contact the Iowa Governor

Voting Rights and Civil Rights

Legislation has been introduced in the Iowa Legislature that affects progressive values.

House File 222 proposes that information found in the “1619 Project” regarding the history of slavery in America be banished from public school's curriculum:
https://www.legis.iowa.gov/publications/search/document?fq=id:1210570&q=HF+222

House File 590 impacts the ability of Iowans to vote:
https://www.legis.iowa.gov/publications/search/document?fq=id:1213531&q=HF+590

House File 590 has passed both the Iowa House and Senate and is waiting for Kim Reynolds signature. Please contact The Governor and Lt. Governor welcome your comments and concerns.

You can Register an Opinion by clicking this link.

If you would prefer to speak with a member of the Governor's staff, please call their office at 515-281-5211 (press 5 to go directly to voicemail), Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

If you prefer to send your thoughts in writing, address them to:

Office of the Governor
Iowa State Capitol
1007 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50319

Allison Ambrose

World Water Day - PACG Events

3/2/2021

World Water Day
Monday, March 22nd

Environmental Forum