Monthly Archives: January 2022

A key piece of Bostons civil rights history faces demolition: is it too late to save the Freedom House?

In a residential pocket of Bostons Grove Hall neighborhood where Roxbury meets Dorchester, an old brick building sits on a fenced-in lot, its wooden steps buckled and rotted, peeling paint visible through rusted metal window frames.

The longtime home of Freedom Housenow a decaying, neglected structure on Crawford streetplayed a critical role in the local civil rights movement, serving as a meeting place for advocates for equality and the neighboring community starting in the 1950s.

Freedom House founders Otto and Muriel Snowden. PHOTO: NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY ARCHIVE

One mile away from the house where Malcolm X spent part of his youth, Freedom House founders Otto and Muriel Snowden held court with Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders, local elected officials, stakeholders in the fight against racism in Boston and President John F. Kennedy. Decades before a 1974 federal court order, social workers at the Freedom House in Roxbury started a movement of freedom schools and protests to counter segregation and racism in Boston public schools.

Currently slated for demolition, the building constructed in 1900 is a civil rights-era time capsule the city seems to have forgotten, though a recent application to delay its destruction raises the question: Is it too late to save the Freedom House?

Katrina Shaw, Freedom Houses executive director, says the nonprofit spent a decade trying to secure funding for renovations to save the old building.

But people werent giving. People didnt want to give, she told GBH News. People love the idea of Freedom House and what it meant to the city, but no one would really put their financial wherewithal behind it.

In 2010, the state awarded Freedom House a $1 million challenge grant to restore its former home and renovate a newer location across the street, a former public library branch where the organization currently operates. Then-chief executive Gail Snowden, the founders daughter, put out a call for help with fundraising to preserve the structure.

The current Freedom House building in the former Grove Hall Branch library building on Crawford Street. PHOTO: TORI BEDFORD

Our love for the building made us hold on to it for so long at a financial cost, Shaw said. If we were able to preserve it, we would. But when it starts to cannibalize your own ask to actually do the mission of Freedom House, then I think you have to make hard decisions, just like you would never choose your house over your child.

Last year, Snowden gave her blessing to Shaw and the current Freedom House managers to sell the building. The historic site was sold to a development company started by the late Dorchester native John Corcoran for $1.5 million, a sum that will go towards programs at the new location, where the foundation primarily focuses on academic, financial and social opportunities for college-bound students. Hoping to break ground in 2023, the developer plans to construct mixed-income housing and a memorial on the site to honor the work of the founders.

This decision was hard to make, and it wasnt made in haste, Shaw said. And if someone wanted to give Freedom House, like $20 million, I would restore it. I will do that tomorrow. I will do it five minutes from now. That had been our plea all along in terms of being able to raise money, but we couldnt.

The former Freedom House building sits a few blocks away from dozens of historic landmarks, structures from the Revolutionary War and homes of English settlers and church deacons. Its one of a handful of landmarks from the civil rights era remaining in Boston and a symbol of the fight for equal rightsone that may soon disappear.

You know, its interesting, no one has called me about it, Byron Rushing, president of the Roxbury Historical Society, told GBH News. We pretty much respond to people raising the issue. Can we save this building? What do we have to do to save this building? No one has asked me that question.

The current segregation in Bostonand racial wealth gapleads to the neglect of landmarks in predominantly Black neighborhoods like the Freedom House, Rushing said.

People dont know that history, outside of Roxbury, and new Roxbury people dont know about the history, he said. If this building was on the Black Heritage Trail, we would get a lot more publicity about it.

Christopher Martell, a UMass Boston professor who lives in Dorchester, teaches his students about Bostons educational history through a tour that begins at the old Freedom House, an important nerve center during the violent reaction to school desegregation.

Its particularly important because it tells a much longer story than just Boston busing, Martell told GBH News. Most of the students from the suburbs of Boston have no idea about its history. They dont even really know much about the civil rights struggle in Roxbury and Dorchester during the 50s and 60s.

Last month, Martell wrote a letter to the Boston Landmarks Commission, arguing for the Freedom House to be preserved as a protected landmark.

Shortly after Martells letter, the commission received an application to delay the demolition, citing both the significance of the Freedom House during the civil rights movement and the buildings use as a Hebrew Teachers College beginning in 1920.

The commission preliminarily deemed the Freedom House historically significant, according to a commission spokesperson. Once the city agency receives two alternatives to demolition and holds a public community meeting, it will schedule a formal hearing.

A delay from the landmarks commission doesnt guarantee that demolition will be blocked, but it could shine a light on the issue, a development Martell hopes will help the city find another solution.

The Landmarks Commission only has so much power, he said, but this is a place where advocacy is really important, because it would be harder for a developer to just take down the building if there was a collective movement to push back against that.

Shaw seems resigned about saying goodbye, knowing that the core mission will continue, no matter what building its in.

The spirit of Freedom House, the work of Freedom House, its here and its going on, Shaw said, gesturing out to the bustling office, where students took classes on laptops and served lunch to the Goldenaires of Freedom House, a program for seniors.

Goldenaires Coordinator Jumaada Abdal-Khallaq Henry Smith, a Roxbury native who attended Goldenaires meetings with her mother in the old building, says shes sad to let go of the space where she spent so much of her childhood.

I am a victim of eminent domain, so I cant show my kids where I used to live because our house is not there anymore, Abdal-Khallaq Henry Smith told GBH News. I hate to see the loss of something that is historical because my mom was breathing in that air, and all those Goldenaires, you know. Theres something about being able to hold on to something, for your childrens children to see it.

Tori Bedford is a reporter at GBH News. She primarily covers Dorchester and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Go here to read the rest:

A plea to save the Freedom House building - BayStateBanner

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) This month is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and a local organization is working to build awareness.

We want to just make sure that the community is aware that yes, human trafficking is happening right here in Sioux Falls, but also throughout our state, Call to Freedom community engagement coordinator Monica Rilling said.

Call to Freedom has events going on in January to build awareness of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

It is our, actually the National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, so this coming Tuesday, January 11, were just asking the community to build more awareness by wearing blue, so Im wearing my blue t-shirt today, and then putting a red X on your hand just to bring that awareness, Rilling said.

Call to Freedom associate director Michelle Treasure says their referrals have increased.

Last year in June of 2021, we had already met the the number of referrals that we had seen in the entire year of 2020, so now going into 2022, were not, unfortunately, expecting anything less. The number of referrals that are coming in are very high currently. I would say that were probably seeing around five to eight referrals a week, she said.

Their services can help victims of sex and labor trafficking as well as people who have suffered sexual exploitation or assault.

We just get to know those people. We get to know their story. What do they need? What are some of the goals that they have for their lives? Treasure said.

Call to Freedom also helps with housing, transportation and counseling. The organization says it is important for people to be on the lookout for signs of human trafficking.

Some of those red flags are going to be, you know, no eye contact. They may not be able to speak for themselves. The person thats with them might be talking for them. Their speech might sound very scriptive or robotic, Treasure said.

She also says to look for signs of physical abuse.

I think human trafficking has been going on a for a very very long time, Treasure said. I think now it has a name, and people know what it is and that exposure is out there because of the education and prevention that some of the organizations like Call to Freedom is doing out in the community.

Call to Freedom is opening a new facility in Sioux Falls in April to replace its current one.

Below is a flyer with the events Call to Freedom is hosting this month. You can also go to their Facebook page.

See the article here:

Call to Freedom raising awareness during National Human Trafficking Prevention Month - KELOLAND.com

Msgr. Joseph Prior

By Msgr. Joseph Prior Posted January 7, 2022

(See the readings for the Baptism of Our Lord, Jan. 9)

He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire, the Baptist says at the end of his reply to those asking if he were the Christ. He emphatically had responded that he is not the Christ and that he is not even worthy to untie his sandals.

Johns baptism is, like his entire ministry, one that prepared for the coming of Jesus. Jesus is the one coming after me (John). When all is accomplished, he is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire.

This Sunday we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord. The feast concludes our observation of Christmas and transitions us back to Ordinary Time. The feast recalls Jesus baptism in the desert as recounted in the Gospel passage, this year from St. Luke, as well as a reminder of our own baptism.

Jesus baptism is one that foreshadows ours. He undergoes the ritual washing as an example for us. The memory was vivid in the life of the early Church. Matthews account has John objecting when Jesus arrives for baptism saying: I need to be baptized by you, and you are coming to me? Jesus responds: Allow it for now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.

Reflecting on Jesus baptism, St. Maximus of Turin writes: Someone might ask, Why would a holy man (Jesus) desire baptism? Listen to the answer: Christ is baptized, not to be made holy by the water, but to make the water holy, and by his cleansing to purify the waters which he touched. For the consecration of Christ involves a more significant consecration of the water. For when the Savior is washed, all water for our baptism is made clean, purified at its source for the dispensing of baptismal grace to the people of future ages. Christ is the first to be baptized, then, so that Christians will follow after him in confidence.

After the Holy Spirit descends on Jesus in the form of a dove, the voice of the heavenly Father is heard: You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased. The words call to mind the Isaian passage used for the first reading in todays liturgy. Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased, upon whom I have put my spirit.

The reading continues to describe the mission of Jesus. He will establish justice. He comes not with loud voice or strong arm but as a man gentle and meek. He is the one who is set as a covenant of the people, a light for the nations, who will open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.

The words also echo Jesus own understanding. In the beginning of the public ministry in Lukes Gospel, Jesus is in the synagogue and proclaims the Isaian passage: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord (Luke 4:18-19).

After this he says: Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing (Luke 4:21). Baptism is linked to Jesus mission. The Father sends Jesus to establish justice and freedom. When all is accomplished, baptism will be the means by which this justice and freedom are experienced.

The two options for the second reading highlight this celebration. The first, from Acts of the Apostles, recalls Peters preaching in the house of Cornelius. In the reading he recalls Jesus mission beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached, how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power. After Peters proclamation (but not included in this passage), Cornelius and his household all were baptized.

The second choice comes from the Letter of Titus. The reading reflects the cleansing nature of baptism. It is washing away of sin so that the Holy Spirit might be given. He writes: When the kindness and generous love of God our savior appeared, not because of any righteous deeds we had done but because of his mercy, he saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he richly poured out on us through Jesus our savior, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.

The celebration of Jesus baptism reminds us of the great gift of grace shared with us in baptism. His baptism points to our baptism whereby we are washed clean, filled with the Holy Spirit and fortified to live the life of love, now and for eternity.

***

Msgr.Joseph Prior is pastor of Our Lady of Grace Parish, Penndel, and a former professor of Sacred Scripture and rector of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.

Here is the original post:

As with Jesus, work for justice and freedom begins with baptism - CatholicPhilly.com

A disabled veteran sat in the front row and listened intently as an audience composed of people from all walks of life gathered Thursday evening to remember the attack that happened a year ago at the United States Capitol.

Utah civic leaders and political candidates addressed the audience at Wallace F. Bennett Federal Building in downtown Salt Lake City in what they called an effort to protect democracy and unite a nation divided. The candlelight vigil was held on the first anniversary of supporters of then-President Donald Trump storming the Capitol in Washington in an effort to prevent the certification of Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 presidential election.

Independent U.S. Senate candidate Evan McMullin emphasized the importance of keeping democracy sound and maintaining the public's right to vote alive by speaking out against insurgencies like the one on Jan. 6, 2021.

"Some mistake the Jan. 6 insurrection as a one-time betrayal of our democracy, but it was much more. It was a predictable escalation of the American anti-democracy movement," McMullin said.

McMullin was joined in his sentiments by Republican 4th District congressional candidate Jake Hunsaker, who said what happened that day caused him to pursue a run for public office.

"I sat like many of you in disbelief that day in front of the television, as I watched the unfolding of the events in Washington, D.C.," Hunsaker recalled.

Hunsaker spoke about growing up on a farm in Ogden and being one of 11 children. He told what he was taught about what it means to be called a "real man."

"I believe that a real man prioritizes peace over violence," Hunsaker said. "It is cheap to engage in violence. It is cheap to think that the only way to effect change in this democracy is to take weapons to the heart of our nation's capital and to force your ideas and untruths on others. It takes a real man to understand that in this country, we effect change through peaceful means."

The vigil, titled "We The People" and promoted as a day of remembrance and action, was organized by DemCast USA, 1Utah Project, Alliance for a Better Utah and Salt Lake Indivisible. Former 2nd District congressional candidate Kael Weston also spoke.

Utah activist Darlene McDonald concluded the evening with a heartfelt message speaking on behalf of those voices who were silenced in the beginning, and whose voices were nearly silenced once again one year ago. She spoke of her ancestors, many of whom came to America from a slave trading post in Ghana called Cape Coast Castle, "chained to a tribesman in the belly of a ship across the Atlantic." She spoke about the dream many of her ancestors had to be numbered among those in the statement, "All men are created equal."

McDonald expressed the concern that she shares with so many others, that incidents like Jan. 6, 2021, will once again threaten the ideals that America was founded on and continues to strive for.

"When we read the Declaration of Independence, many of us get hung up and emotional when we remember Dr. (Martin Luther) King reminding us that we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal," McDonald said in her speech.

She reiterated what it means to her and so many others to be an American, and why she feels so strongly to speak out against attacks like these.

"We are not here because we hate America; we are here because we are Americans," she said. "We are not here because we want America to fail; we are here because we want America to live up to its promises. We are not here as blue America and red America; we are here as the United States of America. And united we stand because divided we will fall. We cannot abandon the ideals of freedom."

Original post:

Jan. 6 vigil: We cannot abandon the ideals of freedom - Deseret News

Steve King| Suburbanite correspondent

It was 79 years ago Thursday, on Jan. 6, 1941, that President Franklin Roosevelt delivered his famous Four Freedoms speech to Congress.

It was the main theme the overriding and the only theme, really of his 1941 State of the Union speech.

In future days, which we seek to make secure, we look forward to a world founded upon four essential freedoms, FDR said. As he saw and described them:

The first is freedom of speech and expression everywhere in the world.

The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way everywhere in the world.

The third is freedom of want which, translated into world terms, means economic understandings which will secure to every nation a healthy peacetime life for its inhabitants everywhere in the world.

The fourth is freedom from fear which, translated into world terms, means a worldwide reduction of armaments to such a point and in such a thorough fashion that no nation will be in position to commit an act of physical aggression against any neighbor anywhere in the world.

Then FDR added, That is no vision of a distant millennium. It is a definite basis for a kind of world attainable in our own time and generation.

At the same time, Hitler was waging war on Europe and Japan was doing the same in the Pacific, and then almost exactly 11 months afterward, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor to drag FDR and the United States, which had been staunchly isolationist, into World War II.

But though FDRs words were swallowed up then, they survived the war and in 1948, the United Nations used the Four Freedoms as its guideline in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights it adopted.

Its the third freedom the freedom of want that is of particular interest, at least to me, as it applies to hunger, especially children. I think hunger is the biggest need of the four freedoms. You cant live if theres not enough to eat.

I have mentioned on a number of occasions in this space that I work a side job as a clerk at a convenient store. It is a great study in human behavior, most times in a positive fashion that warms your heart and soul, but still too many times that make you grit your teeth, bite your tongue and shake your head in disgust.

The store is located in a generally well-to-do city of 60,000 people situated near a much larger city. As with any big city, there are areas of economic difficulties within, and the biggest one in this particular city sets just four miles from the store.

Customers think nothing of dropping $100, and even $200 and more, on cigarettes, beer and lottery tickets. To each their own, and this is not a general diatribe against those expenditures, but only in the sense that that money could do so much to feed the hungry kids just down the road.

More specifically, if just 10 percent of the sales of the aforementioned items in any convenience store in the area, including ours, were to go instead to the local foodbank, it would fill a lot of empty stomachs.

That those people would, in my opinion, never consider taking that money and donating it, let alone actually doing it, is numbingly disappointing and disheartening.

All these years later, those needs and those resulting emotions persist.

Franklin Roosevelt would be saddened.

See the original post:

Steve King: The freedom of want is still a dream - Canton Repository

Singapore Airlines will launch 3x weekly flights between two great European cities, as it prepares to restart its service to Milan (MXP) and add a Fifth Freedom tag flight to Barcelona (BCN).

With modern, more fuel efficient jetliners, we have seen fewer Fifth Freedom flights, which are flights in which an airline from one country operates flights between two other countries (as part of its connecting service to its home country). For example, Singapore Airlines operates service from New York to Singapore via Frankfurt and sells tickets between New York (JFK) and Frankfurt (FRA) on a stand-alone basis. This is known as a Fifth Freedom flight.

The new Fifth Freedom service between Milan and Barcelona will launch on January 17, 2022 and operate three times weekly (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) using an Airbus A350-900:

(I recently reviewed Singanpores A350-900 longhaul aircraft here)

> Read More: Singapore Airlines A350-900 Review BKK SIN + SIN LAX

The pandemic has also greatly reduced intercontinental flights schedules, but that could actually result in more Fifth Freedom flights going forward. In this case, Singapore likely did not see the commercial viability of operating flights to both Milan and Barcelona, but this arrangement allows it to serve both cities, even if travelers in Barcelona have to make an extra stop enroute.

Generally, these flights are full service, though at 1 hour, 25 minutes service may not be as extensive as you might expect on a one hour flight intra-Asia.

Theoretically, this 448-mile flight can be booked with the following programs on a one-way basis:

But I say theoretically because Singapore Airlines has traditionally been quite stingy in opening award space on its own flights to its Star Alliance partners and thus far, I only see the award space available through Singapores own KrisFlyer program.

Paid fares are about double of Spanish budget carrier Vueling on the same route, but still cheap enough: $122 one-way in economy class. Business class tickets are about $331 each way.

Singapore Airlines is launching a new Fifth Freedom flight between Milan and Barcelona. The service begins on January 17th, operates 3x weekly, and tickets are now sale.

Will you take this new Singapore Airlines Fifth Freedom flight?

(H/T: Travel With Massi)

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Singapore Airlines Adds New Fifth Freedom Route In Europe - Live and Let's Fly