PUBLIC ALLIES NEWS

  “2020 Don’t Look Back” is a spoken word piece by alum Ray Johnson (Cincinnati ’20), who performs under the name Silence Priest. This piece is part of Public Allies’ campaign to highlight voices of Black members, Alumni, staff, and partners throughout Black History Month.

  “Being Black Is Lit” is a spoken word piece by alum Kwyn Townsend Riley (Chicago ’19). This piece is part of Public Allies’ campaign to highlight voices of Black members, Alumni, staff, and partners throughout Black History Month.

“Awakening” is a spoken word piece by alum Rajah Satterwhite (North Carolina ‘17): I gotta full beat face And a bigger waist Tip-toeing in my block heels Trying to cultivate hope so my block heals Every night I stay plotting awake These injustices too much, I don’t know how much more we can take Focusing Read More

[Content warning: Profanity] By Freda Epum You board a bus and it seems as though there is a sea of Black people. If it weren’t for the fact that your skin is brown, your hair is curly, your eyes are black and almond, and you’ve got a nice ass (or so you’ve been told), you’d think Read More

“Unity” is a poem and painting by Ally member Alicia Green (Central Florida ’21): The opportunity For a community to come together, to break down old walls and barriers, Letting the past teach the present, The present holding the future. It is a gift, magnified day by day, By God’s grace in my heart, and Read More

“Confidence” is a love letter to Black people, written, composed, and performed by Christina Armstrong (an ‘07 alum and current staff member of our Chicago site), with support from band members: Tyrone Jackson – Bass Journey Burns – Percussion, Sound Engineering Kara Blaylock – Supporting Vocals Enjoy! This piece is part of Public Allies’ campaign Read More

By John Broadway When day comes we step out of the shade, aflame and unafraid The new dawn blooms as we free it For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it If only we’re brave enough to be it. — Amanda Gorman, 2021 Inaugural Poet I hope Amanda Gorman’s loving call for unity inspired you to be the Read More

This week’s assault on our democracy—and flagrant display of white supremacy—was tragic and dismaying, yet sadly unsurprising in a country founded on (and still unwilling to truly reckon with) the genocide of one people and the enslavement of another. The same could be said about the gaping disparity in how these domestic terrorists were treated, Read More

Over 750,000 first time unemployment claims were filed last week, up to a quarter of all small businesses remain closed, and there is growing concern over the increase in substance abuse overdoses and suicide brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Yet for one Public Allies staff alum, there has never been a better time for Read More

While the majority of Americans are familiar with gender-neutral pronouns, far too many still feel uncomfortable using them. Since the world makes it challenging enough for them, it is crucial that we learn how to support friends, family members, and colleagues who identify as non-binary. Here are five simple ways to show that support, inspired Read More