sharonksobotta

Interview with Courtney E. Martin

Courtney E. Martin is a woman of my own heart. She sees the world in terms of stories and possibilities. In her latest book, 'Do it Anyway: The New Generation of Activists,' Courtney challenges young people to worry less about the barriers to making a difference and more about doing something to contribute to change. In this interview Courtney shares the backstory about how she became a feminist activist and about how she sustains herself as a 30-year old woman on a mission to change the world. Meet Courtney E. Martin!

Serandipity--Cab driver by day, poet & writer the rest of the time

I'm a firm believer that everyone has a story to share, a lesson to teach and a dream. This morning on my cab ride to the NWSA conference, I got into an interesting conversation with the driver. He wrote his first poem after his mother died when he was just 17 years old. Today he sustains himself driving a cab and uses his free time writing poetry and using it as a tool to inspire youth in the Denver area to see the endless possibilities of life. He self-published his first poetry book, 'Can we Tell You?' Meet Gus Owens!

Resources for Sexual Assault

Justice for Oscar Grant

Former Bart Police Officer Johannes Mehserle was sentenced to two years for shooting and killing Oscar Grant during the early hours of New Year’s Day 2009. Mehserlee received credit for his time already served, leaving him with only seven more months behind bars. Supporters of Oscar Grant gathered at a rally in Oakland yesterday evening and then took to the streets demanding justice for Oscar Grant. KPFA’s Sharon Sobotta was in Oakland last night and filed this report.

Justice for Oscar Grant

HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE GATHERED IN OAKLAND TODAY TO DEMAND JUSTICE FOR OSCAR GRANT. OSCAR GRANT WAS KILLED EARLY IN THE EARLY HOURS OF JANUARY 1, 2009 BY BART POLICE OFFICER JOHANNES MEHSERLE. JOHANNES MEHSERLE IS SCHEDULED TO BE SENTENCED FOR INVOLUNTARY MAN SLAUGHTER ON NOVEMBER 5.

A Mother & Daughter's Journey with Breast Cancer

With an open hearts, open minds, positive attitudes and a camera, this mother and daughter teamed up to beat breast cancer. Listen to their story.

International Day of Climate Action

International Day of Climate Action--San Francisco, California 2009

Students Heal in Richmond, California

Aftermath of the October, 2009 gang rape case in Richmond, California

Code Pink says 'no' to drones

Code Pink--Cindy Sheehan Drone Protest November, 2009

Spoken Word Talent on the train

My flight was twenty hours away. I still needed to finish my O-audition online application, stop by the consignment store just in case there is a new dress or handbag for my last minute trip to Georgia that is on half price special, oh yes and pack. Oh and I was due to hang out in San Francisco that evening with two separate sets of friends--one group from NYC and another from Delhi, India. I made a quick purchase at the consignment store, ran down North Main Street to the place I consider my second home, Café LaScala, finished my application and then hopped on a train. On my way to the city, a homeless spoken word artist sat behind me and struck up a conversation, before asking for money. “I would,” I started to say. “But, today, I’m….” “I don’t need to hear your excuses,” he snapped. I was feisty that day. “You didn’t let me finish,” I snapped back. “Where you from? I’m from Richmond. I bet you’ve never even been there.” Wrong, wrong and wrong. I went to Richmond all the time—it was the neighboring city to the San Pablo, the home of Contra Costa County Rape Crisis Center. It’s where I went to cover the Richmond High Rape Case, The West Contra Costa Unified Teacher’s Strike, International Women’s Day. I actually went to Richmond every chance I had. By the end of the ride, the spoken word artist and I found our rhythm and he even did a demo for me on my audio recording devise.