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From Kabul to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin--One Afghan Woman‘s story

Thirty-seven year old Khwaga Ghani is the primary bread winner for her family. Because she worked as a journalist for networks like NPR and did some human rights projects for Amnesty International, Khawaga believed it was safest to leave Afghanistan when the Taliban transitioned to power. 

 

In this piece Khwaga describes her transition out of the country and her long route to the military base in Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. She details her experiences, her observations, her worries and her hopes in these turbulent times in this piece. 

September 19, 2021

From Afghanistan to Wisconsin and other important stories!

LAFAYETTE CROSSING GUARD ASHLEY DIAS DIES DOING HIS JOB

On Wednesday afternoon 45 year old Ashley Dias died when he put himself between a child and an SUV in front of Stanley Middle School. While parents were heartened to see many police officers and even school administrators present in the crosswalks around Stanley Middle School on Thursday, they questioned where they were before that and pointed out gaping holes on intersections surrounding the middle school. Parents and students say they are desperate not to let Dias's life end in vain and are calling on the city and the school district for change. 

From Afghanistan to California--A Weekend News Update

News for Sunday, August 29, 2021

News for July 18, 2021

Gangstagrass Builds Bridges with Beats & Music

On June 28, 2021 Gangstagrass stunned the world when they appeared on America's Got Talent and got unanimous yeses from all of the judges including Simon Cowell. By chance, I saw the group perform in Stevens Point, Wisconsin during the town's Independence Day celebration. I watched and felt a kind of magic unravel as folks as different in appearance as the group themselves got up and danced while taking in songs addressing everything from mass incarceration to struggle to the ongoing quest for freedom to the backdrop of fiddles, beats and rapping. The band spent an hour with me describing their musical journeys and their aspirations for bringing about unity in the country and beyond. Listen and be inspired. 

June 20, 2021 Newscast

As Juneteenth is declared a national holiday just before Father's Day, what does it mean when many fathers are still not free? Listen in for this and other stories from this weekend's newscast. 

Juneteenth & Father's Day--Pastor Kenny Sharpton Glasgow & His Daughter Speak

President Biden signed legislation making Juneteenth a federal holiday just hours before June 19th, the day it is commemorated. While this is a milestone of progress, there is an irony of this celebration of freedom happening on Father's Day weekend--as so many fathers are incarcerated and away from their children.

Pastor Kenny reflects on his own experience being away from his children for fourteen years while he was incarcerated and how his journey in founding TOPS (The Ordinary People Society) with his children at his side when he was released. His daughter also shares her experience of being away from her dad and then working with him to empower other disenfranchised people.

A Closer Look at Palestine & Israel Conflict--Sunday, May 30, 2021

Getting to the Heart of the Matter--A Palestinian & An Israeli Perspective

As we know, there are many sides to every story. I spoke with a 35 year old Israeli who spent 23 years in Israel before moving to the East Bay and with Palestinian American Dr. Haten Bazian, to gain perspective and analysis with what is at play in the region.