The Power of the Youth Don’t Stop

Last Thursday, I attended a rally and press conference at City Hall in NYC in support of the Student Safety Act. About 100 fired up students from Desis Rising Up and Moving (DRUM), Make the Road New York, and the Urban Youth Collaborative gathered to speak out about the harassment and abuse that youth of color and immigrant youth face at the hands of school safety agents (who are employed by the NYPD) in NYC public schools.

The message was clear: it is unacceptable for those who are supposed to be keeping students safe in schools to actually be creating repressive and abusive school climates.

The Veto of California’s Kirpan Education Bill – FAQs

As many of you have already heard, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger last week vetoed a proposed law pertaining to Sikhs and Sikh articles of faith, including the kirpan. In the aftermath of the announcement, there has been some confusion about the purpose of the law and the meaning of the Governor’s veto. Below, we have tried to address a few of the main questions we are being asked by community members about the bill and the veto.

Sikh Youth Activists Awarded for Anti-Bullying Work

Last Thursday, Sikh youth who have been taking a stand against bigotry in schools were honored by the Center for the Study of Asian American Health (CSAAH) at the NYU School of Medicine’s annual Asian American Health Conference. The Sikh Coalition youth activists were among many distinguished awardees including government officials, nonprofit leaders, and other youth and community activists who have been working for healthier, more empowered Asian American communities.

Sick and tired of being sick and tired

Today is the 92nd birthday of the late Fannie Lou Hamer, one of the great leaders of the African American civil rights and freedom movement in the United States. Many of the rights we benefit from today are a direct result of the tireless work of this inspiring activist and freedom fighter and others like her. Here is a short video for you to honor her work and her life. Happy Birthday Fannie Lou Hamer!