Love IS Resistance
Marching into February with hearts full of love for community
Thank you for giving us grace as we find our way.
If you’re a first time reader, we welcome you to our space. The goal of SFL Roots of Resistance Hub is to build and nurture a community with the common goal of eradicating globally oppressive power and social and creating an equitable, safe, peaceful world to be a part of. We recognize the intersectionality of our struggles and are committed to coming together in power to overthrow them as one.
Missed our first issue? Here it is! The edited and improved introduction to a host of S. Florida based organizations, artists and businesses.
UPCOMING EVENTS IN FEBRUARY
ROHI’S READERY
Rohi’s Readery has a flurry of events every month and are available to view via the link below. Rohi’s Readery is deeply committed to inclusivity and amplifying voices of BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities. This month several of the events focus on learning and celebrating Black History Month. Rohi’s Readery is a safe and welcoming space to practice all your creativity with art, cooking, dance, music and of course reading.
Check out Rohi’s Readery’s events and sign up here!
Location: 630 7th St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
MAMA TORTUGA
Thursday, February 6th at 7pm delve into learning therapeutic use of roses. Discover the medicinal benefits of this beautiful flower. Reserve your space today here!
THE AMAL PROJECT: MULTI-FAITH EVENT AND BAZAAR
February 8th from 2-8 pm join the Amal Project at the Islamic School of Miami,
11699 SW 147th St, Miami 33196 for a multi-cultural event with fun for the entire family; a grand bazaar, food court, children’s activities and more. Check it out here!
PALM BEACH DSA TWICE WEEKLY FOODSHARE
Every Thursday at 5:30 and Sunday at 1:30 (there is higher capacity on Sunday, but volunteers are needed for both)
Bryant Park amphitheater (100 S Golfview Rd) @ Lake Worth Lagoon, Lake Worth, FL 33449, USA
Palm Beach DSA hosts a food share every week at the Bryant Park amphitheater at the times listed above. They are always in need of food, supplies and volunteers.
Feel free to bring food/drinks/snacks to share with the community!
Clothing and hygiene products/kit donations are also gladly accepted and appreciated.
If you have any questions, please email us at info@palmbeachdsa.org.
BREAK THE BONDS CAMPAIGN
DID YOU KNOW? That since October of 2023 the Comptroller of Palm Beach County has invested over $700 million taxpayer dollars into Israeli bonds- making Palm Beach County the largest investor in Israeli bonds IN THE WORLD!?
DID YOU KNOW? That shortly after those investments Palm Beach County declared a budget deficit of $732 million dollars resulting in DIRECT IMPACT of residents of Palm Beach County going without much needed infrastructure repairs, funding for community centers and funding to assist our ever-growing houseless population.
ARE YOU FURIOUS ENOUGH TO TAKE ACTION WITH ME? We recently joined an organization called BREAK THE BONDS, composed of a group of dedicated professionals and volunteers who are legally challenging this gross misappropriation of PBC residents’ taxpayer dollars. BREAK THE BONDS has filed and is pursuing an active lawsuit against the comptroller via two Florida statutes regarding regulation of public investments. There are many facets of this campaign that need dedicated people power, no law experience required and you do not have to be a PBC resident. If you’re interested in fighting for what is rightfully due to the residents of PBC and standing up to corrupt government officials complete this form and someone from BREAK THE BONDS will get in touch with you.
YOU CAN ALSO SUPPORT BREAK THE BONDS BY MAKING A DIRECT DONATION https://www.internationalistlawcenter.org/giving-page-1-1
SOLIDARITY FROM BORIKEN TO PALESTINE
Zoom Meeting @ 2 PM EST, February 9th, Sunday
Join Ra Jikotea Niaku’no and Libre X, a Miami comrade, for a virtual Zoom meeting reporting from Gaza to get current updates on the ground and how we can prepare for the ongoing movement. Meeting ID and passcode are listed above!
THIS MONTH’S FEATURED ORGANIZATIONS
MOVEMENT FOR PEOPLE’S DEMOCRACY (MPD)
The Movement for People’s Democracy is a national organization that seeks to combat imperialism, fascism and capitalism while promoting democracy and workers’ rights through organizing protests, demonstrations and events and engaging in electoral politics, where appropriate. To learn more or link up, click here.
UHI COMMUNITY CARE CLINIC
This free clinic makes it their mission to provide free healthcare services to the underserved population of South Florida regardless of their Ethnicity, National Origin, Sexual Orientation or Religious and Political Affiliation. To learn more or schedule a consultation click here.
CHECK OUT MIAMI FREEDOM PROJECT AND THEIR DOPE INSTAGRAM POST HIGHLIGHTING MIAMI BASED ORGANIZATIONS SERVING BLACK AND BROWN COMMUNITIES
THE CEASEFIRE IN GAZA - WHAT NOW?
Here comes the common question. They’ve announced the ceasefire in Gaza. It’s been weeks. Where we do proceed with the movement?
First and foremost, it’s integral to recognize: this is far from over. Palestine is still under Israeli occupation. We do not know if this ceasefire will hold beyond the 6 week phase but we know the US administration has a vested imperial interest in the region, and we know that Zionism is entrenched in the financial framework of the United States. This is only the beginning. Remain vigilant. Do not let the administration fly under scrutiny, and do not let Israel carry on as normal.
Currently, Jenin is under attack. Violence in the West Bank has been escalating over the past few months, now peaking as it has grown all the more murderous. Whether we pursue retribution or recovery for the Palestinian people, we must continue fighting for a free Palestine, no matter what.
Continue to donate directly to families from Gaza. Support mutual aid in Gaza. Support mutual aid in Cairo for Palestinian refugees in the aftermath of the genocide. Support Break the Bonds, as listed earlier, in their divestment campaign. Keep protesting. Keep boycotting for BDS. Keep an eye out for Palestinian organizations, such as the many listed in this newsletter prior, alongside their ongoing events. Keep speaking up and do not accept absolute devastation as normalcy!
ICE RAIDS - DON’T TAKE THE BAIT
ICE raids are on the rise once more. We are seeing public and private spaces alike being raided. Tensions are high, and law enforcement is latching onto any semblance of fear they can. Don’t fall for the bait. ICE agents have reported to news sources that educating people on their rights has actively hindered their raids. It’s our responsibility to hold the line, educate our neighbors on their rights and keep each other aware and safe.
While it’s our duty to ensure people know their rights as much as possible, those of us in positions of security and power need to hold the line. This means creating distractions and diverting attention, blocking access to migrants we know are at risk, and keeping law enforcement out as much as we can. If you work at a school or clinic, for example, try to get them to stay outside and on the fringes as much as possible. You are under no obligation to provide them information or access without a signed judicial warrant. Be sure to check by searching the internet for the judge who signed off on the warrant to ensure it is authentic. Police and ICE CAN and WILL lie to you. Greyhound bus drivers are not allowing ICE agents to get on their buses. Restaurant owners are kicking law enforcement out with haste. Making their jobs as hard as possible will be necessary - they are relying on our complacency.
Below are resources to share with those who are at risk:
Print these fliers and cards to share with as many people as possible! These cards/fliers are available in other languages, such as Spanish, Haitian-Creole, and Arabic. All languages available here!
Above are two printables from ACLU, listing comprehensive information for those looking to prepare. More information can be found on their website.
Right now, due to raids reported in school areas and media generated fear mongering, children are beginning to panic. It’s vital that we know how to talk to and inform them in these times.
FOR DISCUSSIONS WITH CHILDREN:
Have an open discussion of the child’s level of understanding. Explain words such as DEPORTATION, IMMIGRANTS and ILLEGAL.
Maintain usual routines, such as meal times, homework and bedtimes. Routines help children feel safe and secure.
Send children to school regularly.
Turn off news resources such as television and radio. These are usually at a level difficult for children to understand and often worsen the situation.
Share with children family plans in case a parent is detained (who will pick up the child or where the child can go and who will be in charge of the child while parent is away).
Do not lie or make promises you are not sure you can keep.
WHEN INFORMING CHILDREN OF THEIR RIGHTS, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU:
DO NOT talk to police until you have met with your parent/guardian AND a lawyer.
DO NOT try to fight or explain yourself to the police.
DO NOT sign any papers before talking with a lawyer.
DO NOT give the police permission to search anything.
DO NOT give the police your password/ passcode to your phone, any other electronic device, or accounts like email and social media.
If the police search you or your property anyway, DO NOT SAY ANYTHING.
DO NOT talk with your parent/guardian about what happened until you have talked with a lawyer.
DO NOT talk with anyone, including your parent/guardian, about what happened when you are in a place where the police may be listening.
DO NOT talk about your or your family’s immigration status.
Ask: Am I free to leave?
If you are not free to leave, you have certain rights:
You have the right to remain silent and not answer any questions (except to provide your name).
Tell the police “I wish to remain silent.”
You have the right to have a lawyer. If you cannot afford a lawyer, the state must provide you a lawyer for free.
Tell the police “I want a lawyer.”
DO NOT say anything, sign anything, or give the police permission to search anywhere or search anything without having a lawyer there to help you.
FOR PARENTS WHO WANT TO PROTECT THEIR CHILDREN:
Prepare legal documents appointing a trusted adult to care for children in the event of removal or deportation.
Maintain copies of your child’s medical records. Give a copy to a trusted adult.
Maintain a copy of your child’s birth certificate, social security and passport(s). Give a copy to a trusted adult.
Maintain documentation of any public benefits your child is receiving. Give a copy to a trusted adult.
Maintain documentation of your child’s school records. Give a copy to a trusted adult.
Stay safe all. You are not alone. Ongoing ICE raids that have been reported can be found here.
TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS
In this age of alt right sentiment and fascism, transphobia and trans violence have begun to escalate - the Trump administration is looking to stress this further. Florida has been a suppression state for the past decade. It is pivotal that we support our trans neighbors, now and always.
For those who want to keep an eye out for anti-trans legislation across the country as it updates, you can find Movement Advancement Project documenting them on their interactive map. Organizers across the country are currently planning protests at hospitals denying trans affirming care. If any organizers in South Florida are considering taking up this course of action or protesting in general, trans activists state that this was a tactic utilized by ACT in the past and was proven to be efficient. Be safe, be careful, and let us know so we can coordinate and help!
If you are feeling afraid, powerless or demoralized: please check out Erin Reeds’ trans run, for trans news media source and collective, dedicated to ensuring trans folks across the states are renewed with hope and empowered.
Transpire Help is a Palm Beach based organization that provides solutions to folks who are underinsured. Their programs give opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals who do not have the resources to access help. Transpire Help funds LGBTQ treatment, housing and basic needs for the LGBTQ community. They host Pride on the Block every year in June.
We will be updating the newsletter with mutual aid groups and organizations offering support to the transgender community as we proceed. We hope that all of our trans readers and comrades know they are loved, seen and supported by us.
IN CLOSING- BASKING IN THE POWER OF BLACK ACADEMICS
bell hooks born September 25, 1952—died December 15, 2021
Lifelong observer, scholar and revolutionary. bell hooks dedicated her life to examining and demonstrating the insidious pathologies of imperialism, capitalism, racism, sexism, homophobia, intersectionality and classism within society at large and within movement and revolutionary spaces. Her prescribed cure for societal healing, growth and change? Radical love. Self-awareness and insight, love of self, investment in community and accessibility were just a few of bell hooks calls for liberatory justice and action.
With over 40 published books, articles, essays, poetry and children’s books in over 15 languages, bell hooks has imprinted the lives of innumerable humans.
Ta-Nehisi Coates born September 30,1975
Ta-Nehisi Coates is an African American journalist, essayist and author who challenges racism and white supremacy within the United States through his fiction and nonfiction pieces. In his most recent work “The Message” Coates drives home the Palestinian reality to American readers using the ample comparison of Israel’s apartheid oppression to America’s Jim Crowe laws. Coates uses his literary talent as a beacon to illuminate the oppressor and the oppressed and draws parallels between the Palestinian struggles for daily safety, autonomy and a cobbled together sense of normalcy to that of the experience of existing Black in America.
Thank you for subscribing to our project rooted in love, community and resistance. Please share with trusted organizers and friends.
This Valentine’s Day we hope you think not just of your partners but of the world as we navigate these confusing and stressful time TOGETHER.
If you’d like to submit upcoming events, calls to action or requests for mutual aid please complete this form. We’d love to spotlight and support your organization.
In solidarity,
M&N