Mother Baltimore: A long road ahead
I really don’t have anything to say. There aren’t any words.
In case you haven’t heard, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the landmark decision that primarily protected the right to an abortion.
Forming words and phrases and sentences and paragraphs to that news is exhausting. Typing this sentence feels like a cumbersome task. It’s heavy.
So, instead, I’ll leave you all with a poem by the late Audre Lorde. Lorde, a self-described “Black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet,” was born in New York City in the 1930’s and spent her life writing poetry that tackled systemic oppression. Below is her 1978 poem “The Black Unicorn” that depicts her feeling of being ostracized in society for being both Black, a woman and gay:
The black unicorn is greedy.
The black unicorn is impatient.
The black unicorn was mistaken
for a shadow or symbol
and taken
through a cold country
where mist painted mockeries
of my fury.
It is not on her lap where the horn rests
but deep in her moonpit
growing.
The black unicorn is restless
the black unicorn is unrelenting
the black unicorn is not
free.
Thinking of all the “black unicorns” in wake of today’s announcement.
Now, here’s the latest news in southwestern Illinois:
Local exhibit celebrates east side musicians who helped create the ‘Sound of St. Louis’
St. Louis Sound is an exhibit at the Missouri History Museum that explores the musical history of the area, which includes East St. Louis. The exhibit highlights various East St. Louis artists and places that significantly influenced pop culture. BND reporter DeAsia Paige talked to a curator of the exhibit about the east side’s contributions.
More on music in East St. Louis:
This East St. Louis teacher ensures every student has the chance to learn classical music
The music? Bold. The crowd? Huge.This East St. Louis venue empowers Black musicians
New Orleans bound: Former Belleville West star selected in 2nd round of NBA draft
EJ Liddell was selected by The New Orleans Pelicans as the 41st pick in the NBA draft on Thursday. During his time at Belleville West High School, Liddell led the basketball team to consecutive IHSA basketball titles. He was also named Illinois Mr. Basketball in 2011 and 2012. BND reporters Garen Vartanian and Ahmad Lathan covered Thursday’s NBA draft news.
More on EJ Liddell:
After dominating career at Belleville West, EJ Liddell adjusting to life in Big Ten
The best basketball player in the state of Illinois? It’s Belleville West’s EJ Liddell
Roe v. Wade has been overturned. Here’s what it means for abortion seekers near Illinois
Although the Supreme Court decided to reverse Roe v. Wade, Illinois is among the 35 states where abortion remains legal as of right now. BND political affairs reporter Kelsey Landis talked to an abortion activist in Missouri about the ramifications of the decision and how southern Illinois has become one of the only options for people seeking an abortion who reside in bordering states.
More on Roe v. Wade:
Abortion ban enacted in nearby states. How many patients travel to IL for the procedure?
U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, ending constitutional right to abortion
What to do
This section of Mother Baltimore highlights upcoming events in the metro-east that are relevant to Black communities. If you have tips for events, send them to dsutgrey@bnd.com
The Illinois Black Woodstock Festival
July 3-4 at 8221 State Street in East St. Louis
The second annual Illinois Black Woodstock Festival will feature about 50-100 vendors from Black-owned businesses, live performances, food, games and much more. The free event was established last summer in an effort to attract more people to East St. Louis and promote Black-owned businesses. For more information, contact 618-744-8654 or visit this link.
What to watch
Brandy- A COLORS Show
COLORS is a music platform that features artists from across the globe giving a short, intimate performance of a song. R&B singer Brandy is the latest to grace the COLORS stage. Performing “Rather Be,” a single from her 2020 album “B7,” Brandy masterfully showcases her cherished vocal technique. Click here to watch it.
What to read
I’m an abortion doula in the Deep South. This is what I want you to know
Prior to today’s reversal of Roe v. Wade, an abortion doula in Georgia shared a snapshot of their day for Scalawag Magazine:
I love what I do. This is sacred work. I believe fully in bodily autonomy and self-determination. I have been doing this work for more than five years. However, abortion doulas and reproductive movement folks across the country are preparing for what feels like an inevitable reality: The overturning of Roe v. Wade.
That’s all she wrote!
Talk to y’all in two weeks!
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This story was originally published June 24, 2022 at 12:15 PM.
