Let's Talk New Mexico 5/28, 8a: Many of the people protesting COVID-related restrictions around New Mexico are white, while the virus has disproportionately impacted Native communities. This week on Let’s Talk New Mexico, we look at how whiteness plays into anti-shutdown responses in towns that border tribal communities.
We’ll hear from folks on the Navajo Nation about how a long history of structural violence puts them at risk of infection, and we’ll hear from white people involved in anti-racism work about what they’re doing to respond. To join the conversation, email LetsTalk@kunm.org or call in live during the show at 277-5866.
GUESTS
- Khalil Ekulona, host and producer of Your New Mexico Government
- Sen. Bill Sharer (R-Farmington)
- Dr. Jennifer Denetdale, chair of the Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission
- Zefren Anderson, experimental historical weaver
- JJ Otero
- Scott Davis
- Fizz Perkal, ABQ organizer with Showing Up For Racial Justice (SURJ)
WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE
- Navajo and Hopi Families' COVID-19 Relief Fund
Far East Navajo COVID-19 Response Fund, organized by the Torreon Community Alliance, is purchasing critical sanitation supplies/ food supplies for the most needy of the communities in the area.
Northern Diné COVID-19 Relief Effort is a community coalition distributing food, water, firewood, livestock and domestic animal feed, baby essentials, educational materials for kids, PPE, and assistance to local farmers and ranchers.
Emergency Mobile Pantry in Zuni, NM is focusing on elderly in high need who have no other means from family to support them.
Crownpoint COVID-19 Relief Food Drive is distributing food boxes in a major coronavirus hotspot, also a food desert with little access to grocery stores.
The Pueblo Relief Fund is addressing critical needs among the 20 Pueblos for essential disinfecting supplies, personal protective equipment, and food distribution.
The Red Nationis providing weekly Sunday Solidarity feeds in Albuquerque.
The All-Pueblo Council of Governors and Navajo Nation leaders have asked the public to stay away from tribal lands and nearby recreational areas during the pandemic to limit spread of the virus.
Showing Up For Racial Justice (SURJ) ABQ's Honor Native Land Tax is raising funds for organizations leading important work to provide mutual aid or emergency funds to people most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Seeing White" that takes a deep dive into the history of whiteness in America and its violent legacy through to today.
- The Albuquerque Friends Meeting, the local Quaker organization, has a Whiteness Study Group, and they've got resources on building anti-racist, multicultural faith communities.
- The Santa Fe Community Foundation has a whole course on unlearning racism and understanding privilege.
- LISTEN: Grappling With The Violence Of Whiteness - Peace Talks Radio, 2018