FALLOUT Oct 13 pic:Espanola Jackson

by nana

Fri, Oct 19, 2001 2:37AM

"San Francisco is just as racist as when my parents came here in 1942" says Espanola Jackson at FALLOUT, a conference and celebration at the Hunters Point event in the International Day to Stop the Militarization of Space. The militarization of Hunters Point at the now closed naval shipyard still stands an unremediated toxic landfill with ongoing fires that poison the air of San Francisco.

Espanola Jackson, a long time activist spoke of the history racism and resistance of African Americans in San Francisco. From "blockbusting" of the former Italian community, to the welfare rights movement, initiating the food stamp program, and opening the first day care center. NAACP, the Fillmore after the Japanese internment, Earth day in the neighborhood instead of the relatively pristine Presidio. The critical factor of blacks in the passage of domestic partners legislation. Some rather unflattering comments on politicians: "What have they done for you lately?" She also spoke of her Ohlone Miwok heritage. "$10 billion that is now being spent for war could have been given to clean up the shipyard." she concluded, "I don't wanna hear there ain't no money 'cause they find it when they want to."

For more information: http://www.indybay.org/display.php?id=106109

Add Your Comments

Support Independent Media

We are 100% volunteer and depend on your participation to sustain our efforts!