THIS ISSUE’S ART IS IN COLLAB ORATIO N WITH MICE (MAss. Indepe ndent comics expo)
AN INDEPENDENT ARTS & CULTURE GUIDE
Sinking Columbus: BOSTON marches for indigenous peoples day What’s happening, Boston? Masks up, Columbus down! Boston, on October 11th, we will rally against the return of the Columbus statue to our waterfront. Mayor Walsh and the City Council have done much to ignore our Native American brothers and sisters whose needs are unmet within our community. The United American Indians of New England (UAINE) and North American Indian Center of Boston (NAICOB) have organized this rally and march to show our government officials that we can not be dismissed. The Columbus Statue was removed from Boston’s “Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park” after being beheaded, but the city has not committed to permanently removing it. In this case, the head wasn’t cut off the snake and the fight is still alive and well. Indigenous Peoples Day is about more than a name change; it’s a refusal to allow the genocide of millions of Indigenous peoples to go unnoticed, and a demand for recognition of Indigenous humanity. Recognizing this day in place of what’s currently known as “Columbus Day” is a way to correct false narratives, honor Indigenous Peoples, and begin to correct some of the countless wrongs committed against Indigenous Peoples. Not only is it important to reject the celebration of colonialism in the form of “Columbus Day,” but it’s also important to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of Indigenous Peoples despite these seemingly insurmountable obstacles in its place. Indigenous Peoples are so often erased in society, that many forget Indigenous Peoples still exist. For this reason, it’s important to begin to undo some of the harm done through this holiday, and to correct the false histories that have been inscribed. Let’s change the conversation to highlight some of the accomplishments our indigenous neighbors have had in these past years. Are you ready to get active? Email info@indigenouspeoplesdayma.org Yours Truly,
PLACES YOU CAN HANG VOTE
Shai Lingo: The City’s Best Kept Secret On the scene for a few years now, Shai Lingo is Boston’s best kept secret. Inspired to become an artist following the murder of his great grandfather, a famous musician in Portugal, Shai Lingo wanted to carry out his great grandfather’s legacy and bring a different sound from most of the artists coming out of Massachusetts to the local music scene. Dropping his single, “On Go” at the top of the summer, the Turn Me Up Mau produced track is a different type of vibe in comparison to Shai’s previous releases. A record that can be played all year long, “On Go” will either have you in your bag or ready to dub your shorty. “The process of creating ‘On Go’ was magical,” Shai Lingo told Boston Compass. “I woke up that day and the vibes were just right. The day was going well, and I headed to the studio after a fresh cut, which always puts me in a great mood. I got [there] and my producer friend, Turn Me Up Mau, started playing some of his beats and I started jamming out! The words just started flowing [so naturally] and I hope the people can feel it when listening to the track.” Citing Lil Wayne, Drake, Chief Keef, and Queen as his favorite artists, Shai Lingo gives most credit to artist-producer, Ryan Leslie. “His dedication as both a producer and artist inspired me to be just as much as a creative force behind my music,” said Shai. “I learned how to play the piano and love being [present] in the creation of my sound.” Shai Lingo has co-produced many of his records, including “On Go.” “On Go” is the first of many singles for Shai Lingo. Going into 2021, expect more visuals, melodic and quality content, and a “further expression of creativity and personality.”
Let’s cut to the chase--if you are able to, it is absolutely vital that you vote this year, ideally early. Unless you’ve been in a decade-long coma, I hope I don’t have to tell you all of the reasons why this election cycle is different than others. As far as voting rights go, the odds are stacked against the will of the people and these obstacles have become increasingly magnified during this time of turmoil, when people in power are using every opportunity to further their own oppressive and exclusionary political agendas. Many people already have limited access to voting, and the defunding of the USPS (not the kind of defunding we were asking for!) during a pandemic leaves democracy teetering on the brink. With everything going on in the world, it may seem futile and naive to think that a single vote would count for anything, but you would be wrong! In last year’s election for Boston city councilors--a Latinx activist, Julia Mejia, won her seat by a single vote! This showcases the power of individuals within a democratic system as well as reminding us to pay more attention to who we are voting for locally. Below are some ways to make sure you’ll be able to cast a ballot this year: •Am I registered to vote? (www.sec.state. ma.us/voterregistrationsearch/) •Where’s my polling place? (www.boston. gov/voting-boston) •How can I vote by mail? (www.sec.state. ma.us/ele/eleev/early-voting-by-mail.htm) •When can I early vote? (www.massearlyvote.com) •How can I learn more about who/what I’m voting for? (www.ballotpedia.org/Massachusetts_elections,_2020) •How else can I help on election day? —WHBoston (www.boston.gov/departments/election/howapply-become-poll-worker)
—e.b.b.
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—Tahisha Charles, @miixtapechiick
LAYOUT DESIGN: PHOEBE DELMONTE--->p.1,4,& 5 HANNAH BLAUNER--->p.2 & 3 ADRIAN ALVAREZ--->p.6 & 8 JULIA BARONI--->p.7
THIS PROGRAM IS SUPPORTED IN PART BY A GRANT FROM THE BOSTON CULTURAL COUNCIL, A LOCAL AGENCY WHICH IS FUNDED BY THE MASSACHUSETTS CULTURAL COUNCIL, AS ADMINSTRATED BY THE MAYOR'S OFFICE OF ARTS + CULTURE