Hello Dear Reader, I have been busy making “Good Trouble.” This photo was taken at our 4th of July rally at the Old Town Hall in Hamden, CT. 100+ people brought their patriotism to this event. The media was there. A state senator spoke. A Yale historian grabbed the megaphone to highlight the holiday’s significance. It was a blast.
My activism has directed my life for months. Letter writing to politicians, thanking judges and lawyers who are upholding the Constitution, the rule of law. I attend in-person meetings and watch Zoom trainings to learn all that I can. I participate in all the major rallies in either Hartford or New Haven. Keeping busy, “doing something” leaves me with little time to be afraid. And, I make posters.
This past Mother’s Day, six of us began to protest in front of Hamden’s Old Town Hall. Week after week, we consistently return every Sunday. Last Sunday, 38 activists showed up to face a Nor’easter about to happen. The wind gusts up to 50mph posed the greatest challenge. Yet, people kept streaming in despite the weather. We are building community. Together we battle loneliness, hopelessness, and apathy to support each other. We learn and work together on actions. Our very presence makes a statement. Our posters strive to inform and educate passing motorists that THIS IS NOT NORMAL. We engage in postcard- letter writing campaigns, and charitable drives to collect can goods, school supplies, and even hygiene products. We are there for each other in all ways possible.
Not long ago, Margaret Shepherd, the well-known calligrapher, asked me to send her images of protest posters. She is archiving them. The creativity of this political moment is art therapy at it’s best. I have been bowled over by the creative actions that are on full display with the ever growing resistance raging across the country and around the world. Margaret’s interest is in the hand-lettered posters that express the public’s dissent to our corrupt government. I have been sharing poster images with her, and she is quite impressed. If you have a poster or have seen one that you feel is outstanding, you may like to share it with Margaret at shepherdmargaret5@gmail.com
With no time to procrastinate or seek perfection, I make a new poster nearly every week. This is not high art, this is my voice. my free speech, my first amendment right to peaceably assemble. Here are few of my statements…
“THE MAIN SOURCE OF POWER IN THIS COUNTRY IS PEOPLE WITH CARDBOARD SIGNS.” -Anton Tymoshenko
More posters to follow….
Stay strong. Carol