nawlins

I went to lovely New Orleans this past weekend to 'replenish democracy' with fellow student organizers, courtesy of the Ford foundation. The conference was a success in that many of us working in different areas (with different students) got to network, strategize, and see ways our work can reinforce rather than compete. Many USAS leaders came out to the conference, and we had more time than usual to hang out and bond, strategize, and figure out collaborations over the next year.

A huge personal highlight is that I got to see none other than Catherine AMAZING Jones, my dear comrade from back in the Bay who left two and a half years ago to become a doctor courtesy of Tulane University. She grew up in New Orleans, so I got a very lovely guided tour the evenings that I had free. Since it was the week before Mardi Gras, I got to catch part of a parade, where I collected beads and tried not to get pummeled by them - bead-receiving can be dangerous business! Catherine and I hadn't seen each other since she left for school, so it was great to catch up.

Another major highlight is that unexpectedly, Bob Moses was in town to speak at a Community Labor United public forum, and brought 45 high school students from Jackson, MS who participate in his algrebra program. While we only saw him speak briefly, it's still incredible for me to be in the presence of organizers who've made such a profound impact on the country.

Now I'm in Durham for two days, and that's torment because I'd like to be here for a week or two, really. Staying at the House of Mango, no matter how short, is rejuvinating nonetheless.

After tomorrow, I'm back to DC for NCOR, where many of my comrades from Cali will be out to present workshops. I was supposed to, but there were communication difficulties, so I'll be tabling there instead.