This photo essay examines how the Italian Fascist invasion of Ethiopia, an event of global consequences, sparked activism in New York City among African-Americans and Italian-Americans.
Thanks so much for the excellent history and for drawing the lasting connections between the diaspora in NYC and the country of origin. It makes me wonder how these lines continue to recent conflict between the two communities in NYC and if the diaspora remains triggered by country or politics of origin.
Another amazing, inspiring story that I am so grateful to hear about. I am continually amazed to see photos of people from almost 100 years ago that look and sound like truth tellers in our present day who are vilified as radical anarchists, as surely these folks were back then. I appreciate your showcasing the story, Ruth, and hope it moves the needle toward recognition of the threat of fascism in the minds of present day citizens. More, more, more!
Fascinating history. You can go deeper down the rabbit hole with this story: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-47172020 But what I find amazing is that Ruth’s essay definitely proves the point that all politics is local!
Great article, Ruth. Pre-pandemic I was a tour guide in NYC for a number of years, but this slice of history was a blindspot for me, so it was great to learn about it. The photo from Mott St is disturbing, with the fascist salute being given so openly. Many years later, Gavin McInnes started his drinking parties not far away.
Thanks Ruth. I like your statement that the first example of Western appeasement of fascist aggression was not Munich but Ethiopia. Also obscure and probably not that well known to many Americans was a Nazi rally held in Madison Square gardens in 1939 and attended by 20,000 people. It seems some element of fascism and authoritarianism is always present in societies. These elements used to be kept below the surface and out of the main stream. But since 2015 we're seeing it rise all over in America.
Thanks so much for the excellent history and for drawing the lasting connections between the diaspora in NYC and the country of origin. It makes me wonder how these lines continue to recent conflict between the two communities in NYC and if the diaspora remains triggered by country or politics of origin.
Another amazing, inspiring story that I am so grateful to hear about. I am continually amazed to see photos of people from almost 100 years ago that look and sound like truth tellers in our present day who are vilified as radical anarchists, as surely these folks were back then. I appreciate your showcasing the story, Ruth, and hope it moves the needle toward recognition of the threat of fascism in the minds of present day citizens. More, more, more!
Fascinating history. You can go deeper down the rabbit hole with this story: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-47172020 But what I find amazing is that Ruth’s essay definitely proves the point that all politics is local!
Great article, Ruth. Pre-pandemic I was a tour guide in NYC for a number of years, but this slice of history was a blindspot for me, so it was great to learn about it. The photo from Mott St is disturbing, with the fascist salute being given so openly. Many years later, Gavin McInnes started his drinking parties not far away.
Thanks Ruth. I like your statement that the first example of Western appeasement of fascist aggression was not Munich but Ethiopia. Also obscure and probably not that well known to many Americans was a Nazi rally held in Madison Square gardens in 1939 and attended by 20,000 people. It seems some element of fascism and authoritarianism is always present in societies. These elements used to be kept below the surface and out of the main stream. But since 2015 we're seeing it rise all over in America.
Really interesting history!