Nov 30-Dec.1: Urban Uprising Re-Imagining the City Conference
kaz...@gmail.com
In the wake of the 2008 explosion of the current economic crisis, more and more people are actively fighting to restore what they've lost. Not since the ‘60s have so many people across the globe taken to the streets to demand a more just and democratic society, access to housing, health care, education, food, jobs, a clean and safe environment and lives free from police violence. Most of these uprisings are rooted in the urban landscape. Many of their demands imply a major transformation in the way our cities work. During this amazing moment of crisis and mobilization, it's important that we ask ourselves: What kind of city do we want to see?
Day 1. Urban Uprising
In History, In Process, In the Future
November 30 at the CUNY Graduate Center, Proshansky Auditorium, 365 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Organized by the Center for Place, Culture & Politics
From the revolutions sometimes called the “Arab Spring” to the vigorous demonstrations of the “Occupy Wall Street” movement, and more, Day 1 will address the lessons from around the world on how do we understand social change in this current moment. The day focuses on the history of urban uprisings as well as the current militarization of urban space, and concludes with a discussion of organizing on a city-wide level.
Day 2. Re-Imagining the City
Transforming Demands, Demanding Creativity
December 1, at the New School, Tishman Auditorium, 66 West 12th Street, New York, NY 10011
Organized by the Brecht Forum,Growing Roots & the Right to the City Alliance
Hosted by the New School Urban Ecologies Program
Building on the previous day's discussion of urban movements for a more just and sustainable society, Day 2 will address the need to create a transformative vision for organizing in New York City. With participation from community organizations across the city, we aim to:
- explore a holistic vision for the city we wish to live in,
- assess community work currently being done
- begin a conversation on the role of transformative demands and alternative institutions in realizing our vision.
Day 2 will facilitate the connections of issues and organizations in order to encourage movement building.