by JoJo Sacks, CMC Coordinator
As we move into fall and remain at home during the pandemic, the Civic Media Center, though closed for events, has been putting together online programming to keep our community engaged.
In September, volunteers organized our first virtual CMC book club, reading adrienne maree brown’s Emergent Strategy. Organizers held a discussion about the need to stand for Black communities and against the gentrification of the historic Seminary Lane neighborhood. (See related story on page 9.)
In addition, Gainesville organizations fighting for justice came together online for Radical Rush, to reach out to university students and get them engaged with community work. Folks put together a webinar hosting individuals from DIY and infoshop spaces across the country, highlighting some of the similarities between them and the CMC. Most of these Zoom events can be viewed on our Facebook page. And the Free Grocery Store fed more than 300 people each week with their delivery program.
Looking ahead, October marks the 27th anniversary of the CMC. We have a packed month with some great programs coming up.
Join us as we close out Hispanic Heritage Month with Dr. Paul Ortiz. On Oct. 12 at 7pm over Zoom, Dr. Ortiz will host a book talk and Q+A of his most recent book, An African American and Latinx History of the United States. Later in the month, the CMC Virtual Book Club will be reading the book – see our social media or send us an email to get involved in the group discussions. Third House Books will be offering 10 percent off the book for participants.
Our 27th anniversary event, titled Solidarity Not Charity, will be Sunday, Oct. 18 over Zoom at 2pm. It will be focused on the amazing mutual aid organizing that is happening in and around Gainesville. Local organizers will talk about the history of mutual aid in the Black liberation struggle and about what organizers in Gainesville are doing today. You’ll hear from folks doing bond work in Alachua County, food justice organizers with the Free Grocery Store, and about the legacy of SNCC freedom schools from moderator and CMC Board member Dr. Zoharah Simmons. Another world is possible when we care for each other in the ways we need, spreading resources to folks who need it.
Stay tuned on our social media accounts for the details to register for these upcoming events. And as always, you can donate to the CMC virtually through our Venmo @CMC4ever and Paypal at paypal.me/CMC4ever.