““You know, it's not the world that was my oppressor, because what the world does to you, if the world does it to you long enough and effectively enough, you begin to do to yourself.””
- James Baldwin
10 Years In Review: Senator Barbara Boxer
In 2006, following the ravaging effects of Hurricane Katrina on the Gulf Coast, sf|noir delved into the subsequent displacement of the residents in the area and the significance of that occurrence on the people of the region, their families and communities across the country where they settled temporarily, and in many cases, permanently. Senator Barbara Boxer sent this message and recorded a video to welcome audience members that evening:
Good evening, everyone. Welcome to the Fifth Annual San Francisco Black History Month Celebration. I only wish I could be there in person to thank sf|noir - and all of you - for showcasing the African American community’s extraordinary contributions to arts and culture.
This year’s theme of “Displacement and Migration” is particularly important in African American history. And we don’t have to look any further than the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina to see its relevance today.
I want to applaud sf|noir for putting a spotlight on the real faces of Gulf Coast residents, so many of whom were victims of both a natural disaster and an unconscionable government response.
By telling their stories, you are raising their voices up.
By telling their stories, you are shining a light on their experiences, on their struggles, on their hopes and on their dreams.
And by telling their stories, you are helping Bay Area residents understand who we are as Americans, and how, together, we can do better for all.
So thank you so much for all that you have done, all that you do, and all that you will do to celebrate, to educate, and, ultimately, to inspire. I hope you have a wonderful evening.
Senator Barbara Boxer
Posted January 9th, 2011 by admin