Welcome Back, House of Magdalena Readers!
I'm thrilled to present the fourth issue of my newsletter. In this edition, learn about Coachella artists who highlighted Palestine, a Susan Sarandon-produced film about Palestinian women's empowerment, inspiring Palestinian feminist initiatives, and direct action for social change. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Thanks for being part of this community! Don’t forget to check out my pro-Palestinian Spotify playlist, featuring these artists and more.
Coachella 2024
Coachella 2024 was marked by powerful statements in support of Gaza, with major artists raising awareness of the ongoing genocide.
Palestinian artist Saint Levant dedicated his set to Gaza, sharing his personal connection to the area and singing an inspiring ballad about resilience.
Tyler, the Creator made a statement by wearing a Palestine pin during his performance, highlighting the humanitarian crises in Palestine and Congo.
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Victoria Monét, Grammy Award winner for Best New Artist, boldly spoke out during her set, urging an end to the genocide.
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These moments of solidarity emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire, and were well-received by audiences in person and online. Let’s see if more artists make an impact in the second weekend of Coachella from April 19-21.
Soufra: Women’s Empowerment in Palestinian Cinema
The 2017 documentary Soufra, executive produced by Susan Sarandon, follows Mariam Shaar as she overcomes the limitations of a Palestinian refugee camp to start a successful catering company. The film highlights the importance of dignified employment and high-quality education for women. Stream Soufra for free on Tubi.
Palestinian Feminist Collective
The Palestinian Feminist Collective (PFC) is a group of Palestinian and Arab feminists primarily based in North America. They focus on gendered, sexual, and colonial violence, centering the Palestinian struggle in their work. PFC's anti-colonial approach emphasizes transformative justice, healing, and creation inspired by feminist movements from Palestinian, Arab, Black, Indigenous, and Third World perspectives.
Check out their resource guide for feminists interested in the Palestinian cause, including tons of resources for advocacy, education, and workplace discussions.
Meet the Artist: Samia Halaby
Samia Halaby is a leading contemporary abstract artist inspired by nature, early Islamic architecture, and the Soviet avant-garde. Displaced from Palestine in 1948, she studied art in the American Midwest and has her work exhibited in major museums like the Guggenheim. Halaby has also written on art history and pedagogy and advocates for class, race, and Palestinian rights.
In January, Indiana University canceled Halaby's first U.S. retrospective after she criticized Israel's actions in Gaza, in a flagrant betrayal of academic freedom. You can support her by following her on Instagram and engaging with her posts to help amplify her voice.
Taking Action with CODEPINK
CODEPINK employs direct action, legislative advocacy, and street theater to work toward positive social change. These tactics involve confrontation and public performances to raise awareness and challenge questionable laws. CODEPINK believes these actions can influence policy and educate the public while strengthening their movement and fostering collaboration and enjoyment.
Watch this video on direct action featuring Medea Benjamin from CODEPINK and rapper Lowkey, and check out CODEPINK’s upcoming virtual and in-person events all over the country.
Thank You
Let me know what you think by commenting below, and don't forget to share this newsletter with your friends and click the like button. Together, we can amplify important Palestinian voices and make a difference. Thanks for being part of this community!
In Solidarity,
illesha magdalena
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