Many in Madison woke up to the news today that Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway ordered the removal of the encampment at Baldwin and Willy Street. On today’s show, we hold space for the community to respond to this action as well as dispel misunderstandings about protests over the last week and a half. Host Dana Pellebon opens up the phone lines to hear from WORT listeners and then speaks with Myra McNair about how to heal in community.
Pellebon describes competing ways of looking at the situation, from those who view economic disruption as a movement tactic to those who view economic disruption as an attack. She clarifies several rumors, like one circulating that the city was financing the encampment, which it was not. Just like the Occupy movement changed the nation’s conversation about wealth, so too can other movements move the needle on justice. One thing people can do is ask, why aren’t there spaces for people to get the help they need?
Myra McNair discusses how people can maintain their mental and physical health after facing personal and communal trauma. She encourages people to find an activity that brings them peace, whether that’s being in nature or engaging in advocacy. In response to police violence, it’s hard for people to find healing because responsibility and accountability aren’t fully addressed by institutions and entities who cause harm. McNair says we need permanent monuments and memorials for Corey Ruiz and Tony Robinson. At the end of the day, McNair says “we heal in community.”
You can reach out to your elected officials with concerns here.
Myra Renee McNair is the founder, owner, and visionary behind Anesis Therapy and host of the podcast Making Progress.
Featured image of Willy Street from July 25, courtesy of Sara Gabler/WORT.
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