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Charles Latta
No full textDue to Latta’s initiatives, the BAC has won many awards for community service and social action. He works to make BAC visible to the borough president, congressmen, and councilmen in order to stay involved. In his fifth year as President, BAC hosted the conference for the Northeast Province and the Metro Founders Day, assisting with Atlantic hurricane relief initiatives. Though the COVID-19 pandemic made these initiatives difficult, they still try to persist in their message of outreach that they have held for decades. Latta’s goal is to see the Chapter bring in more people and to develop the ideals and influence that comes with its growth. To him, being a Kappa means being an honorable individual, and “striving to achieve in every field of human endeavor,” to be a good human being, and to help those who are less fortunate than you.
Latta pledged KAP and the historic Epsilon Chapter at Lincoln in spring 1978. Charles remains active with Lincoln’s Alumni Association. He is currently a registered parliamentarian for the national association. So, he belongs in the National Parliamentarian Association, and was the chair for the golf tournament in July of 2022. He is a recipient of the prestigious George Rodriguez Service Award; through the BAC. His accomplishments have fostered mentorship not only amongst the education of the youth, but also in the Bronx, where he resides. For Charles, retirement means keeping oneself busy and being more active in one’s community, shown through his work in soup kitchens three to four times a week. For Charles, the Bronx represents a diverse culture that he continues to embrace.
LINK TO VIDEO INTERVIEW: http://cdm17265.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/singleitem/collection/baahp/id/9
Linda Simms Chin and Regina Williams
No full textWith their sorority-led initiatives that help unite the Bronx and its inhabitants, Chin and Williams feel a sense of optimism and pride for their borough. Both of them discuss that a prime example of this sisterhood was evident during Barack Obama’s presidency. This could be seen through both Chin and Williams, whether it was Chin reminiscing of the progress and resilience of African-Americans in the United States, or Williams discussing the fulfillment of seeing lines for blocks and blocks of people ready to vote and make this momentous day to occur. Chin and Williams recognize and acknowledge the importance of representation and advocacy of their cultural identities. Both Chin and Williams continue to participate in this perseverance with their community’s progress, highlighting the impact of their public services and outreach for the Bronx in its entirety.
LINK TO VIDEO INTERVIEW: https://cdm17265.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/baahp/id/108/rec/4
Imperial Fabrication of Ethnic Cleansing: Czarist Through Soviet Russian Practices and Policies Responsibility in The Ethnic Cleansing of Georgians in Abkhazia.
No full textThis thesis explores the direct correlation and connection between Goergia’s struggles against Russian imperialism and the ethnic cleansing of Georgians from Abkhazia that resulted from the 1990s Georgian-Abkhaz Conflict. After examining the historical and cultural ties of the Abkhaz as one of the many Georgian nationalities, this thesis examines the concerted effort by Czarist and Soviet Russia to separate the two identities in order to further imperial ambitions in the Caucasus region. This targeted separation over decades, along with direct Russian military support during the conflict, would then result in an ethnic cleansing taking place perpetrated by the Abkhaz against the other Georgian nationalities within Abkhazia. As proven in this thesis, the ethnic cleansing in Abkhazia is a logical conclusion to the imperial practices and policies of Russia
Environmental and Labor Exploitation in Dominican and Haitian Sugar Cane Plantations: A Failure to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals
No full textThis paper explores the dual issues of labor and environmental exploitation in sugar cane plantations in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, focusing on these countries\u27 actions in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Chapter 1 outlines the relevant SDGs, particularly those addressing labor conditions and pollution reduction. It discusses several types of pollution and its impact on laborers and surrounding communities, framing these impacts within the concept of environmental justice. Additionally, it explains how plantation-related pollution degrades all four types of ecosystem services, emphasizing cultural ecosystem services that affect people\u27s overall well-being. Chapter 2 inspects the historical context, examining labor and environmental exploitation in the region through the lenses of colonialism, systemic discrimination, and labor migration patterns. Chapter 3 continues this discussion by focusing on the economic factors that drive exploitation, particularly the tension between the profit-driven practices of the sugar industry and the SDGs, such as Goal 8, which aims to promote decent work and economic growth, and Target 8.7, which seeks to eradicate forced labor. Chapter 4 provides a detailed analysis of environmental justice, discussing domestic and international laws. Finally, Chapter 5 expands the focus from labor exploitation to encompass both labor and environmental issues, recommending policies that safeguard worker rights, promote ethical practices, reduce environmental harm, ensure stronger enforcement, international oversight, and how organizations can create positive impact
Camaraderie or Commodity: An Examination of the Human Connection to the Land
No full textThis paper addresses the role of land in the United States by examining it as both a commodity and a spiritual being. The emphasis on profit and productivity in the United States agricultural industry insists that land be viewed as a commodity, skewing and influencing citizens’ relationships with nature. Agribusiness, or commercial farming, is a leading source of desertification and land degradation in the United States. This paper seeks to understand the necessity of a breadth of spiritual and philosophical knowledge when writing environmental policy, especially regarding commercial agriculture. Chapter One provides quantitative information on the effects of uncontrolled Agribusiness in the US on land degradation. Chapter Two explains the historical account of the development of agriculture in the US. This includes the policies enacted and the philosophical writings and ideas that inspired US agriculture, focusing on the development of industry and capitalism in England. Chapter Three uses a philosophical and ethical framework to examine the role that land and farming play in the lives of US citizens, explaining several environmental philosophy movements such as Deep Ecology and Constructionism. Chapter Four examines differing theological perspectives on the role of land and nature. This chapter discusses the relationship between humans and land according to Abrahamic, Eastern, and Indigenous religions. Finally, building on the discussions and insights from earlier chapters, Chapter Five proposes policy recommendations for controlling the agribusiness industry and curtailing the adverse environmental effects through a political and spiritual lens
#JusticePourAdama : The Problem of Police Brutality with French Police Targeting Former French African Colony Immigrants
No full textThere is an urgent need to address systemic police violence and racial profiling in France, particularly against Black and African communities. It poses a critical question: how do instances of police brutality reflect and reinforce systemic discrimination in French society, and what can be done to dismantle these structures? To answer this, the analysis begins with the 2005 riots, a landmark moment of collective outrage triggered by police actions, which set a precedent for future protests and highlighted the grievances of marginalized communities in the banlieues. It then shifts to the death of Adama Traoré in 2016, whose case became a focal point for activism against police brutality and institutional racism. Through a detailed examination of Traoré\u27s death and the resulting Justice for Adama movement, the study unpacks the intersection of racial injustice, social inequality, and policing. Findings reveal that systemic racism in France is sustained by legal and institutional frameworks, such as the repeated amendments to Article 78-2, which disproportionately target immigrant communities. Furthermore, public outrage and activism surrounding these events underscore the deep mistrust between marginalized communities and the police, as well as the persistent lack of accountability within the justice system. This research highlights the enduring implications of these systemic issues, emphasizing the need for reforms in policing, legal accountability, and public policy. It also demonstrates how grassroots movements like Justice for Adama challenge state narratives and advocate for meaningful change. The study’s findings contribute to ongoing debates about systemic racism and provide a framework for future research on institutional bias. Practically, this work is a resource for policymakers, activists, and scholars seeking to address racial injustice and improve community relations in France
Christelle Onwu
No full textAbstract
Interviewer: Mark Naison, Stephanie Robinson-Ramirez, Jane Kani Edward
Interviewee: Christelle Onwu
Christelle Onwu’s profound work demonstrates the importance of advocacy and research in changing policies and improving community engagement. Through her experiences with helping children through social work, she realized that the way in which she could truly make change was through policy work and reworking the cultivation of systems to ensure the success of future generations. Christelle, originally from Cameroon, arrived in the U.S. at 17 and attended John Jay College, where she excelled academically and received multiple scholarships. Through her excellence, she has been recognized as one of CUNY\u27s alumni 50 under 50. With her determination and intelligence that paved the way of her journey, she has fostered meaningful work for the New York City Commission on Human Rights and through her advocacy for the African diaspora.
Christelle highlighted the challenges faced by African immigrants, including racial discrimination and the impact of federal policies. She emphasized the importance of policy work, community engagement, and research in addressing these issues. Onwu brings to light the importance of having conversations about race and identity to foster understanding and unity, especially in regards to the merging of the African and African American experience in the United States. With this mutual understanding, she also brings to fruition how it is essential to embrace one’s natural identity, as her refusal to fit into ‘societal boxes’ prompted the cultivation of community and advocacy in improving the lives of African and African Americans in the Bronx and New York City. Onwu even created a position as a special advisor to focus on the African community, conducting research and meetings to raise awareness.
Onwu’s advocacy, along with the immense research she has to allow for the conversations to occur signifies the true importance of her community efforts, especially in regards to African immigrants and of being of African descent in the United States. Through her personal experience, as well as creating dialogues with the experiences of others, Christelle has fostered enclaves where African communities are able to implement various programs and policies to promote their voices, especially in terms of political and economic progression. Christelle emphasizes the need for coalition building and advocacy to address the challenges faced by the African community, allowing us to see how she constructs direct action and detailed research in order to ensure that direct, consistent change can occur. Christelle Onwu’s dedication and diligence has allowed for the voices of African immigrants as well as African communities in the United States to become a part of the conversation, creating perpetual programs and policies that will continue to cultivate community for many years to come. Onwu is the impetus for direct change
War in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan: Freshwater Scarcity and the Path to Peace
No full textAs climate change intensifies, its effects on the natural environment are becoming increasingly visible. Glaciers are melting, sea levels are rising, and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. This transformation of the environment threatens access to natural resources, limits economic growth, and increases the vulnerability of a nation’s ecological, political, and social stability. Freshwater is one of the most essential natural resources. This paper addresses how inadequate access to freshwater in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan has impacted stability within and across borders. Chapter one introduces freshwater as a limited resource, highlighting how the scarcity of it threatens environmental sustainability and human health. It connects this to challenges of water scarcity and the resulting conflicts experienced in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Chapter two explores how policies, economic development, and outdated infrastructure from the Soviet era have intensified climate change related issues. Chapter three examines how Kyrgyzstan’s and Tajikistan\u27s reliance on natural resources and external investment supports domestic economic development, but risks intensifying environmental and geopolitical problems. Chapter four discusses how nationalism and authoritarian style governance can hinder advances towards peace with the prioritization of self-interests over the nation’s interests, and increased vulnerability to external political powers. Chapter five concludes with policy recommendations to bridge the gaps between peace, policy, and water scarcity, expanding on existing proposals and introducing new ones
From the River to the Sea: Environmental Ecocide in Palestine
No full textThis paper investigates the environmental and ecological toll of Israel’s current occupation and genocide of Palestine through ecological, historical, philosophical, and legal lenses. Chapter 1 explores the ecological impacts that Israel’s prolonged military operations have had on Gaza and the West Bank since October 7, 2023. Chapter 2 provides a comprehensive examination of the ideological motivations and historical context for Israel’s colonization of Palestine. The chapter also provides a pre-colonial history of Palestine’s indigenous agriculture and land management practices, highlighting its self-sufficiency and sustainability prior to the occupation. Chapter 3 explores different environmental philosophies between indigenous Palestinians and the State of Israel through an analysis of their respective practices and land values. This chapter also discusses the ostracization and alienation of Indigenous peoples on their land through means of environmental propaganda, and manufactured disparity between Palestinians and Israelis. Chapter 4 gives an overview of existing local and international laws and regulations intended to protect Palestinians from the ecological and humanitarian devastation they currently face. This chapter investigates violations of these rights by the State of Israel and highlights the lack of global judicial and governmental interference against the genocide. Chapter 5 highlights the necessary steps to begin on a path of environmental restoration in Palestine, highlighting the essentiality of an immediate ceasefire, restoration of indigenous land sovereignty, and the enforcement of justice for Palestinians
The Quest for Liberation: Philosophy and the Making of World Culture in China and the West
No full textContemporary debate on cosmopolitanism routinely refers to Immanuel Kant as its intellectual origin. A group of Chinese and German-speaking thinkers in the early twentieth century, however, used classical Chinese philosophy as an alternative intellectual genealogy to reimagine ethics, politics, society, and modernity for the entire world. Their engagement with Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism broadens the scope of global intellectual history to include a non-European origin of concepts and ideas.
Due to the differences in their local crises, the Chinese and the European stories are often narrated in separate national and cultural contexts. Bridging the critical divide between China and the West, The Quest for Liberation examines the thinkers’ shared interest in Chinese philosophy and their common effort to envision a world culture other than Western modernity.
Breaking with the common logic of either studying the reception and adaptation of Western ideas in the East or critiquing the misrepresentation of the East in the West, Zhang’s book emphasizes entanglements between Chinese and European thinkers and highlights their quest for liberation in a globalizing world. Their visions of an ontological commons for everyone help us imagine a better world community in our time of global crises, beyond the clash of civilizations.
This book is available from the publisher on an open access basis