In the Blog
MID-WEEK ROUND UP: SEPTEMBER 3
Illustration: Erin McPhee
Kim Davis, a Kentucky county clerk who continues to defy multiple court orders compelling her to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, was ordered to appear in federal court today for a contempt hearing. She argues that the courts are asking her to “violate a central teaching of Scripture and of Jesus Himself regarding marriage”. It was revealed this week that she has been married four times and divorced three times.
Amelia Boynton-Robinson, a women’s rights activist and leader of the American Civil Rights Movement who organized for Selma and marched on Bloody Sunday has passed this week at the age of 104. She passed on Women’s Equality Day, a day commemorating the 95th anniversary of the passage of the 19th amendment in the United States. Her struggle is important in reminding us that the vote was secured mostly for white women and Black women carried on that fight until 1965.
Last Sunday was MTV’s Video Music Awards. VMA host Miley Cyrus wore white dreada and Nicki Minaj called out Cyrus for comments she made earlier in the week. In an interview Cyrus had referred to Minaj as “not very polite” in her dialogue about racism and sexism in the industry. The media backlash against Minaj, who referred to Cyrus at the VMA’s as a “bitch”, was swift. Minaj is no stranger to utilizing the media to talk about racism in the music industry and this isn’t the first time that popular media has distracted from her politics and labeled it beef. Check out this link for more info on tone policing.
Ashley Burnham (Callingbull), an Alberta woman from the Enoch Cree Nation has won the Mrs. Universe pageant. Shortly after doing so she used her platform to urge Canadians to vote out Prime Minister Stephen Harper in the upcoming election. “Did you really think I was going to just sit there and look pretty? Definitely not,” she wrote. “I have a title, a platform and a voice to make change and bring awareness to First Nations issues here in Canada.”
Ontario launched a new set of traffic laws on September 1st. Bill 31, approved two months ago by the provincial government, targets those caught driving while distracted or drug-impaired, or passing too closely to a cyclist.
Oliver Sacks, renowned author and neurologist, passed this week at the age of 82.
Chavril separate, are still pals. Canadian hearts mourn.
The deadline for submissions to the First Annual Talking Back Youth Writing Awards is this Monday, September 7th at midnight! Spread the word and get your pieces in.
Our Back to School Launch is happening soon! Join us on September 11th for rad performances by Hervana and bands from Girls Rock Camp while we launch the next issue of the magazine! Check out the Facebook event for more info.
Our national election is creeping ever nearer. Make sure you are registered to vote!
