NEWS YOU CAN USE:

Thanks to donations from friends, we have been able to donate over 800 copies of the book to students and activists in Nashville, Iowa, Jackson, MS, and Evanston, IL.

AS THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF PUBLICATION OF THE MOMENT APPROACHES, HERE ARE UPDATES ON THE FEATURED CHANGEMAKERS.

ASHLEY M. JONES, POET LAUREATE OF ALABAMA AND AUTHOR OF THREE AWARD WINNING COLLECTIONS OF POETRY, RECENTLY CO-EDITED A NEW BOOK: WHAT THINGS COST: AN ANTHOLOGY FOR THE PEOPLE. “THIS IS THE FIRST MAJOR ANTHOLOGY OF LABOR WRITING IN NEARLY A CENTURY, BRINGING TOGETHER MORE THAN ONE HUNDRED CONTEMPORARY WRITERS SINGING OUT FROM THE CORNERS OF THE 99 PERCENT, EACH TELLING THEIR OWN TRUTH OF TODAY'S ECONOMY,” SAYS THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY PRESS. ASHLEY ALSO ACCEPTED A NEW UNIVERSITY APPOINTMENT.  SHE IS ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF THE UNIVERSITY HONORS PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM.

A NEW ANIMATED SHORT FILM ABOUT CHANGEMAKER VISHAVJIT SINGH DEBUTED TO GREAT ACCLAIM AT THE TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL THIS SUMMER AND IS NOW APPEARING IN FESTIVALS AND THEATERS IN SEVERAL CITIES. CHECK OUT “AMERICAN SIKH.”

CONGRATULATIONS TO CHANGEMAKER ANTHONY TAMEZ-POCHEL, WHO RECENTLY SECURED A SIGNIFICANT ELECTION VICTORY FOR THE POSITION OF CHICAGO’S 17TH POLICE DISTRICT COUNCIL, WHERE HE ACTIVELY INCORPORATES THE COMMUNITY’S VOICE INTO MATTERS OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND COMMUNITY POLICING. THROUGH HIS ROLE, HE STRIVES TO FOSTER POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THE COMMUNITY, PROMOTING ACCOUNTABILITY AND EQUITABLE PRACTICES. HE IS ONE OF THE NATION’S YOUNGEST NATIVE AMERICAN ELECTED OFFICIALS AND HOLDS THE DISTINCTION OF ILLINOIS’ ONLY SITTING NATIVE AMERICAN ELECTED OFFICIAL.

THE WEBSITE’S “MORE MOMENTS” PAGE, “RESOURCES” PAGE AND “STUDY GUIDE” PAGE NOW HAVE CONTENT. TAKE A LOOK!

OUR PANEL DISCUSSION ON THE IMPORTANCE OF STORYTELLING WAS FASCINATING. HERE ARE THE LINK AND PASSWORD TO VIEW.

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/0AlHuukjB6nzAaBL6mpbzCjmMxRyXCGExLEzd5vpkCPwoDykFJwZd6UI4ZNaK3oQ.STkScGOHkG2aqp4- 
Password: LRajf*2%

The Moment

From the Publisher: NewSouth Books/U. of Georgia Press

PRAISE FOR THE MOMENT.

BY STEVE FIFFER

A jolt of inspiration in book form. From the first chapter “To Help Condemned People” to the last, “We Directly Invest,” Fiffer has assembled a bountiful array of idealistic, creative visionaries on the frontlines whose personal experiences sparked grassroots activism. With his generous spirit and capacious mind, Fiffer connects with more than thirty groundbreaking reformers. An undocumented Mexican preteen who grew to be an activist for refugees and immigrants in Arizona. A Sikh software engineer who put his cartoons online, developed a global following with Sikhtoons and now performs as “Captain America.” A college student who couldn’t afford groceries went on to launch an organization to support farmers and deliver fresh produce to Detroiters. Her reminder: “So my advice is to get involved, no matter how small you think what you’re doing is.’” The National Book Review

“The impressively diverse range of authors, time periods, and political movements make this book of conversational essays both a delightful and galvanizing panoply of the awakenings to the need for social justice—and ways to work for it.” Cynthia Levinson, co-author, Fault Lines in the Constitution: The Framers, Their Fights and Their Flaws That Affect Us Today.

“There comes a time in everyone's life when they have to decide whether to stand up for what they believe in or remain on the sidelines. Here Steve Fiffer introduces us to a wide variety of folks who answered the call to action and sought to bend the arc of justice. Their stories are poignant, inspiring, informative, and eye-opening.” Ambassador Andrew Young, civil rights leader, diplomat, and politician.

“What an inspiring volume! As these artivists, truth-teachers, door-knockers, and direct-investors show, there are an infinite number of ways to stem what one calls the ‘bigot spigot’ and move our society forward. Bravo!” Gish Jen, author of Thank you, Mr. Nixon and other books.

“The Moment is a book so needed in these times. In these pages, Steve Fiffer has collected the stories of individuals who so deeply believe in the aspirations of our country, and who have made it their life mission to make sure we live up to those ideals. Their words and their journeys are inspiring, and light the way for the rest of us.” Alex Kotlowitz, journalist, filmmaker, and author of There Are No Children Here and other books.

“To open the covers of this chorus of courageous words is to enter a world of such energy and hope that it will sweep you off your feet and lend you wings.” Annie Finch, poet, playwright, and editor of the first major anthology of literature about abortion.

"Every person has an opportunity to make profound and just changes to the world around them, both large and small, regardless and because of who we are. Through these profiles, Fiffer's The Moment illustrates how time and again, people of various backgrounds have stepped up to advance the work of social justice, compassion, and equity for all. This book is a great pick-up if you don't know where to start. The Moment requires us to act now.” —José Vilson, educator, executive director of EduColor, and author of This Is Not A Test: A New Narrative on Race, Class, and Education.

INTERESTED IN HAVING STEVE SPEAK VIA ZOOM TO YOUR SCHOOL, CLASS, ORGANIZATION, OR BOOK GROUP? PLEASE CONTACT HIM AT: stevefiffer@themoment-thebook.com