Grappling with state violence is not easy for a society. It is, however, necessary. Targeting of individuals and groups based on skin color, ethnicity, country of origin, or politicial and religious beliefs is intolerable. The Green Party has long advocated for social justice, de-militarization of the police, and co-operative foreign policy. We are struck by the current relevance of issues from 50 years ago.
On May 8, 1970, a protest at UNM against the killing of four students at Kent State University and the war in Southeast Asia resulted in the New Mexico National Guard stabbing several people with their bayonets. To commemorate that date and to honor its historical memory, the Green Party of the Albuquerque Metro Area (GPAMA), Veterans for Peace Donald and Sally-Alice Thompson Chapter (VFP-ABQ), and the Media Arts Collaborative Charter School (MACCS) worked together to produce a public event to examine the events of 50 years ago, to compare activism today to that of the 60s and 70s, and to consider ways to heal as individuals and communities and move beyond violence as a society. The COVID-19 pandemic forced postponement of the public gathering originally planned for May 2020; we hope to reschedule it in September or early October. Here is a short video as a teaser to the future event. We hope you find “May 8, 1970: A Day to Remember” edifying and intriguing, and we invite you to share the link widely. Many thanks to those who have shared their experiences and expertise. May 8, 1970: A Day to Remember
Green Party of the Albuquerque Metropolitan Area 