tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 32mZohran Mamdani said, “Get ICE out of our neighborhoods. Get ICE out of our hospitals. Get ICE off our streets. Get ICE away from our children. Abolish ICE.” 020
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 5hSalman Rushdie: “There’s a danger of becoming a wise woman, you sit there and tell the world how it is.” Toni Morrison: “Oh yes, that is the ultimate danger.” 060
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 07/10/2026On feminists critiquing her for having a male protagonist, Toni Morrison said, “That was really annoying—to predict where you belong and where your imagination goes and what camp you’re in… I’m told what to do in many areas of my life. But not this one.” Those last two sentences. 0279
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 06/10/2026As I revise another draft I mutter to myself, “Like James Baldwin said, ‘I’m not a writer. I’m a re-writer.’” 040
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 06/10/2026"Photos: School blockades, street protests grip France" www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2026...aljazeera.comPhotos: School blockades, street protests grip FranceProtesters increased pressure on the government of outgoing President Emmanuel Macron demanding more education funding. 030
Reposted by tamara noppertamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 06/10/2026Students and trade unionists are protesting in France over the the conditions of schools and austerity measures. Thousands of schools impacted, thousands detained. The protests have been going on for weeks. www.cbsnews.com/news/france-...cbsnews.comProtests disrupt hundreds of high schools across France in historic day of student protests, union saysNationwide protests across France continued for a third week as demonstrators rallied against poor school conditions. 16724
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 06/10/2026Students and trade unionists are protesting in France over the the conditions of schools and austerity measures. Thousands of schools impacted, thousands detained. The protests have been going on for weeks. www.cbsnews.com/news/france-...cbsnews.comProtests disrupt hundreds of high schools across France in historic day of student protests, union saysNationwide protests across France continued for a third week as demonstrators rallied against poor school conditions. 16724
Reposted by tamara nopperThe Hill @thehill.com · 06/10/2026Student protests in France have shut down hundreds of schools after demonstrations against teacher shortages and rundown buildings turned violent. Since late last month, protests have spread across the country. 023
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 06/10/2026Some writers are trying to explore lines of enquiry and work through an idea and encourage us to think, be haunted, and to deal with it. But many of us want just buzzwords, quotables, or a checklist. Like Quincy Jones said, "We need more songs, man. Fucking songs, not hooks." 092
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 06/10/2026Now some think if you don't say the phrase "racial capitalism" you don't consider the intersection between racism and capitalism. As if many scholars, activists, and organizers who challenge capitalism didn't make the connection before the concept. Goodness, what kind of reading practices are these. 0162
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 06/10/2026I like adorable animal videos but it says something about the gutting of serious journalism that news channels post so many "stories" about a pet having an entertaining reaction that's caught on camera. 051
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 06/10/2026“Did you finish the book or not?” Toni Morrison asking the question writers wanting to be published need to answer. 041
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 06/10/2026Not being easily guilt-tripped is hard-earned and worth it. Like Alice Walker wrote in her journal, ”To start setting boundaries. Not to let myself be manipulated into more responsibility than I want.” 091
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 05/10/2026To her friend, a writer fretting over her manuscript and "babbling about new conventions, about maybe having to start again," Toni Morrison said, "I don't know what this has to do with you." Morrison also asked the key question: "Did you finish the book or not?" 030
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 05/10/2026One of my major achievements this year is getting comfortable with canvassing by myself and just making my ass keep going out. When I first started canvassing a few years ago, I was not good at it. But seeing political victories elsewhere and wanting a more affordable city made me keep trying. 070
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 05/10/2026It‘s frustrating but true: Working out regularly and canvassing for policies I want make me feel better. 080
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 05/10/2026Maybe it's cuz I find canvassing physically demanding and have done it 6 times for this candidate who said he'd cap the rent increases, but I want a badge thing for how many canvassing sessions we do, like running sites keep for racers, lol. 080
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 05/10/2026All this talk about leftist politics and working out––I suggest, for those who can, canvassing. It is low impact on the joints but can be high impact for elections. And, given how many steps and narrow walkways there can be to reach a door, good for balance and working the core. 030
Reposted by tamara noppernewsoneofficial.bsky.social @newsoneofficial.bsky.social · 02/10/2026Atlanta HBCU students gathered to protest for Nolan Wells chanting “No water in his lungs.” Nolan Wells will not be forgotten, and the youth is making sure of it. More on #NewsOne.com 🎥: @monetastudios via TikTok 025
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 03/10/2026Ta-Nehisi Coates said, ”I‘ve been very, very careful to tell people what I am qualified to talk about and what I’m not qualified to talk about.” ”No one person should be the oracle or be the articulator…be skeptical of people who attempt to appoint themselves as that. I don‘t want that job at all.” 143174
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 03/10/2026Canvassing after running is like doing two workouts. 010
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 03/10/2026It’s Saturday and sunny. A perfect day to canvass for the candidate who wants to cap rent increases. And to run the 2 miles here for my workout. With a full backpack that I’m saying is my ruck, lol. 060
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 02/10/2026Octavia E. Butler described Toni Cade Bambara as "probably incapable of sitting back and saying, 'Someone ought to do something about that!' whatever 'that' might be. She just goes out and does it." Like Bambara said, "The most effective way to do it, is to do it." 08920
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 02/10/2026On deciding to be a writer, Dionne Brand said, "I thought of life itself as difficult, and writing about life as much easier. Living was hard, so writing was better." Putting things in perspective is always available. 040
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 02/10/2026I continue to be fascinated by how Zohran Mamdani rarely gets discussed or picked apart––by supporters or critics––as the first Asian American mayor of NYC. It says something about how Asian America shows up in people's conceptualization of politics, including leftist projects. 0110
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 02/10/2026I've met numerous Asian American activists and writers who have critiques of Asian America, some of which I share, but don't know much about the history or current state of progressive or leftist Asian American activism or discourse. 020
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 02/10/2026The reality is a lot of Asian American and non-Asian American progressives and leftists don't pay attention to progressive or leftist organizing in Asian American communities. 161
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 02/10/2026Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I'm fascinated by how many Asian American and non-Asian American progressives or leftists aren't interested in/don't keep up with lefty Asian American politics who challenge such things. Many Mamdani supporters or critics don't even talk about him as Asian American. 030
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 02/10/2026I often think of how Vijay Prashad's The Karma of Brown Folk, which addressed this issue and was a big deal in Asian American circles when published, has largely been ignored by today's leftists, including those who keep up with his anti-imperialist work, as well as today's Asian American activists. 2181
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 02/10/2026When she was 81, Toni Morrison said, "I don't feel guilty about anything." Goals. "You may get used to, you ought to get used to, making decisions." 0121
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 02/10/2026Asked if he’d ever promote a sports betting company, Wemby said, “Absolutely not. I will never do that. Honestly, I think it’s very sad to see some players promote it, in my opinion to this. Everybody does whatever they wanna do, without me.” I’m in love with the last sentence. 051
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 01/10/2026On losing the NBA Finals, Wemby said, “I couldn’t imagine a better motivation.” ❤️ Whatever it takes. 020
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 01/10/2026In a note to herself, Octavia E. Butler said, “What shall I do? Write. When shall I begin. Now.” “We don’t have to wait for anything at all. What we have to do is start.” 0153
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 30/09/2026James Baldwin on the labor pains of writing a book. “I ain’t joking and believe me it ain’t no fun at all. And that’s where I am, brow covered with sweat, scared to death, wishing I’d never met the mighty motherfucker... but I did and it got me pregnant.” 0112
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 30/09/2026In 1986, James Baldwin delivered an address at the Issyk-Kul Forum in the Central Asian Soviet Republic of Kirghizia. His handwritten notes of his lecture include the phrases “absence of Africa in the historical record” and “the necessity of envisioning a world without nations.” 073
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 29/09/2026Toni Morrison said, “The public persona… Having a public self first before you have a private self is what is alarming.” “I don’t mean to be glib, but if you’re not good company for yourself, you have to work to become the kind of person whose company you enjoy.” 052
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 28/09/2026Ta-Nehisi Coates said toughness is vital for writers. “To not get knocked out. You need to be able to take brutal critique and tolerate awful people. But more than that, you need the physical courage to look at a blank screen, and write… courage to confront your own awfulness.” 0112
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 27/09/2026All of us need political education for something. Even those who do the readings or the work. I will die on this hill. 0103
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 27/09/2026@prisonculture.bsky.social Hi Mariame. If you haven't seen this, thought you'd appreciate the point that Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor makes about abject individualism as part of reactionary politics. 190
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 27/09/2026Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor said, "People died for the right to vote. But people also died for democracy and justice and inclusion, and voting does not necessarily secure that. When people say that, they ignore the most important factor in creating progress in the United States: social movements..." 0217
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 27/09/2026Octavia E. Butler said, “Be quiet... write.” 0174
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 26/09/2026Ella Baker said the charismatic leader often becomes a leader through the media and “gets to the point of believing that he is the movement.” “Such people get so involved with playing the game of being important that they... don’t do the work of actually organizing people.” 081
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 25/09/2026Zohran Mamdani said, “No matter what you do, make sure you can recognize yourself in the mirror at the end of the day.” 0112
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 24/09/2026I am frequently reminded of Fred Hampton’s point that “we have to educate the people as to who their enemy really is.” And that “the people” includes all of us. 0192
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 24/09/2026Discerning what’s annoying AF from a political threat seems a useful task for more of us to take up. 061
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 24/09/2026Sometimes academic shared governance can result in class confusion, suggesting labor is a partnership between bosses and workers. 040
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 23/09/2026It’s weird how Mamdani doesn’t get examined or picked apart as the first Asian American mayor of NYC. 030
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 23/09/2026The Spanish Prime Minister, who has gotta be one of the hottest lefty politicians out here, is set to meet Mamdani, who is also really good looking. 020
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 23/09/2026Despite everything, I still believe in good teaching, good writing, and the importance of hip and glute strength. 0183
tamara nopper @tamaranopper.bsky.social · 23/09/2026Today is George Jackson’s birthday. Along with being a revolutionary he was a writer who inspired other writers. Walter Rodney, Angela Y. Davis, James Baldwin, C.L.R. James, and Joy James emphasize his impact. On his reading and writing practices in prison: www.nytimes.com/1971/06/13/a...nytimes.comA Talk With George Jackson (Published 1971)G Jackson int by J Mitford; text 061
