The UEL had a really great meeting last night.  Max Rameau was cutting edge interesting, and a whole new group of students showed up and participated in the taping of the program.  About 50 people attended.  The room was energy charged!  Before the program someone sent me an article on Max printed in the Virginia Quarterly Review.  It was spot on in capturing Miami politics and illustrating Max’s role as a change agent.  It’s hard not to agree with his basic premise that “Housing is a Human Right.” If you’re curious, try this link.We have also established a new policy for students who would like to join us for the dinner portion of the program: a discount of $5.00 on the meal, OR A TOTAL PRICE OF $20.  A very good deal. I heard many positive comments about the food last night as well.  It was surprising to me since I have thought that the Rusty Pelican food has been good for a very long time, but apparently some “old timers” hadn’t visited the place since years earlier when they had formed a different impression.  More than once I heard these folks mention that they were “surprised and delighted”  with the fare.We’ve got some good programs coming up.  Hope more of you will be able to join us. Fran

The UEL had a really great meeting last night.  Max Rameau was cutting edge interesting, and a whole new group of students showed up and participated in the taping of the program.  About 50 people attended.  The room was energy charged!  Before the program someone sent me an article on Max printed in the Virginia Quarterly Review.  It was spot on in capturing Miami politics and illustrating Max’s role as a change agent.  It’s hard not to agree with his basic premise that “Housing is a Human Right.” If you’re curious, try this link.We have also established a new policy for students who would like to join us for the dinner portion of the program: a discount of $5.00 on the meal, OR A TOTAL PRICE OF $20.  A very good deal. I heard many positive comments about the food last night as well.  It was surprising to me since I have thought that the Rusty Pelican food has been good for a very long time, but apparently some “old timers” hadn’t visited the place since years earlier when they had formed a different impression.  More than once I heard these folks mention that they were “surprised and delighted”  with the fare.We’ve got some good programs coming up.  Hope more of you will be able to join us. Fran

The UEL had a really great meeting last night.  Max Rameau was cutting edge interesting, and a whole new group of students showed up and participated in the taping of the program.  About 50 people attended.  The room was energy charged!  Before the program someone sent me an article on Max printed in the Virginia Quarterly Review.  It was spot on in capturing Miami politics and illustrating Max’s role as a change agent.  It’s hard not to agree with his basic premise that “Housing is a Human Right.” If you’re curious, try this link.We have also established a new policy for students who would like to join us for the dinner portion of the program: a discount of $5.00 on the meal, OR A TOTAL PRICE OF $20.  A very good deal. I heard many positive comments about the food last night as well.  It was surprising to me since I have thought that the Rusty Pelican food has been good for a very long time, but apparently some “old timers” hadn’t visited the place since years earlier when they had formed a different impression.  More than once I heard these folks mention that they were “surprised and delighted”  with the fare.We’ve got some good programs coming up.  Hope more of you will be able to join us. Fran

Get to know Max Rameau who will be speaking tonight for free at 7:30 at the Rusty Pelican on Key Biscayne (The Dinner Portion of the program is sold-out):In response to one of the worse epidemics of gentrification and low income housing in the United States, a small group of activists in South Florida lawfully seized control over public land, and started a desperately over due movement. On October 23, 2006, members of Take Back The Land reclaimed publicly owned land in the Liberty City section of Miami, creating the self governed shantytown of Umoja Village. In the wake of public housing vacancies, corrupt city officials and flawed federal programs, a community found the unrelenting courage to fight back. Using minimal resources such as discarded plywood, packing palettes, and tin roofs, a collective group of activists, Umoja residents, and community supporters built temporary housing units for 53 displaced residents. In spite of police arrests, court battles, interpersonal conflicts, and the devastating fire which would reduce the village to ashes, the Umoja clan stood strong with unbridled spirits, proving the power of determination and perseverance. This book documents the planning, development, struggles and triumphs endured by Take Back The Land activists and Umoja Village residents, and tackles the larger fundamental issues of land and power distribution in black communities.    

Get to know Max Rameau who will be speaking tonight for free at 7:30 at the Rusty Pelican on Key Biscayne (The Dinner Portion of the program is sold-out):In response to one of the worse epidemics of gentrification and low income housing in the United States, a small group of activists in South Florida lawfully seized control over public land, and started a desperately over due movement. On October 23, 2006, members of Take Back The Land reclaimed publicly owned land in the Liberty City section of Miami, creating the self governed shantytown of Umoja Village. In the wake of public housing vacancies, corrupt city officials and flawed federal programs, a community found the unrelenting courage to fight back. Using minimal resources such as discarded plywood, packing palettes, and tin roofs, a collective group of activists, Umoja residents, and community supporters built temporary housing units for 53 displaced residents. In spite of police arrests, court battles, interpersonal conflicts, and the devastating fire which would reduce the village to ashes, the Umoja clan stood strong with unbridled spirits, proving the power of determination and perseverance. This book documents the planning, development, struggles and triumphs endured by Take Back The Land activists and Umoja Village residents, and tackles the larger fundamental issues of land and power distribution in black communities.