Our June Selection

Solidarity: The Past, Present, and Future of a World-Changing Idea

How can we build solidarity in an era of staggering inequality, polarization, violence, and ecological catastrophe?

This is the question at the heart of our June selection, Solidarity: The Past, Present, and Future of a World Changing Idea, by Leah Hunt-Hendrix and Astra Taylor.

The concept of solidarity has been omnipresent for many of us over these past 237 days, as we’ve all been witness to the devastating horrors being inflicted on the people of Palestine by the settler colony of Israel. We have experienced solidarity with each other in multiple ways as we’ve engaged in various actions to stand against genocide. We’ve also cried out in frustration over the lack of solidarity amongst many of our peers who have chosen silence.

For many, solidarity seems to come only when there is a personal stake, yet how do we move past this and organize in ways that bring others into the struggle for justice? How do we build solidarity, sustain solidarity, and create a shared commitment to care for the common good?

Like Mariame Kaba’s oft-repeated mantra that “Hope is a discipline,” in Solidarity, Leah Hunt-Hendrix and Astra Taylor say that solidarity is “both a principle and a practice, one that must be cultivated and institutionalized.”

For me, solidarity feels more important and urgent than anything I’ve felt in a long time, and I can’t wait to experience all this book has to offer. I hope you’ll join us this month and share all the lessons you’re learning as well. connease and I will be checking in throughout the month with our thoughts.

For now, order your copy of Solidarity: The Past, Present, and Future of a World-Changing Idea and save the date for June 26th from 6:00 - 7:00 PM Eastern for our discussion. Registration link to come in the next update.

We look forward to reading with you this month!

Alan & connease