Katherine Lewin
Protesters raise their fists after dozens of people topple the obelisk on Oct. 12.
Cover, Nov. 17: “After the Obeslisk”
Let’s Just Not
Happy New Year in O’Gah Po’Geh, unceded Tewa territory. Let’s make a resolution for reconciliation around the Plaza obelisk’s removal.
That monument commemorated violence against Native peoples and forced displacement from their homelands during the Indian wars. White people in New Mexico benefit from this today. During an era when federal power depended on the removal and erasure of Native peoples, white men like Kit Carson did the job. This city is more and more gentrified, with parts unaffordable to people whose families have lived here for generations. The result: concentrated wealth, institutionalized poverty and systemic racism.
Anti-racist white people have power to help dismantle structures of racism and oppression.
When obelisks don’t block the view, there is a chance to see more perspectives. Let’s elevate the voices of Native peoples and hear their histories of resilience after centuries of erasure. History benefits some and diminishes others. Time for a new narrative.
The Indigenous-led community action taking down the Plaza Obelisk was part of an international movement to remove racist and colonial monuments around the world. It’s consistent with sentiments communicated by our city’s mayor. Let’s drop the charges against individual people and instead work for a process of reconciliation.
Kim Griffis
The Fork, Dec. 24: “It’s Christmas Eve”
Smiling
I read every single word. Thanks for my first smile and chortle on Christmas. Very amusing writing. I read and skim the SFR, but this is the first Fork I’ve read. It won’t be my last!
Merry Whatever!
Ginger Hertz
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