The re-election of Donald Trump brings us to another disheartening moment in our nation's history. The dangers of Trump and his allies returning to power are significant. They’ve made clear their intent to rewrite the rules, target our communities and replace democracy with authoritarianism. In many ways, the last decade laid bare again the dangers of white nationalism, xenophobia, bigotry, and political violence. Like Trump's first presidential victory, Western States Center is not surprised — we’re ready. 

Western States Center’s Culture Lab program has released Smoke & Mirrors, a collaborative album focused on the importance of pro-democracy efforts as the nation approaches the 2024 Presidential Election. Co-facilitated by Alabama civil rights activist and hip-hop artist Evan Milligan and former Detroit Mello Music Group rapper Chris Orrick, the album features a range of hip-hop artists, including PremRock (Brooklyn), SKECH185 (Brooklyn), Steel Tipped Dove (Brooklyn), miles cooke (Brooklyn), James Gardin (Lansing, Michigan), Rich Jones (Chicago), Juiccy Da Master (Prichard, Alabama), and Brezzy Monroe (Birmingham, Alabama)

There is a crocodile in the water. Its eyes seem to float just above the surface, watching me. I can see its thick, armored back and sharp spines cresting every so often, reminding me that its powerful defense system can easily become a ferocious attack.  

As advocates for the civil and human rights of marginalized communities, we were thankful that the Senate Judiciary Committee held its most recent hearing on hate crimes, but we are very concerned that it devolved into one of the uglier displays of bigotry in recent memory.