Freedom Dreams

It's Been a Long Time Coming

“The struggle is eternal. Someone else picks up and carries on.”—Ella Baker

By Christien Tompkins | Apr 23 09:40 pm ET

We Do It For the People

All of us live within “imagined communities” (to borrow the phrase from Benedict Anderson).

By Christien Tompkins | Apr 9 09:33 pm ET

I'm Here Because of Bubbles

This year I have closely followed two epic stories.

By Christien Tompkins | Mar 26 09:56 pm ET

Across 110th Street?

Bobby Womack’s 1972 hit “Across 110th Street” describes a Harlem that is both very different and strikingly similar to the one that many of us at Columbia (don’t) know.

By Christien Tompkins | Mar 5 10:29 pm ET

Blazing Through the Post-Racial Frontier

Though I remain ever suspicious and critical of mainstream electoral politics in the United States, there is a significant part of me that really wants to believe in Barack Obama.

By Christien Tompkins | Feb 20 11:19 pm ET

White Out

This spring marks the 40th anniversary of the building takeovers and student strike of 1968, events that are often referred to with great passion from multiple perspectives.

By Christien Tompkins | Feb 7 12:29 am ET

At the Expense of Comfort

During last semester’s hunger strike, one of the strikers called one of his fellow students “white.” While to this student and some others this was a shocking expression of racism and insensitivity

By Christien Tompkins | Jan 23 11:58 pm ET

(R)Ace Up My Sleeve

When applying for a column in the Spectator, I jokingly told my friends that I was thinking of naming it “Race Man.” I thought this funny because of its multiple layers of signification.

By Christien Tompkins | Dec 6 12:12 am ET

Here We Go Again

Yesterday, five students began a hunger strike, depriving their bodies as the worst aspects of Columbia University have deprived all of our minds, hearts, and spirits.

By Christien Tompkins | Nov 8 10:29 pm ET

Let’s Stop Pretending We're Friends and Allies

I am at the breaking point.

By Christien Tompkins | Oct 25 12:26 am ET

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