October Conversations, Between Brad and Now

brad on the wall, san francisco. photo by Ron Hayduk

We talked about Brad who died ten years ago.

Ron sent me a picture from San Francisco.

There was Brad on a mural on the wall.

I still think of you every October old friend.

I’m sorry you were not here for some of these conversations.

I still remember the last conversation we had in the bar before you went to Mexico.

And William calling to leave me a message that October night, 2006. 

And talking with Kate all night long.

You’re not around for our conversations now.

But maybe you are?

Can you make it to 15^th street by 530?

Sure.

I used to always see Brad at Union Square.

Still we ride Brad. 
Talk with Brad.

Most of the afternoon we discussed Nietzsche.

I can see why the Nazi’s liked him, I commented

Reading Twilight of the Idols.

They use the same rhetoric.  

Make Germany great again.

It sounds like something I’ve heard before explained the Holocaust survivor.

It makes my hair stand on end.

Jennifer Flowers said he licked pussy like a champ.

At least Bill offered a service women wanted.

I am not going to say the word “pussy” in class.

But my students might.

I can’t wait for this election to be over.

Why is there so much gerrymandering?

What did you think of the high school tests?

Verbal was ok. Math was a killer.

Will Schumer stop the pipeline?

What are you wearing for Halloween?

Can democracy survive this much ignorance?

Did you hear Tom Hayden died.

It’s the end of an era.

What party are you going to?

The leaves are falling.

There won’t be any more left by next week.

Your garden looks lovely Mom.

Its great to see you.

Brad Will presente by Michael Green, Brad and Michael, by Fly, and other shots of the iconic activist

Mark Read

4 hrs · 

10 years ago my friend Brad Will was killed in Mexico by rightwing paramilitaries during an uprising in Oaxaca. This week there are several events that will call attention to the ongoing violence in Mexico- from Ayotzinapa to Juarez- and the role of the United States in creating the conditions for that violence, through the Merida Initiative, amongst other policies. There will be a protest tomorrow at the Mexican Consulate. I will be speaking on behalf of Friends of Brad Will tomorrow night at NYU, and Harry Bubbins will be speaking at CUNY on Thursday night. Brad Will Presente! Here is some information:

Wednesday, October 26
Beginning at 5:00pm
Protest in front of the Mexican Consulate
27 E 39th St, New York, NY 10016

Wednesday, October 26
7:00pm – 9:00pm
New York University Mexican Student Association (NYU MEXSA)
60 Washington Sq South (Kimmel) Room 912
New York City
Mexico’s Human Rights Crisis and the Cost of Impunity- This event is hosted by the New York University Mexican Student Association. Antonio Tizapa, Italia Mendez, Laura Carlsen, and Mark Read will discuss, the Merida Initiative after Ayotzinapa, Atenco, and the Brad Will assassination.

Thursday, October 27
12:30pm – 1:30pm
Journalism and Women Symposium (JAWS) at City University of New York (CUNY) School of Journalism
Laura and Italia will speak during this lunch-time discussion.

Thursday, October 27
6:30pm – 8:30pm
CUNY School of Law
2 Court Square Room 3-301
Long Island City
License to kill: Mexico’s Unsolved Crimes of the State- This event is hosted by the City University of New York School of Law. Antonio Tizapa, Italia Mendez, Laura Carlsen, and Harry Bubbins will discuss, the Merida Initiative after Ayotzinapa, Atenco, and the Brad Will assassination.

Sunday, October 30
12:00pm – 4:00pm
Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help
526 59th St.
Brooklyn, New York
NewYorkTlan: A Celebration of Contemporary Indigenous Cultures in NYC- This event will be NYC’s largest grassroots family reunification of 33 mothers from Mexico with their loved ones while celebrating indigenous origins and cultures. It is hosted by Asamblea popular de Familias Migrantes.