UpFront

Greek Debt Crisis, Ayotzinapa 43, and Black Virgins Are Not for Hipsters

Greek Debt Crisis

Greek voters are under tremendous pressure as they gear up for this Sunday’s referendum.  They’ll choose whether or not to accept another bailout deal from the European Commission, the European Central Bank, and the IMF.  The deal would give Greece more money, but demands deeper austerity measures – cuts to pensions and salaries as well as tax increases.

The Syriza party is encouraging people to vote no.  Yesterday, the IMF released a report stating that what the country really needs is more money and debt relief, not further austerity measures.  Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras called the report a ‘great vindication’ for the Greek government, and is encouraging people to reject ‘ultimatums, blackmail, and fear.’

What impact have austerity measures had on people in Greece?  And what consequences will Sunday’s referendum have?

Guest: 

Jerome Rose, Ph. D candidate at the European University Institute and the editor of ROAR Magazine.  He is in Athens covering the Greek debt crisis.

Ayotzinapa 43

It’s been nine months since police attacked five busloads of students from the Ayotzinapa Rural Teachers’ College in Iguala, Mexico.  They on their way home from protesting a conference on education reforms held by the mayor’s wife when police attacked and detained dozens of people. 43 students went missing after the attack.  One of the students was found several days later – murdered with his facial skin and eyes removed.  Some believe the police handed the students over to the Guerrero cartel for torture and execution, others are hopeful that the remaining students are still alive.

Thoughout Mexico, people are continuing to protest to demand the return of the students who were taken alive, justice for those who were murdered, and answers about the attack.

Guest:

Debora Poo Soto, student at the National Autonomous University of Mexico and a photojournalist who has been documenting the struggle of the families of the Ayotzinapa 43.

Black Virgins Are Not for Hipsters

blackvirgins

Echo Brown is performing her one-woman show, Black Virgins are Not for Hipsters, at the Marsh in San Francisco.  The show is an exploration of black womanhood in the U.S.  She uses humor and dating as an entry point to talk about race and love.

Guest:

Echo Brown, creator, Black Virgins are Not for Hipsters

We’re also taking your calls.  We want to hear about your experiences with race and love.  What messages did you get growing up about race and love? What do you want to share with the next generation?

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