Since we last spoke I have been in Salt Lake City, Utah and Norfolk, Virginia. Technically I’m still in Virginia waiting for my flight home. Here’s what I want you to know…the resistance is STRONG!
It is so strange reading the news and scrolling on social media and feeling despondent and then going out into the world (in this case bouncing from university to university) and feeling so energized and hopeful.
This is my 100th reminder to us all – STOP DOOMSCROLLING. Go out into the world, into your communities, and find the hope. You will feel so much better. Document every single act of resistance that you see and participate in. Share it with your friends, family, and digital networks. Flood the airways with all the stories of organized resistance. It is happening in every community. It’s easier to do more when you know you are not alone in your labor.
I was in Salt Lake City when they banned the pride flag from all government buildings and schools. It was also trans visibility day. What happened? Hundreds of protestors showed up to the capitol and unfurled the world’s largest trans flag. I attended a community event at the University of Utah that included fun activities, snacks, and two fascinating lectures on the history of trans folks from medieval times to present. The drag club hosted an EPIC drag show.
I led a teach-in on the history of queer craftivism. The following night we gathered at Under the Umbrella Bookstore for a queer craft night. We also has a ton of fun visiting This is the Place Heritage Park. The rain provided us an opportunity to bring some pride to the park.
I came back to Chicago for a few days and participated in the #HandsOff protest in Evanston, IL. I brought out the 2017 sign again since, sadly, it’s still relevant and applicable. The turnout was fantastic!
Then I landed at Old Dominion University in Virginia. More resistance! I learned about the “local woke mob” and y’all really want to see this. Talk about fucking with fascists through joy!
I led a similar teach-in here to a room full of badasses who are throwing down hard. Local artists led craft activities and we talked about developing an activist lifestyle.
This morning I saw this story out of Edwardsville, IL showcasing the power of one brave person inspiring courage in others. More of this!!!
https://www.theintelligencer.com/news/article/donald-trump-protest-edwardsville-il-20228594.php
Please please please shout out and uplift all of the resistance you see. Show off the resistance work you are doing. It builds momentum and power. It inspires and motivates. It breeds hope. We can do this. We ARE doing this!
FREE PATTERN
The #TeslaTakedown movement is inspiring me a great deal. It is grassroots. It is powerful. It has clear directives. It is having impact. I made this pattern for you. Feel free to scale it up and turn it into a giant ass protest hoop for the next event.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Saturday, April 26th // 2-4pm CT // 21c Hotel Chicago – Expo Chicago
On Creative Practice with Shannon Downey and Megy Karydes
Free and Open to the Public
Megy and I will be talking about our books and work, then we will roll into a fun embroidery workshop! Materials provided. Books will be available for purchase.
Sunday, April 27th // 2-4pm CT // Joyful Menace Society Crafternoon (Zoom) // Join Here.
Saturday, May 17th // 1-2:30pm CT // Intro to Embroidery (Zoom) // Register Here.
TEEN Workshops
This summer I am working with the Chicago Public Library on some upcycling workshops for teens. There are three workshops at various locations across Chicago. Tell the teens in your life!
Monday, May 19th from 4-5:30pm // Back of the Yards Public Library // Register here.
Tuesday, June 10th from 3:30 – 5:30pm // Vodak – East Side Library // Register here.
Tuesday, July 1st from 2-3:30pm // Chinatown Public Library // Register here.
Saturday, May 31st // 1:30 – 3pm CT // Intro to Embroidery // EcoShip Chicago // Register here.
The Joyful Menace Society
The next book we are reading for book club is Defy by Dr. Sunita Sah
Our book club discussion will happen on May 17th on Zoom. Join the Joyful Menace Society to attend any of our events. Join here.
Let’s Move the Needle
Speaking of books…my book baby is 6 months old!!!! I made a video of my last six months on tour in under 4 minutes should you want a taste of the joy and chaos. After I watched the final reel I understood why I’m so damn tired.
A friend was in Powell’s Books in Portland, Oregon and spotted my baby on their VIP shelf!
I’m really proud of this book. I hope you will get a copy, give it a read, and then apply apply apply!
It’s under $ 20. If you are an audiobook reader, I narrate!
Buy a copy here! please
Thank you for your continued support and kind words. It can be really exhausting being a public voice for joy, resistance, and empathy in times like these. Your words, hugs, presence, and kindness keep me upright and moving forward. I appreciate you.
xo
Shannon
