Something Is Happening Here

Something Is Happening Here is a collaboration between The Nation and Kopkind, offering scenes from a pandemic—a series of dispatches from Kopkind’s far-flung network of participants, advisers, guests, and friends. Edited by Nation contributor and Kopkind program director JoAnn Wypijewski, it will appear weekly on thenation.com and kopkind.org.

Kopkind is a living memorial to radical journalist Andrew Kopkind, who from 1982–94 was the magazine’s chief political writer and analyst. For 20 years, the project, administered by Andy’s life partner, John Scagliotti, has held summer seminar/retreats to support and spark the work of political journalists, activists and, with the Center for Independent Documentary, filmmakers. “Only connect,” Andy liked to say, an idea that Kopkind fosters among groups that are diverse in identity and area of work but for whom dynamics of power and liberation, in their many forms, are always central.

Laptops

This Is What Dystopia Looks Like This Is What Dystopia Looks Like

Anticipating back-to-school, a teacher reflects on days past and the endless limbo of remote learning.

Aug 19, 2020 / no-paywall / Aaron Talley

Kayaker

Grief in Florida Grief in Florida

Chaos distorts the common stages of denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance—but Florida is not alone.

Aug 12, 2020 / no-paywall / Gregg DeChirico

As Covid Slams Us, Elders Want Solidarity, Not Sentiment—or Blame

As Covid Slams Us, Elders Want Solidarity, Not Sentiment—or Blame As Covid Slams Us, Elders Want Solidarity, Not Sentiment—or Blame

No generation has a monopoly on justice, or responsibility.

Aug 5, 2020 / no-paywall / Judith Levine

Mural

Diary of a Never-Ending Crisis Diary of a Never-Ending Crisis

“Keep walking, keep going, you can’t control it.”

Jul 29, 2020 / no-paywall / Najla Said

You’re a Doc, You’ve Got This, but Your Face Shield’s Foggy

You’re a Doc, You’ve Got This, but Your Face Shield’s Foggy You’re a Doc, You’ve Got This, but Your Face Shield’s Foggy

“The will to live—and to help other women live and have access to abortion—kept me going.”

Jul 22, 2020 / no-paywall / Maria Espinoza

We Testify abortion storytellers

The Covid Crisis Reveals the Need to Abolish Abortion Restrictions The Covid Crisis Reveals the Need to Abolish Abortion Restrictions

What kind of nation allows people to be prosecuted for health care?

Jul 15, 2020 / no-paywall / Renee Bracey Sherman

An Island Amid Mississippi’s Covid Madness

An Island Amid Mississippi’s Covid Madness An Island Amid Mississippi’s Covid Madness

Scenes from a pandemic: 15

Jul 8, 2020 / no-paywall / Makani Themba

Silver Linings on a River

Silver Linings on a River Silver Linings on a River

Scenes from a pandemic: 14

Jul 1, 2020 / no-paywall / Vasia Markides

Jewelle Gomez

A Lesbian Archive Sends Its Love Letter: Find History, Find Yourself A Lesbian Archive Sends Its Love Letter: Find History, Find Yourself

Scenes from a pandemic: 13

Jun 24, 2020 / no-paywall / Jewelle Gomez

Food for Hard Times and Pleasure—Kimchee Out of Anything

Food for Hard Times and Pleasure—Kimchee Out of Anything Food for Hard Times and Pleasure—Kimchee Out of Anything

Scenes from a pandemic: 12

Jun 17, 2020 / no-paywall / Scot Nakagawa

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