From: CERVANTA@cgs.edu
Subject: California Hunger Striker sends support...

Sister Maneshkona,

My name is Angel R. Cervantes... I recently went on a Hunger Strike for 16 days at the Univ. of Calif., Irvine. We risked our lives to fight for social justice. I was touched and moved by your words and your courage...

Sister, I hold you in my prayers and I offer you my spirit and my love... If we are to give our lives so that others may truly live, then so be it... I offer the full support of the Four Winds Student Movement and if we can help your struggle in any way please notify me as soon as possible...

Stay strong... Nourish yourself with the love around you.. and good luck

From: Chula Vista
Subject: UCI student supports Shontae

Hello,

As soon as I got this news, I felt the need to voice my support for hunger striker Shontae Praileau in your university. I'm a PhD student in Univ. of Calif. Irvine in engineering, and I don´t really have anything to do with UVM or Vermont... the common thread may be our status as students and as humans.

Two months ago here in UC Irvine, 5 of my good friends went on a hunger strike, having exhausted all means to get through to the UC Regents, our own "house of lords" who wield absolute and absolutist authority over our university. One of our hunger strikers, when interviewed about his fight to keep and expand affirmative action programs, said about the strike: "we´re trying to appeal to the humanity of the people... what worries me most is that: what if people don´t have any humanity left?"

In the course of the hunger strike, we had the media checking out the curious hunger striker camp site outside of the administration building. The Chinese-language paper reporter picked several of us out of the crowd and asked the burning question: why should we Asian males give a damn about affirmative action? why should the white males be concerned about these hunger strikers?

The spontaeous answers my friends and I have were similar: If we just think of ourselves as human beings and not a member of a certain socially constructed group, the need for social justice is apparent... and it concerns all of us, not just the people our society conveniently brand as "they." We said that if people were to have the capacity to see things as others would, to step out of the self once in a while to try to understand, the truth and urgency of the issue will be apparent.

I cannot assess the necessity of the hunger strike, but if someone has the strength and initiative to do it, it must have been necessary. I know this by the intensity of my friends´ conviction and exhaustion of other means to achieve the goal.

University of Vermont students: try to understand and see through the eyes of your brave hunger striker Shontae Praileau... Understand and empathize. Silence is not enough, as it is the voice of complicity. Recognize your common threads, and act!

Persevere,

Brian Chiu
Irvine Activist Network

From: L'mani S.Viney
Subject: Student Protest and Activism

Afroamers,
As you can see from the most recent posts, whether it be mine, the sister at University of Vermont, or the brother at the University of Hartford, there seems to be a coming of a new wave of student activism and protest on college campuses across the country.

What is disturbing is that many of the students who are figting these battles are becoming worn down at a frightening rate. The reason for this is because of the dynamics of being an activist in college in this time period.

While the 1950´s and 60´s is known for student activism, I believe that it is important to note that the racist policies which these corporations lived under were blatant and a clear obstacle for Blacks and others to identify as the enemy For this reason, many Blacks(not all) came together to fight against these atrocities. Unfortunately, in today´s times, there is no common enemy.

What I mean by this statement is that the racist policies that have and still exist in our instituions have seeped so far into the lifelines of the institutions that the enemy or obstacle is no longer clear. This, for many Black students can be fustrating because they are not able to put their finger on the problem. They know that one exists, but they cannot see it.

That is why now, the actvists today, must take up many different and difficult tasks. Tasks such as understanding and pinpointing the policies which are the problem, defining them as being racist, and showing why they are racist. When you get into issues such as financial aid, advisement, faculty hiring, and student life, the process can become highly difficult and complex. After this then the student activists must deal with a few forms of Blackfolk. The first is the "non-confrontational Blackfolk" that is those students who know that a problem exists but is afraid or aprehensive for their own reasons to confront the problem.

The next form of Blackfolk is the "apathetic Blackfolk" that is, those students who know there is a problem but do not care about it and refuse to do anything but to critcize the students.

Then there is the "Happynigger Blackfolk" that is, those student who either think that there is no probelm at all or that acknowledge that there is a problem, but lessens the magnitude of it to a point where the problem really isn´t a problem at all.

Finally, you have the type of student who is the most dangerous one to an activists cause, the "Armchair Revolutionary Blackfolk" That is, students who acknowledge a problem in vocal and hostile manners, anmd give the perception or facade of being militant and working to make change. While, in reality, they do not truly understand the complexity of the problem, and their participation for real change is limited to the sounds coming out of their mouth from a lunchtables distance. Basically, when the sh*t goes down, they cannot be found.

I understand that all of this was existant back in the 50´s and 60´s, but I will take the risk and say not to the maginitude of today. I say this only because the common enemy has hidden itself in the shadows, and if any of you remember the story of the Alegory and the Cave, you will remember that the people chained percieved the shadows as being reality, but then when they became free and looked into the light, they found out that what they saw was not what was real. This realization, forced all those chained to make a decision, either to accept it and move on or to not accept it and voluntairly chain themselves again and look into the shadows because the truth hurt too much.

This is what we deal with today. That is why many of us who have heard the stories of us students must help us and advise us and find ways in which we can unite and make a way to make these institutions more acceptable towards the academic and social growth of students who come after us.

We cannot change every university, but we can make a difference to the ones who send out the Universal Black S.O.S signal for help.

The new wave of student activist will be a group of students who shall be smaller in number, yet unbreakable in spirit until the spirit accends to a higher destination. The question is, with all the obstacles that we face in our development, where will our elders be?

Black student activism is not an event, it is the inherited responsiblity born from the mutation of oppression some 400 years back.

L'mani S. Viney

From: Erica Corina Uribe
Subject: You go girl!!

I just want to say to the women that is hunger striking at uvm congradulations for standing up to the monster of injustice. I support you in all your efforts, and your efforts will not go in vain. When someone believes in an ideal and is willing to die for it, that is the meaning of what makes us human. As a women also I give go props because it is hard for a women of color. I going to pray to jesus to help in your journey. Que Viva La Mujer!!!!!( Long LIve the women)I pray for your safety and I will pray for justice in your university. I recently was involved at the hunger strike at uci. If you need any help just call me at or email me.

Que viva el Movimiento!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Date: Wed, 13 Dec 1995
From: Frank Nitty
Subject: Hunger Striker

The administration of your university should be ashamed of themselves. For this young woman to have to resort to a hunger strike in order to obtain a proper redress of her grievances regarding your racial attitudes, is beyond disgraceful.

Shontae is not alone. There are people all over the Internet, therefore, all over the world, who are following this issue closely.

Frank NItty

Date: Fri, 15 Dec 1995
From: frederica daly

Dear UVM-ers,

Are generosity,
morality,
and humanistic caring
dead and gone the way of locus parentus in the cold, frozen Vermont land?

Is there no one to care about and interest themselves in the plight of this young student ? Is there no one able to remove themselves from the rightness or wrongness of the issues long enough to attend to a hurting young student ?

Frederica Daly

Date: Fri, 12 Jan 1996
From: Guadalupe Corona

In the spirit of sisterhood hermana (sister) I sent my strenght to help you endure the challenge. As a Chicana activist I have had many incidents of racism, sexism and classism. What must we do to stop the hate ???? Education, and standing up for ourselves because one else will do it for us . My warrior spirit is with you. Suerte !!! (Good Luck)

Guadalupe Corona
University of San Diego
Association of Chicana Activists

Date: Mon, 11 Dec 1995
From: Hatem Bazian

Dear Members of ALANA,

My name is Hatem Bazian, a Ph.D. student and an organizer at the University of California, Berkeley, extend our support to your efforts at compating racism. We are seeing national attacks at all levels, including the university system. In California, attacks on affirmative action have been targeted at Students of Color admission at the UC system. We see your efforts and ours as one, and we are connected in our struggle to over come racism, which sets at the core of injstices manfested in this country. We must bring about a change in this society, and your work and your hunger strike is a step in that direction.

In Struggle,

Hatem Bazian
Diversity in Action
UC Berkeley

Date: Wed, 06 Dec 1995
From: Jody D. Dodd

I read the diary of "a sister on a hungerstrike" today and felt compelled to send my support and ask what can I do? I work as the secretary in the office of Multicultural & Gender Studies at Southwest Texas State University. I am not in a position of "power" to exert influence with your administrators, but I am an activist in my community and believe in the power of organizing and speaking out.

You have my support and my commitment to follow through with requests you might make of me. It is the LEAST I can do. I have 15 years of nonvolent direct action experience. My words to you, are the words of Ghandi:You may never see the fruits of the work you do; but it is Very Important that you do it. My thoughts and hopes are with you.

In solidarity
Jody Dodd

Date: Wed, 6 Dec 1995
From: Kevin O. Cokely

to the brothers and sisters of alana,

please remain strong and vigilant in these racist times. know that our thoughts are with you! don't let THEM win!! by any means necessary! peace.

kevin cokley
doctoral student in counseling psychology
georgia state university

Date: Wed, 13 Dec 1995
From: Kim Brandt

I send these words and thoughts from Flagstaff, Arizona. I am deeply moved and distressed by the hunger strike of Maneshkona-Shontae Praileau. As a Master´s degree graduate of UVM I am compelled to write to say that I believe in you and what you are doing. I have chosen to do what I can in the form of prayers and spiritual support for your struggle. I also plan to withhold any financial contributions as an alum. Perhaps this may in a small way help. You are not alone. Please know that I will pray for you daily. I deeply respect what you are doing. Moreover, I pray that the UVM administration will open their eyes to this continous and completely unacceptable situation at UVM. During my time at UVM (90-92) I was deeply affected by the Waterman takeover that occurred. I think about it often. Please know that at least one administrator on at least one college campus is profoundly affected by you and what you believe in.

God be with you--
Kim Brandt

Date: Wed, 20 Dec 1995
From: LUIS CORTES

Dear Sis. Maneshkona,

My name is Luis Daniel Cortes,I am a sudent at Rowan College of New Jersey, and I would like to know what I could do in respect to the struggle you are currently undergoing. We all should know by know that colleges and universities are reflections of the ills of the society which surrounds it. What you are doing is a must.The breakdown of establishment-conditioning usually occurs first at the university level.Students like you and I must continue to refuse to accept the lie that our exploitation of the worlds' people is actually beneficial to them.Huey Newton and Bobby Seales left the campus to form the Black Panther Party.The Students for a Democratic Society gave birth to the Weatherman. Please keep practicing the rituals of your ancestors because it is who you are and if you don't you will be allowing them to destroy your culture and your soul.As a fellow activist here at Rowan(which happens to be 77% white) I demand that you STAY STRONG SISTER!

One Love,
L.Daniel Cortes

Date: Wed, 13 Dec 1995
From: Maile Dunlap

Hello Shontae...

I am presently at work in rainy Palo Alto, Ca.; making it through the day. Earlier I received a message on the bay drum speaking of your groups struggles, and your personal actions against the college´s injustices. May I just say I am extremely touched.

Reading of your hardship instantly threw me back to my college days. I graduated in May of this year from Claremont McKenna College in Claremont (So. Cali). When I first went away to school I thought I would experience wonderful, enlightening happenings as depicted in shows such as Different World...but to my dismay and surprise, school was nothing like that. My school is a very rich, elite school and predominately White. There were no productive and successful outreach/support programs for Minorities, and many of us felt as though we had no outlet. Those that could run home did and those that couldn´t suffered. On the weekends, I would often wake up and mill around my tiny room all day, not even going to the cafateria because my friends were home and I didn´t want to eat by myself amongst the "other´s." My room became like a jail cell (as the four walls of your dorm have become to you). My life became very depressing, I felt like, "if going through this kind of hell to become educated and eventually go out and ´succeed´ was what life was about," I didn't want it. Many of my friends and I often talked and thought about suicide...some of us dropped out and some of us acted upon that impulse. Me, I just floated through like a zombie, doing what I could do to make sure I would one day be able to leave.

In my junior year in school we had our first building takeover. We had marches in my senior year and one morning some of us woke up to "Go Home Nigger´s" written on the dining room´s windows -- and this was in 1994! All of the Black students were, at one time or another, spat upon with racial slurs...it was just bad. Where our administration was is anybody´s guess. The administration was attempting to get rid of our minority curriculum (which is why we had the building takeover), and what baffled me is why the minority administrators didn´t support us by not coming to work or jumping in that building with some of us...sure their jobs were at risk, but what good is a job working for an employer that doesn't respect and value you?

I guess what it comes down to is what can you do in an environment where it is made clear that you are disposable? How can you succeed where there is no support, just constant downsizing and plots for your failure? I don´t know Shontae, I don´t know. From the sound of things, you and the other students have it way worse than me and my counterparts. I don´t know how I can help you and the others, but I can offer you my support, love, and good will. I wish you guys the best and if you can, sometime, would you PLEASE write me back and give me an update. Keep the Spirit girl, their greatest pleasure would be to rid you of your heart and soul!

Date: Thu, 7 Dec 1995
From: Matthew Martin McCambridge

Why is it that university institutions are so unreceptive to student needs that students must risk their health to get the attention of those institutions? Why is it that you do your best to discourage your best students--that is, those students who feel the responsibility to work for justice--and force them to work outside the system? Why do you try so hard to make anyone who cares about equality feel alienated?

Protect the health of the hunger striking student--were you more receptive to what she and others were saying she would not be in the position she is in now, and thus her well-being is your responsibility.

Millions are watching.

Matt McCambridge
Stanford, CA

Date: Thu, 7 Dec 1995
From: Nicole Y Moore

I wish to offer you my prayers and support. I wish we could all fight for our beliefs just as you do. Please keep up your struggle. Everytime a young person with ideals and beliefs stands up there are efforts borne in order to stop them. I give you all my strength and love as a fellow young black woman.

May God bless and keep you Maneshkona....

Date: Tue, 12 Dec 1995
From: NULLESTAD

I am writing to offer my support for the courageous struggle of Maneshkona against the institutional racism of the University of Vermont. One voice, many voices; racism and sexism have no place in an educational institution. Pima College here in Tucson, Arizona has its problems, but we take multicultural issues very seriously because our community is thoroughly mixed. Anglos make up little over half the population. As a part of these United States, Vermont cannot maintain itself as a white enclave and ignore the rest of the people who are equally a part of this country. "Power concedes nothing without demand" (Frederick Douglas), we demand "liberty and justice for all"...Solidarity...Neal.

Date: Fri, 8 Dec 1995
Reply-To: Olatou

Although unfamiliar with your struggles at this time. I pray that god be with you and carry you safely through this moment of pain in your life.

I have no advice to give. Only the hopes that you will be safe and your troubles be swiftly dealt with. I watch with horror as your plight appeared before me. The bargain is no bargain; patronization is apparent.

How brave you are to take such a strong stance, how very very brave. May you walk with God every step of the way.

Every man or womans fight is a life or death struggle. As you live, you are a hero, if you die, you will become a martyr and will live forever. If the University allows you to die than they will have to live with the consequences. Your life is in their hands.

We are all of us here with you. Stay strong.

Peace, Susan

Date: Thu, 14 Dec 95
From: Peter Shell

Sister Shontae,

I´m an activist on the campus of Carnegie Mellon University and have been working with the Mumia Abu-Jamal group and now am organizing a conference on Jonny Gammage and police brutality in Pittsburgh. We hope to have a session on racism and how to undo - we have been struggling for a number of years in Pittsburgh against racism and against hate groups. We have also been struggling against racism in CISPES (The Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador). I read your messages and just wanted to send you warm greetings of solidarity and love. Stay strong, and I hope that the administration is turned around. You aren't alone!

In struggle,

--Pete Shell

Date: Wed, 13 Dec 1995
From: Rudy M Molina

I heard what was going on at the UVM. I would like for you to know On behalf of the University of Arizona M.E.Ch.A is backing you to it´s fullest. I´m sure you already know, But I would like to remind you that this racism thing is going on all over the place, here at the UofA we have AT LEAST two cases ourselves. Just remember we need to stick together, Keep on fighting.

University of Arizona MEChA,

Rudy Modesto Molina Jr.

Date: Sat, 16 Dec 1995
From: TARVER2

Dear Maneshkona,

You are a brave and compassionate soul worthy of your life and freedom from racially-motivated fear, hatred, harassment and UVM-style discrimination. I hope that your health is maintaining, and that you as Dick Gregory will thrive to see that your mission has reached its goal of positive, progressive impact upon the institutionalized racism of the University of Vermont. As a psychiatrist and activist, I know perfectly well that we as activists are too often "pathologized" as mentally ill or criminally insane. This too must stop-- and is a focus of my continued professional activism as well as civil rights advocacy through a group LGADDA- Lesbians & Gays of African Descent for Democratic Action. It is via a LGADDA member that your struggle reached me and many others. I, too, have faced the blatantly racist climate and practices of white-dominated institutions of higher learning (most painfully remembered-- Harvard University), ironically, often after being heavily "recruited" to the places. Just another extension of global colonization of people of color, or at least of disingenuous gestures toward valuing diversity. Rarely do the white majority value diversity and undergo the widespread change necessary to deinstitutionalize racism, and further to institutionalize protections and advocacy for the academic and personal development of scholars such as yourself who are people of color. Fight on, brave sister! Know that your meditation and sacrifice are known and shared by many others. Things have always changed through singular acts of heroine-ism, and this too will not be in vain.

Stay Well and Strong,
Donald, M.D.

Date: Thu, 7 Dec 1995
Reply-To: theodor

I am sending my support for SIS. MANESHONKA SHOONTAE PRAILEAU.

Stay strong, change does not come easy! If you truly believe you can make a difference, I wish you luck and strength.

Ted in Malaysia

Date: Fri, 15 Dec 95
From: Too Long

Hi!

My name is Mansa I hear that a student,Maneshkona-Shontae Praileau, at YOUR college is on a hunger strike and dieing. I am from New Jersey and go to Mason Gross School Of The Arts- RUTGERS. I know the facts on why this student is on the hunger strike and feel that its unfair that a student at YOUR college has to do this. In April I will be doing a Thesis Art Exhibition and I will make sure that this information is put in art exhibit for all the world to see what YOUR college make students(minority) go through, especially if that student happens to die. I will also take other public actions as well.

Good Day :)

Date: Wed, 06 Dec 1995
From: WILLIAMS_R

I am writing to express support for Maneshkona/Shontae Praileau, her fellow ALANA students and their supporters, for everyone involved in current efforts to eradicate white supremacist policies at the University of Vermont. The university´s failure to address the ALANA students´ needs and concerns is extremely disheartening; its apparent disregard of death threats leveled against some of the students is shocking. Having learned of Maneshkona´s hunger strike and the history behind it from a posting to an Internet discussion list, I´ll be forwarding the info. to all other lists on which I participate.

Roberta, Ph.D.

Date: Tue, 09 Jan 1996
From: WILLIAMS_R

For the past several months, I have been reading on the Internet about the intolerable situation that students of color have been living with at the University of Vermont. Although I expressed support several months ago, I now wish to re-affirm my solidarity with the students in their struggle for justice. In particular, I want Maneshkona/Shontae Praileau to know that she has my support, and that of people from all around the country, in her efforts to get the university administration to publically address the students' concerns. How sad it is that she has had to engage in a hunger strike in order to try to get the administrators to hear the students--and still these administrators are not responding!! I will continue to pass on information about this horrible situation to as many people as possible. In my efforts to do so, I have learned that the word has been spreading through a variety of channels. When I contacted people at the State University of New York at Binghamton who are not connected to the Internet, I found that they were already aware of what is going on at U Vermont through other sources.

My son, Victorio, who is a senior at Adelphi University in Long Island, New York, has asked me to convey his support as well to Maneshkona/Shontae and the other students. Also, he wishes for the students to know that he will be sharing knowledge about their struggle with students, faculty, and community people in Long Island and that he has asked friends from Binghamton to do the same at their schools when they return after break to Notre Dame and the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. Maneshkona/Shontae, you and your fellow students are not alone! You have our support and prayers. You have the support and prayers of people all over this land.

Roberta
Broome Community College

Date: Thu, 14 Dec 1995
From: WILSONB

I still see that Verwoed, Botha, Malan and other who helped develop apartheid are no longer dead nor in South Africa. After the ANC´s and Nelson´s legal victory, the racist and their lackeys suddenly appeared on your campus. They are alive and well disguised as Academicians, both young and old, at the Univserity of Vermont. Your battle is ours too. Hang in there Sister.

Date: Sat, 9 Dec 1995
From: Maart Rozena - A.E. juridicos

I have just received your message through the kindheartedness of a postdoctorate "fella" at your university. Not only did it compel me to write to you but it brought back so many memories of 1976 and 1980 in South Africa when I was a High School student and police brutality began to thrawt our fighting spirits in more ways than I ever thought possible. I hear your voice! I hear it loud! As I sit here with unwelcome, unfamilar tears in my eyes I wish I had more words of comfort to give you, but I am afraid that I cannot. I cannot because there are no words of comfort for the fight that you fight at UVM and there are no words of comfort for any fights we fight in opposing White Supremacy, be this within the university, one of the most powerful bastions of White Supremacy. What I want to say, is that any form of dismanlting of White Supremcy always entails pain and this pain is manifested within our flesh and we have no turning away from it. It seems almost the next step to proceed with in terms of a hunger strike because it so poignantly signifies where and how the pain of racism and white dominance is manifested.

I just want to say that I hear your voice and grasp the dignity that you have displayed in both hands; it is a thunderous grasp. I can only hope that in my hearts of hearts you survive this massacre of the soul like you have survived others; like your people have survived them; that when you emerge triumphantly, and you will, your body, your flesh, will be ready again to perform its rebellious and defiant pose, in ways which you define and ways which only you can determine. Power to you!

Rozena Maart

Date: Thu, 4 Jan 1996
From: Manon , Louis R

Ms. Praileau,

I have recently been made aware of your struggle and with this letter I hope to give you encouragement and added fuel for you to safely and successfully continue your protest. You need not feel isolated in your efforts, because there is, with out a doubt, a movement in the black student community nation wide. Feeling the intensity of your struggle has given me strength to work harder and to fight relentlessly against any and all injustices inflicted on our people. The movement is growing and your determination and steadfastness is paving the way for other brothers and sisters to join in.

My name is Louis Manon and I am from Villanova University. I am the vice-pres. of the Black Cultural Society. In the name of this organization we give our full support and will move to action if need be.

I know it has been a while and I hope you are healthy and that you continue with your work. We are all connected in the struggle, UJIMA! It is only time at this point that is keeping us from a united collective.

In the spirit of Umoja,
louis manon

Date: Thu, 07 Dec 1995
From: UCTHARKINS

Dear Shontae:

You do not know me but I am your sister. Not by blood ties,but by ties of culture which is strong as blood. This event has definitely taken me aback. Because I though that the South was the only ones with racist problems. Earlier, this semester a white fraternity called Kappa Alpha Order whose roots are deep in the Old South(which supports the Confederate flag, the KKK, and other fundamentally wrong things) beat up two Black boys and a white guy..and shouted racial slurs at the white guy(calling him a "nigga-lover"). All the Black students on campus got together and boycotted the campus stores and vending machines and cafeterias and staged a sit-in in front of the President´s office until the fraternity was banned from campus for two years and they have to re-petition their charter then. Although that was not enough, we did stand up for ourselves. Just as you are doing. Sista, you are in my prayers. You stand strong and understand that God is your warrior. And once you accept the battle as His, you WILL be named the Victor. You see this country wants our financial help but they still want to treat us as less than human. Stand Strong and remember you have my support. You also have my prayers.

I Love You,
Chandra Senior University of Memphis

Date: Mon, 11 Dec 1995
From: Theodore

Dear Shontae:

I share Native American and African-American blood as well, Ogala and Chipawa. I understand what you're doing, but could it not serve a greater good for you to live to fight another day? You have little power now. The school, the white eyes, and the administration could care less that you are willing to join the spirits. You are making it easy for them to kill your community by being their example. Make your price higher! You are one with the REAL PEOPLE. It is not time for us to leave, not even one, not even you. Unless the universe has told you that it serves the greatest good and you truly understand forever....

Wakati Msafiri

Date: Tue, 12 Dec 1995
From: NULLESTAD

Maneshkona, thank you for your courage and inspiration in your struggle against the racism and sexism you face up there in Vermont. There was a hunger strike in California recently over the issue of affirmative action, and while survival may require stopping before your goals are reached, your actions can be considered a success just by making people pay attention. Your diary is an important document from what I have seen on the Internet. You are in my thoughts...Neal Ullestad, Tucson, Arizona.

Date: Tue, 9 Jan 1996
From: CClaudel2

Shontae,

i know there are many who write you, so you will probably not remember me. i am a palestinian-american woman who received your initial note through a friend... shontae, i support you wholeheartedly in your struggle to fight racism and injustice...i need to know more about what it is that you are requesting of the uvm administration, so that i can e-mail them and get others to do the same... how can i show my support? help me to understand exactly what's happening... i do not want to discourage you from protesting, but truthfully shontae, we need you...the struggle for justice cannot continue without you... and i am so worried about you... please take care of yourself and let me know more about the reasons for your hunger strike (exactly) and what i can do to show my support against racism...

-lana

Date: Tue, 5 Dec 1995
From: Jennifer

Dear Shontae,

I was forwarded you letter by via a collegue and it touched my heart. I unfortunately have no great words of wisdom to share. I am not going to try and say that I understand the unbelievable injustice you have experienced in your life but I can tell you that the pain in your words cut my heart. I commend you for your courage and you have strength that few in this world have. I have seen similar injustice and it pains me because that is not what God intended for his people. I wish I could sooth the pain and tell you that it will get better...but we both live in the real world. All I can offer you is my prayers and my love to you as you fight your battle. Do know, you are not alone. peace, Jennifer
Hamline University St.Paul, MN

Date: Thu, 7 Dec 1995
From: Nicole>

I wish to offer you my prayers and support. I wish we could all fight for our beliefs just as you do. Please keep up your struggle. Everytime a young person with ideals and beliefs stands up there are efforts borne in order to stop them. I give you all my strength and love as a fellow young black woman.

May God bless and keep you Maneshkona....

Date: Thu, 7 Dec 1995
From: Carlos

Dear Companera in struggle....I read your e-mail message and my heart goes out to you. I am with you in spirit but I pray that you don´t go to far with your fast because our struggle for justice needs you alive and well. Keep strong sister.

Love, Peace, Justice,
Carlos
Professor, Department of Ethnic Studies
University of California, Berkeley

Date: Wed, 13 Dec 1995
From: Amiko I Matsumoto

Maneshkona,

I graduated from the UVM HESA program last year, and one of my classmates forwarded your diary posting on UVM Today to me. I wanted to write to you so that you may know you have my prayers and support as well. The words of Shirley Chisholm echo in my mind as I read over your email: "Most Americans have never seen the ignorance, degradation, hunger, sickness, and futility in which many Americans live.... They won´t become involved in economic or political change until something brings the seriousness of the situation home to them." Your courage and strength have brought this situation home to so many, Maneshkona. May you stand strong and bring about much needed change for racial justice at UVM.

You are in my prayers.
Amiko Ine Matsumoto

Date: Mon, 04 Dec 1995
From: Really Cool

My heart goes out to you, and as minor as it is, I want you to know that I support you. There has been enough racism and hurt and dividing and conquering. I commend your efforts. I am a student at Northwestern University in Illinois. I received your email from a friend at Williams University. I will post your email on the Asian American Advisory Board's listserv (led a hunger strike last year in a fight for Asian American Studies) and the Midwest Asian American Student Union listserv. Your message will continue to be spread. Good luck!

Luv, peec & power,
Miika
Northwestern University

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