Ep 5- From Civil Rights to ICE: Black Activist Keeps Marching

Lifelong activist Peggy Carlson is one of 1,200 singing activists marching through the snowy streets of Minneapolis, calling on ICE to leave Minnesota. At 74, Peggy reflects on decades of marching for justice and is frustrated and tired that her work is not done. Peggy believes the price of empathy, like the price of ignorance, both carry consequences.

“At 74, I’m kind of tired of marching for peace and equality and kindness, so I’m kind of sad that I still have to do it. I thought at one time we were at least beginning to move in the right direction, and now we’re just taking giant steps backwards.”
— Peggy Carlson

Peggy is bolstered by seeing Minnesotans standing united in their protection of immigrants, believing that real change in communities of color will only happen when white communities step up, like they are today.

OUR INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Peggy Carlson's Background and Motivation

  • Ted introduces Peggy Carlson and comments on her standing out in Minneapolis due to her skin color.

  • Peggy acknowledges the fear among African Americans and other minorities due to past incidents of violence.

  • Peggy shares her motivation to protest, drawing parallels to her actions during the Second World War.

  • She mentions her long history of protesting, starting from her teenage years, for civil rights and women's movements.

Hopes for the March and Personal Reflections

  • Peggy expresses her hope that the march will motivate people to act and mentions a quote by Plato about empathy and ignorance.

  • Ted asks about the current situation, and Peggy describes it as a "love fest" but also a commitment to supporting communities and getting ICE out of Minnesota.

  • Peggy discusses the importance of protesting against ICE and the hope that her voice and the voices of others will be heard.

  • She reflects on the moral decline and the need for people to vote and engage in their communities to prevent draconian actions.

Challenges and Community Support

  • Peggy talks about the challenges of being an African American woman and the importance of finding love, community, and support.

  • She shares her initial hesitation to join the marches but found a sense of community that motivated her to continue participating.

  • Ted asks if the current protests are different from past ones, and Peggy notes the significant change in the demographics of the crowd.

  • Peggy emphasizes the need for white communities to support minority causes and the importance of white allies in bringing about change.

Final Thoughts and Personal Tiredness

  • Peggy reflects on her long history of marching and the sadness she feels about still needing to fight for peace and equality at 74.

  • Peggy expresses her gratitude and reiterates her commitment to the cause.

  • The conversation ends with a sense of mutual respect and understanding of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.