These episodes include statements of solidarity with the Palestinian people from activists, scholars, and cultural workers from around the world. We begin with a powerful statement from the University Union of Professors and Employees Occupied Palestine. Next is activist and scholar Cynthia Franklin, a long-time champion for Palestinian and other Indigenous peoples’ rights. Next is celebrated feminist scholar, philosopher, and public intellectual Sara Ahmed. After Sara Ahmed we hear a statement from Michael Hardt, eminent political philosopher and writer. After him we hear from the award-winning poet, scholar and long-time civil rights and anti-Zionist Hilton Obenzinger.

He is followed by legendary abolitionist feminist activist, writer, and scholar Angela Y. Davis.  Following Angela Davis we have a statement from the Raha Iranian Feminist Collective read by scholar Manijeh Moradian. Following her is a statement from the Palestine Writes Literary Festival, read by executive director and celebrated novelist, Susan Albuhawa. We end with renowned Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg scholar, writer, and artist Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, who has been widely recognized as one of the most compelling Indigenous voices of her generation. 

You can listen here and learn more about these contributors on this blog.

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Speaking Out of Place, which carries on the spirit of Palumbo-Liu’s book of the same title, argues against the notion that we are voiceless and powerless, and that we need politicians and pundits and experts to speak for us.

Judith Butler on Speaking Out of Place:

“In this work we see how every critical analysis of homelessness, displacement, internment, violence, and exploitation is countered by emergent and intensifying social movements that move beyond national borders to the ideal of a planetary alliance. As an activist and a scholar, Palumbo-Liu shows us what vigilance means in these times.  This book takes us through the wretched landscape of our world to the ideals of social transformation, calling for a place, the planet, where collective passions can bring about a true and radical democracy.”

David Palumbo-Liu is the Louise Hewlett Nixon Professor and Professor of Comparative Literature at Stanford University. He has written widely on issues of literary criticism and theory, culture and society, race, ethnicity and indigeneity, human rights, and environmental justice. His books include The Deliverance of Others: Reading Literature in a Global Age, and Speaking Out of Place: Getting Our Political Voices Back. His writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Guardian, The Nation, Al Jazeera, Jacobin, Truthout, and other venues.
Bluesky @palumboliu.bsky.social
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