[S]ome of the professors held events in their homes and I was never able to go. I felt as though I was always throwing a wrench into their erudite plans. I was not mistreated, but they were simply unprepared for a physically disabled student. It was a complete lack of recognition that dealing with disabilities involves complex and nuanced solutions.
“My grandparents’ stories motivate me to want to help people who are fleeing violence and brutality today.”
“In essence, the asylums of earlier centuries have morphed into a system that now holds people of color and immigrants.”
“I’m riding a line between contemporary dance and activist work.”
“People have asked me why, as a feminist, I made a book about male wisdom. It’s a good question, but I think we have to deal with things we find uncomfortable in our traditions.”
For the past 50-plus years, Nancy Romer has participated in, and often led, some of the most important social justice movements in the US: opposing war and militarism; fighting the increasing privatization of public education; and challenging racism, sexism, and homophobia.
“I’m so inspired by folks who work tirelessly in phone banks, canvassing, and organizing. I want the book to give them a moment of respite, a little levity, and the energy to keep doing progressive political work far into the future.”
“Grocery stores run on razor slim profit margins, farmers’ markets can’t run themselves, and many small store operators don’t have the training or equipment needed to sell produce… When governments talk about economic development, they don’t see the role grocery stores can play.”
“I surround myself with young idealistic people who believe that we can and must change the world…We also can’t lose sight of the fact that there are a lot of incredible organizers out there doing fantastic work. The question for me is how we older people can best support them. “
“The project is my way of maintaining a childlike interest in the world. I explore the use of wearable art, sculpture, and objects made of glass, fiber, and metal that look like bizarre geological specimens that come from the earth. They collectively generate a mythology.”
