Updated:

Chi Xmas

By
943
0

Latest

Adam Gottlieb
Published on Dec 24, 2017
“Chi Xmas” is a Christmas song for our times, meant to honor the holiday while wrestling openly with many deep ironies surrounding it in 2017. Written two years ago and now professionally recorded with full instrumentation and brought to life through this beautiful video by Lexley Adesanya, it serves as an offering to both the tradition of modern Christmas music and the tradition of modern “anti-Christmas” music. While nativity scenes and traditional carols recount the story of a poor couple seeking refuge, the humble birth of a savior, and the beginning of “peace on earth and goodwill towards men,” today’s homeless refugees wander the streets of our cities in search of protection from the elements; police continue to terrorize Black, brown, and working class people across the country; and governments around the world prepare for more endless war. “Chi Xmas” challenges listeners who cherish the story and spirit of Christmas to reflect honestly on its meaning today.
Special thanks and deep bows to Sarah-Ji Rhee, whose unparalleled works of photo-journalism of the movement in Chicago carry a unique beauty and poetry; to the People’s Tribune, for documenting the spirit of the revolution around the country; and to all of the peace makers, prophets, and warriors featured and not featured in this video. Truly, you all shall be called the children of God.
Merry Christmas,
Adam G

+ Articles by this author

The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.org. Please donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.

Featured

The Texas Tribune and Chloe Landen, Religion News Service -

Japanese Internment Survivors, Faith Leaders Demand Texas ICE Detention Center Close

Faith leaders and Japanese internment camp survivors held a 45 mile pilgrimage demanding the closure of the only federal family detention center, described as inhumane and a tragic “repetition of American history.”
Maureen Taylor, Michigan Welfare Rights -

Progressives? Conservatives? Left? Right? Who Do They All Represent?

The billionare class paints the economy as very good based on rising stock market episodes that don’t filter down to most blue-collar people. Let’s concentrate our efforts on those fighting for the needs of the many.
Indira Treon-Mutuma -

A Somali Perspective on Life in Minnesota

The words “Nobody wants you here,” may have been directed at one Somali family, but they do not define Minnesota’s Somali community. By listening to the voices of Somalis themselves, a different story emerges, one of belonging, resilience, and community.
Alexandria McKenzie -

50 Years Later: The Man Who Refused to Let Allensworth Disappear

While a historical site cannot bring back the haven of possibility that the town of Allensworth in the state of California once was, its presence forces a reckoning for anyone it reaches — a ceaseless act of resistance in itself.
From the Editors, People's Tribune -

ICE Killings Are Increasing, But So is the Resistance

If we allow ICE, as a servant of the powerful, to kill or deport our working class sisters and brothers then we are not only immoral, we’re setting ourselves up to be next in line for the detention centers.

More from the People's Tribune