Driving It Home with Patti VasquezFilling in for Patti Vasquez, Paul Chivari is joined by Jonny Diamond, editor of the new book "American Occupation: Dispatches from Minnesota's Resistance to ICE," along with Gabriela Spears-Rico, one of the contributors to the book. Diamond is taking part in University Press Week, which is happening through November 13.
The interview explored the creation and significance of the book; here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- Co-editor Diamond said the collection grew from a Lit Hub essay series launched after Renée Good’s killing to document events in Minnesota as they unfolded.
- The book brings together essays, poetry, journalism, and personal accounts from writers in Minnesota.
- Spears-Rico, a contributor and St. Paul resident, described how earlier experiences of immigration enforcement and the Twin Cities operation intensified fear for her family, students, and Latino community.
- She and Diamond highlighted local organizing and neighbors’ efforts to protect one another.
- They emphasized the importance of documenting firsthand accounts to counter attempts at erasure and preserve experiences for future generations.
Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home).
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