Emily F. Keller

Foreword for "The Alter Ego" by Stephen A. Dantes

The Alter Ego

Stephen A. Dantes presents a deep quest for meaning, identity and freedom in this 16-poem collection that chronicles issues of nationality, culture, family and independence. The author speaks honestly and eloquently about self-doubt and clarity, violence that is both physical and economic, and incarceration behind prison bars and inside an emotional “slave mentality.” He examines the meaning of opportunity in a land of inequality, and liberty that is both personal and political.

Dantes presents the story of a woman named Hope, the personification of a search for truth, love and stability. He describes emotion with vivid imagery, speaking of a broken heart as “glass hitting stone” and the desire to stop time as one to “erase shadows under historical suns.” His written words and performances are full of wit and intensity that speak to the essence of life’s fears, determinations and revelations.

Emily F. Keller
Journalist, Freelance Writer and Poet
Brooklyn, New York
www.emilyfkeller.com

Obituary of Laura Hershey

    Laura Hershey, a well-known activist, nonfiction writer and poet passed away November 26 following an illness. She leaves behind her partner, Robin Stephens and their daughter, Shannon, her mother, father and brother John Hershey.

    "She was a genius who lived with disability and lived well,” Stephens told The Denver Post.

    Hershey was an organizer for ADAPT and Not Dead Yet, a protestor against Jerry Lewis's muscular dystrophy telethons and an activist for gay and lesbian rights. She attended United Nations conferences on women's rights in Kenya and Beijing.

“Temple Grandin” Wins Five Emmy Awards

    On August 29, five Emmy Awards were given to an HBO movie chronicling the life of Dr. Temple Grandin, an agricultural designer and accomplished author who has autism.

Cartoonist John Callahan Dies at 59

    John Callahan, a quadriplegic cartoonist known for his edgy writing style and dark humor, died July 24th. He was 59 and lived in Portland, Oregon.

    Callahan’s cartoons were widely published in newspapers and magazines. His work has been chronicled in 12 books since 1990, published by Ballantine Books, Quill, Vintage Books and William Morrow & Company.

Harry Wieder Remembered for Humor, Activism and Diversity

By Emily F. Keller

    Harry Wieder fought for civil rights by teaching people about pride.

    Whether he was advocating for gay rights with the group ACT UP, writing lengthy and humorous emails about the city’s transportation policies, or instructing his friends to “get down on your knees and hug me,” Wieder was unapologetic in his demands.

    In his 57 years of life, Wieder fought many battles for equal rights and respect as a gay, disabled, Jewish dwarf. He was remembered as a four-foot giant with an edgy sense of humor and a persistent presence in society’s cultural, educational and political institutions. His work often focused on New York City’s transportation network, which enabled Wieder to access his activities.

    Wieder passed away in late April after being struck by a taxi as he left a meeting of Community Board 3 in his Lower East Side neighborhood. He was a longtime member of the board. Friends and politicians held a memorial for Wieder at The Cooper Union May 20.

    Click here to read the article published at Transportation Access.

Library Celebrates Anniversary of the ADA

    The New York Public Library celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) July 7 with panel discussions and art performances at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street.

    Sixty-five people attended the celebratory events that took place in the afternoon and evening, beginning with the topic “The ADA: On the Personal Level.” Matthew Sapolin, Commissioner of the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, opened that panel with a talk about changes resulting from the ADA, as well as New York City laws that go beyond the federal accessibility requirements.

Stories Shed Light on Workers

    Author Esther Cohen has put together a book of stories written by employees around the country about their work, leisure, community and family lives, called "unseenamerica." Published in Courier-Life Publications. (Sorry - the link for this article is currently unavailable.)

Holocaust Survivor Publishes ‘Bitter’ Memories

    Jafa Wallach tells the story of how she survived the Holocaust in the book "Bitter Freedom: Memoirs of a Holocaust Survivor," nearly half a centry after she wrote it. Published in Courier-Life Publications. (Sorry - the link for this article is currently unavailable.)

Voices Send Out a Call For Justice: Locked Up, But Not Locked Out of Life

    The nonprofit JusticeWorks Community plans a fund-raising event at the Church of Gethsemane with a poetry reading by formerly incarcerated people, and the presentation of the 2006 Rev. Dr. Constance M. Baugh Achievement Award. Published in Courier-Life Publications. (Sorry - the link for this article is currently unavailable.)