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Time Magazine
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time Magazine
History Can Teach Modern Activists About Coalition Building
In an era of doomscrolling and political anxiety, collective action and grassroots political organizing remain a powerful antidote to despair and disempowerment, and a force for change and progress. That has helped spur opponents of President Donald Trump to take to the streets. Protests throughout the spring and summer have demonstrated significant (and even international) opposition to the Trump Administration's agenda, particularly its attempts to consolidate power and undermine key institutions and services. And many marginalized populations (including migrants, the poor, people of color, women, and LGBTQIA+ folks) have been disproportionately impacted. Yet, commentators also have noted that, like many protests during Trump's first presidency, participants at protests such as the "No Kings" protest were overwhelmingly white (and older). This is problematic because history suggests that collective action is far more durable and effective when it transcends racial, class, age, and gender boundaries. From the Mississippi Freedom Movement to various Rainbow Coalitions, collaboration and coalition-building across social positions—despite the challenges and potential for tension—attract participants with a wider toolkit of resources, opportunities, and tactics. Multiracial and cross-class coalitions may be underemphasized in the historical record, but they existed and had a profound impact in the 1960s. In Chicago, for example, white working-class migrants from the South, known as the Young Patriots Organization, worked closely with the Illinois Black Panther Party and the Puerto Rican Young Lords Organization to fight against racism and poverty through protests and community programs. Drawing on the blueprint from Black and Latino community organizing, the Young Patriots successfully involved previously disenfranchised poor whites in their activism. The group developed free health clinics that treated thousands of people in the Uptown neighborhood, which was then known as 'hillbilly haven.' The Young Patriots' work demonstrated the power of organizing across social boundaries to create new, more powerful blocs that could bolster communities. Yet, cultivating such coalitions often presented difficult challenges. No group epitomized this better than the Mississippi Freedom Movement during the southern civil rights push. This effort emerged from the activism on college campuses that produced the creation of groups such as the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), which was formed in 1960 and was known for organizing sit-ins and the Freedom Summer voter outreach project in 1964. Though Black college students founded SNCC and largely led the group, their organizing enabled them to recruit over 1000 Northern white college students to the cause. In 1964, the group turned its focus to Mississippi, where, despite the apparent dismantling of overt racial restrictions thanks to the newly passed federal Civil Rights Act, state and local laws empowered white officials to erect barriers to voter registration. Further, whites used the threat of racist violence, tacitly approved by elites, to stifle efforts to empower the Black population. SNCC allied with other national Civil Rights organizations to form the Council of Federated Organizations (COFO). COFO's voter registration efforts catalyzed the Mississippi Freedom Movement and helped build the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP). Working-class African Americans from Mississippi led the MFDP. The party advocated for political representation of Blacks in Mississippi and challenged the white supremacist 'Dixiecrat' politics of the state Democratic Party. Between 1961 and 1966, the coalition of SNCC and the MFDP pamphleteered and organized both on northern college campuses and in impoverished Southern communities. It mobilized and brought into the movement two disparate populations: working-class and poor Southern Black people, as well as white middle- and upper-class Northern college student activists recruited through SNCC. Each group brought unique and robust experiences and tactics. The leaders of SNCC and the MFDP recognized that holding together such a diverse coalition required intentional steps to communicate the stakes of their efforts in language that would resonate with the interests and moral ideology of both groups. The MFDP focused on outreach to working-class and poor Black people in the South by emphasizing how Black political rights directly shaped their quality of life and mattered for the advancement of their interests. The group's pamphlets didn't present the gaining of political rights as a moral good in and of itself, but rather as a means to obtain greater security, resources, and influence. One pamphlet, 'The Congressional Challenge,' argued plainly, 'Congress does not do the things we want because we do not have anyone in Congress to speak for us.' Simultaneously, SNCC helped northern white students understand Black political rights as a matter of moral injustice. Many whites were aware of a lack of Black voter participation in the South but often lacked a deeper understanding of its causes and consequences. The pamphlets the group distributed on Northern college campuses covered the historical and legal aspects of this problem. It explained racial inequality by emphasizing the racism of southern white elites and the rank moral injustice of violence and discrimination. In 1964, the MFDP challenged the all-white Mississippi delegation to the Democratic National Convention, and while it failed to gain seats for its own delegation, the group helped transform the Democratic agenda by cultivating support for Black political rights from liberal Democrats and alienating segregationists. This push and pull reshaped the Democratic voting base and helped force the party to advocate for additional civil rights legislation. These efforts also shone a national spotlight on how the Democratic Party in the South disenfranchised Black people from the political process. In doing so, it permanently shifted the racial politics in the U.S. Yet, despite its major success, MFDP's efforts to coordinate actions between groups with vastly different approaches and interests posed a significant challenge for organizers and participants. Disagreements between white and Black participants about tactics and goals fractured the coalition and eventually SNCC itself. In contrast to other, more mainstream Civil Rights organizations, SNCC leaders began to emphasize Black separatism, which alienated white participants. In 1966, the group banned white members altogether, which undermined its stability, collaborative potential, and impact in the following years. The work of the MFDP and the Young Patriots shows the promises and perils of diverse coalitions as opponents of the Trump Administration look to effectuate change. Their history offers a blueprint for how a good communications strategy, and intentional collaborative outreach can enable the construction of such broad coalitions. Yet, this history also reveals how coalitions between groups with disparate world views and social positions can be as fragile as they are powerful. My own research suggests that too often today, progressive organizers are highly educated whites who fail to build bridges with diverse communities and activists of color. Instead, they frequently direct the burgeoning movement around their assumptions and habits—without cultivating and supporting the people most impacted by the Trump Administration. Even in ostensibly multiracial coalitions, this approach leads to burnout and disengagement for activists of color. This blind spot threatens to torpedo activists' success. But the nuanced collaboration and communications strategy employed by groups like the MFDP and the Young Patriots offers a solution, one that could dramatically increase the chances of achieving activists' goals. Adopting such tactics won't guarantee success or unity. But they offer a far better possibility than many of the methods being employed today. Michael L. Rosino is assistant professor of sociology at Molloy University, studying racial politics, democracy, and media. His most recent book, Democracy is Awkward, is available from the University of North Carolina Press.' Made by History takes readers beyond the headlines with articles written and edited by professional historians. Learn more about Made by History at TIME here. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of TIME editors.
Time Out
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Singapore's best baristas were just crowned at the National Coffee Championship 2025
Singapore's finest coffee talent battled it out at this year's Singapore National Coffee Championship (SNCC), held over three days this month. Organised by the Singapore Coffee Association, the event saw 71 participants compete across four categories: espresso-based drinks, hand-brewed filter coffee, latte art and coffee tasting. Winners from each category will go on to represent Singapore at the 2026 World Coffee Championships. In the espresso-based category, owner of Oaks Coffee Co. Jervis Tan takes home the title of the Singapore National Barista Champion. Previously, Jervis won the National Latte Art Championship five times, and this is his first time competing in the Singapore National Barista Championship category. For a taste of his brews, swing by Oaks Coffee Co. in Upper Thomson, which has been a reliable haunt for coffee and brunch since it first opened as Kinsmen Coffee in 2013. In the world of hand-brewed filter coffee, Ong Shen Choy is named the Singapore National Brewers Cup Champion. Shen Choy has been in the industry for over a decade and now runs Fluid Collective, a hole-in-the-wall coffee bar and roaster in Potong Pasir. You can even sign up for a filter or espresso subscription with Fluid to sample its monthly rotation of beans. And with any good cuppa, you can't deny that aesthetics play a part too – especially when it comes to latte art. This year, Singapore's National Latte Art Championship goes to Robin Lee, manager at The Populus Coffee & Food Co. In this category, participants are assessed based on the symmetry, contrast, creativity and visual impact of their latte art. Finally, Starbucks store manager Tan Yi Xin remains the barista with the sharpest palate in Singapore, clinching the Singapore Cup Tasters Championship once again. This segment tests the speed and accuracy with which participants can identify differences across several types of specialty coffee. So there you have it, Singapore's top baristas for 2025. The best part is that you can taste their award-winning creations right here and now. Simply swing by any of these cafés for some of the best brews the city has to offer.
Associated Press
16-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Excitement Brews: SFDA and SCTA Return with a Bold Showcase of Culinary Innovation and Coffee Craft
Experience three exciting days of culinary artistry, coffee education and global flavours, featuring 449 exhibitors and the thrilling SNCC SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE, July 16, 2025 / / -- Singapore, 16 July 2025: Highly anticipated F&B trade events Speciality Food & Drinks Asia (SFDA) and Speciality Coffee & Tea Asia (SCTA), co-located with the second edition of SIGEP Asia, opened today at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre (Halls A, B and C) in Singapore. Organised by IEG Asia, the three-day events running from 16 to 18 July are co-located with Restaurant Asia. This year's edition is expected to witness over 12,000 trade visitors and buyers, featuring 449 exhibitors and brands from 41 countries, offering a vibrant platform for industry professionals to connect, discover and elevate their businesses. 'SFDA and SCTA, part of SIGEP Asia, are the region's premier platforms for speciality food and beverage professionals to discover innovation, build meaningful partnerships and celebrate the best of the industry. This year's edition showcases the dynamic evolution of the F&B landscape, and IEG Asia, alongside our industry partners, are incredibly proud to present a programme that inspires creativity, fosters collaboration and drives business growth. We're excited to welcome our exhibitors and visitors to an unforgettable three-day experience,' said Ilaria Cicero, Chief Executive Officer of IEG Asia. A stellar lineup of exhibitors and global pavilions SFDA and SCTA 2025 are featuring a diverse mix of exhibitors, from artisanal producers to global brands, showcasing the latest in foodservice, coffee, tea and culinary technology. Visitors can explore international pavilions from Japan, China, India, Italy, and other European countries, each offering country-specific innovations and delicacies that reflect their rich culinary heritage. Complementing this global showcase, the Tea Pavilion will spotlight excellence in speciality tea, featuring exhibitors such as Taiwan Tea Creative Industries Association, Dancing Tea, Kien Yu Company, Cat Nghi Tea Manufacturing (Vietnam) and Revolution Tea (USA), inviting visitors to discover unique brews and traditions from across the world. Singapore National Coffee Championship (SNCC) returns to the spotlight Staged by the Singapore Coffee Association, the flagship competition kicks off today with around 70 top baristas competing in four exciting categories – marking one of the most anticipated highlights of SCTA 2025. These competitions highlight the diverse skills in the coffee world, from hand-brewed filtered coffee and intricate latte art to sensory precision and mixology. Winners will represent Singapore globally at the World Coffee Championships 2026. The categories include: ● Singapore National Barista Championship (SNBC): Participants are challenged to showcase their expertise in preparing innovative espresso-based drinks across espresso, milk and signature beverage courses. ● Singapore National Latte Art Championship (SLAC): This category showcases artistic expression in coffee preparation, where participants use milk-pouring techniques to produce detailed latte art designs. Judging focuses on symmetry, contrast, creativity and visual impact. ● Singapore National Brewers Cup (SNBRC): This category highlights the craft of brewing filtered coffee by hand, and promotes manual coffee-brewing and service excellence. ● Singapore Cup Tasters Competition (SCTC): Designed to assess sensory skills, this category requires participants to quickly and accurately distinguish subtle taste differences among several cups of speciality coffee. 'I'm excited and proud to see the return of the Singapore National Coffee Championship. This competition is a true celebration of our vibrant coffee community. It's inspiring to witness our local baristas push boundaries, refine their craft, and compete to represent Singapore with passion and excellence on the world stage. I'm also excited to see a mix of local and global brands at the event, creating fantastic opportunities for knowledge exchange and industry growth,' said Victor Mah, President of the Singapore Coffee Association. Brewing knowledge with coffee education & tasting experiences SCTA 2025 offers a rich programme of coffee education and sensory experiences including: ● ASEAN Coffee Institute's ACAP Training: The first batch of trainees are undergoing the ASEAN Coffee Federation Coffee Appreciation Protocol (ACAP) training, led by Dave Lim and Justin Metcalf, marking a milestone in regional coffee education. ● Introduction to Cupping Workshop (16 July, 2.30pm): A hands-on, beginner-friendly workshop by the Speciality Coffee Association and Bettr Academy, covering foundational cupping techniques, sensory analysis and professional evaluation methods. [Note: Cupping is a professional method used to evaluate coffee aroma, flavour and quality] ● Singapore Roasters Showcase x Public Cupping: A guided tasting experience featuring Singapore's top coffee roasters, highlighting the diversity and quality of local speciality coffee. ● Coffee-Brewing Demos: Boncafé is conducting live demos, sharing insights on optimal water for brewing using their Best Water Technology. ● Coffee Industry Ambassador Luncheon: Hosted by the Singapore Coffee Association, this luncheon is set to bring together representatives from the ASEAN Coffee Federation, ASEAN Coffee Institute, coffee-producing country ambassadors and industry leaders to discuss ACAP and regional developments. Other culinary artistry and innovation highlights ● Janice Wong's 9-metre Edible Chocolate Wall: A stunning chocolate edible art installation – one of the largest in Singapore – by award-winning pastry chef and SIGEP World Brand Ambassador Janice Wong, in collaboration with Valrhona, offers a rare glimpse into the fusion of food and art. ● Panettone World Cup – Asian Selections (18 July, 3pm): For the first time in Southeast Asia, regional pastry talents – including six from Singapore – will be competing for a spot at the Panettone World Cup 2026 in Milan. The competition, led by master baker Giuseppe Piffaretti, celebrates the panettone as a globally recognised artisanal masterpiece. With a comprehensive programme of masterclasses, demos, tastings and networking opportunities, SFDA and SCTA 2025 promise an unforgettable experience for F&B professionals, coffee enthusiasts and industry newcomers alike. If all of these excite you, register here to visit SFDA, SCTA and SIGEP Asia 2025. Glenn Tan Blue Totem [email protected] Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
BusinessToday
14-07-2025
- Business
- BusinessToday
Chocolate Walls And Coffee Wars: Asia's F&B Showcase Heats Up In Singapore
The upcoming Speciality Food & Drinks Asia (SFDA) and Speciality Coffee & Tea Asia (SCTA), co-located with SIGEP Asia 2025, will spotlight several firsts for the regional food and beverage scene, including the Asian Selections of the Panettone World Cup and one of Singapore's largest edible chocolate installations. Running from July 17–19 at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, the event is set to host over 350 exhibitors from 30 countries and expects to attract around 12,000 visitors. The three-day showcase will include live culinary demos, international pavilions, business networking platforms and coffee cupping sessions designed for industry players in the fast-evolving F&B and hospitality sectors. Among the key highlights is a 9-metre edible chocolate art wall created by pastry chef Janice Wong, in collaboration with Valrhona. This installation marks a rare display of large-scale edible art in Singapore. Coffee professionals will also gather for the Singapore National Coffee Championship (SNCC), where top baristas will compete for a spot at the World Coffee Championships 2026. Complementing the competition is the Singapore Roasters Showcase x Public Cupping, and a hands-on cupping workshop organised with the Speciality Coffee Association and Bettr Academy. The Panettone World Cup's Asian Selections will be held in Southeast Asia for the first time at SIGEP Asia, sending winning participants to compete internationally in Italy. This edition also introduces new industry roundtables hosted by the International Food & Beverage Association (IFBA) and a new partnership with the Airline Catering Association (ACA), further positioning the event as a regional hub for innovation and collaboration in the F&B space. Related
CBC
30-05-2025
- Health
- CBC
Cannabis grow operation in Six Nations sparks concern in community
Social Sharing A cannabis grow operation's proximity to Six Nations' downtown and its potential environmental impacts is causing concern with some neighbours. Nancy Porter lives with her 82 year-old mother on property that's been in their family for generations. Their backyard deck overlooks a three-metre tall berm made of dirt. Behind it are 55-plus greenhouses that have been erected over the past few months. "It's a 60-70 acre [24-28 hectare] field, open field and you're still putting more in," she said of the ongoing project. The Six Nations Cannabis Commission (SNCC) was established in 2019 to regulate cannabis businesses on Six Nations of the Grand River, near Hamilton, Ont. According to the application process on the commission's website, there is a 15-day public notice period during which the applicant "must post a placard in a conspicuous location on the proposed property" and notices would be circulated "to residents in close proximity to the proposed site to elicit responses supporting or opposing the project." Porter said she was never informed prior to the start of the project. "Why was nobody told? Why could we not, you know, address our concerns then before everything started?" she said. An online petition is calling for the commission to revoke the project's licence, citing the operation's proximity to downtown Ohsweken, as well as a daycare, schools, and Iroquois Lodge, a long-term care facility for elders, as well as environmental concerns. "My question all along was 'How can this happen?" said Porter. Porter said she's been trying to get answers for the past year from Six Nations Elected Council and the SNCC. Other concerned community members have been organizing protests and neighbourhood meetings to voice their grievances over the operation. An environmental site assessment is also listed as part of the application process. "There was never any environmental study done on it; that was confirmed in the commission meeting when I went with my concerns," Porter said of a SNCC meeting she attended in July 2024. In addition to the noise caused by transport trucks and other large vehicles driving up and down the laneway next to hers, Porter said her property has incurred flooding as a result of the berm. Porter said construction blocked a natural waterway behind her property which resulted in significant flooding twice over the past year. This spring she said it nearly reached the tile bed of their septic system which is just six or seven metres from their home. Porter said one of the workers came and dug a small ditch next to the berm which allowed the water to drain from her property but she wondered whether it was a permanent solution. She and her neighbours are also worried about potential contamination of the soil and groundwater because they have cisterns and a well. Commission says it is ensuring compliance In a May 1 statement posted to its website and Facebook, SNCC said neighbours in the area had contacted the commission to share their concerns. "Legacy Farms has made several accommodations to address these concerns where possible," the statement said. "The Six Nations Cannabis Commission will continue to ensure compliance with the Six Nations Cannabis Law and community safety." The statement said the commission had been informed "the cultivation operation will be conducted above ground in pots, which limits chemicals leaching into the groundwater. The pesticides proposed for use are regulated by Health Canada and are less harmful than those used in vegetable plants." CBC Indigenous was unable to reach anyone from the SNCC despite several attempts. The phone number listed on the website is incorrect; emails submitted via website form and sent to their general inbox were not responded to by time of publishing. CBC Indigenous also reached out to one of the commissioners listed on the website but did not receive a response by time of publishing. The May 1 statement said the commission was in the process of reorganization. According to the website, three out of five cannabis commissioner positions are vacant. CBC Indigenous also attempted to reach Legacy Farms, including the owner named on the licence, but did not receive comment by the time of publishing. Elected council seeks legal advice Porter also said she's seen non-band members living on the premises, which would be against the community's laws. The petition also cited the same issue. In its May 1 statement, SNCC said it had "conducted a thorough inspection of the premises and can confirm that there are no non-band members residing on the property. The facility does not have any living quarters; however, employees who work 12-hour shifts have access to cooking and shower facilities." Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council issued a statement May 16 acknowledging "the seriousness of the concerns shared by our community regarding outdoor growing of cannabis. As always, the health and safety of the community is paramount." "As part of our due diligence, SNGREC has sought legal advice on options to remedy and/or mitigate the current issues." Darrien Bomberry, public relations co-ordinator for Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council, said they are currently "waiting for legal advice, so there is nothing further to share at this time."
