Still Writing for V. Novak, Deputy Director, Kelli McGee
On August 18, Scott McKenzie passed away. Who was he? What did he do? He was a musician and composer. He wrote that catchy, tropical Beach Boys ballad, "Kokomo," but he also became famous for his hit performance of the song, "San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)." When I read the news of his death, it occurred to me how poetic it is that Olga has chosen this location for her swim, as San Francisco is a classic forum for voicing and acting on social issues. From anti-war campaigns and environmental protests to rights for women, minorities, gays, lesbians, and the working class, this land breeds new ideas, and is a platform for redefining equality and justice.
As Ukrainians march in parades around the world this Friday, 24 August 2012, celebrating 21 years of independence from the Soviet Union, Olga will be marching to San Francisco. Olga's swim from Alcatraz to shore next week is symbolic of many historic struggles, and her effort marks a shift in Ukraine, as well. Today, in fact, representatives from charities and social welfare agencies in Kharkov will meet at a round table to share thoughts and discuss strategies for addressing things like homelessness. Even recent political news shows that laws are beginning to change; the government is looking at its most vulnerable and looking for solutions.
McKenzie's voice echos...
"All across the nation, such a strange vibration...People in motion...There’s a whole generation, with a new explanation..."
On August 18, Scott McKenzie passed away. Who was he? What did he do? He was a musician and composer. He wrote that catchy, tropical Beach Boys ballad, "Kokomo," but he also became famous for his hit performance of the song, "San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)." When I read the news of his death, it occurred to me how poetic it is that Olga has chosen this location for her swim, as San Francisco is a classic forum for voicing and acting on social issues. From anti-war campaigns and environmental protests to rights for women, minorities, gays, lesbians, and the working class, this land breeds new ideas, and is a platform for redefining equality and justice.
As Ukrainians march in parades around the world this Friday, 24 August 2012, celebrating 21 years of independence from the Soviet Union, Olga will be marching to San Francisco. Olga's swim from Alcatraz to shore next week is symbolic of many historic struggles, and her effort marks a shift in Ukraine, as well. Today, in fact, representatives from charities and social welfare agencies in Kharkov will meet at a round table to share thoughts and discuss strategies for addressing things like homelessness. Even recent political news shows that laws are beginning to change; the government is looking at its most vulnerable and looking for solutions.
McKenzie's voice echos...
"All across the nation, such a strange vibration...People in motion...There’s a whole generation, with a new explanation..."
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