70th BIRTHDAY MESSAGE #1

On this minute that I turn 70, I want to thank the Civil Rights movement for teaching me more or less everything I know. I earned my chops in rebellion as a young teenager and have fought my way through these decades, only to have all our work reversed as I enter my dotage. I would be beyond discouraged if it weren’t for the activists young and old who are holding back this vile wave of horror. I’ve had four professions (martial arts master, managing a transnational volunteering program in Europe, work with elders, and of course writing) across three continents, always active, always angry, always dancing, and always looking for friends and comrades. You, my friends, have been my anchor and my inspiration. Thank you for holding it together in bitter times. Here is a photo of me taken by my long-time friend, the talented Donna Gottschalk, probably in 1971 or 72.

Comments

[Sue O'Sullivan]

Grey day here in London. But hurrah, a beam of light! It's your birthday and you have started it off by celebrating history, friends, and comrade. I'm grateful that you're my friend, my comrade and part of my history. Have a wonderful day, on this, your 70th BD. I will be at my long-standing political study group this afternoon as you start going over there - so while discussing the state of the world and what the fuck we can do, I'll raise a cup of tea in one hand and a fist in the other to my darling, my friend, Sue. All love, your Sue downstairs xxxx

[Gema Gray]

Have a fantastically Happy Birthday, Katz!

Thankfully for the rest of the world, you are most definitely *not* in your dotage. Rage on!

Many hugs.

[Dr Susan Corso]

Katz, you were gorgeous then, and even more so now.

Happy Birthday! You make the world a better place.

Big Femme Smooch.

[Mike Evans]

Happy birthday Spike. Forever gorgeous. Mwah!

[Shirley Clift]

I am thrilled you are still as you were when I met you during your first profession, as one of your students. Your fairness of mind and devotion to the “right way to do it” have always inspired me. All is not lost, I am sure of it, and it will be back because of the influence and determination of those like you Sue. May you have many many more birthday celebrations.