From the Road

Justice for Anna Mae Aquash?

The indigenous activist was murdered 50 years ago.

Anna Mae Aquash was kidnapped, interrogated, and ultimately executed by members of the American Indian Movement because she was accused to be a FBI informant. To this day, her family demands answers about those behind her murder. The streaming service Hulu is showing a documentary series about her story. More here.

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Between whitening-cremes and wax prints

Africa’s elites and their gaze toward whiteness

Many African women still bleach their skin to emulate a perceived ideal of beauty and buy Western luxury brands. African postage stamps feature white celebrities. Guest post. More here.

Woman pioneer of solar technology

125th birthday of biophysicist Mária Telkes

Born on December 12, 1900, in Budapest, Mária Telkes became famous in the USA as the “Sun Queen.” During World War II, she developed a portable solar distiller and in 1948, one of the first solar-heated houses. More here.

On the road: Oatman, the donkey town in Arizona

Wild West revived in an old gold mining town

Before I leave Las Vegas, I drive to Oatman, famous for its wild donkeys. Because of them, crowds of people are drawn to this remote desert area. A legendary revolver duel also takes place. More here.

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“The world is big, and you’ll never arrive.”

Phillip Soupault

On the Road

From the cool, fresh of the Pacific Northwest of the USA, I’ve moved to the opposite: the arid, desert-like climate of southern Utah. t this time of year, in late autumn, it’s still relatively warm during the day, but the nights are cold. It’s raining tonight. I hope not too much, because recently, after a downpour, the horse paddock was flooded.

The town, New Harmony, has fewer than 300 inhabitants, but a relatively large building of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, informally known as the LDS Church or Mormon Church. How could it be otherwise? After all, Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah, is home to the worldwide headquarters of the religious community.

A sign on Main Street welcomes visitors to “Historic New Harmony.” I still need to figure out what “historic” means, besides some of the houses. I see horses in paddocks and know that many residents own cattle. They graze on the expansive properties where you can hike, provided you heed the owners’ request: “Livestock grazing. Please close & latch the gate and stay on trail.” Right next to the house where I’m staying is the small post office. From the back porch, I can see Kolob Canyon, part of Zion National Park. The reddish rocks change color depending on the time of day and the weather. I look after two dogs, a horse, and a pony, and realize once again: I love remote country life. Am I on my way to becoming a cowgirl?