Medea Benjamin

Medea Benjamin is a political activist who has dedicated her life to advocating for change in American politics and society. Born as Susan Benjamin in Freeport, New York, on September 10, 1952, she has become a well-known figure in the world of activism and advocacy, co-founding organizations such as Code Pink and Global Exchange.

In the spirit of activism, Benjamin has never shied away from taking on controversial topics, using her platform to speak out against the injustices she sees in the world. She has been a vocal advocate for fair trade, environmentalism, and peace, using her skills as an author to raise awareness about these issues and inspire others to take action.

One of Benjamin's most notable achievements has been her role as a co-founder of Code Pink, an organization dedicated to ending wars and promoting peace. The group has gained notoriety for its bold and often disruptive tactics, such as interrupting speeches by politicians and staging dramatic protests in public spaces. Benjamin's leadership has been instrumental in the success of Code Pink, and the organization has become a powerful voice for peace and justice around the world.

In addition to her work with Code Pink, Benjamin has also been involved in the fair trade movement, advocating for a more just and equitable global economy. She was a co-founder of Global Exchange, an organization that seeks to promote sustainable and socially responsible business practices. Through her advocacy work, Benjamin has been able to raise awareness about the impact of global trade on workers, the environment, and human rights, and has worked to promote alternatives that are more just and sustainable.

Beyond her work as an activist, Benjamin has also been an author, writing several books on politics and social justice. Her books include "Kingdom of the Unjust: Behind the U.S.-Saudi Connection," which examines the relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia, and "Drone Warfare: Killing by Remote Control," which delves into the ethical and political implications of drone warfare.

In all of her work, Benjamin has been a passionate advocate for change, using her voice and her platform to push for a more just and equitable world. Her commitment to activism and advocacy serves as an inspiration to others, and her work has had a significant impact on the political and social landscape in the United States and beyond.

Early life

Medea Benjamin, born Susan Benjamin, was raised in Freeport, New York, and described herself as a "nice Jewish girl." Her journey to activism began during her first year at Tufts University when she changed her name to Medea, inspired by a feminist interpretation of the Greek tragedy that portrayed the mythological character as a victim of patriarchal traditions.

Benjamin's activist spirit led her to join the Students for a Democratic Society. However, she dropped out of school to travel through Europe and Africa, where she taught English classes to make ends meet. After returning to the United States, she pursued a master's degree in public health from Columbia University and a master's degree in economics from The New School.

Benjamin's professional career took her to Latin America and Africa, where she worked for ten years as an economist and nutritionist for various organizations, including the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Health Organization, the Swedish International Development Agency, and the Institute for Food and Development Policy.

Despite her impressive professional credentials, Benjamin's heart remained with activism, and her experiences in different parts of the world shaped her political outlook. In her early life, she had already laid the groundwork for a life of political activism that would eventually lead her to co-found organizations like Code Pink and Global Exchange.

Career

Medea Benjamin is an accomplished social activist who has dedicated her life to making the world a better place. Born in 1952, Benjamin co-founded the San Francisco-based Global Exchange in 1988, an organization that advocates for fair trade alternatives to what she describes as corporate globalization. In 2002, Benjamin co-founded Code Pink: Women for Peace, a feminist anti-war group advocating for social justice and an end to the Iraq War. Her career of social activism continued with her involvement with the anti-war organization United for Peace and Justice.

Benjamin's efforts have not only been limited to the United States. She created the Occupation Watch Center in Baghdad (IOWC) to monitor the United States military and the war's effect on civilian populations. Through the center, she brought U.S. military family members to witness the conditions under which enlisted personnel served and to speak out against the war in Congress and at the United Nations in 2003.

In 2000, Benjamin ran for the United States Senate on the Green Party ticket, advocating a living wage, universal healthcare, and delaying genetically engineered foods. Although she garnered a significant number of votes, she did not win the election. Benjamin remained active in the Green Party and supported efforts by the Progressive Democrats of America.

Throughout her career, Benjamin has fought for social justice, peace, and human rights. She is known for her activism and passion for causes she believes in. Benjamin has been described as a tireless campaigner and a fierce advocate for the issues she supports. She is an inspiration to many, and her commitment to social activism has touched countless lives.

Benjamin has received numerous awards and recognitions for her activism. In 2000, she was awarded the Gandhi Peace Award for her commitment to social justice and nonviolent action. She was also recognized in 2012 with the US Peace Prize for her tireless efforts to end the Iraq War and to promote peace worldwide.

Benjamin's work is a testament to the power of activism and the importance of fighting for what is right. Through her dedication and passion, she has made a significant impact on the world, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Protest actions

Protesting is an art form, and no one embodies this more than Medea Benjamin. This woman has spent years opposing wars, criticizing government policies, and advocating for human rights. From interrupting speeches by world leaders to getting arrested in foreign countries, Benjamin has shown no fear in her pursuit of justice.

Benjamin's resume of protest actions is impressive. Between 2002 and 2009, she protested against prominent figures in the Bush administration, including Donald Rumsfeld, George W. Bush, and Condoleezza Rice. She also protested at the 2004 Democratic and Republican National Conventions. In 2007, Benjamin was even arrested and deported from Pakistan for protesting the house arrest of lawyers.

Benjamin's activism has taken her all over the world. In 2009, she joined the steering committee for the Gaza Freedom March, advocating for the end of the Israeli blockade of Gaza. In 2012, she was arrested and deported from Bahrain for participating in an illegal protest. Benjamin has also worked tirelessly to oppose US threats of war with Iran, lobbying Congress and taking peace delegations to Iran.

Perhaps one of Benjamin's most famous acts of protest came in 2013, when she interrupted President Barack Obama during a speech at the National Defense University. Benjamin's actions forced Obama to go off-script and acknowledge her voice, even though he did not agree with everything she had to say.

Benjamin's protest actions are not just symbolic gestures. They have real-world consequences, forcing leaders to answer tough questions and consider alternative perspectives. Benjamin's work has brought attention to the human cost of war and the need for peaceful solutions. She has shown that one person can make a difference, inspiring others to take action and fight for justice.

In a world where conflicts seem endless, Benjamin's unwavering commitment to peace is a breath of fresh air. Her actions show that there is power in protest and that change is possible. We need more people like Medea Benjamin, people who are unafraid to challenge authority and fight for what they believe in. In the words of Benjamin herself, "If we want peace, we need to be loud, we need to be bold, and we need to be creative."

Organization efforts

Medea Benjamin is a prominent American political activist and co-founder of Code Pink, a women-led grassroots organization that aims to promote peace and human rights. She is also known for her tireless efforts in various other fields including labor rights, corporate responsibility, and anti-globalization.

During the 1990s, Benjamin actively campaigned against unfair trade policies as promoted by the World Trade Organization (WTO). She was instrumental in initiating campaigns against multinational corporations such as Nike and clothing companies like GAP, which had been exploiting low-wage labor in developing countries. Her efforts paid off when she exposed the problem of indentured servitude among garment workers in the US territory of Saipan in 1999, leading to a billion-dollar lawsuit against 17 US retailers.

Benjamin's organization, Global Exchange, played a crucial role in organizing the historic Seattle WTO protests in 1999, which brought together diverse groups of activists united against the negative effects of globalization. She also helped to pressure Starbucks to carry fair trade coffee in all its cafes, which was eventually introduced in over 2,300 stores worldwide.

In 2001, Benjamin focused her attention on California's energy crisis and worked tirelessly to assist low-income ratepayers and small businesses. She led a coalition of consumer, environmental, union, and business leaders who worked towards clean and affordable power under public control.

Benjamin is also known for her vocal opposition to Israeli occupation of Palestine. In 2006, she organized humanitarian aid for war refugees in Lebanon and spoke out against Israeli bombing. She later visited Gaza during the 2008 Israeli invasion and witnessed the immediate effects of the bombing firsthand. She brought humanitarian aid and helped put together six other delegations to Gaza. Benjamin was also one of the lead organizers of the Gaza Freedom March, which brought together people from dozens of countries to try to march to Gaza. She has been an active critic of the US's support for Israeli aggression, arguing for a more balanced approach to the conflict.

After several fact-finding visits to China, Benjamin co-sponsored an initiative with the International Labor Rights Fund to improve the labor and environmental practices of US multinationals in China. The Human Rights Principles for US Businesses in China were endorsed by major companies such as Cisco, Intel, Reebok, Levi Strauss, and Mattel.

Medea Benjamin is a warrior for labor rights, corporate responsibility, and global peace. Her activism is grounded in her commitment to social justice and human rights for all. Through her work, she has inspired countless people to take action and work towards a better world.

Awards and accolades

Medea Benjamin, the well-known American political activist, has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. These honors recognize her tireless efforts to advocate for peace and social justice, making her one of the most prominent leaders of the anti-war movement.

One of her earliest recognitions came in 2010 when she was awarded the Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Prize by the Fellowship of Reconciliation. This award was a testament to her unwavering dedication to nonviolence and her commitment to building a better world through peaceful means. It was a well-deserved recognition of her efforts to raise awareness about the negative impact of war on ordinary people.

In 2012, Medea Benjamin was the proud recipient of two prestigious awards: the Marjorie Kellogg National Peacemaker Award and the Thomas Merton Center Peace Award. The former was given to her in recognition of her efforts to promote peace and social justice, while the latter recognized her outstanding work in advocating for nonviolence and conflict resolution.

That same year, she was also awarded the US Peace Prize for her exceptional leadership in the antiwar movement. This award was a fitting tribute to her creative and courageous efforts to promote peace and social justice around the world.

In 2014, Medea Benjamin received the coveted Gandhi Peace Award from Promoting Enduring Peace. This prestigious honor recognized her more than three decades of unyielding advocacy for social justice. Her steadfast commitment to nonviolence and her unwavering dedication to making the world a better place have made her a true champion of peace.

Throughout her career, Medea Benjamin has been hailed as one of the high-profile leaders of the peace movement. Her devotion to the cause of political activism is well-known, and she has worked tirelessly to promote peace and social justice throughout her life.

In conclusion, Medea Benjamin is a true inspiration to all those who believe in the power of nonviolence and peaceful conflict resolution. Her many awards and accolades are a testament to her unwavering commitment to building a better world, and her tireless efforts to promote peace and social justice serve as an example to us all. She is a true peacemaker, and her contributions to the world will be remembered for generations to come.

Controversies

Medea Benjamin, the renowned peace activist, has been at the forefront of many controversies throughout her career. In 2014, she attended the second annual New Horizons conference in Tehran, which was reportedly attended by several fascists and Holocaust deniers. The Anti-Defamation League reported on this conference and called out Benjamin for her participation in the event.

Despite the criticism, Benjamin refused to apologize for her attendance, claiming that she was uncomfortable with many of the attendees but that she still learned a lot from the experience. This caused a stir in the media, with some accusing her of supporting anti-Semitic and anti-Israeli ideologies.

Critics of Benjamin's actions at the conference have pointed out that by participating in an event that promotes Holocaust denial and anti-Semitism, she was indirectly endorsing these ideas. Others have criticized her for lending her voice to a conference that has been accused of spreading conspiracy theories related to the 9/11 attacks.

While Benjamin's attendance at the New Horizons conference may have been controversial, it is important to remember that her activism is grounded in a long history of challenging oppressive systems and advocating for peace. Her bold actions have earned her both accolades and criticism, but one thing is for sure: Medea Benjamin is not afraid to speak her mind and stand up for what she believes in, even when it puts her in the spotlight of controversy.

Personal life

Medea Benjamin is a woman of many facets. She is an activist, author, and a founder of the anti-war organization Code Pink. But beyond her public persona, Benjamin is also a mother and a wife. She has two daughters and has been married twice, each time to a partner who shares her passion for social justice.

Her daughter Arlen Benjamin-Gomez was born in Cuba, where Benjamin was involved in anti-war and anti-imperialist activism. Arlen's name is a tribute to Arlen Siu, a Sandinista revolutionary who died fighting for the Nicaraguan Revolution. Growing up, Arlen was exposed to protests and demonstrations as a regular part of family outings, instilling in her a political awareness and consciousness from an early age.

Benjamin's second daughter, Maya Mandela Benjamin-Danaher, was born to her second husband, Kevin Danaher, a fellow activist and co-founder of Global Exchange, an international human rights organization. As a family, they continued their activism together, sharing a deep commitment to social justice causes.

Despite the demands of her activism, Benjamin has also prioritized her family life. She has made a home in both San Francisco and Washington D.C., balancing the needs of her family with the demands of her work. It is a delicate balance that requires her to be both tireless and tenacious in her work, and also nurturing and supportive as a mother.

Ultimately, Benjamin's personal life is a testament to the power of her convictions. Her commitment to social justice is not just an abstract idea but a deeply ingrained part of who she is as a person and a mother. Her children have grown up in a world where activism is not just a hobby or a job but a way of life, and their mother is a living example of what it means to fight for what you believe in.

Books

Medea Benjamin, a renowned American author, activist, and co-founder of Code Pink, has written several books on various topics ranging from organic agriculture in Cuba to the U.S.-Saudi connection. Benjamin's books offer a unique perspective on current affairs and social issues that affect people globally.

In her 1989 book, "Bridging the Global Gap: A Handbook to Linking Citizens of the First and Third Worlds," Benjamin and co-author Andrea Freedman explore the differences between the developed and developing worlds and propose ways to build bridges between them. They offer practical advice for citizens of wealthy countries to help them better understand the struggles of those living in poverty.

In "No Free Lunch: Food and Revolution in Cuba Today," published the same year, Benjamin and co-authors Joseph Collins and Michael Scott examine the impact of the U.S. embargo on Cuba's food supply and the country's efforts to transition to organic agriculture. The book highlights the importance of food sovereignty and self-sufficiency in the face of economic challenges.

Benjamin's 1989 book, "Don't Be Afraid, Gringo: A Honduran Woman Speaks From The Heart: The Story of Elvia Alvarado," tells the story of Elvia Alvarado, a Honduran woman who fights against the exploitation of land and resources in her country. The book sheds light on the struggles faced by women in Honduras and the importance of grassroots activism.

In "Greening of the Revolution: Cuba's Experiment with Organic Agriculture," published in 1995, Benjamin and co-author Peter Rossett examine Cuba's shift towards organic agriculture and its efforts to achieve food sovereignty. The book explores the role of sustainable agriculture in improving the lives of people in developing countries.

In "Benedita Da Silva: An Afro-Brazilian Woman's Story of Politics and Love," published in 1997, Benjamin, along with co-authors Benedita da Silva and Maisa Mendonca, tells the story of Benedita, a Brazilian politician and activist who fights against racism, sexism, and poverty. The book highlights the importance of representation and diversity in politics.

"The Peace Corps and More: 175 Ways to Work, Study and Travel at Home & Abroad," published in 1997, offers practical advice for people interested in volunteer work, study, and travel opportunities. The book encourages readers to broaden their perspectives and engage in meaningful experiences that can have a positive impact on themselves and the world.

In "I, Senator: How, together, we transformed the state of California and the United States," published in 2000, Benjamin reflects on her experience as a Green Party candidate for the U.S. Senate in California. The book highlights the power of grassroots movements and the potential for third-party candidates to make a difference in the political landscape.

In "The Nuts Baked In: My Life as a Fruitcake," published in 2003, Benjamin shares her personal experiences as an activist and author. The book offers a humorous and reflective look at her life, full of witty anecdotes and insights.

"How to Stop the Next War Now: Effective Responses to Violence and Terrorism," published in 2005, is a collection of essays edited by Benjamin and Jodie Evans. The book offers alternative solutions to war and violence, such as diplomacy, dialogue, and grassroots activism.

In "Drone Warfare: Killing by Remote Control," published in 2012, Benjamin examines the use of drones in modern warfare and their impact on civilians. The book highlights the ethical and legal implications of drone strikes and raises questions about the use of technology in warfare.

In "Kingdom of the Unjust: Behind the U.S.-Saudi Connection," published in 2016, Benjamin explores the complex relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia. The book exposes