Baltimore Activist Alert - Part 3

 

57] Occupy Ash Wednesday -- Feb. 22

58] Apocalypse Now? -- Feb. 22

59] Film FROM PROTEST TO RESISTANCE -- Feb. 22

60] Book discussion on the Holocaust -- Feb. 22

61] Discussion with Paul Mason -- Feb. 22

62] See VIVA MEXICO -- Feb. 22

63] Green Currency Meeting -- Feb. 22

64] Chestnut Hill Peace Vigil -- Feb. 22

65] IRONWEED FILM CLUB – Feb. 22

66] Pray for Peace – Feb. 22

67] Ladysmith Black Mambazo – Feb. 22

68] Human trafficking conference -- Feb. 23

69] Rally at Supreme Court – Feb. 23

70] Discussion with Michael Kazin -- Feb. 23

71] Syria on the edge – Feb. 23

72] Political Women in the Americas -- Feb. 23

73] Bill Barry's teaching a course on the 30s – Feb. 23

74] Trafficking lecture -- Feb. 23

74] Occupy Global Network – Feb. 23

75] GREEN BEATS – Feb. 23

76] Strategy session – Feb. 23

77] Arabesque lecture -- Feb. 23

78] Political Action Forum -- Feb. 23

79] Film EL INFIERNO – Feb. 23

80] Hear Omar Barghouti – Feb. 23 & 24

81] Volunteers needed for MUPJ Conference – Apr. 20-21

82] Sign up with Washington Peace Center

83] Fund Our Communities campaign

84] Submit articles to Indypendent Reader 

85] Donate books, videos, DVDs and records

86] Do you need a television and/or a computer?

87] Join Global Zero campaign

88] War Is Not the Answer signs for sale

89] Click on The Hunger Site 

90] Fire & Faith  

91] Seeking students for a peacemaking summit

92] Join Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil

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57] – Occupy Ash Wednesday: moving together toward action for justice is happening on Wed., Feb. 22 at 4:30 PM at Martin Luther Statue at Luther Place Memorial Church on Thomas Circle, 1226 Vermont Ave. NW. There will be a meeting to offer a time to prepare ashes by burning items that bind our hearts while blocking us from wholeness and wellness. The ashes and banners will be carried in a procession down Vermont Avenue sidewalks to McPherson Square.  At 5 PM, there will be a 30 minute Ash Wednesday worship using music, scripture, confession and imposition of ashes on foreheads to begin the Christian Church season of Lent. The aim will be to create a time of confession that includes considering the economic bondage imposed upon us and which we have imposed upon ourselves. We invite people to bring a symbol of that bondage -- whether it be a bill, catalogue, photograph, credit card or bank statement - that will ne shred as part of our liturgy. The worship time will be led by The Rev. Karen Brau, senior pastor at Luther Place, and other leaders in alignment with Occupy Faith DC. Go to www.occupyfaithdc.org. RSVP at http://www.facebook.com/events/383574864989423/

58] – On Wed., Feb. 22, JHU's Steven David, Ph. D., professor of International Relations and vice dean of Undergraduate Education, will address "Apocalypse Now?: Iran's Nuclear Threat to Israel and What Can Be Done about It" at the Baltimore Council on Foreign Affairs in the Constellation Room on the 21st floor of the World Trade Center, Baltimore. A 5:15 PM reception precedes the 6 PM address. Reservations are required and may be made by telephone at 410-727-2150, email at bcfaprograms@verizon.net, mail at 401 E. Pratt St., Suite 1611, Baltimore, MD 21202, or online at www.bcfausa.org.  Business attire is requested.  The cost is $25, and free for members.

 

59] – The Saul Landau Film Series is showing "From Protest to Resistance" on Wed., Feb. 22 from 6 to 8 PM at the Institute for Policy Studies Conference Room, 1112 16th St. NW, Suite 600, WDC. The film captures the rapid changes in the student movement that brought forth the pacifist antiwar movement, the free speech movement and the black power struggle. The film is full of street action, dialogues with draft dodgers in Canada, and antiwar activists in various milieus and activities. The screening is free and open to the public but a suggested $5 donation will be appreciated. Popcorn and beverages will be provided..  RSVP to netfa@ips-dc.org.

 

60] – On Wed., Feb. 22 at 6:30 PM at the Enoch Pratt Free Library, 400 Cathedral St., here a book discussion "Life and Loss in the Shadow of the Holocaust" by authors professors Rebecca Boehling and Uta Larkey.  The book traces a single Jewish family before, during and after the Holocaust in this latest installment of the Schapiro Lecture Series.  Call 410-396-5430 or go to http://www.prattlibrary.org/locations/central/.

 

61] – Author Paul Mason discusses his book, "Why It's Kicking Off Everywhere: The New Global Revolutions" on Wed., Feb. 22 from 6:30 to 8 PM at Busboys & Poets, 5th and K Sts. NW, WDC.  Come out for a discussion with author Paul Mason about his new book, which explores the causes and consequences of this wave of uprisings, protests and revolutions. From Cairo to Athens, Wall Street and Westminster to Manila, Mason goes in search of the changes in society, technology and human behavior that have propelled a generation onto the streets in search of social justice. Visit bbpbooks.teachingforchange.org/author-events.

 

62] – See VIVA MEXICO, a film by Nicolas Défossé, which follows the journey of Subcomandante Marcos, the spokesperson for thousands of indigenous Zapatistas, and his mission to travel across Mexico and learn about the resistance of the Mexican men and women who fight for a better Mexico. This event is also a fundraiser for the Spanish language based Desinformémonos, and will take place on Wed., Feb. 22 at 7 PM at Red Emma's Bookstore and Coffeehouse, 800 St. Paul St. Call 410-230-0450 or go to http://www.redemmas.org.

 

63] – The Baltimore Green Currency Association meets every Wednesday at 7 PM at Breathe Books, 810 W 36th St. # A, Baltimore, MD 21211-2554.  Call 410-235-7323.

 

64] – Each Wednesday, the Northwest Greens hold a peace vigil from 7 to 8 PM outside the Borders Book Store, Germantown Ave. at Bethlehem Pike in Chestnut Hill, PA. The next vigil is Feb. 22. Call 215-843-4256 or email nwgreens@yahoo.com. 

 

65] – The IRONWEED CLUB is meeting on Wed., Feb., 22 at 7:30 PM at the Baltimore Ethical Society, 306 W. Franklin St., Suite 102, Baltimore, MD 21201-4661.  This month at the BES Ironweed Film Club see a screening of the 2011 Earthdance Short Attention Span Environmental Film Festival.  This volume features seven, stunning, hand-picked short films from the Earthdance Films Library, with subject matter ranging from living in harmony with nature to sustainable architecture, tackling issues that we are all dealing with as our planet evolves. Titles include The Ecological Footprint: Accounting for a Small Planet, Nom Tew – Man of the Soil, and Suryamani the Environmental Activist.  Screenings are open to members of BES and the BES Ironweed Film Club. Contact Emil Volcheck at Volcheck at acm.org about free membership in the film club. Donations are requested for refreshments. The Club meets monthly on the 4th Wednesday.

 

66] – Pray for Peace at 7:30 PM on Wed., Feb.  22  at the Community Center at Masjid Al Rahmah Mosque , 6631 Johnycake Road, Windsor Mill, MD 21224. Pray for Israel and Palestine.  Take 695 to exit 17, Security Blvd., and go west to North Rolling Road, and make a left (south) on to Johnycake Road, and go to 6631 Johnycake Road. Meet at the Community Center.  Contact The Rev. Charles Cloughen, Jr. at 410-321-0199 or email frcharles@verizon.net.

 

67] – Ladysmith Black Mambazo will perform on Wed., Feb. 22 at 8 PM at Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St. Call 410-268-4545 or go to http://www.ramsheadtavern.com.  Tickets are $35.

 

68] – Working with Immigrant Survivors of Human Trafficking is a conference taking place on Thurs., Feb. 23 from 9 AM to 4 PM at Catholic University of America, 620 Michigan Ave. NE., Caldwell Hall.  Join Break the Chain Campaign's Tiffany Williams at the Catholic University School of Social Work's day-long conference.  She will present the context and challenges facing service providers and some best practices for their work during the afternoon breakout sessions. The cost is $150, and one can register here:  https://regstg.com/Registration/RegForm.aspx?rid=80e450c0-8f34-46ef-8c59-c42290ae5fe6&action=add. Email Ellen Thursby at thursby@cua.edu.

69] – Rally in front of Supreme Court to reconsider Citizen's United on Thurs., Feb. 23 at noon. Common Cause is joining forces with their coalition partners including Free Speech for People and the Coffee Party to hold a rally at the U.S. Supreme Court.  Help deliver the message that the Supreme Court must overturn Citizens United.

Wealthy corporations and billionaires are spending a fortune to try to influence our votes, and their money is drowning out the voices of ordinary citizens like you and me.  Last week, the Montana Supreme Court upheld a state ban on corporate spending on campaigns -- and now the issue will likely end up in front of the U.S. Supreme Court all over again. Justices Ruth Bader Ginsberg and Stephen Breyer have already stated that it is time for the Court to reconsider Citizens United in light of what's happened over the last two years. Call 202-833-1200 or go to www.commoncause.org.

 

70] – There will be a brown bag lunch discussion with Michael Kazin, professor of history at Georgetown University, co-editor of Dissent Magazine, and author of the recent book "American Dreamers: How the Left Changed a Nation" on Feb. 23 from noon to 1:30 PM in the Institute for Policy Studies Conference Room, 1112 16th St. NW, Suite 600, WDC.  The talk will center on how progressive movements have transformed the United States and what impact they continue to have through Occupy Wall Street and other efforts. The real problem for today's left, Kazin writes, is that its members have forgotten how to think big — how to look beyond the uninspiring present to a more dazzling and egalitarian future. RSVP to netfa@ips-dc.org.

71] – The discussion Syria: On the Edge of Civil War will take place on Thurs., Feb. 23 from noon to 1:15 PM at the CENTER FOR NATIONAL POLICY, 1 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Suite 333. The nearest Metro is at Union Station.  The increased violence in Syria signals a slide into civil war, and the crisis appears to have no end in sight. Join Bloomberg News correspondent Indira Lakshmanan and an expert panel for a discussion on the choices facing the international community and the implications of the Syrian conflict for the region. Call 202-682-1800 or visit http://www.centerfornationalpolicy.org/.

72] – On Thurs., Feb. 23 from 5 PM to Fri., Feb. 24 at 5 PM in the Copley Formal Lounge, consider attending Political Women in the Americas: Gender, Culture, Power and Public Life.  It is presented by The Americas Initiative of the Georgetown College of Liberal Arts and Studies, and will bring together a group of mostly US-based, mid-career and rising scholars whose work explores the very contemporary dynamics of gender and politics as they specifically condition women's lives across the new world. From the rise of the female heads of state in countries as various as Chile, Argentina, Brazil and Costa Rica, to the political fates of female former guerilla fighters in the Central American civil wars, to the impact of social and other new media technologies on women's political activism in countries like Cuba, to the emerging complications of political feminism from both the right and the left in the Obama/Tea Party-era US, the papers presented at the conference will focus on very specific, often regional, national and even local topics, and will at the same time in concert help pose the larger hemispheric question: can we detect in what we see before us today something like a "New (World) Politics of Gender"? There are many co-sponsors. Go to http://lannan.georgetown.edu/2011/07/political-women-in-the-americas/.

 

73] – Bill Barry is teaching a 3-credit course on the 1930s, covering Black Thursday to Pearl Harbor at CCBC-Essex. It continues on Thurs., Feb. 23 5:45 to 8:40 PM.  He sees a lot of comparisons between That Depression and This Depression, and how people and the government responded. See great videos and listen to guest speakers on this period of our history. This is a 3-credit college course but you can audit or just--in the spirit of the 30s--sit in. Anyone over 60 gets free tuition. Email wbarrymd@hotmail.com.

74] – There is a Cottage Conversation with Ambassador Luis CdeBaca on Thurs., Feb. 23 at President Lincoln's Cottage, Upshur St. at Rock Creek Church Road, NW.  He an Ambassador-at-Large, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking In Persons.  This program coincides with Can You Walk Away?, an exhibit on modern slavery opening at the Cottage in February 2012 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation.

There is a reception at 6 PM in the Visitor Education Center, and the lecture in President Lincoln's Cottage is at 6:30 PM.  The cost is $10 for the reception and another $10 for the lecture. To purchase tickets or RSVP, email Sahand Miraminy at sahand_miraminy@nthp.org or call 202-829-0436 ext. 31232.

75] – GREEN BEATS-A Social Mixer for a Better Baltimore is a public event for Baltimore Do-Gooders, which occurs on Thurs., Feb. 23 from 6 to 9 PM at Red Maple, 930 N. Charles St., Suite 1, Baltimore, MD 21201-5317.  Civic Works' Green Projects presents GREEN BEATS and hopes to raise questions about making Baltimore a more sustainable city.  RSVP at www.GREENPARTYFORAPURPOSE.org.  The suggested donation is from $5 to $20.  All proceeds benefit Civic Works' Green Projects.

 

76] – On Thurs., Feb. 23 from 6 to 9 PM at St. Stephen's Church, 1525 Newton St NW, WDC, join the lefty/progressive/radical community to do shared planning for spring and summer. This is envisioned as a seasonal calendar check in and to follow up on work of the DC Metro Social Forum to assess the needs and strengths of the DC activist community and discuss possible collaborations & future projects. Email interns@washingtonpeacecenter.org or call 202-234-2000.

77] – On Thurs., Feb. 23 from 6 to 8 PM at the ADC Heritage Center, 1732 Wisconsin Ave. NW, WDC, the 2011-2012 Arabesque Lecture Series will offer a talk The Arab-American and African-American Communities - Converting Political Crossroads into Lasting Coalition.  There will be a lecture or panel discussion each month featuring a rich and diverse selection of topics ranging from current politics to culture of the Arab-American community and the Arab world. RSVP to rsvp@adc.org.

78] – Political Action Forum: Occupy and the 2012 Elections is happening on Thurs., Feb. 23 at 7 PM at 2640 Space, 2640 St. Paul St.  Come hear different views and perspectives on the Occupy Movement and the upcoming presidential elections. There will be short presentations from groups and individuals with time for questions and short discussions. Go to http://www.redemmas.org/2640.

 

79] – See a screening of EL INFIERNO which is centered on Benny Garcia's return to his hometown in northern Mexico after being deported from the United States, only to return and find out that the only way to make money in his town is by joining the narco world. Using dark humor, the film examines the forms of narco violence and political corruption that are present in Mexico today.  It can be seen on Thurs., Feb. 23 at 7 PM at Red Emma's Bookstore and Coffeehouse, 800 St. Paul St. Call 410-230-0450 or go to http://www.redemmas.org.

 

80] – Hear Omar Barghouti on BDS for Palestinian Rights on Thurs., Feb. 23 from 7 to 9 PM at Dar Al-Taqwa Islamic Center, 10740 Route 108, Ellicott City, MD. Barghouti, co-founder of the BDS movement for Palestinian rights, will give a presentation on boycott, divestment, and sanctions, and the legacy of Mandela and King. Barghouti is an academic, activist, and a founding member of the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel. A book signing for his new book, "BDS: The Global Struggle for Palestinian Rights", will follow. Refreshments will be served from 7 to 7:30 PM, and childcare will be provided. Please dress modestly--this is a place of worship. The event is sponsored by Dar Al-Taqwa Islamic Center, Pleasant Hope Baptist Church and Baltimore Jewish Voice For Peace.

 

Hear Omar Barghouti on BDS for Palestinian Rights on Fri., Feb. 24 at 7: 30 PM at Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ, 5301 N. Capitol St. NE, WDC 20011. Go to http://www.facebook.com/groups/365106460169231/.

 

81] – Volunteers are needed to help with the 27th Annual Maryland Peace and Justice Conference to be held on Friday and Saturday, April 20 & 21 at the Episcopal Cathedral Church of the Incarnation, 4 E. University Parkway, Baltimore, 21218. The theme is: "Peacemaking in the 21st century; 25 years of working for peace and justice in Maryland."  Contact Paulette Hammond, secretary, MUPJ, at 410-747-3811 or phamm001@earthlink.net or paulette.d.hammond@questdiagnostics.com.

 

82] – The Washington Peace Center has a progressive calendar & activist alert! Consider signing up to receive its weekly email: info@washingtonpeacecenter.org.

83] – Fund Our Communities campaign – is a new grass roots movement to get support from local organizations and communities to work together with their local and state elected officials to pressure Congresspersons and senators to join with Congresspersons Barney Frank and Ron Paul, who have endorsed a 25% cut to the federal military budget.  Bring home the savings to state and county governments to meet the local needs which are under tremendous budget pressures.  Go to www.OurFunds.org.      

 

84] – The new Indypendent Reader is seeking articles for its web site at http://www.indyreader.org.  Submit an article. 

 

85] – If you would like to get rid of books, videos, DVDs or records, contact Max at 410-366-1637 or mobuszewski at verizon.net. 

 

86] – Can you use a television set and/or a computer, monitor etc.? Contact Max at 410-366-1637 or mobuszewski at verizon.net. 

 

87] – Join an extraordinary global campaign for the elimination of nuclear weapons: http://www.globalzero.org/sign-declaration. A growing group of leaders around the world is calling for the elimination of nuclear weapons and a majority of the global public agrees.  This is an historic window of opportunity.  With momentum already building in favor of Zero, a major show of support from people around the world could tip the balance. When it comes to nuclear weapons, one is one too many.  

 

88] – WAR IS NOT THE ANSWER signs from Friends Committee on National Legislation are again for sale at $5.  To purchase a sign, call Max at 410-366-1637.

 

89] – The Hunger Site was initiated by Mercy Corps and Second Harvest, and is funded entirely by advertisers.  You can go there every day and click the big yellow "Give Food for Free" button near the top of the page; you do not have to look at the ads. Each click generates funding for about 1.1 cups of food.  So consider clicking.  

 

90] – Go online for FIRE AND FAITH: The Catonsville Nine File. On May 17, 1968, nine people entered the Selective Service Offices in Catonsville, Maryland, and burned draft records in protest against the war in Vietnam. View http://www.prattlibrary.org/digital/.

 

91] – Greetings from the Marquette University Center for Peacemaking. G. Simon Harak S.J., director, is seeking your assistance. The Center for Peacemaking, the Marquette faculty and administrators are committed to supporting students' knowledge and research, especially in the area of peacemaking.  At the Center, "peacemaking" in the broadest sense, means studying the structure and dynamics of conflicts and their consequences (physical, psychological, religious/spiritual, gender, familial, sociological, political, cultural, environmental, etc.), learning and testing the strategies of conflict resolution and their effectiveness in certain types of conflict and finally, working to form sustainable and stable communities where justice is fostered and truth can be pursued, so that peace can flourish.

In light of this goal, Simon requests your help. On March 30, 2012 the Center for Peacemaking will be hosting the Wisconsin Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies' [WIPCS] day-long undergraduate conference on the theme, "Negotiating in a Polarized Society" here at Marquette University's Alumni Memorial Union (AMU). Can you help increase student participation in this conference by a) encouraging students to submit a paper they may have written, b) recommending students submit a project proposal, and c) inviting students to attend? Email peacemaking@marquette.edu.

 

92] – Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil takes place every day in Lafayette Park, 1601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 24 hours a day, since June 3, 1981.  Go to http://prop1.org; call 202-682-4282.

 

Donations can be sent to the Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 325 E. 25th St., Baltimore, MD 21218.  Ph: 410-366-1637; Email: mobuszewski [at] verizon.net. Go to http://baltimorenonviolencecenter.blogspot.com/.

 

"One is called to live nonviolently, even if the change one works for seems impossible. It may or may not be possible to turn the US around through nonviolent revolution. But one thing favors such an attempt: the total inability of violence to change anything for the better" - Daniel Berrigan