Baltimore Activist Alert - Part 1

Baltimore Activist Alert Mar. 16 - Mar. 22, 2012

 

"I speak as an American to the leaders of my own nation. The great initiative in this war is ours.

The initiative to stop it must be ours." -Martin Luther King Jr.

 

Friends, this list and other email documents which I send out are done under the auspices of the Baltimore Nonviolence Center.  Go to www.baltimorenonviolencecenter.blogspot.com.  If you appreciate this information and would like to make a donation, send contributions to BNC, 325 East 25th Street, Baltimore, MD 21218.  Max Obuszewski can be reached at 410-366-1637 or mobuszewski [at] verizon.net.

 

Tune into the Maryland Progressive Blog at http://mdprogblog.org.

   

1] Books, buttons and stickers

2] Web site for info on federal legislation

3] Join Nonviolent Resistance lists  

4] Buy coffee through HoCoFoLA  

5] Occupy Freedom Plaza is undergoing a transformation

6] Occupy Baltimore evicted—vows to stay relevant

7] Passage on the Underground Railroad – through Mar. 22

8] Windows & Mirrors exhibit – through Mar. 22

9] Environmental Film Festival – through Mar. 25

10] Protest Sudan's violence – Mar. 16

11] Lenten Prayer Services – Mar. 16 & 19

12] WIB Inner Harbor vigil – Mar. 16

13] WIB Roland Park vigil – Mar. 16

14] Justice for Palestine/Israel vigil – Mar. 16

15] Protest anti-protest bill – Mar. 16

16] Stateswomen for Justice – Mar. 16

17] Book on HAMAS – Mar. 16

18] Boycott Wells Fargo – Mar. 16

19] Silent peace vigil -- Mar. 16

20] Eco Ball – Mar. 16

21] Ballroom dancing – Mar. 16

22] Film TAMPOPO -- Mar. 16

23] Farmer's Market – Mar. 17

24] Homebuyers Workshop – Mar. 17

25] FCNL lobby weekend – Mar. 17 - 20

26] Olney peace vigil – Mar. 17

27] West Chester, PA demo – Mar. 17

28] Silent vigil at Capitol – Mar. 17

29] Skills Building Workshop -- Mar. 17

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1] – Buttons, bumperstickers and books are available.  "God Bless the Whole World, No Exceptions" stickers are in stock. Donate your books to Max. Call him at 410-366-1637.

                           

2] – To obtain information how your federal legislators voted on particular bills, go to http://thomas.loc.gov/.  Congressional toll-free numbers are 888-818-6641, 888-355-3588 or 800-426-8073. The White House Comment Email is accessible at http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/.

3] – THE ORGANIZING LIST will be the primary decision-making mechanism of the National Campaign of Nonviolent Resistance [NCNR].  It will be augmented by conference calls and possibly in-person meetings as needed.  It will consist of 1 or 2 representatives from each local, regional, or national organization (not coalitions) that wishes to actively work to carry out the NCNR campaign of facilitating and organizing nonviolent resistance to the war in Iraq.

 

To join the ORGANIZING List, please send your name, group affiliation, city and email address to donmuller@msn.com.  Different local chapters of a national organization are encouraged to subscribe.  

 

THE NOTICES LIST will include only notices of NCNR actions and related information and is open to any interested person to subscribe.  It will be moderated to maintain focus & will include periodic notices about getting involved in NCNR national organizing.  To join the NOTICES List, send an email message to ncnrnotices-subscribe@lists.riseup.net. You will get a confirmation message once subscribed.  If you have problems, please write to the list manager at ncnrnotices-admin@lists.riseup.net.

 

4] – You can help safeguard human rights and fragile ecosystems through your purchase of HOCOFOLA Café Quetzal. Bags of ground coffee or whole beans can be ordered by mailing in an order form. Also note organic cocoa and sugar are for sale.  For more details and to download the order form, go to http://friendsoflatinamerica.typepad.com/hocofola/2010/02/hocofola-cafe-quetzal-order-form-2010.html. The coffee comes in one-pound bags.

 

Fill out the form and mail it with a check made out to HOCOFOLA on or before the second week of the month.  Be sure you indicate ground or beans for each type of coffee ordered.  Send it to Adela Hirsch, 5358 Eliots Oak Rd., Columbia, MD 21044.  Be sure you indicate ground (G) or bean (B) for each type of coffee ordered. The coffee will arrive some time the following week and you will be notified where to pick it up.  Contact Adela at 410-997-5662 or via e-mail at adela4peace@verizon.net.

 

5] – The occupation of Freedom Plaza, 14th & Pennsylvania Ave. NW, is in a state of flux.  For recent developments, go to http://october2011.org/.

 

6] – Occupy Baltimore was evicted from McKeldin Square, Pratt and Light Sts.  Participants indicate the operation will continue in some fashion.  Sign up at http://groups.google.com/group/occupy-baltimore/.  Ask for the digest or you get hundreds of emails. 

 

7] – Passage on the Underground Railroad is on exhibit through Thurs., Mar. 22 at the Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery, Univ. of Maryland Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle.  Exhibit hours are Sundays & Saturdays, 1 to 5 PM and Mondays through Wednesdays and Fridays, noon to 4 PM and Thursdays, noon to 8 PM. 

 

Tempe, Arizona-based artist Stephen Marc, tenured professor at the Arizona State Univ. Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, documents his visits to Underground Railroad sites, from which he creates photo-montages combining both historic and new imagery dealing with the African-American experience in American society through the centuries.  Call 410-455-3827 or go to http://aok.lib.umbc.edu/gallery.

 

8] – The American Friends Service Committee invites you to see the traveling art exhibit: Windows and Mirrors: Reflections on the War in Afghanistan. The mural panels created by international artists and US students help us imagine the experience of Afghan civilians - from death and destruction to hopes for peace. Drawings by Afghan students in Kabul – collected in June 2010 – provide an up close look at life in a war zone. The exhibit is not a single image, but a tapestry, a statement on the human cost of war. The "windows" they have created help us feel the impact of war on the Afghan people, become "mirrors" reflecting our own identity as citizens of a nation at war — and call us to act. Visit http://windowsandmirrors.org/.

 

 It is open to the public at the Methodist Building, 100 Maryland Ave. NE, WDC through Thurs., Mar. 22 from 9 AM to 5 PM.  Also the exhibit can be seen on Thurs., Mar. 22, from 5 to 8 PM at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 945 G St. NW. The exhibit features a collection of 4' x 6' murals created by U.S. and international artists to memorialize the civilian casualties in Afghanistan, as well as artwork by Afghan schoolchildren about living with war.   Go to http://www.afsc.org/.

 

9] – The 20th anniversary Environmental Film Festival in the Nation's Capital will continue at various venues until Sun., Mar. 25.  The list of 180 films to be shown is very impressive.  Email info@envirofilmfest.org or call 202-342-2564. Go to http://www.dcenvironmentalfilmfest.org/.

10] – To Stop Sudan's Weapons of Mass Starvation, join the March 16th Day of Action at 9:30 AM at Sheridan Circle, Washington DC. Stop Sudan's bombing, violence and use of food as a weapon of war against innocent men, women and children in South Kordofan and Blue Nile. The protest will be against the Sudanese government's actions and a call on the United States and world leaders to stop the violence and prevent hundreds of thousands of people from starving. Half a million people in South Kordofan and Blue Nile are at risk of starvation beginning in March because Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir – a war criminal wanted for genocide – is employing the very same tactics to kill, displace, and starve civilians in South Kordofan and Blue Nile that he used in Darfur. United to End Genocide President Tom Andrews will join U.S. lawmakers including Representative Jim McGovern (D-MA), and many grassroots leaders including the Enough Campaign, American Jewish World Service, Humanity United, along with hundreds of activists to block entrance to the Sudanese Embassy. Add your voice of protest and Join Us. Go to http://www.facebook.com/events/243610079059756/.

11] – There will be Lenten Prayer Services of Repentance at the White House and Pentagon To Mark The 9th Year of the U.S. Invasion of Iraq.  On Fri., Mar. 16 from noon to 1 PM, gather at the White House (north side on Pennsylvania Ave.).  On Mon., Mar. 19 from 7 to 8 AM, be at the Pentagon (outside Pentagon Metro entrance on the southeast side of the building). March 19, 2012 mark's the 9th anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. As part of the Lenten Witness for Peace and Justice that is being organized by the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker and co-sponsored by other groups, there will be a prayer service at the White House and at the Pentagon to remember the victims of U.S. warmaking in Iraq, to repent for the war crimes the U.S. has committed, and to demand that reparations be made to the Iraqi people. We will also call on all remaining CIA personnel and U.S. private contractors to leave Iraq immediately. Ray McGovern, retired CIA analyst, peacemaker, writer and member of Intelligence Members for Sanity (VIPS) will speak at the prayer service.

 

We will also remember Rachel Corrie, the U.S. peaceworker who was killed by an Israeli military bulldozer in Gaza on March 16, 2003. Lent is a time for personal and societal repentance, a time for radical conversion, renewal and transformation. Living under the brutal occupation of the Roman Empire, Jesus declared: "The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the Gospel." (Mk.1:15) Living in the U.S. Empire, which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. described as "the greatest purveyor of violence in the world," we need to heed Jesus' proclamation now more than ever.  Contact Art Laffin of the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker at artlaffin@hotmail.com or 202-360-6416.

 

12] – Every Friday from noon to 1 PM, Women in Black, Baltimore, host a vigil at Pratt and Light Sts. in the Inner Harbor. Peace signs will be available. See http://www.peacepath911.com/ or write wibbaltimore@hotmail.com or call 410-467-9114.

13] – There is also a noon vigil on Mar. 9 at Roland Park Place at 830 W. 40th St.  Call 410-467-9114.

 

14] – A vigil for Justice in Palestine/Israel (now in its 8th year) takes place every Friday from noon to 1 PM at 19th & JFK Blvd., Philadelphia (across from Israeli Consulate.  It is sponsored by Bubbies & Zaydes (Grandparents) for Peace in the Middle East. Email cswartz@pil.net. Go to http://phillyjewishpeace.org/.

 

15] – There's a bill in D.C. City Council, which might be heard on Fri., Mar. 16 at noon at the Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Room 500, WDC. It may severely restrict protest rights by making it illegal to "block" parks and other spaces and to make noise in public buildings.  It would issue an indefinite ban on people who return to an area after being told to disperse.  Email sam.jewler@gmail.com.

 

16] – On Fri., Mar. 16  from noon to 2 PM at the National Press Club, 529 14th St. NW, 13th Floor, WDC, in celebration of Women's History Month and the 185th Anniversary of the Black Press, you are cordially invited to a celebratory luncheon and issues forum: "Stateswomen for Justice." The forum and the lunch are free.  RSVP at RSVP@TriceEdneyWire.com.

 

17] – Foundation for Middle East Peace invites you to a presentation and discussion with Paola Caridi author of HAMAS: From Resistance to Government on Fri., Mar. 16 from noon to 2 PM at the  Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 1779 Massachusetts Ave. NW, WDC 20036.  The book is a comprehensive history of the Palestinian Islamist movement that combines news analysis with interviews of Gaza residents to paint an incisive and multi-layered portrait of this still largely clandestine organization. Ms. Caridi will discuss her book and the historical evolution of Hamas, and offer new insights and analysis. A light lunch will be served.  RSVP to info@fmep.org.

 

18] – Every Friday, from 4 to 6 PM, there will be an ODC protest to boycott Wells Fargo. It will take place at two locations: 3325 14th St NW, Columbia Heights and 1901 7th St NW, WDC, next to the Shaw/Howard University Metro station.  Go to http://www.commoncause.org.  Did you know that Wells is the major financier of The GEO group, which owns and runs the Rivers Correctional Institution in Winston North Carolina, where thousands of D.C. residents are sent and abused? Did you know that 50% of individuals detained in immigration detention centers are in centers owned by for-profit companies, like GEO Group?

 

ODC protest to boycott Wells Fargo on Fri., Mar. 16 from 4 to 6 PM. Every Friday ODC members organize protests in front of two Wells Fargo locations: 3325 14th St. NW, WDC [Columbia Heights Metro station] and 1901 7th St. NW, WDC [Shaw/Howard University Metro station]. Go to http://www.commoncause.org.

 

19] – There is a silent vigil on Fri., Mar. 16 from 5 to 6 PM outside of Homewood Friends Meeting, 3107 N. Charles St., in opposition to war in Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan. Placards say: "War Is Not the Answer." The silent vigil is sponsored by AFSC, Homewood Friends and Stony Run Meetings.

 

20] – Baltimore Green Works presents a charity event helping to support free public programming focused on the best sustainable and eco-minded production and practices on Fri., Mar. 16 at 7 PM at Frederick Douglass, Isaac Myers Maritime Park Museum, 1417 Thames St. All tickets include taste creations by Stratford University's top contending student chefs, non-alcoholic beverages, as well as live music by Baltimore's Latin dance band, Mambo Combo. Attendees are encouraged to re-use or re-invent their gala attire by shopping the closet, local consignment shops or by creating your own. Call 410-952-0334 or go to http://baltimoregreenworks.com.  The cost is $75 and students with ID, $40.

 

21] – There is an opportunity to participate in ballroom dancing, usually every Friday of the month, in the JHU ROTC Bldg. at 8 PM.  Turn south on San Martin Dr. from the intersection of Univ. Parkway and 39th St.  Drive on campus by taking the third left turn. The next dance will be Mar. 16.  Call Dave Greene at 410-599-3725.

22] – D.C. APOCALYPSE FILM SERIES at the Radical Space is to benefit the D.C. ZINEFEST. The first film will be shown on Fri., Mar. 16 at 9:30 PM—Tampopo. Go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tampopo. The movie is at 9:30 PM. Ticket prices are $3 to $5.

23] – Go to the West Baltimore Farmer's Market for fresh fruits, vegetables, breads and other treats every Saturday from 8 to noon.  CPHA has worked with the West Baltimore Marc TOD and Transit Inc. (WBMTTI) to establish a Farmer's Market at the West Baltimore Marc Train stop at Smallwood Road at Franklin and Mulberry Sts.  Since opening in June, over 300 people buy fresh groceries there every Saturday morning. WBMTTI will continue to include the community in the transit-oriented developments on the west side and continue to improve the area around "the highway to nowhere" until it becomes the highway to somewhere. Go to www.cphabaltimore.org.

 

24] – On Sat., Mar. 17 at 8:45 AM, participate in a Homebuyers Workshop through 2 PM at Coppin State University, The Talon Center Dining Hall, 2500 West North Ave., Baltimore, MD 21216. GO Northwest, Garwyn Oaks Northwest Housing Resource Center is hosting a workshop covering many aspects of being a home owner and what to expect when trying to buy. Points of discussion include: - Advantages and disadvantages of home ownership - Components needed to purchase - How to qualify for a mortgage - Special loan programs for employees of Baltimore City and State of MD - Budgeting - Choosing a real estate agent - Home inspections/ Appraisals - Insurances for home owners - Foreclosure prevention. Pre-register at 410-947-0084 Ext. 1 or email Scott Satchell at ssatchell@go-no​rthwesthrc.org.

 

25] – Starting Sat., Mar. 17 through Tues., Mar. 20, the Friends Committee on National Legislation is hosting its spring lobby weekend. Join the movement. Help end the U.S. war in Afghanistan. Join people from around the country to learn how to lobby and make your voice heard in Congress.  Register at https://fcnl.org/events/register_for_fcnl_spring_lobby_weekend/.  Contact Matt Southworth at matt@fcnl.org.

 

26] – Friends House, 17715 Meeting House Rd., Sandy Spring, MD 20860, hosts a peace vigil every Saturday, 10:30 to 11:30 AM, on the corner of Rt. 108 and Georgia Ave. in Olney, MD.  The next vigil is Mar. 17. Call Chuck Harker at 301-570-7167. 

 

27] –  Each Saturday, 11 AM – 1 PM, Chester County Peace Movement holds a peace vigil in West Chester in front of the Chester County Courthouse, High & Market Sts. Go to www.ccpeace.org. Email ccpeacemovement@aol.com.

 

28] – There will be a peace vigil on the West Lawn of the Capitol at noon on Mar. 17. Look for the blue banner with the message, "Seek Peace and Pursue It.--Psalms 34:14." The vigil lasts one hour and is silent except when one responds to the occasional questions. Go to http://www.quaker.org/langleyhill/seekpeace.htm or email seekpeacevigil@yahoo.com.

 

29] – On Sat., Mar. 17 from 2 to 5 PM, attend the Skills-Building Workshop--"Redirecting Military Spending to Fund Our Communities" with Mike Prokosch, National New Priorities Network, Peter Lems, American Friends Service Committee, and Kathy Black, at Arch Street United Methodist Church, 55 N. Broad Street, Phila, PA 19102 (Broad & Arch Sts.). The workshop is sponsored by Delaware Valley New Priorities Network, which includes Brandywine Peace Community. Call Jane Dugdale at 610-527-4170. 

 

To be continued.

 

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/

 

"The master class has always declared the wars; the subject class has always fought the battles. The master class has had all to gain and nothing to lose, while the subject class has had nothing to gain and everything to lose--especially their lives." Eugene Victor Debs