Baltimore Activist Alert - June 6 - July 6, 2014

33] Go to court to stop Cove Point – June 6
34] Vigil for peace at White House – June 6
35] Vigil for Justice in Palestine – June 6
36] Baltimore says no to misogyny – June 6
37] Silent peace vigil/potluck dinner – June 6
38] Film EVEN THE RAIN – June 6
39] Exposing the Truth of U.S. Torture – June 6
40] Film WHEN I SAW YOU – June 6
41] Film THE GATEKEEPERS – June 6
42] Ladyfest Baltimore – June 6 & 7
43] Nonviolence Training – June 6-8
44] Baseball Benefit – June 6 - 7
45] Torture Awareness talk – June 6
46] Dead Prez will perform at 5 Days for the Cuban 5 – June 6
47] See THE EXONERATED – June 6 – July 6
48] Ballroom Dancing – June 6
49] Run to Fight Hunger – June 7
50] Volunteer at one of Palestine Children's Relief Fund's summer camps – June 7 or June 9
51] Spiritual Leadership for Challenging Times Conference --- June 7
52] Support the Cuban 5 – June 7
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33] – On Fri., June 6 from 9 to 10:30 AM, join community activists from all over the Eastern U.S. to support The AMP Creeks Council and individuals suing the Calvert County Board of Commissioners and Planning Board in Calvert County Circuit Court, 175 Main St., Prince Frederick. The commissioners exempted the proposed Cove Point LNG facility from the regular permitting process, failing to protect residents' best interests and safety. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/251395205049697/.

34] – On Fri., June 6 from noon to 1 PM, join the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker in a vigil urging the powers that be to abolish war and torture, to disarm all weapons, to end indefinite detention, to close Guantanamo, to establish justice for all and help create the Beloved Community! The vigil takes place at the White House on Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Contact Art @ artlaffin@hotmail.com or at 202-360-6416.

35] – A vigil for Justice in Palestine/Israel 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/.

36] – In McKeldin Square on Fri., June 6 from 4 to 6:30 PM, come together and show that Baltimore says no to misogyny. In the aftermath of the Santa Barbara mass murderer who blamed his actions on women who turned him down, the trending of #yesallwomen has allowed women to tell their stories about the violence in their lives. Come speak out, and show your support to end sexual violence!

37] – There is usually a silent peace vigil on Fridays, from 5 to 6 PM, outside the Cathedral of the Incarnation, University Parkway and St. Paul St. The June 6 vigil, sponsored by Homewood Friends and Stony Run Meetings, reminds us that War Is Not the Answer and that there is the need to stop torture. Since this is a First Friday, following the vigil there will be a potluck dinner at 6:30 PM at Homewood Friends Meetinghouse, 3107 N. Charles St., Baltimore 21218.

38] – The Hiroshima-Nagasaki Commemoration Committee, Baltimore Quaker Peace and Justice Committee of Homewood and Stony Run Meetings and Chesapeake Physicians for Social Responsibility are concluding the latest FILM & SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS DVD SERIES. The DVDs are shown at Homewood Friends Meetinghouse, 3107 N. Charles St., Baltimore 21218, on the First Friday. At 7:15 PM on June 6, see a DVD of EVEN THE RAIN, followed by a discussion. There is no charge, and refreshments will be available.

The series theme is THE REVOLUTION WILL NOT BE TELEVISED! EVEN THE RAIN [Spain, 2010] is a brilliant movie. At a time when the poor of the world seem to be rising up, I found myself deeply moved and completely enthralled by this film. I encourage everyone in search of a great movie to go see EVEN THE RAIN." —Michael Moore

Directed by Iciar Bollain ("Take My Eyes") and written by long-time Ken Loach collaborator Paul Laverty ("The Wind That Shakes the Barley"), the story finds a Spanish film crew helmed by idealistic director Sebastian (Gael García Bernal) and his cynical producer Costa (Luis Tosar) in Bolivia to make a revisionist epic about the conquest of Latin America - on the cheap. Carlos Aduviri is dynamic as “Daniel,” a local cast as a 16th century native in the film within a film. When the make-up and loin cloth come off, Daniel sails into action protesting his community’s deprivation of water at the hands of multi-national corporations. When riots break out in Cochabamba, protesting excessive fees for water, production is interrupted and the convictions of the crew members are challenged. Sebastian and Costa are forced to make an unexpected emotional journey in opposite directions. Call 410-366-1637 or email mobuszewski [at] verizon.net.

39] – On Fri., June 6 from 6 to 8:30 PM help mark Torture Awareness Month, exposing the Truth of U.S. Torture: Restoring Human Dignity, with refreshments, at ADAMS Center, 46903 Sugarland Rd., Sterling, VA 20164. The event will feature Imam Mohamed Magid, Imam of the ADAMS Center, Dr. Azizah al-Hibri, Founder & Chair of KARAMAH: Muslim Women Lawyers for Human Rights, Member of the Constitution Project’s Task Force on Detainee Treatment, Ambassador Thomas R. Pickering, former U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Member of The Constitution Project’s Task Force on Detainee Treatment, and Rev. Ron Stief, Executive Director of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture. Join the Facebook event at https://www.facebook.com/events/311964728954855/. Email partaza-regan@nrcat.org or call 202-547-1920.

40] – It is 1967. The world is alive with change: brimming with reawakened energy, new styles, music and an infectious sense of hope. In Jordan, a different kind of change is underway as tens of thousands of refugees pour across the border from Palestine. Having been separated from his father in the chaos of war, Tarek, 11, and his mother Ghaydaa, are amongst this latest wave of refugees. On Fri., June 6 at 6:30 PM, see director Annemarie Jacir’s film WHEN I SAW YOU, 93 minutes, at The Palestine Center, 2425 Virginia Ave. NW. Visit http://www.thejerusalemfund.org/ht/d/EventDetails/i/45893.

41] – The First-Friday Free Large Screen Film Series continues at the Peace Center of Delaware County,1001 Old Sproul Road, Springfield, PA 19064. On Fri., June 6 at 7 PM see THE GATEKEEPERS (2012. 95 mins. PG-13. Israel, France, Belgium, Germany, directed by Dror Moreh. Charged with overseeing Israel's war on terror — both Palestinian and Jewish — the head of the Shin Bet, Israel's secret service, has been at the helm of every decision of state, from the June 1967 Six-Day War to the present.

For the very first time, six former heads of the secret agency reflect openly on their actions and the historic background of their decisions. Through these in-depth interviews, archival footage, and computer animation, the film which draws its technique from Errol Morris (“The Fog of War”) is a serious reconsideration of Israel's hard-line positions and an argument for a more conciliatory approach based on a two-state solution. THE GATEKEEPERS raises vital questions for everyone about the morality of state-sanctioned violence in the name of internal security.

Doors open at 6:30 PM for light refreshments. After the film, engage in a discussion. Go to http://www.delcopeacecenter.org/ or call 610-544-1818. The event is co-sponsored by the Brandywine Peace Community.

42] -- Ladyfest Baltimore is a two-day event featuring the music of Baltimore feminists. A large portion of proceeds for this event will go to the House of Ruth Maryland, Inc. The event aims to recognize the talents of the diverse Baltimore community and raise awareness for issues that affect women, such as race, class, gender, etc... The music will be performed on Fri., June 6 at 6:30 PM and on Sat., June 7 at 6:15 PM at the Windup Space, 12 W. North Ave. Call 410-244-8855 or see http://thewindupspace.com.

43] -- Starting Fri., June 6 from 7 to 10 PM through Sat., June 7, 10 to 6 PM, and Sun., June 8 from 10 AM to 2 PM, join a Nonviolence Training with Pax Christi at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 6701 Muncaster Mill Road, Rockville. The cost is $50. The training is nondenominational and based on the Fellowship of Reconciliation curriculum. All are welcome. Register with Christy Gordon at skyswan42@hotmail.com or 301-943 1503. Visit http://iprcua.com/2014/06/07/spiritual-leadership-for-challenging-times-leading-from-the-emerging-future/.

44] -- Lou Curran wants you to know about the chance to get a Manny Machado bobblehead, O's sunglasses & some classic baseball games on Fri., June 6 and Sat., June 7. For $13 you can get a ticket for Friday's game at 7:05 PM with the Oakland A's. The tickets are in Section 340 above/behind home plate. Orioles sunglasses giveaway goes to the first 10,000 "adult" patrons. For $14 you can get a ticket for Saturday's game at 7:15 PM with the Oakland A's. The tickets are in Section 328 above/behind home plate. A Manny Machado bobblehead goes to the first 25,000 "adult" patrons.

O's Public Defenders Nights have netted and distributed over $13,000 mainly to MPILP, UBSPI, the Legal Aid Bureau of MD, the Public Justice Center, MCDAA, NACDL's Foundation for Criminal Justice, Chesapeake Center for Youth Development and the MD SPCA over the years, including $1,233 to MPILP and UBSPI and $300 to CCYD and MD SPCA this year alone. Be part of the O's Public Defender extended family. Contact Lou at 410-499-8899 or at LCurran@opd.state.md.us.

45] – Hear Beza talk about Ending the Crime of Torture on Fri., June 6 @ 7:30 PM at the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker, 503 Rock Creek Church Rd. NW, WDC 20010. Contact the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker at 202-882-9649.

Beza is a professional physicist who was tortured in Ethiopia. He is a member of the Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition International (TASSC) and will speak for the first time about his experience as a torture survivor. The mission of TASSC, the only organization founded by and for torture survivors, is to end the practice of torture wherever it occurs and to empower survivors, their families and communities wherever they are.

Join TASSC in celebrating its 17th Annual June Survivors' Week from June 25 to June 29 in D.C. focusing on the theme "Building Bridges Together". During the week TASSC will have different workshops, a human rights training, a Congressional visit, and a 12 hour vigil on June 28 from 7 AM to 7 PM at Lafayette Park across from the White House. There will also be a hearing at the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission. Survivors and prominent human rights experts will speak at the workshops and at the Tom Lantos Commission. Go to www.tassc.org.

46] – On Fri., June 6 the hip hop duo Dead Prez will perform at 5 Days for the Cuban 5, marking the first time they have done a concert for the Cuban 5. Also performing will be an impressive array of artists representing a variety of music genres. Tickets are $20 in advance, and $25 at the door, cash only. Get your tickets at http://deadprezforthecuban5.bpt.me/. Go to www.thecuban5.org

47] -- Enjoy “The Exonerated,” a thrilling docudrama by the Vagabond Players. The play transports viewers into the hearts and minds of 6 death row inmates who are actually innocent. It is thought provoking and provocative, and will make viewers recognize the madness of a death penalty. The performances will begin on Fri., June 6 and continue through July 6 at 806 S. Broadway. Call 410-563-9135 or go to http://vagabondplayers.org.

48] – 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 May 30. Call Dave Greene at 410-599-3725.

49] – There is a Call to ACTion with a 5K Run to Fight Hunger. The Assistance Center of Towson Churches is holding a benefit on Sat., June 7 at 7 AM at Goucher College, 1021 Dulaney Valley Road, to fight hunger: a 5K run and a 1.5 mile walk will begin at 8 AM. There are prizes for winners, t-shirts for participants, and fresh air for everyone! Register at calltoaction.eventbrite.com. Call 410-583-1530. The cost is $25 or $20 for ages 18 & under.

50] – Come and volunteer at one of Palestine Children's Relief Fund's summer camps in these refugee camps: Tulkarem (West Bank, Palestine): June 9 through 22; or Gaza (Central Gaza, Palestine): June 7 through 19. If you are interested and would like to know more, simply email volunteer-uae@pcrf.net. The camps’ durations are two weeks - to volunteer you will need to commit for a minimum of a week. Volunteers are expected to cover their own expenses for the trip, but PCRF will facilitate access to camps and help finding accommodation with Palestinian families for a limited number of volunteers.

You need no specific skills, abilities or talents, nor do you need to be able to speak Arabic. All you need is an open heart, compassion and love for children. Children understand the language of love and compassion more than any spoken word, so if you come with an open heart and open mind, you will find this experience a very positive and moving one.

51] – On Sat., June 7 from 8:30 AM to 3 PM, attend the Spiritual Leadership for Challenging Times Conference. Come and discover a way to lead that is contemplative and collaborative – practice what you learn – and depart with a vision of how to apply this way in your own organization or committee. Nationally known speakers will draw on the 50 years of experience of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, and include 3 former presidents of LCWR. The fee is $15 for a boxed lunch. The conference is at Catholic University of America, 620 Michigan Ave. NE, WDC. Use the Metro Red Line, Brookland/CUA station. Free parking is available. Registration required at http://ipr.cua.edu/.

52] – There is a Car & Bicycle Caravan to the National Rally at the White House for the Cuban 5 on Sat., June 7. At 10 AM, gather at the Langley Park Shopping Center, New Hampshire Ave. and University Blvd., close to the McDonald’s. Decorate cars and bikes and slowly caravan to the White House – making sure that the message gets out to hundreds of shoppers and everyday people along the route. Converge at the White House with freedom riders from New York City and Philadelphia at 1 PM. for a National Rally to “Free the Cuban 5!”

Contributions of water, juice, snack and energy bars are needed for the caravan. Please bring to the event or call 410-218-4835 to arrange pick up. For those coming from Baltimore who need a ride, meet at 8 AM at the Solidarity Center, 2011 N. Charles St., Baltimore 21218. RSVP to 410-218-4835. The organizers of the 5 days for the Cuban 5 believe that this national rally at the White House will be the largest. Go to www.TheCuban5.org. If President Obama can exchange five top Taliban soldiers held in Guantanamo Bay for a U.S. soldier, then isn’t it time to release the remaining three members of the Cuban 5, who are regarded throughout the world as heroes for their work to prevent terror attacks on the Cuban people?

It’s been pointed out that the U.S. government could exchange Alan Gross, currently held in jail in Cuba charged with smuggling illegal satellite communication equipment into Cuba as part of a USAID regime change program initiated under the Bush Administration. See this article: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/why-not-pull-a-bergdahl-swap-for-alan-gross-ex-cuban-intel-asks/.

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