Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Baltimore Activist Alert - July 22 - 24, 2014

24] Support airport workers – July 22
25] U.S. Policy Today for Africa Tomorrow – July 22
26] Philadelphia Peace Vigil – July 22
27] No Drone Research at JHU – July 22
28] Banner making to prepare for Palestinian support demo – July 22 & 24
29] US Africa Network – July 22
30] Film “Bury the Hatchet” – July 22
31] Pray for Peace – July 22
32] Tipped workers need a living wage – July 23
33] No to Cove Point – July 23
34] "The Future of WMD in 2030" – July 23
35] Environmental scorecard – July 23
36] Film “Kids For Cash” – July 23
37] Join Project Bridge at Red Emma's – July 23
38] Occupy Congress over massacre of Gaza – July 24
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24] – On Tues., July 22 at 11 AM, SUPPORT WORKERS AT THE BWI AIRPORT by gathering at the BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport Observation Gallery. UNITE/HERE will host a Community Forum on Worker Retention. The We Deserve Better Workers Assembly and Peoples Power Assembly will be mobilizing for this event. A group will leave at 10 AM sharp from 2101 N. Charles St. If you need transportation please call 410-218-4835 to reserve a seat. This will be an opportunity to hear firsthand from workers about the consequences of lack of job security at the state-owned airport and the dire need for a worker retention program that enables BWI food and retail workers to continue to support themselves and their families. The community forum will also feature an expert panel that will make recommendations about how job security can be improved at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport and submit these recommendations to the Maryland Aviation Administration.

25] – On Tues., July 22 from 2 to 3:30 PM, hear about U.S. Policy Today for Africa Tomorrow: A Conversation with Ambassadors Carson, Lyman, and Moose at the U.S. Institute of Peace, 2301 Constitution Ave. NW, WDC 20037. RSVP at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/us-policy-today-for-africa-tomorrow-tickets-12136048247.

Home to burgeoning economies and brutal civil conflicts - sometimes coexisting in the same country - Africa is increasingly prominent in the foreign policy agendas of world powers. In early August, President Obama will convene most of the heads of state of the 54 nations of Africa in Washington, D.C. for the first-ever summit between U.S. and African leaders. There will be no shortage of issues to discuss, from how to harness Africa's economic growth and lift large sections of its population out of poverty, to growing trade between the U.S. and Africa, to concerns about closing political space in some countries, among many other topics.

26] – Each Tuesday from 4:30 - 5:30 PM, the Catholic Peace Fellowship-Philadelphia for peace in Afghanistan and Iraq gathers at the Suburban Station, 16th St. & JFK Blvd., at the entrance to Tracks 3 and 4 on the mezzanine. The next vigil is July 22. Call 215-426-0364.

27] – Vigil to say "No Drone Research at JHU" each Tuesday at 33rd & North Charles Sts. Join this ongoing vigil on July 22 from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. Call Max at 410-366-1637.

28] – On Tues., July 22 at 6 PM, near Charles Village, there will be a banner making gathering to prepare for the Thursday demo to condemn the massacre ongoing in Gaza. Email for the address. Bring your paint, cardboard, spray paint and good ideas. On Thurs., July 24 from 5:30 to 7 PM, there will be a demo at 33rd & St. Paul St. with Jewish Voice for Peace and Students for Justice in Palestine.

29] – Get over to 1916 10th St. NW, WDC 20001 between U & T Sts. on Tues., July 22 from 6:30 to 9 PM and hang out with other lefties/progressives, learn about the US Africa Network, and support the launch of their Indiegogo campaign for a major event they're hosting in D.C. on August 4th. Food, drinks, and music will be provided. Are you interested in connecting with activists from Africa, learning from one another, and working together on shared struggles? That’s what the new US Africa Network is all about!

From 8 to 9 PM, there will be optional phone banking. On August 5 and 6, President Obama will host a summit for about 50 African heads of state to discuss trade, investment, security and democratic development. In response, the U.S. Africa Network and its partners are hosting an alternative forum on August 4 at Howard University to present progressive perspectives on issues impacting Africa and the United States, strengthen our relationships, and reach the media. The Empowered Africa Dialogue will bring together grassroots citizen-activists, scholars, progressive NGOs and community organizers from Africa and the United States. Contact EmpoweredAfrica2014@gmail.com.

30] – At Bloombars, 3222 11th St. NW on Tues., July 22 from 7 to 9 PM, see the film “Bury the Hatchet” (2010, 86 min) by Aaron Walker, a documentary which portrays three Big Chiefs of the Mardi Gras Indians of New Orleans, who are descendants of runaway slaves taken in by Native Americans of the Louisiana bayous. The film presents a dynamic portrait of the unique and endangered culture of New Orleans they represent--as bearers of tradition, as artists and as musicians. Go to http://tinyurl.com/burythehatchet-trailer.

The discussion will be lead by Khalil Shahyd, from New Orleans. He masked with the Northside Skull and Bone Gang for 5 years, participating in the Black "Mardi Gras" Indian traditions in New Orleans. He is currently a PhD candidate in Urban Political Ecology and a Program Manager in the Urban Solutions program with the Natural Resources Defense Council. The suggested donation is $10, which includes free organic popcorn. Proceeds will support BloomBars. Free organic popcorn. Following these Black Indian Chiefs of Mardi Gras, the audience will get to experience the vulnerability of the black community in New Orleans--from the destruction of middle class African-American neighborhoods to make way for an interstate highway, to the violence that once defined their culture, to police crackdowns, the reality of aging and death, and finally the absolute devastation of their community following Hurricane Katrina. Yet despite their setbacks, the Mardi Gras Indians display an overwhelming sense of determination and vitality in their dedication to their communities. BloomScreen Indie Film Night is a weekly series of independent and foreign films, accompanied by discussions with filmmakers, experts and other guests. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/1442653502672521/.

31] – The Interfaith Peace Partners will meet to Pray for Peace at 7:30 PM on Tues., July 22 at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 8501 Lock Raven Blvd. in Towson at the corner of Lock Raven and Putty Hill Road. Email ccloughen@episcopalmaryland.org or call 410-321-0199.

32] – The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) and the Restaurant Opportunity Center (ROC) invite you to an important forum on tipped workers to be held Wed., July 23 on 9:15 to 11 AM at 1333 H St. NW, Suite 300, East Tower. There will be several speakers including EPI research associate Sylvia Allegretto and economic analyst David Cooper, authors of “Twenty-Three Years and Still Waiting for Change: Why It’s Time to Give Tipped Workers the Regular Minimum Wage.” See https://www.eventbrite.com/e/has-the-time-come-for-tipped-workers-to-receive-the-full-minimum-wage-registration-12289005747.

33] – On Wed., July 23 at noon at mini-rally and press event, tell Gov. Martin O’Malley to do the right thing on Cove Point. The governor will be present at a meeting from 1 to 2 PM regarding one of the many permits Dominion needs before it can start construction on this fracked gas export facility. The state Board of Public Works, on which Gov. O’Malley sits, is considering a permit Dominion needs to build a new pier on the Patuxent River. This meeting will mark the first time that Governor O’Malley will be present at a public hearing on Cove Point.

Meet at Lawyer’s Mall, across from the State House in Annapolis, Bladen St. and College Ave. The hearing will be in the Governor's Reception Room in the State House, 100 State Circle. Stand with your Maryland neighbors living next to Cove Point by being present at this public meeting. At noon, Calvert citizens will be holding a press conference to call on Gov. O’Malley to order a minimum review of the human safety risks that this liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility will pose to nearby neighborhoods. See http://org.salsalabs.com/o/423/p/salsa/event/common/public/?event_KEY=82366.

In 2007, Gov. O’Malley testified in Congress against an LNG import facility proposed in Sparrow’s Point, Baltimore. He had this to say: The proposed LNG project at Sparrow's Point represents a threat to our homeland security, a threat to our environment and Chesapeake Bay and a threat to the families of eastern Baltimore County. Gov. O’Malley’s outcry was part of the reason that that dangerous and polluting facility has never been built. Yet, he’s been conspicuously silent on Dominion Resources’ proposed $3.8 billion fracked gas export facility at Cove Point -- despite massive regional grassroots pressure against the plant and despite even greater threats to nearby families and our environment.

34] – On Wed., July 24 from noon to 1:30 PM, John Caves and Seth Carus, National Defense University, will tackle "The Future of WMD in 2030" at the National Defense University, Lincoln Hall, Room 1119, Fort McNair, WDC. RSVP by email Nima.Gerami@ndu.edu.

35] – Join the Maryland League of Conservation Voters for the release of its 2014 Environmental Scorecard on Wed., July 23 from 5 to 7 PM at the Silver Spring Civic Center, 1 Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring 20910. For over 35 years, the non-partisan Maryland League of Conservation Voters has served as the independent political voice for the environment in Maryland. It advocates for sound conservation policies, promotes environmentally responsible candidates, and holds individual elected officials accountable through scorecards. RSVP at https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/288/personal2.asp?formid=mdlcvelect&c=6308032&aacwc=371562889112534049362152203102.

36] – At the New Organizing Institute, 1133 19th St. NW, Suite 850, on Wed., July 23 at 6:30 PM see “Kids For Cash,” a documentary that examines the notorious judicial scandal that rocked the nation. Beyond the millions paid and high-stakes corruption, the film exposes a shocking secret. Starting in the wake of the shootings at Columbine, the people of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania celebrate a charismatic judge who is hell-bent on keeping kids in line, until one parent decides to question the motives behind his brand of justice. In the end, Judge Mark Ciavarella was accused of accepting money from Robert Mericle, builder of two private, for-profit juvenile facilities, in return for imposing harsh sentences on juveniles to increase the number of inmates in the detention centers. This real life thriller reveals the untold stories of the masterminds at the center of the scandal and the chilling aftermath of lives destroyed in the process. Contact Jessica Mitchell, NOI, at info@neworganizing.com.

37] – Join Project Bridge at Red Emma's Bookstore Cafe, 30 W. North Ave., Baltimore 21201for Baltimore's Science Café on Wed., July 23 at 7 PM. This month features Dr. Gul Dolen, assistant professor from Johns Hopkins University who will discuss the complex story of autism. Join the conversation about this disorder from the perspective of history, policy, and science. RSVP at www.projbridge.com. Project Bridge is a student organization at Johns Hopkins aimed at connecting science with the community and foster public interest in science research. Call 443-602-7585. Go to http://www.redemmas.org.

38] – On Thurs., July 24 from 9 AM to 5 PM, as the violence in Gaza continues to escalate, CODEPINK is calling for all to take part in an urgent national day of action. Please join anytime during the day in Congress to lobby representatives and senators to stop the bombing and advocate for the human rights of the Palestinians! This event is being done with the Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) and other organizations. ADC will hold a pre-meeting briefing in the Rayburn House Office Building Room 2456 at 9 AM and a debriefing at 4:30 PM. CODEPINK will also be working from the Rayburn Cafeteria between these briefing times.

Contact your legislators to request meetings for Thursday between 10 AM and 4 PM. Ask to meet with the legislative assistant or staffer who handles foreign affairs. Also consider going to offices of members of the Foreign Affairs Committee. RSVP to Tyra Walker at tyra.j.walker@gmail.com or at 917-208-0266.

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

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