Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Baltimore Activist Alert - July 28 - 31, 2015

21] Come to opening of the Hugo Chavez Library – July 28
22] Shine a Light – July 28
23] Whistle Blower Summit – July 29 - 31
24] "The Iran Nuclear Deal: The View from the Region" – July 29         
25] "Examining Regional Implications of the Iran Deal" – July 29
26] “Operation Protective Edge” – July 29
27] Urge Congress to support Iran peace deal. – July 29
28] Jerry Berrigan’s funeral – July 29
29] Presentation: Between Water and Palm – July 29
30] Gaza, Today and Tomorrow – July 29
31] Film LIFE IS WAITING – July 29
32] Hear Bernie Sanders – July 29
33] "The Sisters are Alright: Changing the Broken Narrative of Black Women in America" – July 29
34] "Do Guns Make Us Free?" – July 29
35] Domestic violence and deportation – July 29
36] Give Congress a Buzz – July 30
37] Save Medicare – July 30
38] Protect job seekers – July 30
39] Cut the Medicare Cake – July 30
40] Remember Samuel Shields – July 30
41] See Dalai Lama films– July 30
42] Sign up for “Marxism Today” – July 30
43] "Gaza Unsilenced" – July 30
44] Hear from Breaking the Silence – July 30
45] Medicare for All – July 31
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21] – Come to the Embassy of Venezuela, 1099 30th St. NW, WDC, on Tues., July 28 at 6:30 PM on Hugo Chavez’s birthday. The Hugo Chávez Library will be inaugurated at the Embassy of Venezuela. The library will feature a special selection of works, including some of the former president’s favorites and books which he referenced in various speeches, as well as works about the Bolivarian Process and other selected publications from the last 16 years of revolutionary government. This space is aimed at becoming a reference point for the community and for those interested in learning more about President Hugo Chávez’s political thinking.

The inauguration of the library will also feature the unveiling of a mural of one of President Chávez’s speeches at the United Nations. The art was designed by the Comando Creativo collective in Venezuela, but the mural itself will have been painted by dozens of DC residents who wanted to show their affection for a figure who meant a great deal to the peoples of the world.

22] – The DC Light Brigade will shine a light for justice at the Methodist Building, 100 Maryland Ave. NE, WDC on Tues., July 28 at 8:30 PM.  Three days after being violently arrested during a routine traffic violation, Sandra Bland, a 28-year old Black woman driving from Chicago to Texas for a new job, was found dead in her Texas jail cell. Millions are calling for the Department of Justice to step in and investigate. On Thursday, July 30th signatures will be delivered demanding Attorney General Loretta Lynch launch a full investigation into Sandra's death. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/1627894120814369/.

23] – On Wed., July 29 through Fri., July 31, the eight annual conference arranged by the Make it Safe Coalition (MISC) for an assembly of whistleblowers in Washington, D.C. All whistleblowers and their advocates, as well as the entire civil rights community are invited to participate. Host committee members—ACORN 8, Coalition for Change (C4C), Project Censored, Justice Integrity Project and Federally Employed Women Legal Education Fund (FEW-LEF), will co-host this year’s Whistle Blower Summit for Civil & Human Rights on Capitol Hill. The theme for the annual conference this year is Black Lives Matter—This Is The Movement! http://whistleblowersummit.com/events/. Register from 9 to 10 AM at the Stewart E. Mott House, 122 Maryland Ave. NE, WDC 20002.

24] – On Wed., July 29 from 9:30 to 10:45 AM, Muath Al Wari, Center for American Progress, Deborah Amos, NPR, retired Brig. Gen. Shlomo Brom, Center for American Progress, and Fahad Nazer, JTG Inc., will tackle  "The Iran Nuclear Deal: The View from the Region" at Wilson Center, Sixth Floor, Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, WDC. RSVP at http://pages.wilsoncenter.org/07.29.15IranandItsNeighbors_SpecialEventInvitation.html.  The Webcast will be on the Wilson Center website: http://www.wilsoncenter.org/event/the-iran-nuclear-deal-the-view-the-region.

25] –  On Wed., July 29 at 11 AM, Colin Kahl, national security advisor, Office of the Vice President, Geneive Abdo, Stimson Center, Adm. Kevin Cosgriff, former Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, and Ellen Laipson, Stimson Center, will take on "Examining Regional Implications of the Iran Deal" at the Stimson Center, Eighth Floor, 1211 Connecticut Ave. NW, WDC. RSVP at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1PO12zFKOO8TGiwhnmTXxhxNBEBJROrg1iZpm0wC-WPU/viewform. 

26] –  On Wed., July 29 at noon, there will be a Congressional Briefing on “Operation Protective Edge,” one year since Israel’s attacks on the Palestinian Gaza Strip.  The assault killed more than 2,200 Palestinians, devastated Palestinian infrastructure, and left 100,000 Palestinians homeless. Today Gaza remains under Israeli blockade, unreconstructed, and teetering on the verge of humanitarian catastrophe. Join a discussion on Israel’s failure to hold itself accountable through domestic judicial proceedings, and the options and need for the United States and the international community to demand accountability for Israel's actions.  The speakers are Nadia Ben-Youssef, USA Representative, Adalah: The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel, Eman Mohammed, Gaza photojournalist, contributor, Gaza Unsilenced, and Brad Parker, International Advocacy Officer, Defense for Children International Palestine.  Josh Ruebner, Policy Director, US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation, will moderate the talk at 121 Cannon House Office Building, 27 Independence Ave. SE, WDC 20003.

CONTACT YOUR SENATORS AND CONGRESS PERSON AND MAKE SURE THEY, OR A STAFF MEMBER, ATTENDS THIS BRIEFING. A light lunch will be served. RSVP to congress@endtheoccupation.org or 202-332-0994. The event is sponsored by the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation, and cosponsored by the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), American Muslims for Palestine, Friends Committee on National Legislation, Jewish Voice for Peace, Just World Books, Middle East Children’s Alliance, and US Palestinian Community Network. 

27] – On Wed., July 29 at noon, Credo Action says now is the time to urge members of Congress to support the historic Iran nuclear peace deal. Pro-diplomacy members of Congress including Reps. Keith Ellison, Raul Grijalva, and Mark Pocan will deliver hundreds of thousands of petition signatures from CREDO members and allies at a press conference on Capitol Hill. The press conference and petition delivery to stop war with Iran will take place at the House Triangle, U.S. Capitol East Front, WDC (near the intersection of Capitol Dr. SE and S. New Jersey Ave. SE). RSVP at https://www.facebook.com/events/896097747128987/. Read Sarah Arnold’s "The Real Promise of the US-Iran Agreement," 07-16-15: http://www.thenation.com/article/the-real-promise-of-the-us-iran-agreement.

28] – Jerry Berrigan is survived by Carol, his wife of 60 years, four children, five grandchildren, and his brother, Daniel Berrigan. His funeral Mass will be held at noon on Wed., July 29 at St. Lucy's Church, 432 Gifford St., Syracuse, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Friends of Dorothy Catholic Worker House, 212 Wayne St., Syracuse, NY 13203.

29] – Environmental Investigation Agency and Amazon Watch Invite You to a "Green-Bag Lunch" Presentation: Between Water and Palm with Abilio Peña, Human Rights Defender with Justicia y Paz, and William Aljure, Community Leader and Conflict Victim in Mapiripán, Colombia, on Wed., July 29 from 12:30 to 2 PM at Amazon Watch / CIEL conference room, 1350 Connecticut Ave. NW #1100 (South Dupont, above Panera / Cosi), WDC.  During the last two decades, the Colombian human rights organization Justicia y Paz has engaged in research, advocacy and legal cases regarding oil palm expansion and related environmental damage and human rights violations. The organization is currently accompanying rural and indigenous communities in Mapiripán, Meta – the llanos (plains) region of Colombia – that have been negatively affected by oil palm expansion, and carrying out research on operations in the region by the company, Poligrow Colombia Ltd.

Justicia y Paz will share its research findings, and discuss mechanisms used by Poligrow and other companies to accumulate vast tracks of land for oil palm expansion in Colombia. They will also discuss the environmental impacts of oil palm expansion in the plains region, particularly on delicate palm groves "morichales" that are an integral part of the region’s water and ecosystem. The presentation will include a short video screening. RSVP to romoser@eia-global.org.  A call-in option is available.

30] – On Wed., July 29 from 1 to 2 PM catch Gaza, Today and Tomorrow: Current Challenges and Future Prospects with Ilana Feldman, Associate Professor of Anthropology, George Washington University & Matthew Reynolds, Washington Representative, UNRWA for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. In the past seven years, Gaza has witnessed and suffered under three Israeli wars: Operations Cast Lead (2008/2009), Pillar of Defense (2012) and Protective Edge (2014).  This panel will chart the destruction that these campaigns have brought to Gaza and the effects they have had on Gaza’s economy, infrastructure, and civilians’ livelihoods. Reconstruction is a precarious enterprise, as many suspect that another war, along with the destruction it will bring, is imminent. To that end, panelists will also examine the prospects for rehabilitation. How long will it take? How costly will it be? With Gaza constantly under the menacing cloud of war, is true reconstruction in the foreseeable future?

This is the second installment of the Summer Intern Lecture Series, entitled Gaza in Perspective: Realities on the Ground, Representation, and Broader Implications.  The lecture will occur at the Palestine Center, The Jerusalem Fund, 2425 Virginia Ave. NW, WDC 20037.  A light lunch will be served at 12:30 PM. RSVP at http://www.thejerusalemfund.org/ht/d/RegisterForEvent/i/53422.

31] – Most people think that colonialism in Africa has ended. But in the territory of Western Sahara, the end of European rule only gave way to a new occupation, this time by Morocco. Forty years later, the world continues to look the other way as the Sahrawi people face arrests, torture, and disappearances for demanding their independence. Come to Busboys and Poets Brookland, 625 Monroe St. NE, WDC on Wed., July 29 at 6 PM and see “Life Is Waiting,” a new film by director Iara Lee, chronicles this struggle. What will it take for the people of Western Sahara to reverse decades of broken promises and gain their freedom? What lessons does Sahrawi resistance offer for nonviolent movements around the world? In the film, Sahrawi activists and artists as they offer their answers. The event is sponsored by CODEPINK.  Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/777792319005367/.

32] – Hear BERNIE SANDERS explain why we need a president who represents US, the 99%, not the BILLIONAIRES!  He will be speaking via live video at 7:30 PM on Wed., July 29 at 810 Winston Ave. in Govans.  Refreshments will be served starting at 6:30 PM.  RSVP at https://secure.berniesanders.com/page/event/search_simple  or at 410-433-3269.

33] – Come to Busboys and Poets, 14 & V Sts., 2021 14th St. NW, WDC, on Wed., July 29 at 6:30 PM to hear Tamara Winfrey-Harris talk about her first book: "The Sisters are Alright: Changing the Broken Narrative of Black Women in America."  She is a journalist with a vital online and print presence who responded to a 2010 Essence report finding that 93% of black women are disturbed by the images they find of themselves in media, music, and entertainment. Tackling the caricatures head-on, Winfrey-Harris looks at the myths black women have faced since their arrival in North America and defuses the caricatures with stories of real women. Go to http://www.politics-prose.com/event/book/tamara-winfrey-harris-sisters-are-alright-changing-broken-narrative-of-black-women.

34] – As part of Writers LIVE! hear from Firmin DeBrabander on Wed., July 29 at 6:30 PM at the Enoch Pratt Library, Central Branch, 400 Cathedral St., Baltimore 21201.  He will talk` about his new book, "Do Guns Make Us Free?" in the Poe Room. Call 410-377-2966.  Go to www.theivybookshop.com.

35] – Come to the Washington Peace Center, 1525 Newton St. NW, WDC on Wed., July 29 from 7 to 9 PM for a powerful community discussion on the intersection of gender-based violence, criminalization of victims of domestic violence, and state violence. Specifically up for discussion is the case of Nan-Hui Jo, who was recently released from immigration detention, but is still fighting deportation and child abduction charges. Letters of support will be sent to Nan-Hui and other survivors incarcerated for similar "crimes." 

In recognizing the additional barriers immigrants face when attempting to leave an abusive relationship, services available to survivors of domestic violence in the DC area will be shared. Also explored will be how culture and identity can shape our perceptions of healthy and unhealthy relationships. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/831511593570870/.

36] – The National Wildlife Federation Action Fund [info@nwa.org] is asking you to RSVP for Thursday, July 30 to Give Congress a Buzz for Climate Action.  Bumblebees Can’t Call Congress. But YOU can. Commit to give Congress a buzz:  http://action.citizen.org/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=12876.

On July 30, people like you will call Congress to voice their support for the Clean Power Plan—the first federal limits on dangerous carbon pollution from coal-fired power plants. It’s the greatest action the United States has EVER taken against climate change. But it’s not a done deal. We have to defeat attempts in Congress to halt the Clean Power Plan. And wildlife advocates like you can help.

37] – The House and Senate budget resolutions both propose beginning a privatization process that would turn Medicare into a voucher program, raising costs for seniors and funneling billions of dollars into the coffers of insurance companies and hospital chains. The AFL-CIO is proud to join with National Nurses United in endorsing a rally at on Tues., July 30 from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at Upper Senate Park, 200 New Jersey Ave. NW, WDC. Visit https://www.google.com/calendar/render?eid=Y3BucWlrNnZmMXQyYnI0dnB1cXFyajF1bzggY2dhcmxvY2tAZGNsYWJvci5vcmc&ctz=America/New_York&sf=true&output=xml#eventpage_6.

38] – Be at the White House at Lafayette Square, 16th & Pennsylvania Ave. NW, WDC, on Thurs., July 30 from 11 AM to 12:30 PM and join impacted individuals, advocates, civil rights leaders, and clergy to press for President Obama to lead the way by making the federal government a model employer. Providing job seekers with a fair chance means conducting background checks fairly and after the conditional offer of employment. This means considering job qualifications first, so that individuals are judged on merit, by their experience, character, and all that they have to offer. See https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1HgYiOUgYklE1AzAPTu5ktYr_6887rcHrbLltqwz8RHQ/viewform.

39] – Celebrate Medicare’s 50th birthday with cake on Thurs., July 30 from 5 to 6 PM at 33rd and St. Paul Sts. Let’s make Medicare available to all.  The event is organized by Healthcare Now and others. Call 410-889-1223.

40] – Go to the Washington Ethical Society, 7750 16th St. NW, WDC on Thurs., July 30 from 5:30 to 6:30 PM for Roadside Remembrance - Solidarity Action, an event which happens every Thursday. This Action, which builds on the Sidewalk Solidarity Actions of this past fall, will involve participants holding signs with the names of people who were killed by police, #BlackLivesMatter signs, and other messages. 

There will be a Person of the Week— Samuel Shields--that will be studied and remembered. While holding signs, participants are encouraged to share what they learned about this person. At 6:15 PM, there will be a short go-round to share a thought about the person.

41] – Khashyar Darvich, the producer-director of the two new Dalai Lama documentary films (one of which is narrated by actor Harrison Ford) that are coming to Washington D.C. and Fairfax, Virginia for a Special Dalai Lama 80th Birthday Red Carpet Film Celebration on July 30 (Fairfax) and August 3 (Washington D.C.). These are the very last Washington D.C. area screenings of 'Dalai Lama Awakening' (narrated by actor Harrison Ford) and 'Dalai Lama's Compassion in Action' (featuring H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama). This Special Red Carpet Film Event (which includes a Director Q&A) is in honor of H. H. the 14th Dalai Lama's 80th Birthday. These will be the ONLY screenings of these two films in the Washington area in 2015, as the film continues to travel across the U.S. and Canada for a 100-city U.S.-Canada Tour. 

On Thurs. July 30 at 6:30 PM see the films at the Angelika at Mosaic, Fairfax--"Dalai Lama Awakening" and "Compassion in Action"--and enjoy a Q&A with the director.  On Thurs. Aug. 3 at 6:30 PM, see the films at the Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market followed by a Q&A with the director.  Visit www.DalaiLamaFilm.com.

42] – You are invited to the first session in the "Marxism Today" series of classes at the Baltimore Free School.  Participate in a discussion of the first two chapters of Frederick Engels' The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State. The class will be held on Thurs., July 30 from 7 to 9 PM in the classroom at Red Emma's Bookstore/Coffeehouse, 30 W. North Avenue, Baltimore 21201.  Register for the class by going to http://www.freeschool.redemmas.org and clicking on the calendar for July 30.  But come, even if you don't register. Call 443-604-2298 to borrow a copy of the book. 

43] – On Thurs., July 30 at 7:30 PM at Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse, 30 W. North Ave., Baltimore 21201, Rania Khalek will present "Gaza Unsilenced." During and after Israel's 2014 assault on Gaza, voices within and outside Gaza bore powerful witness to the Israeli attacks-and to the effects of the crushing siege that continued to strangle Gaza's people long thereafter. “Gaza Unsilenced” presents reflections, analysis, and images record the pain and resilience of Gaza's Palestinians and the solidarity they have received from Palestinians and others around the world.

Khalek is an independent journalist reporting on the underclass. She is a regular contributor and member of the editorial board at The Electronic Intifada. Her work has also appeared at Truthout, Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting, Al Jazeera America, The Nation, Salon, AlterNet, Vice and more. Call 443-602-7585.  Go to http://www.redemmas.org

44] – Come to the Trinidad Theatre - Logan Fringe Arts Space, 1358 Florida Ave. NE, WDC, on Thurs., July 30 at 8:30 PM.  Courageous Israeli soldiers from Breaking the Silence dare to speak out against the Occupation policies they enforce. Their service in the Palestinian territories was a transforming experience. They show a reality they can no longer hide. See https://www.capitalfringe.org/events/572-it-s-what-we-do-a-play-about-the-occupation.

45] –   On Fri., July 31 from 7 AM to 6 PM, lobby your senators to do the following: 1) Expand and Improve Medicare to All Americans; 2) Expand Medicaid by changing the ACA wording; and 3) Ask them to protect, improve and expand Medicare in some other manner. This event can be accomplished in person or by phone, fax, email, or on a Facebook post to their official pages. To find your senator and their contact information, use this link and click on your state in the upper right hand corner: http://www.senate.gov/?OrderBy=state.

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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