Friday, November 13, 2015

Baltimore Activist Alert - November 13 - 29, 2015

56] Black Lives Matter – Nov. 13
57] Syrian Civil Society – Nov. 13
58] Form a Latin America Action Network – Nov. 13
59] Do yoga for Haitian children – Nov. 13
60] Prisoner organizing – Nov. 13
61] Ballroom Dancing – Nov. 13
62] Play about Rwanda – through Nov. 29
63] Rwanda War Crimes – Nov. 13
       Peace Café – Nov. 14
64] West Chester peace vigil – Nov. 14
65] Justice for public housing residents – Nov. 14
66] Support Bernie – Nov. 14
67] Common Cause House Party – Nov. 14
68] Peacemaker of the Year – Nov. 14
69] Potter’s House fundraiser – Nov. 14
70] Muslim Health Professionals Benefit Dinner – Nov. 14
71] Trans Week of Action – Nov. 14
72] Freddie Gray Project – Nov. 14
73] "Haydée Santamaría, Cuban Revolutionary" – Nov. 14
74] Sign up with Washington Peace Center
75] Donate books, videos, DVDs and records
76] Do you need any book shelves?
77] Join the Global Zero campaign
78] Join the Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil

56] – There is usually a silent peace vigil on Fridays, from 5 to 6 PM, sponsored by Homewood Friends and Stony Run Meetings, outside the Homewood Friends Meetinghouse, 3107 N. Charles St.  The next scheduled vigil is on Nov. 13. Black Lives Matter. 

57] – At the Capital Hilton Hotel, 1101 16th St. NW, WDC, on Fri., Nov. 13 from 12:30 PM to 2 PM, as part of the Middle East Institute’s 69th Annual Conference, attend the keynote luncheon, Syrian Voices, Policy Choices, which will feature two Syrian civil society activists who are working to provide services and humanitarian relief to communities in Homs and Aleppo. They will converse with veteran American diplomats about civilian life in Syria, the internationalization of the conflict, and the role of the United States in finding a solution and in aiding refugees.

The panelists are Sandra Bitar, Syrian Civil Society Activist and Board Member, Emesa, Amb. Robert Ford, Senior Fellow at The Middle East Institute and Former U.S. Ambassador to Syria, Bassel Junaidi, Syrian Civil Society Activist and Co-founder, Kesh Malek, and Anne C. Richard, Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration, State Department. Despite the ongoing fighting in Syria between pro-regime, rebel, and ISIS forces, Syrian civil society continues to operate on the ground in areas free from government control. Brave individuals risk their lives on a daily basis to provide medical care, education, and governance for civilians trying to survive amidst the civil war. Go to http://www.mei.edu/.

58] At 2001 15th St. NW, WDC, Fri., Nov. 13 at 6:30 PM, a diverse network of activists, academics, organizers and community members are in the process of forming the Latin America & Caribbean Action Network (LACAN). The Network is in its initial stages and wants to reach out to organizations and individuals who are interested in showing solidarity for peoples’ movements in the Caribbean and Latin America, supporting immigrants, giving voice to people from the region to share their own stories, and advocating for an anti-imperialist U.S. foreign policy. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/1647261768881222/.

59] – Come to Potter’s House, 1658 Columbia Rd. NW, WDC, on Fri., Nov. 13 from 7  to 9 PM and join Project Esperanza for a yoga class to raise funds to realign the future of Haitian kids in the Dominican Republic. Project Esperanza works in the Dominican Republic serving the Haitian immigrant population of Puerto Plata, in the areas of education, social aid, and community development. Project Esperanza’s program called Change My Stars works to help to help improve the quality of life of the Haitian youths in Puerto Plata through education and community development.  All donations will go towards funding scholarships for Haitian youths in Puerto Plata. The suggested donation is $10. Bring your own mat! Visit http://pottershousedc.org/event-blog/2015/11/13/change-my-stars-yoga-fundraiser.

60] – On Fri., Nov. 13 at 7:30 PM @ Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse, 30 W. North Ave., Baltimore 21201, hear from Dan Berger, Marshall Eddie Conway and Dominique Stevenson talk about prisoner organizing.  Police militarization and prison expansion accelerated in response to a previous generation of radical activism. Yet police and prisons have always been central fronts of struggle against racism and violence. What can today’s movements learn from the history of prison activism? Join social movement historian Dan Berger for a discussion about prisoner organizing, state violence, and radical movements from the 1960s to the present. Berger is the author of two new books, “Captive Nation: Black Prison Organizing in the Civil Rights Era” and “The Struggle Within: Prisons, Political Prisoners, and Mass Movements in the United States.” He will be joined in conversation with local authors and activists Dominique Stevenson of the American Friends Service Committee and Marshall Eddie Conway, a former Black Panther who was recently released after more than 40 years in prison. Call 443-602-7585.  Go to http://www.redemmas.org.

61] – 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 Nov. 6. Call Dave Greene at 410-599-3725.

62] –  See the play UNEXPLORED INTERIOR: THIS IS RWANDA: THE BEGINNING AND THE END OF THE EARTH by Jay O. Sanders and directed by Derek Goldman in the Atlas Theater, 1333 H St. NE, WDC 20002, through Sun., Nov. 29.  Mosaic Theater launches its inaugural season with a world-premiere epic about the madness and majesty of Rwanda. Raymond, an African film student at NYU enthralled with the mysteries of Alfred Hitchcock, is compelled by a mentor's death to return to Rwanda to uncover a deeper horror story: the roots of violence that have destroyed his family, including his beloved grandfather, a Tutsi master storyteller whose legacy Raymond seeks to redeem. The ghosts of King Leopold and Mark Twain intertwine with other plotlines. Go to https://atlasarts.secure.force.com/ticket#details_a0Si0000007RFegEAG.  Email Mosaic Theater Company of DC at <mosaic@mosaictheater.org>.

63] – On Fri. Nov 13 following the 8 PM performance, there will be a panel on Rwandan War Crimes and Transitional Justice, featuring the U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues, Stephen Rapp, and Research Associate with the U.N. International Criminal Tribunal for the Rwanda Genocide, Donna J. Maier, in the Lang Theatre. You can get tickets to this play at https://atlasarts.secure.force.com/ticket/?utm_source=Mosaic+Database&utm_campaign=c4d174056a-10-15-15+V.7+%28gen+pop%29&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_dc7172896e-c4d174056a-98636125#sections_a0Fi000000GxI4GEAV.

On Sat. Nov. 14 following the 3 PM performance, there will be a Peace Café: On Post-Conflict Reconciliation and food-for-thought programming in the Atlas Lobby following the 3 PM performance.  You can get tickets to this play at https://atlasarts.secure.force.com/ticket/?utm_source=Mosaic+Database&utm_campaign=c4d174056a-10-15-15+V.7+%28gen+pop%29&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_dc7172896e-c4d174056a-98636125#sections_a0Fi000000GxI4GEAV.

64] –  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. 

65] – The Peoples Power Assembly and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference along with other community groups will kick off a campaign to win justice for public housing residents at the corner of N. Mount & Presbury Sts. (in front of the Freddie Gray mural). Join them on Sat., Nov. 14 at noon for a brief press conference before doing door-to-door canvasing. Later there will be a city-wide Tribunal on Dec 5. Call 443-221-3775.

DECENT HOUSING IS A HUMAN RIGHT! REPAIR PUBLIC HOUSING NOW! Fire Housing Commissioner Graziano – Rehire Lucky Crosby.  Stop retaliation of workers and whistle blowers. End sex for repairs scandal now, compensate the victims!

66] –Flyer for Bernie at the old 7-11 parking lot at York Road and McCabe Ave., Baltimore 21212, on Sat., Nov. 14 at 1 PM.  RSVP at https://go.berniesanders.com/page/event/detail/4v3kd.

67] -- Join Common Cause for a house party to celebrate the victories.  The keynote speakers are Senator Madaleno and Common Cause’s national president, Miles Rappaport.  Enjoy light refreshments and conversation on Sat., Nov.14 from 4 to 6 PM at 1620 Belvedere Blvd., Silver Spring 20902.  Go to http://act-md.commoncause.org/site/Calendar?id=103085&view=Detail.

68] On Sat., Nov. 14 at 5 PM come to the Peacemaker of the Year Mass and Award Dinner at the St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 3304 Washington Blvd., Arlington, VA.  This year’s peacemaker of the year is Fr. Gerry Creedon, who has served the Church in northern Virginia for 47 years, including as the pastor of Good Shepherd parish in Alexandria (1979-91), St. Charles parish in Arlington (1995-2010), and Holy Family parish in Dale City (2010 to present). From 1991 to 1995, he served as the founding pastor of the Diocese of Arlington’s mission in Bánica, Dominican Republic, where he worked to develop faith-based communities, served as the coordinator of social justice ministry for the local diocese, and assisted Haitian refugees fleeing war in their country. In addition to his parish assignments, Fr. Gerry has served the Church and the wider community over the years in numerous capacities, including Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington, Diocesan Director of Catholic Relief Services and the Campaign for Human Development, founder of Catholics for Housing, founder of Gabriel Homes for people with disabilities, Diocesan representative on the board of the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, adviser to the Virginia Catholic Conference, board member of Social Action Linking Together (SALT), and Strategy Team member of Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement (VOICE). In 2002, Fr. Gerry worked to establish the Diocese of Arlington Peace and Justice Commission, and he has served as its Chair since then.

The suggested donation is $25 per person, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. To make a reservation without paying, please contact Bob Cooke (see below). If you can give more than $25 to help cover the cost of dinners for those who cannot afford it, your generosity will be most appreciated. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. 

To pay online, please go to www.PaxChristiMetroDC.org and click on “Donate.” On the next screen, enter the dollar amount you are giving, and log in to PayPal if you have a PayPal account. If you don’t have a PayPal account, click on “Continue” to the left of the login box, enter the requested information, and click on “Review Donation and Continue.” On the next screen, click on the “Add special instructions to the seller” link; and in the box that opens, type “POY Dinner.” Then click on the “Donate” button at the bottom of the screen.  If you would like to RSVP for a scholarship or pay by check, please contact Bob Cooke (cookerh1251@gmail.com).

69] – The Potter's House, 1658 Columbia Rd. NW, WDC, is holding a fundraiser on Sat., Nov. 14 from 5:30 to 8:30 PM. Support the programs, events, and community offerings and enjoy seasonal drinks, dishes and conversation.  Visit https://www.eventkingdom.com/event/~N5rlxr/view.ek?eeTkn=SvahG3tYzRPhQH.Z.hN9G2xQzSMR2WlemhNhWVZWuTOBWTFaj3N5z2lc4yOoT0RNltMMG&initLang=en&ies=InviteToEventEmail&iec=viewTxtLinkBelow&iel=en&utm_source=InviteToEventEmail&utm_medium=email#reply,

70] – Be at the American Muslim Health Professionals Benefit Dinner, Falls Church Marriott Fairview Park, 3111 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church, VA, on Sat., Nov. 14 from 6 to 10 PM.  The keynote addresses will be by US Surgeon General, VADM Vivek Murthy and Chair and CEO of Medtronic, Omar Ishrak.  The event fee is $75. Contact Iman Jandali at ijandali@amhp.us.

71] – On Sat., Nov. 14 at 7 PM at the Lamont Street Collective, 1822 Lamont St. NW, WDC, come celebrate the Trans Week of Action with an open mic night. All proceeds go to Casa Ruby, to help them in their mission of supporting the local Trans community. While this event is centering on the stories of Trans artists, you do not need to be Trans to attend or perform. All you need to do is make sure that your performance does not include transphobic, homophobic, racist, sexist, classist, or ableist language. The suggested donation is $5.  Unfortunately the venue is not the most accessible for people with mobility issues. If you have concerns, go to https://www.facebook.com/events/913453965400391/.

72] – Gather at the Freddie Gray Empowerment Center , 1505 Eutaw Pl., Baltimore, on Sat., Nov. 14 from 7 to 10 PM and join Baltimore Bloc, Amnesty International USA, and the Freddie G Project for an evening of art, social justice, and building creative activism up and down the Mid-Atlantic coast.  One of the featured events include Art Build for Direct Action with Graham Patrick (D.C.): a hands on art build to create props and visuals for actions and rallies #JusticeForFreddieGray.  The Political is Personal: a Poetry Workshop (Baltimore) at which participants will be encouraged to explore and write about those things that move them most, due to how the world moves us with DewMore Baltimore. Also you can attend Know Your Rights with ACLU of Maryland.  Brittany Oliver, communications and public outreach associate at the ACLU, will teach you your rights when interacting with the police.

A light dinner will be provided.  The gathering is part of Amnesty International's human rights conference- If you are interested in attending, email nmir@aiusa.org. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/1639690122979075/.

73] – On Sat., Nov. 14 at 7:30 PM @ Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse, 30 W. North Ave., Baltimore 21201, Margaret Randall presents "Haydée Santamaría, Cuban Revolutionary." In this intimate portrait, poet and writer Margaret Randall tells the story of Santamaría, the only woman to participate in every phase of the Cuban Revolution. Although unknown outside Cuba, she was part of Fidel Castro's inner circle and played a key role in post-revolutionary Cuba's political and artistic development.  Taking part in the Cuban Revolution's first armed action in 1953, she endured the torture and killings of her brother and fiancé, assumed a leadership role in the underground movement, and smuggled weapons into Cuba.

Following the Revolution's victory Santamaría founded and ran the cultural and arts institution Casa de las Americas, which attracted cutting-edge artists, exposed Cubans to some of the world's greatest creative minds, and protected queer, black, and feminist artists from state repression. Hers suicide in 1980 caused confusion and discomfort throughout Cuba; despite her commitment to the Revolution, communist orthodoxy's disapproval of suicide prevented the Cuban leadership from mourning and celebrating her in the Plaza of the Revolution. Call 443-602-7585.  Go to http://www.redemmas.org. 

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

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

76] -- Can you use any book shelves? Contact Max at 410-366-1637 or mobuszewski at verizon.net.

77] -- 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.

78] – A 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

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