Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Baltimore Activist Alert - November 19 - 20, 2015

34] Challenge Congress and support the refugees – Nov. 19
35] Support the people of Okinawa – Nov. 19
36] Honduran Human Rights Defenders – Nov. 19
37] Support the refugees -- Nov. 19
38] Okinawa defenders – Nov. 19
39] Film “American Muslims: Facts vs. Fiction” – Nov. 19
40] Cherokee migration and resettlement – Nov. 19
41] Pledge meeting – Nov. 19
42] Interfaith Concert – Nov. 19
43] March for the immigrants – Nov. 20
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34] –  Get over to the Rayburn Building, Judiciary Committee room 2141, US House of Representatives, 45 Independence Ave., WDC, on Thurs., Nov. 19 at 9 AM.  The Judiciary Committee will host a hearing entitled, “The Syrian Refugee Crisis and Its Impact on the Security of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program" in an attempt to foster fear and cultivate anti-refugee and anti-Muslim sentiment to stop the resettlement of Syrian refugees. The original title of this hearing was "The Terrorist Threat from Refugees." PACK the hearing room. Go to http://judiciary.house.gov/index.cfm/2015/11/hearing-the-syrian-refugee-crisis-and-its-impact-on-the-security-of-the-u-s-refugee-admissions-program.

35] – Get over to the Rayburn Building, Room 2226, US House of Representatives, 45 Independence Ave., WDC, on Thurs., Nov. 19 from 3 to 5 PM.  A delegation from All Okinawa Council will hold a briefing to discuss the Henoko base construction plan of the U.S. and Japanese governments to relocate the US Marine Air Station Futenma in Okinawa to Henoko and Oura Bay in the northern part of the island.

The delegation is concerned about the environmental impact of the new facilities, including a runway to be built into the coral areas and natural habitat of the marine mammal, the dugong and the continued militarization of their island. Over 90% of all U.S. military bases in Japan are located in Okinawa. On Oct. 13, 2015, Okinawa’s new Governor Takshi Onaga revoked the land reclamation approval for the Henoko base construction, which was granted by then governor Hirokazu Nakaima in December 2013. The Henoko construction plan faces substantial opposition from the people of Okinawa.  Protests of 35,000 citizens against the construction of the base have rocked the island. Members of the All Okinawa Council believe that a critical review of the plan by the US government is necessary. Delegation organizer Suzuyo Takazoto can be reached at suzuyo@mxi.mesh.ne.jp.

36] – Come to American University, Kay Lounge, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, WDC, on Thurs., Nov. 19 at 4 PM as part of the Human Rights Defender Series, and  listen to Miriam Miranda and Berta Caceres.  These renowned human rights defenders are at the forefront of political, economic, and environmental crises unfolding in Honduras.  Their stories bring to life the unique risks and protection strategies of woman activists who are defending territories and natural resources. RSVP to kslc@american.edu or 202-885-3321.

37] – Gather at the Frederick Douglass Statue, UMD, College Park, on Thurs., Nov. 19 at 6 PM. #RefugeesWelcome.  Gov. Hogan recently announced that he is requesting an end to resettlement of Syrian refugees in Maryland. UMD will come together to take a stand against this fear-mongering and Islamophobia. Support human rights and welcome refugees into our state. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/142658779426150.

38] – In the Dining Room at All Souls Church Unitarian, 1500 Harvard St. NW, WDC, on Thurs., Nov. 19 from 7 to 9 PM to hear about the struggle in Okinawa.  For two decades, the people of Okinawa have been protesting the construction of a US military base in Henoko. Residents have disrupted offshore drilling tests by protesting in fishing boats and kayaks. They maintain a tent city on the beach, hold candlelight vigils, and there is a 24/7 sit-in protest at the construction site. Ignoring this major opposition from the people of Okinawa, the US and Japanese governments began construction work last year.

 The building of this military base will not only put residents in physical danger and destroy local marine life, but further reinforces the long-term violation of Okinawans’ democratic rights, including their right to self-determination. Globally, it reflects Japan's slippery slope toward further militarization and increasing US military presence in Asia.  The All Okinawa Council (AOC) consists of elected officials, and community leaders, city council members, business owners, professors, and students. They represent 80% of Okinawans who oppose the construction of the new base, and they are visiting the U.S. to lobby Congress and spread awareness among the US public. There is a suggested donation of $5, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1483239965316087/.

39] – Unity Productions Foundation, in partnership with the Bridge Initiative at Georgetown University, is pleased to present the national film premiere of UPF's latest short film, “American Muslims: Facts vs. Fiction,” followed by a panel discussion on the growing Islamophobia and anti-Muslim rhetoric in the US election season and beyond. From Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson’s statement that American Muslims should take loyalty oaths, to the planned anti-Muslim rallies in over twenty cities, Islamophobic statements and sentiment have managed to capture attention and cause alarm on near a weekly basis.

This event which will take place at Georgetown University, ICC Auditorium, 3700 O St. NW, WDC, on Thurs., Nov. 19 from 7 to 9 PM and will showcase a new 11-minute film produced by UPF entitled, American Muslims: Facts vs. Fiction which presents groundbreaking research from public opinion surveys and studies of the American Muslim community. The event will also launch a nationwide set of screening events with our film at different universities and communities, and panelists will be asked to reflect on proactive strategies Americans can use to respond to this rising Islamophobia.  RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/combating-islamophobia-in-the-election-cycle-tickets-19476695320.

40] – In this revealing history of Cherokee migration and resettlement, Gregory Smithers uncovers the origins of the Cherokee diaspora and explores how communities and individuals have negotiated their Cherokee identities, even when geographically removed from the Cherokee Nation headquartered in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. It is happening at Potter’s House, 1658 Columbia Rd. NW, WDC, on Thurs., Nov. 19 from 7 to 9 PM.  The Cherokee are one of the largest Native American tribes in the United States, with more than three hundred thousand people across the country claiming tribal membership and nearly one million people internationally professing to have at least one Cherokee Indian ancestor. Beginning in the eighteenth century, the author transports the reader back in time to tell the poignant story of the Cherokee people migrating throughout North America, including their forced exile along the infamous Trail of Tears (1838–39).  Smithers is associate professor of history at Virginia Commonwealth University and author of numerous books and articles about Native American and African American history. Go to http://pottershousedc.org/event-blog/2015/10/22/cherokee-diaspora-book-event-author-talk-with-gregory-smithers.

41] – The Pledge of Resistance-Baltimore now meets on Thursdays at 7:30 PM, and the meetings take place at Max’s residence.  There will be a meeting on Thurs., Nov. 19 at 7:30 PM.  The agenda will include Freddie Gray & local organizing, killer drones and Obama, the Drone Report, Rep. Sarbanes, the refugees and the unending wars. Call 410-366-1637 or email mobuszewski at verizon.net.

42] – Get over to the Washington Hebrew Congregation, 3935 Macomb St. NW, WDC, on Thurs., Nov. 19 at 7:30 PM for an InterFaith Concert of Metropolitan Washington's display of unity through music by diverse local artists and a vital program to raise support for interfaith efforts throughout the year.  General admission tickets are $25 each. There are discounts for students, seniors, and groups of 10+ (as well as a need for volunteer ushers!).  Go to http://ifcmw.org/concert/.2100.

43] – Go to 2100 Clarendon Blvd. ,  Courthouse Plaza, Arlington 22201, on Fri., Nov. 20 from 8 AM to noon and March for Immigrant Families and an End to Deportations. A press conference will follow.  Walk from Arlington to the White House in recognition of the one-year anniversary of President Obama’s announcement concerning Immigration Relief (DAPA, DACA extended). With the recent 5th Circuit decision to keep both programs blocked,  it is imperative that we demonstrate the urgent need for relief for millions of immigrant families including those with US citizen children, all of whom continue to live in fear of deportation. Marchers will hold a press conference at 11:30 AM in front of the White House. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1069586176408110/.

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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