Baltimore Activist Alert - November 6 - 29, 2015

40] Criminal Justice Reform conference – Nov. 6

41] Peace vigil at White House – Nov. 6

42] Comparative Foreign Relations Law – Nov. 6

43] Criminal justice reform – Nov. 6

44] Black Lives Matter – Nov. 6

45] Film NOSTALGIA FOR THE LIGHT – Nov. 6

46] At Home in the Garden of Eden – Nov. 6

47] Hear Darkmatter – Nov. 6

48] Revolt, Rebellion and Resistance – Nov. 6

49] Film GOOD KILL – Nov. 6

50] Third Intifada? – Nov. 6

51] Ballroom Dancing – Nov. 6

52] West Chester peace vigil – Nov. 7

53] The D.C. schools – Nov. 7

54] UNEXPLORED INTERIOR: THIS IS RWANDA – through Nov. 29

55] Ethnic Hatred with Survivors of Conflict – Nov. 7

56] Darkmatter –Nov. 7

57] Green Party benefit – Nov. 7

58] Struggle to end all U.S. sanctions against Cuba – Nov. 7

59] Mother Earth Poetry Vibe – Nov. 7

60] Benefit concert for Amara Legal Center – Nov. 7

61] Sign up with Washington Peace Center

62] Donate books, videos, DVDs and records

63] Do you need any book shelves?

64] Join the Global Zero campaign

65] Join the Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil

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40] – On Fri., Nov. 6 from 9 AM to 4:30 PM attend A New Path to Justice: A Conference on Criminal Justice Reform in the Year of Mercy, held at Caldwell Hall, The Catholic University of America. This event will offer learning and conversation on the theological context of restorative justice and the practical aspects of seeking a transformative new path to justice for our country. For more information and to register, visit ipr.cua.edu or call Catholic Mobilizing Network's office at (202) 541-5290.

41] – On Fri., Nov. 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! This vigil will take place at the White House on Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Contract Art @ artlaffin@hotmail.com or at 202-360-6416. 

42] –  Contemporary Issues in US and Comparative Foreign Relations Law will be happening on Fri., Nov. 6 from 1 to 5:15 PM at George Washington University Law School, Lerner Hall 302, 2000 H St. NW, WDC 20052. Join the International and Comparative Law Program for three discussions on various U.S. and comparative foreign relations law issues.  From 1 to 2:15 PM hear about "Immunity of Foreign Government Officials in U.S. Courts: Reflections on the Samantar Case" with Mary Catharine Malin, Assistant Legal Adviser for Diplomatic Litigation, State Department, from 2:30 to 3:45 PM, "Balancing Executive and Legislative Prerogatives: Reflections on Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 ('Corker Bill')" with Jodi Herman, Democratic Staff Director, Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and from 4 to 5:15 PM, "Thinking Comparatively: A Look at Swiss Foreign Relations Law" with Roland Portmann, Legal Adviser, Political and Economic Affairs, Embassy of Switzerland. Call 202.994.1010.  Visit http://www.law.gwu.edu/News/2014_15_Events/Pages/Contemporary_Issues_in_US_and_Comparative_Foreign_Relations_Law.aspx.

43] – On Fri. Nov. 6 from 2 to 4 PM in the joint hearing room of the Legislative Services Building in Annapolis (90 State Circle), the Justice Reinvestment Coordinating Council has two more years to develop policies to reduce mass incarceration in Maryland.  This is your last opportunity this year to give voice to your concerns and help the Council develop strong policy recommendations. Everyone is invited to give testimony. RSVP to Cara Sullivan, Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention, at cara.sullivan@maryland.gov or 410-821-2851. Visit http://www.ma4jr.org.

44] – 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. 6. Black Lives Matter. Since this is the First Friday, there will be a potluck dinner after the vigil, followed by a DVD screening of a film.

45] –  The Hiroshima-Nagasaki Commemoration Committee, Baltimore Quaker Peace and Justice Committee of Homewood and Stony Run Meetings and Chesapeake Physicians for Social Responsibility are continuing the FILM & SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS DVD SERIES.  The DVDs will be shown at Homewood Friends Meetinghouse, 3107 N. Charles St., Baltimore 21218, usually on the First Friday. At 7:15 PM, from September through December, a DVD will be shown with a discussion to follow.  There is no charge, and refreshments will be available. The series theme is CAN WE HAVE HOPE FOR THE FUTURE?

On Fri., Nov. 6 see NOSTAGLIA FOR THE LIGHT (Spain, 2010, 90 min.) is a documentary by Patricio Guzmán which addresses the lasting impacts of Augusto Pinochet’s dictatorship.  Guzmán focuses on the similarities between astronomers researching humanity’s past, in an astronomical sense, and the struggle of many Chilean women who still search, after decades, for the remnants of their relatives executed during the dictatorship. The director narrates the documentary, which includes interviews and commentary from those affected by the coup and from astronomers and archeologists. Contact Max at 410-366-1637 or mobuszewski at Verizon dot net.

46] – Go to a Gallery Opening: At Home in the Garden of Eden in The Gallery, 2425 Virginia Ave. NW, WDC, on Fri., Nov. 6 from 6 to 8 PM.  This multimedia installation explores the history of one family’s 166-year engagement with the Middle East, using mixed media collages, super-8 video and archival material to tell the story of a rich and evolving relationship between the USA and the Arab world. Artist Ammanda Seelye and videographer Kate Seelye create art to tell an intimate story about their family’s enduring connection to the Middle East and its impact on their own sense of identity and belonging.  See http://www.thejerusalemfund.org/ht/d/EventDetails/i/54476.

47] – Come to the Elliott School of International Affairs, Room 113, George Washington University, WDC, on Fri., Nov. 6 from 6 to 8 PM, as part of Palestine Awareness Week, SJP at GWU is excited to present Darkmatter, a spoken word duo. They share stories of navigating the world in all of its ordinariness and peculiarity as trans South Asians, taking the audience on an emotional roller coaster from the personal to the political. This is an evening of poetry and healing, and existing and resisting together. Due to the high interest for this event and the capacity restrictions of the venue, attendees are required to obtain a free ticket to gain entrance. Tickets are distributed on a first come, first serve basis. Email gwu.sjpalestine@gmail.com or go to https://www.facebook.com/events/763299187131985/.

48] – A talk Revolt, Rebellion and Resistance is taking place at Prince George's Community College, 301 Largo Rd., Largo on Fri., Nov. 6 from 6 to 8 PM.  This is an interactive discussion featuring local thought leaders and activists on Black Lives Matter - how it parallels global resistance efforts and how protest impacts policy and social dynamics. Join Liberated Muse for an innovative evening of community discussion, art sharing and building. Bring your art, your spirit and your mind as we engage in dialogue regarding the Black Lives Matter movement, how it parallels global protest and how protest has impacted changes in policy and societal dynamics. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/1697727090463816/.

49] –  Go to the Peace Center of Delaware County, 1001 Old Sproul Road, Springfield, PA 19064 for the First-Friday Free Large Screen Film Series on Fri., Nov. 6 at 7 PM to see  GOOD KILL. Doors open at 6:30 PM for light refreshments.  Call (610) 544-1818 or visit www.delcopeacecenter.org.  The screening is co-sponsored by the Brandywine Peace Community.

As a drone “pilot,” or operator, Air Force pilot Egan struggles with the morality of his job and the resulting psychological “blow back” and emotional stress at home. Daily, he attacks the enemy from an air-conditioned box in the Las Vegas desert and witnesses on his computer monitor the reality of remote-controlled killing half a world away. Andrew Niccol (Gattaca, Lord of War) directs this grim view of 21st-century warfare. Timely, unsettling, and anchored in the riveting performance of Ethan Hawke, Good Kill is a modern war movie with a very troubled conscience. See a movie trailer at www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGGpSemB_hs.  

50] -- At 617 Florida Ave. NW, WDC on Fri., Nov. 6 at 7 PM, join for a discussion on the injustices committed against Palestinian people and the possibility of a Third Intifada as they engage in a mass uprising for liberation. Contact the Party for Socialism & Liberation at 202-234-2828 or dc@pslweb.org. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1218771594803428/.

Calls for emergency actions in solidarity with the Palestinian resistance have been heeded around the world. Israeli authorities under alleged war criminal Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are cracking down on Palestinians. Palestinians are threatened with daily violence from the Israel Defense Forces, who commit on-sight shooting. Gaza remains an open-air prison.

51] – 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.

52] –  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. 

53] – Hosted by Sankofa Books and the All-African People's Revolutionary Party (AAPRP) at Sankofa Video Books & Café, 2714 Georgia Ave. NW, WDC, on Sat., Nov. 7 from 2 to 4 PM, catch a talk about Gentrified, D.C. schools.  Unfortunately much of this engagement may come at a cost to poor and working class Black and Latino school families.  A panel discussion will explore the ways gentrification influences schools. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/1714152602140121/.

54] –  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>.

55] – On Sat. Nov 7 following the 3 PM performance, there will be a panel on Ethnic Hatred with Survivors of Conflict 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.

56] – Students for Justice in Palestine is excited to present: #ItGetsBitter Poetry Show with Darkmatter sharing stories of navigating the world in all of its ordinariness and peculiarity as trans South Asians, taking the audience on an emotional roller coaster from the personal to the political. It will occur in the Student Lounge in Levering Hall (Homewood Campus), Johns Hopkins University, on Sat., Nov. 7 from 6 to 8 PM.  This is an evening of poetry and healing, and of existing and resisting together. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/462185510634234/.

57] – Drs. Margaret Flowers and Jill Stein "Serving Solutions" as Guest Bartenders at Sweet27 bar and restaurant, 123 W. 27th St., Baltimore 21218 on Sat., Nov. 7 at 7 PM.  Call 410-983-6895 or email flowers4senate@gmail.com.  The Green Party candidates will be guest bartenders will be offering a discount to all service workers who attend. Flowers is seeking the Green Party's nomination for United States Senate from Maryland. Stein is seeking the Green Party's nomination for President of the United States.  Green Party candidates for Baltimore City Council will also be in attendance. Go to www.flowersforsenate.org or www.jill2016.com.

58] – Get over to the UDC - David A Clarke School of Law, 4340 Connecticut Ave. NW, WDC on Sat., Nov. 7 at 7 PM as Kenia Serrano — who is a parliamentarian in Cuba’s National Assembly — will talk about the struggle to end all U.S. economic, political, and travel sanctions against Cuba, the return of the illegally occupied Cuban territory of Guantanamo, and respect for Cuba’s sovereignty.  Serrano is also president of the Instituto Cubano de Amistad con los Pueblos or Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP). Founded in 1960, ICAP is an NGO established soon after the early successes of the Cuban revolution. Following the overthrow of the U.S. backed dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista, Cuba found itself isolated on the world stage and threatened by an irate military superpower, less than 100 miles off its shores. The purpose of ICAP therefore, was to reach out to the international community and form ties of friendship between Cuba and citizens of other countries who were either sympathetic to, or open minded about, Cuba’s post-revolutionary ambitions. Call 202-986-5839 or email dcmetrocoalitionforcuba@gmail.com. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/995909093763574/.

59] – On Sat., Nov. 7 at 7:30 PM @ Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse, 30 W. North Ave., Baltimore 21201, Mother Earth Poetry Vibe will feature Dustin Nispel. This is a poetry/spoken word open mic hosted by Analysis, and the mic list opens at 7 PM.  In the tradition of Emma Goldman’s Mother Earth magazine, come drop some progressive “fiyah” on us, or contribute just with your presence and energy! 

By the way: it’s a non-erotic poetry, non-“love jones” type of venue, so we ask that you not go there.  And, almost needless to say, leave the misogyny, homophobia and other unnecessary ish outside!  Dustin is an award-winning spoken word artist hailing from York, Pennsylvania.  He is the author of “The Tower,” a full-length collection of original poems.  He is a visual artist, musician, and co-owner of The Rooted Artist Collective in downtown York.  He has been writing for 15 years and performing his poetry for 13 years.  Dustin is a community activist for equality and change in the world!  Call 443-602-7585.  Go to http://www.redemmas.org. 

60] – Come to Columbia Station, 2325 18th St. NW, WDC, on Sat., Nov. 7 from 8 to 10 PM and join the Amara Legal Center for a benefit concert by Christa Gniadek. A very talented singer and songwriter, she will perform her beautiful songs from the latest album "Leaving Boston". The proceeds from ticket sales will go towards providing free legal services to survivors of commercial sex trafficking in the DC area. See https://www.eventbrite.com/e/christa-gniadek-singer-and-songwriter-benefit-concert-for-the-amara-legal-center-tickets-19192135193.

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

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

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

64] -- 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.

65] – 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