Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Baltimore Activist Alert - July 21 - August 14, 2016

22] Reject the DNC's New Form of Climate Denial – July 21
23] Wine & Wag – July 21
24] Film “Trauma, Wounded Places” -- July 21
25] Future of Solar Energy – July 21
26] Black Liberation -- July 21
27] Tour of a Landfill -- July 22
28] Peace vigil at White House – July 22
29] WIB peace vigils – July 22
30] Inclusionary Housing Forum – July 22
31] Black Lives Matter vigil – July 22
32] Ballroom Dancing – July 22
33] Support Leonard Peltier – July 23 -24
34] Margaret Flowers at the DNC – July 23 - 25
35] DC Labor History Walking Tour – July 23
36] West Chester peace vigil – July 23
37] March Against Hate – July 23
38] Korean War Armistice Day Commemoration – July 23
39] Black Lives Matter Concert – July 23
40] Hiroshima commemoration – Aug. 7
41] Affordable Housing Trust Fund on ballot – deadline Aug. 8
42] Nagasaki Commemoration – Aug. 9
43] Pax Christi National Conference – Aug. 12 - 14
44] Sign up with Washington Peace Center
45] Donate books, videos, DVDs and records
46] Do you need any book shelves?
47] Join the Global Zero campaign
48] Join the Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil
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22] – Protest at Debbie Wasserman Shultz's Office to tell her to Reject the DNC's New Form of Climate Denial.  This protest is at the Longworth House Office Building, 9 Independence Ave. SE, WDC, on Thurs., July 21 from 11:15 AM to 2 PM.  Join Beyond Extreme Energy as they launch an afternoon of action to show her and her colleagues that a party that fails to act adequately on the climate, one that continues to perpetuate environmental racism, is no party for the people. 

Nonviolent direct action will be a part of this action. There will be roles for folks willing to risk arrest. There are also critical roles for people who can't/don't want to risk arrest as well. Be in touch with Lee at Actions@BeyondExtremeEnergy.org.  Gather at Spirit of Justice Park on the corner of C St. SE and S. Capital St. SE at 11:15 AM. This is near the Capitol South Metro Station. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/534212173451303/.

23] –  You and your tail-waggin' friends are invited to attend the 3rd Wine & Wag Happy Hour of the season on Thurs., July 21 at 5:30 PM at the Maryland SPCA, 3300 Falls Road, Baltimore 21211.  Music will be provided by the talented Jordan August. The Wine & Wag features play in the fun runs, cooling off in the pup pools, bobbing for hot dogs, paw painting, drinks and snacks. Well Crafted Pizza will be serving up delicious wood fired pizza featuring Margherita, Soppressata, Summer Squash, and Fried Green Tomato pies. Bistro Lunch Box will provide unique creations of continental cuisine. Admission is $10 online and $15 at the door per person. Go to https://secure3.convio.net/mdspca/site/Ticketing;jsessionid=00000000.app30108b?view=Tickets&id=100083&NONCE_TOKEN=5289D8A6B757CFB5C7F44F6878CC004E.  Contact Lisa Kenney at lkenney@mdspca.org or 410-235-8826, ext. 135.

24] – On Thurs., July 21 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at St. John's United Methodist Church, in the Clark Room, 2640 St. Paul St., Baltimore 21218, there will be a FREE film/discussion/Q&A on “Trauma, Wounded Places.” Too many of our children, especially children of color living in neighborhoods of concentrated poverty, have endured trauma and show symptoms that look very much like PTSD -- except there is no post. How might they and their neighborhoods heal? St. John's United Methodist Church wishes to give special thanks to the Baltimore Child Abuse Center, 2300 N Charles St., 4th Floor, Baltimore 21218.  The group worked very hard to help make this FREE Film Viewing happen! Contact Kelly E. Crawford at (443) 750-8048 or stjohnsbaltimore.org.

25] – The Future of Solar Energy is happening at the Takoma Park Community Center, 7500 Maple Ave., Takoma Park, on Thurs., July 21 from 7 to 9 PM.  Presented by Beyond Nuclear, the City of Takoma Park, and the Nuclear-Free Takoma Park Committee, the groups will host Keith Barnham, Emeritus Professor of Physics and Distinguished Research Fellow from Imperial College London, England.  He will argue the “artificial leaf” solar cell that has three times the efficiency of today’s rooftop panels (developed by Barnham’s research group).

26] –  KEEANGA-YAMAHTTA TAYLOR PRESENTS "FROM #BLACKLIVESMATTER TO BLACK LIBERATION" on Thur., July 21 at 7:30 PM at Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse, 30 W. North Ave., Baltimore 21201.  How can the movement for black lives build the power to move from outrage against police murder to systemically dismantling structural oppression? What are the deep roots of today's crisis facing Black communities in America, and what are the possibilities for resistance and revolutionary transformation as a new generation of Black youth rises in activism? Why is the struggle for black liberation necessarily connected to the struggle against capitalism, and vice versa?  In “From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation,” Taylor takes on these hard questions and more, in a powerful book for the movements building today. Call 443-602-7585.  Go to http://www.redemmas.org.   

27] – Go on a Tour of the Prince George's Landfill, Upper Marlboro, MD on Fri., July 22 from  9 to 11 AM presented by the Sierra Club Prince George's County Group.  The leader is Martha Ainsworth - 301-262-8389 or martha.ainsworth@mdsierra.org.  Learn how a landfill works and see first-hand what happens to your trash! This tour includes a review of the environmental safeguards, the harvesting of methane, landfilling, and treatment of the landfill's leachate. The tour is limited to 20 people. This is one in a series of outings sponsored by the Prince George's Group to educate members and the public on Zero Waste. Register at Martha.Ainsworth@mdsierra.org.

28] – On Fri., July 22 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, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Contract Art @ artlaffin@hotmail.com or at 202-360-6416. 

29] – On Fri., July 22 from noon to 1 PM, join a Women in Black peace vigil. A vigil will take place in McKeldin Square at the corner of Light and Pratt Sts., and another will take place outside Roland Park Place, 830 W. 40th St., across from the Rotunda.  Stay for as long as you can. Wear black. Dress for who knows what kind of weather. Bring your own poster or help with the "NO WAR IN MY NAME" banner.  When there are others to stand with, you don't need to carry the burden alone. Do this to be in solidarity with others....when everything around us says “Be afraid of the stranger.” Carpool and parking available at both locations. Just send an email that you need a ride [mailto:wibbaltimore@peacepath911.org].  Peace signs will be available. 

30] – There is usually a silent 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 July 22. Black Lives Matter.

31] – The Citizens Planning and Housing Association [CPHA] is hosting an Inclusionary Housing Forum at 3 PM on Fri., July 22 at the University of Baltimore, William H Fummel Sr. Business Center, 11 W. Mt Royal Ave., Baltimore 21201.  This is the second of five forums being held in honor of CPHA’s 75th Anniversary.  Email rich@cphabaltimore.org or call 410-539-1369 x101or visit www.cphabaltimore.org.  In 2007, CPHA and a coalition of like-minded organizations successfully advocated for passage of an inclusionary housing ordinance. Inclusionary housing is the practice of mandating or providing incentives for affordable housing to be built in new market rate housing developments. The goal is to create economically integrated communities and construct affordable housing that would not otherwise be built. However, very few units have been created under Baltimore City’s law.

32] – 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 July 22. Call Dave Greene at 410-599-3725.

33] – Get on the Capitol Building Steps in Washington, D.C. on Sat., July 23 (all day) through Sun., July 24 (all day).  Peace and justice groups will support freedom for Leonard Peltier! The Peltier Freedom Ride 2016 comes to DC! Peltier's supporters will complete a 3,000 mile ride to ask President Obama to grant Leonard clemency. A rally is planned for the U.S. Capitol steps. Leonard's health is failing and his continued incarceration serves no justifiable reason. He is an old man now who paints artwork and wants to work on old cars. This rally and freedom ride is organized by Leonard's oldest son Chauncey Peltier. Email Chauncey@peltierjustice.com or call 855-369-7842 (toll free). Go to http://www.peltierjustice.com.

34] – Dr. Margaret Flowers will be participating in a number of events this weekend scheduled to provide an alternative presence to the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, PA.  She is Green Party nominee for U.S. Senate from Maryland, and also the co-director of Popular Resistance and will attend events both as a leading Green Party candidate and as an independent organizer.

On Sat., July 23, Dr. Flowers will be attending The People's Convention (10am-5pm, Arch Meeting House, 4th and Arch Streets, https://thepeoplesrevolution.org/the-peoples-convention). The People's Convention is a gathering of grassroots activists meeting to create a cohesive strategy for change among Sanders campaign volunteers, independent activists, and others. Dr. Jill Stein - the Green Party's presumptive Presidential nominee - will also be in attendance. 

On Sun., July 24, Dr. Flowers will be speaking at the Democracy Rising 2.0 conference (10:30am, University of Pennsylvania, 4017 Walnut Street, https://globalcenterforadvancedstudies.org/gcas-democracy-rising-2-0-philadelphia/) organized by the Global Center for Advanced Studies at the University of Pennsylvania.

Also on July 24, Dr. Flowers will be participating in the March for a Clean Energy Revolution (12pm, Philadelphia City Hall, http://www.cleanenergymarch.org). Dr. Flowers will be marching with the Stop the TPP contingent to show her opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership and other destructive international trade agreements. 

Dr. Flowers has endorsed and will be participating in the March For Our Lives (Mon., July 25 at 3 PM, south side of Philadelphia City Hall, http://march4ourlives2016.org). The march is sponsored by the Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign and will demand a full employment, and end to hunger and homelessness; money for education; affordable, accessible housing; living wages; and an end to the prison industrial complex. On Wed., July 28 Dr. Flowers will speak at the Socialist Convergence (5:30 PM, 1501 Cherry St, https://www.facebook.com/events/1531565457152888).  Dr. Margaret Flowers will be available for interview by media throughout the weekend of the Democratic National Convention. She is available at margaretflowersmd@gmail.com or at 410-591-0892.  Go to http://flowersforsenate.org.

35] – Get on the DC Labor History Walking Tour, starting at the AFL-CIO, 815 16th St. NW, WDC, on Sat., July 23 from 10 AM to 1 PM.  From the Labor Hall of Fame to Joe Hill’s ashes, worker’s history is around just about every corner in our nation’s capital, if you know where to look. This 3-hour walking tour reveals labor’s often-untold story of protest and resistance. Metro Washington Council Union Cities Coordinator Chris Garlock - who usually helps local and national activists make history on DC’s streets - leads the tour. It’s an easy 2.5-mile walk but wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Tour highlights are the AFL-CIO lobby murals; 1953 CIO headquarters; The Real Roosevelt Memorial; Joe Hill’s ashes; Bas relief depictions of labor & trade; 1895 Knights of Labor HQ; Bonus Expeditionary Force & more.  It is $11 for the tour. Go to http://www.meetup.com/DCHistoryAndCulture/events/230113786/.

36] – 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.

37] – On Sat., July 23 from 5 to 9:30 PM, join AMERICANS AGAINST TERRORISM, HATE, and VIOLENCE on The National Mall, in Front of the Capitol Building.   If you are ready to be part of an event for positive change, it is time for the community to Stand United for Peace. Visit http://www.american-islam.org/march-on.html. Retrieve the Rally Flyer is On Line at http://www.geotrees.com/ftp/MMA-FLYER-A.png.

38] – There will be a Korean War Armistice Day Commemoration at the Lincoln Memorial on Sat., July 23 from 6 to 8 PM.  In the wake of escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula, as well as our most recent tragedies in Boston, San Bernardino, Paris, Belgium, Turkey, Bangladesh, and Orlando, Remember727 will host its inaugural Unity Walk along the Reflecting Pool bordering the WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War Memorials.  Remember727 is a grassroots, non-profit group made up of local volunteers, hosting an annual event that commemorates the National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day (July 27th), which marks the day the ceasefire agreement was signed on July 27, 1953. The Korean War has technically not ended and is our longest war.  The program will include a Wreath Laying Ceremony at 6 PM, special multicultural performances and remarks, and the Peace Vigil exactly at 7:27 PM, immediately followed by the Unity Walk along the Reflecting Pool. Go to http://remember727.org/.

39] – Get over to the Black Lives Matter Unity & Awareness Concert at the Dupont Circle NW, WDC, on Sat., July 23 from 7 to 9 PM.  Join Oppression.org in challenging institutional racism and police killings of black and brown people through a creative, peaceful, positive means. The special guest is Rev. Graylan Hagler, and he along with a number of premier hip hop artists will address the topic at this family friendly event. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/173701153046657/.

40] – The 32nd annual HIROSHIMA COMMEMORATION will begin on Sun., Aug. 7 at 5:30 PM at 33rd & N. Charles Sts. Demonstrate against Johns Hopkins University’s weapons contracts, including research on killer drones, commemorate the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, and remember Fukushima, Japan.  At 6:30 PM, march to the Homewood Friends Meetinghouse, 3107 N. Charles St.  Joseph Byrne, from Baltimore’s Jonah House, will perform some dulcimer music.  David Eberhardt, a member of the Baltimore Four, will read some poetry.

  Mr. Toshiyuki Mimaki, a Hiroshima Hibakusha (Atomic Bomb Survivor), will relate his experience from August 6, 1945 and call on the nations of the world to abolish nuclear weapons so that the tragedy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki is never repeated. The Hibakusha’s greatest fear is that when they are gone, the memory of Hiroshima and Nagasaki will disappear and nuclear weapons will be used again, this time threatening life itself. Their prophetic voices remind us of the need to speak out against oppression and injustice, and to work for nuclear disarmament.  Mimaki is vice president of Hiroshima Prefectural Hibakusha Organization and a former executive board member of Nihon Hidankyo (The Japan Confederation of A & H Bomb Sufferers Organizations). 

At 8 PM we will enjoy dinner at the Niwana Restaurant, 3 E. 33rd Street.  All are welcome to come for food, drink and conversation. Contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski at Verizon.net.

41] – Betsy Krieger wrote to say that there is an affordable housing crisis in Baltimore City- with vacant properties and unaffordable rents.  The good news is there is a solution that has been used successfully in other cities—an Affordable Housing Trust Fund. An Affordable Housing Trust Fund can make Baltimore more livable for everyone. 

How can we make this happen? By passing an amendment to the City Charter.  Consider giving a few hours of your time at farmers markets and public events to collect signatures to put this on the ballot. Go to http://housingforallbaltimore.org/#volunteer.  10,000 signatures are needed by August 8 to get this on the ballot!  People are happy to sign; they just need to be asked. Visit www.housingforallbaltimore.org or contact Rebecca at info@housingforallbaltimore.org.

On any given night, 3000 people, including children and their families, are homeless.  25,000 Baltimore City households, more than half with children, are on the waiting list for desperately needed federal housing assistance, where they will wait as much as ten years.

42] – The 32nd annual NAGASAKI COMMEMORATION will begin at 5:30 PM with a potluck dinner on Tues., Aug. 9 , 2016 at Homewood Friends Meeting, 3107 N. Charles St.  At 7 PM, the program will begin.  David Eberhardt will again read some poetry.  Then Firmin DeBrabander, a professor of philosophy at the Maryland Institute College of Art and author of "Do Guns Make us Free?" (Yale University Press, 2015), will discuss The Madness of Gun Violence in the USA. Contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski at Verizon.net.

43] – This is the very first time that the Pax Christi USA National Gathering/ National Assembly will be in Baltimore.  The cost is $275.  Go to https://paxchristiusa.org/programs/nationalgathering2016/.

The cost of the HOTEL per night is $115, which includes a Friday dinner and reception, a Saturday breakfast and lunch (box lunch), and Sunday breakfast.  To register for the National Gathering: you must fill out the registration form-- available on the Pax Christi USA website-- and mail it in to the Pax Christi USA national office. BUT this registration does not reserve your hotel room at the Double Tree Hotel.

To reserve the hotel room you must contact the hotel directly—by phone 1-888-370-0998 or go online and type “BWIBADT-PAX-20160807” into your browser ---to reserve at the Pax Christi USA block rate. Again, your credit card will be accepted to reserve your hotel room. These two things will complete your registration and reserve your hotel room. And these two things must be completed by July 18. There will be no on-site registrations taken at the National Gathering.  The national gathering goes from Aug. 12 – 14, 2016.

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

45] -- If you would like to get rid of books, videos, DVDs or records, contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski at verizon.net.

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

47] -- 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.

48] – 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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