Baltimore Activist Alert - August 24 -- September 9, 2016

18] Support NIH shuttle drivers – Aug. 24

19] Support the Sioux against the pipeline – Aug. 24

20] Education Reform -- Aug. 24

21] Baltimore, Then & Now – Aug. 24

22] Soil Matters – Aug. 24

23] Visioning Liberation – Aug. 25

24] Peace vigil at White House – Aug. 26

25] WIB peace vigils – Aug. 26

26] Black Lives Matter vigil – Aug. 26

27] Barkaritaville – Aug. 26

28] Ballroom Dancing – Aug. 26

29] West Chester peace vigil – Aug. 27

30] Second Annual Read & Feed – Aug. 27

31] Unity Rally – Aug. 27

32] Remember Dr. Larry Egbert – Aug. 27

33] March for Korryn Gaines – Aug. 27

34] Film “Embracing Article 9 of the Constitution of Japan” – Sept. 9

35] Room for rent

36] Sign up with Washington Peace Center

37] Donate books, videos, DVDs and records

38] Do you need any book shelves?

39] Join the Global Zero campaign

40] Join the Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil

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18] – COME TO A RALLY TO SUPPORT NIH SHUTTLE DRIVERS.  These professionals who drive the NIH shuttle buses haven’t had a raise since 2012.  After the drivers went public with their demand for a fair union contract, W&T Travel Services owner Darnell Lee began a sustained campaign of retaliation and intimidation to quash their rights. The NLRB’s investigation into this blatant, illegal union busting is ongoing; however, the company retaliated by firing or suspending every worker that testified to the government about the company’s illegal behavior. Come to the Medical Center Metro Station and Bus Stop, 8810 Rockville Pike, Bethesda 20814, on Wed., Aug. 24 from 7 to 9 AM to stand with our brothers and sisters at the Amalgamated Transit Union!  Union leaders are fired. Wages are stagnant. The boss makes millions off of government contracts.  And the National Institute of Health lets federal contractor ignore federal labor laws. Call John Ertl at (202) 826-4845. 

19] – No Dakota Access! Come to Federal Court to Support the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.  Stand Together Against the Pipeline on Wed., Aug. 24 at 333 Constitution Ave. NW, WDC 20001, from 1 to 5 PM.  The hearing is at 2 PM.  Members of the Sioux nation journeyed to Washington, D.C. this weekend to protest a proposed $3.8 billion oil pipeline they say would contaminate their drinking water and violate sacred lands. The Dakota Access Pipeline is set to pass beneath the Missouri River less than a mile from North Dakota’s Standing Rock Reservation, where tribal members rely on the river as the sole water supply. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/1578461099123184/ or https://www.popularresistance.org/sioux-nation-brings-oil-pipeline-fight-to-washington-dc/Our Revolution Launch Kickoff.

20] – You are invited to a forum jointly sponsored by a Broader, Bolder Approach to Education and the Economic Policy Institute that will explore how best to proceed with incorporating social and emotional learning into the core objectives of public education.  The passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) builds on growing momentum at the state and district levels to make the development of a key set of skills—sometimes called non-cognitive skills (NCS), or social and emotional learning (SEL)—more central to US public education. Extensive research points to the critical importance of these skills, not only for their interaction with traditional academic skills like reading and math, but also their impact on broader life prospects. RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/embedding-noncognitivesocial-and-emotional-skills-into-education-registration-27050386434?mc_cid=d5d4b96b85&mc_eid=e80ca75913. Recent studies, including a new EPI paper, making the whole-child education the norm, point to promising paths forward to advance research, policies, and practices to incorporate NCS into the education system. This event is at the Economic Policy Institute, 1225 Eye St., NW, WDC, Suite 600 Wellstone Room, on Wed., Aug. 24 from 10 To 11:30 AM.

21] – Baltimore, Then & Now will be discussed on Wed., Aug. 24 from 6 to 8 PM at the Impact Hub, 10 E. North Ave. Call (443) 821-7482 or go to facebook.com/impacthubbalt. Learn how artists past and present have worked hard to preserve black Baltimore’s cultural history. Moderated by photographer, writer, and City Paper contributor Shannon Wallace, the panel discussion will feature Troy Staton, owner of New Beginnings Barber Shop; Webster Phillips III, grandson of Afro American Newspapers photographer I. Henry Phillips, Sr.; and photojournalist Kyle Pompey.

22] – Soil Matters: A Symposium on Urban Soils takes place on Wed., Aug. 24 from 6 to 8 PM at the Parks & People Foundation Ecology Center, 2100 Liberty Heights Ave., Baltimore 21217.  Go to www.parksandpeople.org. Parks and People Foundation presents a symposium with several sessions focused on incorporating better soil and nutrient practices for fruitful harvests and safe green spaces. Bring your recent soil test to inquire about the results. Attendees will be able to consult with experts after the sessions and pick-up resources and giveaway items to take home. Call 410-448-5663. RSVP at https://secure3.convio.net/mdspca/site/Ticketing;jsessionid=00000000.app30108b?view=Tickets&id=100084&NONCE_TOKEN=CBC4BE560A481F1E2A68AD6474E38617.

23] – Visioning Liberation will take place at the MLK Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW, WDC 20004, on Thurs., Aug. 25 at 6 PM. Assata Shakur once said “Dreams and reality are opposites. Action synthesizes them.” Help vision the alternative world we want. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1191401037579249/.

24] – On Fri., Aug. 26 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. 

25] – On Fri., Aug. 26 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. 

26] – 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 Aug. 26. Black Lives Matter.

27] – It's Time for Barkaritaville! Reserve your spot for this Wine & Wag on Fri., Aug. 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the MD ASPCA, 3300 Falls Road, Baltimore 21211. Music will be provided by Fast Eddie and the Slowpokes. Go to http://www.mdspca.org/updates/md-spca-events/wine-wags/. Call 410-235-8826.

28] – 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 Aug. 26. Call Dave Greene at 410-599-3725.

29] – 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.

30] – The Second Annual Read & Feed is happening at the United Black Fund, 2500 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE, WDC, on Sat., Aug. 27 from noon to 3 PM.  TRAIN THE MOVEMENT: A Trainers of Color Collaborative presents the 2nd Annual Read & Feed! Enjoy lunch and revolutionary book readings and conversations. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/1641437812837204/.

31] – Fight for Dr. King’s Dream at the Unity Rally on Sat., Aug. 27 with the assembly starting at noon in Folger Park, 2nd and D Sts. SE. Rally starts at 1 PM at NRA lobbying office, 400 block of 1st Street SE. At the Unity Rally, speak with one powerful voice for a safer, more just nation!  RSVP at http://action.momsrising.org/survey/UnityRally2016/?t=5&akid=8217.2411466.Gaj0h6.

Fifty-three years ago this week in Washington, D.C., Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered the following immortal words at the historic March on Washington:  “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character… I have a dream that one day… little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.”  The Unity Rally calls on all people of good conscience to join together to commemorate the March and help bring the continuing fight for civil rights to the very doorstep of the NRA, the powerful gun industry lobbyist that has blocked common sense gun safety reforms.

32] – Due to extended forecasts of hotter than average temperatures into the autumn so that an air-conditioned space is needed for a summer afternoon memorial, as well as a parking lot for many out-of-town friends and family, We in Larry Egbert's family have moved his service to Stony Run Friends Meeting, 5116 N. Charles St. on Sat., Aug. 27 at 3 PM. 

  Finger food for the reception would be appreciated, and Margaret Flowers, mdpnhp AT gmail DOT com, and Manijeh Saba, manijeh DOT saba AT gmail DOT com will be coordinating the refreshments.  The family does not want flowers.  Contributions, though, can be made in Larry's name to Physicians for Social Responsibility, www.psr.org, Final Exit Network, www.finalexitnetwork.org, and Veterans For Peace, veteransforpeace.org.

33] – On Sat., Aug. 27 from 4 to 7 PM, there will be a Justice March for Korryn Gaines: Say Her Name, hosted by the Peoples Power Assembly.  It will start in McKeldin Square, Light & Pratt Sts., downtown Baltimore.  This weekend also marks the anniversary of the August 28 Civil Rights March on Washington organized by Dr. King. On this important anniversary it is fitting to march in Baltimore for Justice, for Korryn, for her 5 year old son, and for all victims of police terror! Call 443-221-3775.

34] –  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.  After the Black Lives Matter vigil, there will be a potluck dinner. 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 REACTING TO WARS ON CONSTITUTIONAL PROTECTIONS, PEOPLE AND THE ENVIRONMENT.

On Fri., Sept. 9 see “Embracing Article 9 of the Constitution of Japan” [2013, Allen Nelson Peace Project].  It is in Japanese with English subtitles. Allan Nelson, an ex-marine, talks about war and peace:  “Article 9 is more powerful than any nuclear weapons.” Article 9 of Japan's Constitution reads as follows: “Aspiring sincerely to an international peace based on justice and order, the Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as a means of settling international disputes.” However, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has called for changing Article 9.  This has resulted in protests.  Contact max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski at Verizon.net.

35] – There is a furnished room for rent with private bath in a nice, quiet Lutherville neighborhood, not far from the light rail and 83, 15 minutes from Towson Town Center and various shops on York Road.  Rent, which includes cable, Wi-Fi, kitchen privileges and the use of washer and dryer, is $650.00 a month and the splitting of gas & electric bill. Call Lynn at 410-960-3008.

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

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

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

39] -- 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.

40] – 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