Baltimore Activist Alert - February 9 - February 11, 2017

30] Support the Wheeler family who lost their home in a fire

31] Stop the killings in Honduras – Feb. 9

32] Countering WMDs – Feb. 9

33] Policy towards Ukraine, Russia & Eurasia – Feb. 9

34] Public Health Night -- Feb. 9

35] Solidarity Squad – Feb. 9

36] FOUNDATION OF YOGA – Feb. 9

37] “Hip-Hop. Islam. Gender. Activism. Race” – Feb. 9

38] Tackling Islamophobia -- Feb. 9

39] Meet Trayvon Martin's parents -- Feb. 9

40] Shot at Kent State -- Feb. 9

41] Peace vigil at White House – Feb. 10

42] WIB peace vigil – Feb. 10

43] "Condition Critical" – Feb. 10

44] Stop Endless War and Drone Terror – Feb. 10

45] Black Lives Matter vigil -- Feb. 10

46] Life/Death Israel/Palestine -- Feb. 10

47] Ballroom Dancing – Feb. 10

48] Trainings about rights -- Feb. 11

49] Waging Peace gathering – Feb. 11

50] West Chester peace vigil – Feb. 11

51] Our Revolution – Maryland Rising at DNC gathering – Feb. 11

52] Say no to Nukes -- Feb. 11

53] Muslim Ban March -- Feb. 11

54] Vigil for Free Expression – Feb. 11

55] Sign up with Washington Peace Center

56] Donate books, videos, DVDs and records

57] Do you need any book shelves?

58] Join the Global Zero campaign

59] Join the Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil

----

30] – Activists Joyce and Tim Wheeler now live in Sequim, Washington, but their son, Morgan and his family have lived in the Wheeler’s Baltimore home, 816 Beaumont Avenue for some time.  Tragically, at 3 AM on February 4, the home was burned beyond recognition.  Morgan was able to get his family out, but the house and its contents are totally destroyed.  Morgan's daughter, Erin, has created a Go Fund Me page which you can access below.  Anything you are able to contribute to support Morgan and his family would be greatly appreciated. Go to

https://www.gofundme.com/a7y7m-fire-leaves-family-with-nothing?ssid=904794688&pos=2.

31] – Amazon Watch and Global Witness invite you to a "Green Bag" presentation: Environmental Human Rights Defenders Under Fire/How To Stop Their Killings featuring Ben Leather and Billy Kyte of Global Witness on Thurs., Feb. 9 from  12:30 to 2 PM at Amazon Watch / CIEL Conference Room, 1350 Connecticut Ave. NW, #1100, (above Cosi, Dupont Circle South), WDC. A week from publishing a new hard-hitting report on Honduras, Global Witness will share their strategy and actions to expose the root causes of attacks against environmental activists and the challenges they face, particularly in the US. They will outline the documentation of activist killings, investigation of who is behind the attacks, campaigning tactics and challenges, security concerns, the role of the US, and impacts and lessons learned from their Honduras campaign as a case study.  The Spring 2017 "Green Bag" Lunch Series will take place every Thursday for the coming months.

32] – On Thurs., Feb. 9 from 12:30 to 2 PM, Al Mauroni will discuss his book "Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction: Assessing the U.S. Government’s Policy" at the National Defense University, Marshall Hall, 300 5th Ave. SW, Fort McNair, WDC. RSVP at https://einvitations.afit.edu/inv/rsvp.cfm?i=328223&k=01634A0B7954.

33] – On Thurs., Feb. 9 from 3 to 4:15 PM the Carnegie Endowment will host Richard Armitage, William J. Burns, Ivo Daalder, Chris Murphy and Andrea Mitchell who will discuss "Guiding Principles for U.S. Policy Toward Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia" at the Carnegie Endowment, 1779 Massachusetts Ave. NW, WDC 20036. RSVP at http://carnegieendowment.org/events/forms/?fa=registration&event=5478&lang=en&id=.

34] – The oil and gas industry has taken over energy policy in Washington D.C, but Chesapeake Physicians for Social Responsibility is determined not to let them do the same in Maryland. Working closely with the Don’t Frack Maryland coalition allies, we at Chesapeake PSR are now in the final stages of our push to stop fracking from coming to our state. Soon, the Maryland General Assembly will decide whether to ban fracking. This is the culmination of a lengthy battle between the people of Maryland and the fossil fuel industry.  To prevail, we need to be more tenacious than our pro-fossil fuel opponents. It will be a tough fight, but we have the people, the science and the momentum on our side. On Thurs., Feb. 9 from 5 to 7 PM come to Maryland Public Health Association Public Health Night in Annapolis at the House Office Building, Room 180. Go to http://mdpha.org/.

35] – Get over to a Solidarity Squad Kickoff and Training at the Florida Avenue Baptist Church, Basement, 623 Florida Ave. NW, WDC, on Thurs., Feb. 9 from 6 to 8 PM. The new federal government has begun its assault on our communities. We need tight-knit, organized groups of people to resist the right-wing's agenda, to protect workers' rights, and to defend our neighbors. That's exactly what DC Jobs with Justice seeks to build with the Solidarity Squad. Email info@dcjwj.org or call 202-674-3228.

36] – Join a course FOUNDATION OF YOGA on Thursdays from 7 to 8:30 PM taught by Victor (Vyasa Deva) Landa starting Feb 9 with a Free Lecture.  Taught by Yogi Vyasa Deva, (Victor Landa), founder and director of Shanti Yoga Ashram, this class teaches a complete classical Hatha Yoga routine, while giving the main tenets and practical instructions for creating a healthy, yogic life-style. Proper Breathing, Exercise, Diet, Relaxation and Positive Thinking/Meditation create a firm “foundation” for life, increasing health, happiness, and fulfillment.

The class fee includes text book, audio CD, and detailed handouts for each week. A certificate will be given for 100% attendance to classes.  The opening free lecture is very important for those who will take the course. It is $150 to register at vyasa@schooloflife.org. This course is free for those who have taken it before- providing there is enough space- and is the pre-requisite for the Shanti Marga (“Road to Peace”) course which in turn makes one eligible to join the School of Life. Visit www.schooloflife.org.

37] – On Thurs., Feb. 9 from 6 to 7:30 PM there will be a book talk “Hip-Hop. Islam. Gender. Activism. Race” with Dr. Su'ad Abdul Khabeer. She will define "Muslim Cool" and how Muslims, specifically those living in the U.S., have combined Islam, Blackness, and Hip Hop to create a new and independent identity. The role of Hip Hop will be discussed from its origins until today in defining "Muslim Cool" as a platform for social activism at A.J. Picture Gallery, 3rd Floor, Drexel University Main Building, 3141 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19104. Go to https://nyupress.org/books/9781479894505/.

38] – Tackling Islamophobia at Home is happening at the DC Public Library, 901 G St. NW, WDC, on Thurs., Feb. 9 from 7 to 9 PM. Incidents of discrimination and violence against Muslims are on the rise across the United States. What is driving the rise in Islamophobia, and how can we all play a role in making our community safer? Come to the library for a panel discussion with local Muslim leaders on Islamophobia in the District and the nation, the response from the American Muslim community, and how American Muslims and others can work together to build a more understanding and integrated future. Go to http://www.dclibrary.org/node/55799.

39] – Politics & Prose, 600 I St., WDC, will present Trayvon Martin's parents, SYBRINA FULTON and TRACY MARTIN, on Thurs., Feb. 9 from 7 to 9:30 PM.  Until five years ago, few outside his central Florida hometown had heard of Trayvon Martin. Now, no one can forget him. In REST IN POWER, their powerful testament to love, resilience, and hope, the parents relive the terrible night their son was killed and recall their grief and anger at the dismissive response of police and courts. But they also share cherished memories of Trayvon and trace the rise of the national movement against racial violence that has grown in his name. Co-founders of The Trayvon Martin Foundation, Fulton and Martin work with the organization to create community programming and raise awareness of the impact of gun violence and racial profiling on families. Get tickets at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/polpro/2766592.

40] – On Thurs., Feb. 9 at 7:30 PM at Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse, 30 W. North Ave., Baltimore 21201, hear TOM GRACE present KENT STATE: DEATH AND DISSENT IN THE LONG SIXTIES, published by the University of Massachusetts Press. The book examines the long prelude leading up to of the most searing incidents of U.S. history during the Vietnam Era, the killing of four students and the wounding of nine others during an antiwar protest in May 1970. One critique described the study as “a systematic deconstruction of many media-generated myths” among them that the campus was without an activist tradition, that the National Guard members were young and inexperienced, and that the killings led to an end to the era of mass protest.

Taking issue with these myths, Grace shows that Kent State was not a tragic anomaly. Rather, the campus movement was grounded in a tradition of activism extending back to labor battles and civil rights protests of the 1950s. Thus the fatal shootings at Kent State were the culmination of a conflict between the forces of radicalism and repression that unfolded throughout the decade of the 1960s.  Grace is an adjunct professor of U.S. history at Erie Community College. He was shot at Kent State. Call 443-602-7585.  Go to http://www.redemmas.org.

41] – On Fri., Feb. 10 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. 

42] – On Fri., Feb. 10 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. 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. Just send an email that you need a ride [mailto:wibbaltimore@peacepath911.org].  Peace signs will be available. 

43] –  On Fri., Feb.10 at 12:30 PM, Alice Rothchild will be at the Jerusalem Fund/ Palestine Center, 2425 Virginia Ave. NW, WDC. The Metro to use is Foggy Bottom. Visit http://www.thejerusalemfund.org/events/upcoming/book-talk-condition-critical. Her book is "Condition Critical." Since 2003, as an obstetrician she has traveled annually to Israel/Palestine with other concerned Americans, to learn about the health and human rights situation of politically marginalized communities, especially Palestinians. The book presents key blog posts and analytical essays that explore everyday life in Israel, East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza up close. All these stories depict the critical conditions of the decades-old wounds of colonization and occupation in which the Palestinian people live. 

44] – On Fri., Feb. 10 from 4 to 5 PM, join the Philly 'Reach Out' to Stop Endless War and Drone Terror at the 30th Street Train Station, corner of 30th & Market Sts. There are lots of leaflets to handout, banners and plenty of signs to hold. These 2nd Friday of the month ‘Reach-Outs’ alternate between the 30th Street Train Station and the SEPTA entrance at 15th & Market Sts., across from Philadelphia City Hall pn the west side. Call Brandywine Peace Community at 484-574-1148 or visit www.brandywinepeace.com.

45] – There is usually a silent vigil on Fridays, from 5 to 6 PM, sponsored by Homewood Friends Meeting, outside the Homewood Friends Meetinghouse, 3107 N. Charles St.  The next scheduled vigil is on Feb. 10. Black Lives Matter.

46] -- On Fri., Feb. 10 at 7:30 PM at Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse, 30 W. North Ave., Baltimore 21201, get an understanding of LIFE AND DEATH IN ISRAEL/PALESTINE WITH ALICE ROTHCHILD. Since 2003, as on obstetrician she has traveled annually to Israel/Palestine with other concerned citizens to learn about the health and human rights situation of politically marginalized communities, especially Palestinians. Condition Critical: Life and Death in Israel/Palestine presents key blog posts and analytical essays that explore everyday life in Israel, East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza up close and with searing honesty. These eyewitness reports and intimate stories depict the critical condition of a region suffering from decades-old wounds of colonization and occupation. Call 443-602-7585.  Go to http://www.redemmas.org.

47] – 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 Feb. 10. Call Dave Greene at 410-599-3725.

48] – Join the UDC School of Law, the DC Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild, and the Institute for Policy Studies for a day-long marathon trainings for lawyers and non-lawyers who want to be more involved. Trainings take place on Sat., Feb. 11 from 10 AM to 7 PM at the UDC School of Law, 4340 Connecticut Ave. NW, WDC. Topics are as follows: student rights; immigration rights; obtaining permits for protest; search and seizure laws; legal observing; legal risks of civil disobedience; rights of Federal workers; and filing FOIA requests. Go to http://www.ips-dc.org/events/know-your-rights-training/.

49] – On Sat., Feb. 11 from 10 AM to 3 PM.  Get over to WAGING PEACE IN A TIME OF FEAR AND SURVEILLANCE: the Annual Gathering for the Peace and Justice Community @ Sacred Heart Church, Broadway & Ferry Sts, Camden, NJ.  It will feature Jeremy Scahill, Investigative Journalist, Author of “Dirty Wars,”  co-founder of The Intercept; Alison Macrina, founder, the Library Freedom Project. The co-sponsors are Coalition for Peace Action, Brandywine Peace Community, Catholic Peace Fellowship, Pax Christi NJ, and Moms Demand Action.  Register at www.brandywinepeace.com.

50] – 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.

51] – Our Revolution – Maryland Rising is supporting Keith Ellison for Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair and ask you to join a rally, which will feature Keith Ellison, Ben Jealous, as well as local activist speakers on Sat., Feb. 11 at 11:30 AM in the Baltimore Convention Center, 3rd Floor, Room 340, 1 W. Pratt St., Baltimore 21201. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/928334797268677/.

52] -- The Democratic Party will be meeting at the Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W Pratt St., Baltimore 21201, on Sat., Feb. 11 from 9 AM to 6 PM.  One task will be to promote the various Democrats who are seeking to become the head of the Democratic National Committee.  Anti-nuclear activists plan to gather at 1 West Pratt St. on Saturday from noon to 2 PM.  Bring your anti-nuclear signs covering such issues as messages against nuclear war, a call for No First Use, No Hair Trigger alert, no trillion dollars for modernization of the nuclear arsenal and of course an end to nuclear power and the abolition of nuclear weapons.  Contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski at Verizon dot net.

53] – On Sat., Feb. 11 meet at The Islamic Center of Washington at 5:15 PM, 2551 Massachusetts Ave. NW.  Depart at 6:05 PM for the residence of the vice president, The Naval Observatory, 3450 Massachusetts Ave. NW. This is a Candlelight Protest Walk [#MuslimBanProtestDC] .  This will be the third weekend in a row protesting the #MuslimBan with a candlelight walk. Show the neighbors, Capitol Hill and the world you haven't forgotten Trump's discriminatory policies and you won't give up! Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/190896594722093/.

54] – Come to a candlelight Vigil for Free Expression in Lafayette Park on Sat., Feb. 11 from 6:15 to 7:30 PM. Join writers assembled in DC for the AWP conference (Associated Writers & Writing Programs). This basic freedom is threatened in new ways and with more intensity than in recent memory. As the nation's poets and writers, editors and critics, they have a unique and vital obligation to stand watch over free speech and expression.  Use the Farragut North Metro stop on the Red Line. Contact Split This Rock at info@splitthisrock.org or 202-787-5210.

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

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

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

58] -- 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.

59] – 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