Baltimore Activist Alert - March 31 - April 29, 2017

49] Deterring Iran – Mar. 31

50] Peace vigil at White House – Mar. 31

51] WIB peace vigil – Mar. 31

52] Fairtrade Chocolate & Coffee Break – Mar. 31

53] My 1^st Lobby Day – Mar. 31

54] Black Lives Matter vigil -- Mar. 31

55] Andy Harris Town Hall – Mar. 31

56] Theater OUT OF THE ASHES – Mar. 31

57] Ballroom Dancing – Mar. 31

58] Pillow Fight -- Apr. 1

59] Youth Day of Action – Apr. 1

60] Pax Christi Spring Conference – Apr. 1

61] Movement for a Culture of Peace Forum – Apr. 1

62] National Day of Action for Housing – Apr. 1  

63] Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Panel Discussion – Apr. 1

64] The People's Filibuster -- Apr. 1

65] Communities United meeting -- Apr. 1

66] West Chester peace vigil – Apr. 1

67] End Endless War – Apr. 1

68] Anti-War/Drone Death Walk -- Apr. 1

69] Fire The Fool Declaration Rally -- Apr. 1

70] Black Lives Matter rally – Apr. 1

71] Strategic Nonviolent Organizing in the Face of Police Violence – Apr. 1

72] Green School benefit – Apr. 1

73] Attend the PSR dinner – Apr. 15

74] Join CODEPINK – Apr. 22 & Apr. 29

75] Interested in getting involved in a Peace Trail  

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

77] Sign up with Washington Peace Center

78] Donate books, videos, DVDs and records

79] Do you need any book shelves?

80] Join the Global Zero campaign

81] Join the Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil

-----

49] – On Fri., Mar. 31 from 10  to 11:30 AM the Center for Strategic and International Studies is hosting a talk “Deterring Iran After the Nuclear Deal" with five speakers at CSIS, 1616 Rhode Island Ave. NW, WDC 20036. RSVP at https://www.csis.org/events/deterring-iran-after-nuclear-deal-report-launch-and-panel-discussion. 

50] – On Fri., Mar. 31 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. 

51] – On Fri., Mar. 31 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. 

52] – Enjoy Fairtrade Chocolate & Coffee Break at Busboys and Poets Brookland, 625 Monroe St. NE, WDC, on Fri., Mar. 31 from 1 to 2 PM.  The event is hosted by Divine Chocolate, in collaboration with the Fairtrade student committee at The Catholic University of America, Fair Trade Campaigns, and Catholic Relief Services - Ethical Trade.  Welcome Mercy Zaah who is visiting from Ghana as a representative of Kuapa Kokoo Farmers' Co-op. Mercy is a cocoa farmer, and her co-op produces the Fairtrade cocoa with which Divine Chocolate products are made.  You'll also have the opportunity to sample various flavors of delicious Divine Chocolate and pair them with coffee. This event will be featuring the Busboys & Poets Blend - a unique, direct trade blend of dark roasted coffee featuring a rich complexity of flavors.  Divine Chocolate is the only 100% Fairtrade chocolate company that is also co-owned by cocoa farmers. Members of ​Kuapa Kokoo, a co-operative of over 85,000 cocoa farmers in Ghana, benefit not only from the Fairtrade premium on the sale of their beans, but also receive the largest share ​(44%) of Divine’s distributable profit​. This in turn enables farmers to enjoy more economic stability and the increased influence in the cocoa industry that company​ ​ownership brings. See https://www.facebook.com/events/1896894993921715/.

53] – My 1st Lobby Day takes place at the Hart Senate Office, Constitution Ave. and 2nd St. NE, WDC, on Fri., Mar. 31 from 3 to 5 PM.  Take your kids to Congress! Advocate for #HandsOffDC and DC Statehood! D.C. residents don't have their own senators - not fair - so participants will visit key Senators and those of friends & family. The kids will share messages that are important to them along with the message that kids want their own Senators someday soon.  The nearest Metro stations are Union Station (Red Line) and Capitol South (Orange/Blue/Silver Lines).  RSVP with this short survey at https://goo.gl/forms/Yw7Rv58zYCHWqGur1. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/1587942761233746/.

54] – 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 Mar. 31. Black Lives Matter.

55] – On Fri., Mar. 31 from 6 to 7 PM, there is an Andy Harris Town Hall at Chesapeake College’s Todd Performing Arts Center in Wye Mills, MD. Healthcare is a Human Right Maryland plans to attend the town hall held by the First District Congressperson. Contact Brittany Shanahan at 443-432-5353 or brittany@hchrmd.org.

56] – On Fri., Mar. 31 at 7 PM, see a presentation of “Out of the Ashes​,” a drama based on real-life journey of Coley Harris and his son Ahmarr Melton.  Coley was absent from his son's life for 14 years due to incarceration.   See this at the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew, 719 N. Shipley St., Wilmington 19801. This is a powerful, authentic experience sure to shed light on the impact of incarceration on families.  Make A FREE WILL OFFERING WITH ALL PROCEEDS SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY INITIATIVES.    Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1280497892044504/.

57] – 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 Mar. 31. Call Dave Greene at 410-599-3725.

58] – There is an INTERNATIONAL PILLOW FIGHT DAY on Sat., April Fools' Day 2017, 1500 Jefferson Drive SW on the National Mall. There will be massive pillow fights in cities around the world!  If you would like to learn how to organize a pillow fight, read the how-to guide.  Organizers, add your event!  This is the 9th annual International Pillow Fight Day, and the event attracts tens of thousands of people in 100+ cities each year.  Do not ask for permission - public assembly is a human right.  Go to http://www.pillowfightday.com and http://www.facebook.com/capitolimprov/.

59] – Youth Day Of Action will happen on Pennsylvania Avenue, WDC 20003, on Sat., Apr. 1 from 8:30 AM to noon.  This is a protest against the Trump administration to ensure that EVERY student has a future in this country. Spend the day in front of the White House to incite change and make your voices heard. Stand against police state and police brutality, racism, sexism, xenophobia, transphobia, homophobia, ableism, islamophobia, antisemitism and all forms of bigotry, the Dakota Access Pipeline and more.  Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1968217693406312/.

60] – On Sat., Apr. 1 from 8:30 AM to noon,  Pax Christi Metro DC-Baltimore will hold its Spring Conference: Walking into the Future with Jesus, Martin, & Francis at the Friends Meeting House - Dupont Circle - 2111 Florida Ave. NW, WDC. To register, go to www.paxchristimetrodc.org and click on the Donate/Event Registration button. The suggested fee is $35, and $10 for students. As the Trump presidency unfolds, panelists Terrence Rynne, Lisa Sharon Harper, and Rose Marie Berger will situate this historical moment in the context of Jesus’ radical nonviolence, the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “Beyond Vietnam” speech, and our hope for renewal in the church and the world. Pax Christi Metro DC-Baltimore is a region of Pax Christi USA, the national Catholic peace and justice movement. Through prayer, study, and action, work as individuals and in groups to build a just and peaceful world, witnessing to Jesus’s message and example of nonviolence.

61] – On Sat., Apr. 1 from 9 to 11 AM, come to a Movement for a  Culture of Peace Forum at the Trinity Episcopal Church, 1108 North Adams St., Wilmington 19801.  There is parking on 11th Street. Go to https://wilmingtonpeacemarch.wordpress.com/. The forum will address the following critical questions: What is the Corrections system doing to prepare prisoners for re-entry in society?  What are the critical needs of returning citizens? How can we reduce recidivism?

  Is the Probation system effective?  How can it be improved?  What are churches and nonprofits doing to help returning citizens? Are they effective? Are there particular classes of offenders (such as those convicted of sex crimes) who have more difficult issues Unsinkable Eastern Shore II: Rural America Responds to Climate Change on Sat., Apr. 1 from 9 AM to 1 PM at the Eastern Shore Conservation Cemter, 114 South Washington St., Easton 21601.  Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/unsinkable-eastern-shore-ii-rural-america-responds-to-climate-change-tickets-32195035217?mc_cid=9ca52c9af6&mc_eid=b0a5b0cfde.

62] – National Day of Action for Housing takes place at Freedom Plaza, 14th St. NW and Pennsylvania Ave., WDC, on Sat., Apr. 1 from 9 AM to 11 PM, and is hosted by the National Coalition for the Homeless. Go to http://nationalhomeless.org/national-day-of-action-for-housing/.  Participants will create a homeless encampment near the White House, and at city and state legislative buildings across the country. Bring tents, bring signs, bring your friends and families and stand up for safe, decent and affordable housing.  Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/1789227081400945/.

63] – Catch the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Panel Discussion at the Embassy of Cote d'Ivoire, 2424 Massachusetts Ave. NW, WDC, on Sat., Apr. 1 from 9 AM to 2 PM. Join the Pearson Center for a panel discussion with professional African women around domestic violence and sexual assault, including the first hand testimony of a domestic violence survivor.  Light refreshments will be served.  Contact the Pearson Center at (202) 578-0969 or info@thepearsoncenter.org.

64] – The People's Filibuster, hosted by The People's Defense,  is happening  on Sat., Apr. 1 from 9:30 AM to noon at 3rd St., SW between Constitution Ave. NW & Maryland Ave, SE. Join thousands of others to protest and rally against the extreme agenda of President Donald Trump, including his nomination of Neil Gorsuch to the US Supreme Court. The People’s Filibuster will take place in cities across the US and feature everyday Americans speaking on why they object to the extreme agenda of the President and how the appointment of Neil Gorsuch to the US Supreme Court would advance that agenda for decades to come. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/195750170913918/.

65] – Communities United on Sat., Apr. 1 at 10 AM is hosting Meet Me in the Middle – a citywide, public gathering of members and allies at St. Vincent de Paul Church at President and E. Fayette Streets, across from the Shot Tower subway stop. Get the scoop on what's happenings for justice in Baltimore. Just a week out from Mayor Pugh's broken promise for a $15 minimum wage -- and 72 days into Trump's Presidency.  Go to http://www.communitiesunite.org/

66] – 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.

67] – Gather on Sat., Apr. 1 at 11:30 AM in Delaware County, in front of the office of Rep. Patrick Meehan (R, PA, CD 7), 940 West Sproul Road, Springfield, PA 19064.  Honor the 50th Anniversary, April 4, 1967 of Dr. King's  historic "Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence" Speech, delivered at Riverside Church in New York City, one year to the day before his assassination on April 4, 1968. Read, listen to this astounding speech at http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkatimetobreaksilence.htm. Stand against the U.S. policy of "endless war" and daily drone strikes directed from remote command centers like the one at the Horsham Air Guard station, which is there because of Rep. Meehan’s backing. Stand with people who are organizing to stop poverty, racism, sexism, xenophobia, and Islamophobia. Listen to the broadcast of excerpts from his historic anti-war speech, April 4, 1967 at Riverside Church, NYC.  Stand with large and striking banners, and signs in memory of Dr. King’s unyielding message of nonviolence and hope.
Representative Meehan, Stop the Drone War Command Center in Horsham, PA. Go to www.brandywinepeace.com/events or call 484-574-1148.

68] – On Sat., Apr. 1 from 11:45 AM to 1 PM, the monthly Center City Anti-War/Drone Death Walk will happen. Meet at 12th & Arch Streets.  Please wear black in recognition of all the victims of Drone attacks and the continuing policy of 'endless war'.  Call Marge Van Cleef at 203-804-3013.

69] – Get over to the Fire The Fool Declaration Rally at the National Mall, 900 Ohio St. NW, WDC, on Sat., Apr. 1 from noon to 8 PM.  Thousands will unite at the National Mall to join the rally, founded to impart a satirical, symbolic, and powerful message of firing (impeaching) President Donald J. Trump, and to empower citizens all around the country to take power in their own political systems. Sister Rallies will be held around the country and the world in solidarity with the main rally in D.C. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/397831337233562/.

70] – There will be a Black Lives Matter Rally at MPDC 7th District Police Station, 2455 Alabama Ave. SE, WDC, on Sat., Apr. 1 from 1 to 5 PM.  See https://www.facebook.com/events/1798969773698131/?active_tab=discussion.

71] –  Strategic Nonviolent Organizing in the Face of Police Violence is happening at 1525 Newton St. NE, WDC, on Sat., Apr. 1 from 5 to 8 PM, hosted by Peace House.  This event will look at how movements organizing under conditions of severe repression have created and sustained safe spaces for resistance. It will pay particular attention to student movements, such as the 1960-1961 sit-in movement for civil rights, the anti-Vietnam War movement, the university divestment from apartheid South Africa movement and the Chilean student movement during the Pinochet dictatorship. Participants will discuss the kinds of mobilization, multi-issue organizations and coalitions that have most effective in undermining undemocratic and repressive regimes.  They will also look at how threat, repression and police violence have been turned against the states, security forces and university administrators that use them. Finally, the group will look at how successful resistance movements have drawn adherents, encouraged innovation and led to mass mobilization. Professor Schneider will speak from her experience working in the resistance against Pinochet in Chile and with grassroots groups and parents organizing against police violence in Paris and New York, and her three decades of studying social movements comparatively. See https://www.facebook.com/events/297047770711703/.

72] – There is a Green Gala Benefit for The Green School of Baltimore on Sat., Apr. 1 from 7 to 10:30 PM at 405 E Oliver St., Baltimore 21202. See https://www.facebook.com/events/361996520849576/.  Also check out www.silentauctionpro.com.

73] – The Chesapeake Physicians for Social Responsibility Annual Dinner will take place on Sat., Apr. 15 from 6 to 9 PM at the Church of the Redeemer, Baltimore.  The guest speaker is  Dr. Ira Helfand, co-President of the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War.   He will speak on the growing danger of nuclear war and what we can do about it. The suggested donations are $20, $30, $50 or $100. Register at https://goo.gl/7frgzR or by emailing twhitehouse@psr.org.

74] – There is still room available from time to time at the CODEPINK activist house in DC. Perhaps you want to join the Scientists March on April 22 or the Climate March on April 29? Contact Paki at pakiwieland@gmail.com.

75] – Doug Retzler. 410-598-8409 0r dougretz@yahoo.com, wrote this: "A close friend of mine, Dave Goldsmith, put in an inquiry last Fall with the state about putting up a historic marker at the site of the Catonsville 9 action. He's supposed to get word back about it by this Summer.   His initiating that idea made me start thinking about creating a series of sites in focus as a "Peace Trail"-  activist activities & sites in promotion of human rights, environmental justice & peace -The Patapsco C.O. camp building a hydroelectric generator  in 1941 seems another good candidate."  If you have any interest in getting involved in this project, contact Doug.

                                                                                                                                                                    76] -- 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.

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

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

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

80] -- 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.

81] – 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