Baltimore Activist Alert March 7 - 9, 2017

Baltimore Activist Alert March 7 - 9, 2017

"I speak as an American to the leaders of my own nation. The great initiative in this war is ours.

The initiative to stop it must be ours." -Martin Luther King Jr.

Friends, this list and other email documents which I send out are done under the auspices of the Baltimore Nonviolence Center.  Go to www.baltimorenonviolencecenter.blogspot.com.  If you appreciate this information and would like to make a donation, send contributions to BNC, 325 East 25th Street, Baltimore, MD 21218.  Max Obuszewski can be reached at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski [at] verizon.net.

1] Books, buttons and stickers

2] Web site for info on federal legislation

3] Join Nonviolent Resistance lists  

4] Two friends are looking to buy a house in Baltimore

5] Call Sen. Mike Miller to tell him pass a fracking ban

6] Silent vigil for the immigrants – Mar. 7

7] North Korea Nuclear Breakout -- Mar. 7

8] Use of nuclear weapons – Mar. 7

9] Peace vigil in Philadelphia – Mar. 7

10] Vigil to say "No Drone Research at JHU" – Mar. 7

11] No to Exelon rate increase -- Mar. 7

12] Film 13th – Mar. 7

13] THEY CAN’T KILL US ALL-- Mar. 7

14] Race in America -- Mar. 7

15] Talking to the opposition – Mar. 7

16] International Women’s day – Mar. 8

17] Film DIRT - Mar. 8

18] Film THE OVERNIGHTERS - Mar. 8

19] Sanctuary City Status - Mar. 8

20] Striking Back at Sexism – Mar. 8

21] Prisoners Advocacy Day – Mar. 8

22] Life in Syria – Mar. 8

23] Get Money Out rally – Mar. 8

24] Shifting the Universe – Mar. 8

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1] – Buttons, bumperstickers and books are available.  “God Bless the Whole World, No Exceptions” stickers are in stock. Call Max at 410-323-1607.

2] – To obtain information how your federal legislators voted on particular bills, go to http://thomas.loc.gov/.  Congressional toll-free numbers are 888-818-6641, 888-355-3588 or 800-426-8073. The White House Comment Email is accessible at http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/.

3] – THE ORGANIZING LIST will be the primary decision-making mechanism of the National Campaign of Nonviolent Resistance [NCNR].  It will be augmented by conference calls and possibly in-person meetings as needed.  It will consist of 1 or 2 representatives from each local, regional, or national organization (not coalitions) that wishes to actively work to carry out the NCNR campaign of facilitating and organizing nonviolent resistance to the war in Iraq.

To join the ORGANIZING List, please send your name, group affiliation, city and email address to mobuszewski at Verizon.net.  Different local chapters of a national organization are encouraged to subscribe.  

THE NOTICES LIST will include only notices of NCNR actions and related information and is open to any interested person to subscribe.  It will be moderated to maintain focus & will include periodic notices about getting involved in NCNR national organizing.  To join the NOTICES List, send an email message to ncnrnotices-subscribe@lists.riseup.net. You will get a confirmation message once subscribed.  If you have problems, please write to the list manager at ncnrnotices-admin@lists.riseup.net.

4] – Janice and Max are looking to buy a house in Baltimore.  Let Max know if you have any leads—410-323-1607 or mobuszewski at Verizon dot net.

5] – Chesapeake Physicians for Social Responsibility has asked for help.  We must ban fracking in Maryland. However, a few senators appear to be the main obstacles to a ban.  Call Senator Mike Miller at 1-888-997-5380 and tell him you support a fracking ban.

6] – In response to Trump's latest executive order, there will be a vigil supporting immigrants and refugees on Tues., Mar. 7 from 7:45 AM. To 8:30 AM on the steps of St. John's of Baltimore City United Methodist Church, corner of St. Paul and 27th Sts., in Charles Village. The vigil will be silent, so as to not disturb the neighbors. Some signs will be provided, but you are also welcome to bring a sign. Contact Kim at leith92@yahoo.com.

7] – On Tues., Mar. 7 from 11 AM to noon, David Sanger, New York Times, will tackle "Preventing North Korea's Nuclear Breakout" at the Wilson Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, WDC. RSVP at http://pages.wilsoncenter.org/03.7.17Litwak-NorthKorea_Registration.html.

8] – On Tues., Mar. 7 from noon to 1 PM, hear from four experts about "Nuclear Weapons and Coercive Diplomacy" at the CATO Institute, Hayek Auditorium, 1127 Connecticut Ave. NW, WDC. RSVP at https://www.cato.org/events/nuclear-weapons-coercive-diplomacy.

9] – Each Tuesday from 4:30 - 5:30 PM, the Catholic Peace Fellowship-Philadelphia for peace in Afghanistan and Iraq gathers at the Suburban Station, 16th St. & JFK Blvd., at the entrance to Tracks 3 and 4 on the mezzanine.  The next vigil is Mar. 7.  Call 215-426-0364.

10] – Vigil to say "No Drone Research at JHU" each Tuesday at 33rd & North Charles Sts. join this ongoing vigil on Mar. 7  from 5:30  to 6:30 PM. Call Max at 410-323-1607.

11] – It was said Exelon’s takeover of Pepco would mean District residents would pay more for electricity. Sad to say, Pepco has asked for a massive $76.766 million rate increase. The Public Service Commission will be holding several public hearings about the matter. This is an opportunity to make your voice heard and let Commissioners know we’re already sick of Exelon’s bad deal.

If you would like to testify at the community hearings, you need to contact the Commission Secretary by the close of business three business days prior to the date of the hearing by calling (202) 626-5150.The second hearing will be on Tues., Mar. 7 from 6 to 8 PM at D.C. Public Service Commission, Hearing Room, 1325 G St. NW, 8th Floor, WDC 20005.Email powerdcnow@gmail.com.

12] – On Tues., Mar. 7 at 6:30 PM get over to Talking About Race: a Screening and Discussion of 13th organized by the Open Society Institute–Baltimore and the Office of the Public Defender.  Participate in the free screening and discussion of Ava DuVernay's documentary, 13th, which looks at racial disparities in the criminal justice system.  The event is at the University of Baltimore, Moot Court Room, 1420 N. Charles St. You must register at osibaltimore.org.

13] – The Enoch Pratt Free Library, Central Library, 400 Cathedral St., Baltimore 21201, is hosting Wesley Lowery, author of “They Can't Kill Us All: Ferguson, Baltimore, and a New Era in America's Racial Justice Movement,” on Tues., Mar. 7 at 6:30 PM.  From the moment he was arrested for trespassing at a McDonald's in Ferguson, Missouri, on August 13, 2014, Washington Post reporter Lowery found himself in a unique position from which to cover police brutality in America and the burgeoning Black Lives Matter movement.  After hundreds of interviews with victims' families, local activists, and officials conducted over a year of on-the-ground reporting, Lowery has brought a new understanding of life inside the USA's most heavily policed cities.  DeRay Mckesson, an activist, educator, leader in the Black Lives Matter movement, and interim Chief Human Capital Officer for Baltimore City Public Schools, will introduce the program. Call 410-396-5430 or go to www.prattlibrary.org.

14] –  On Tues., Mar. 7 at 7 PM in Shriver Hall, the JHU Forums ON RACE IN AMERICA will include Laila Alawa, Payton Head, Mo Speller, and Monica Yorkman speaking about "A Discussion of Intersecting Dimensions of Identity."  The discussion will be moderated by Norma Day-Vines, professor, JHU School of Education This event is open to the public but registration is required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jhu-forums-on-race-in-america-a-discussion-of-intersecting-dimensions-of-identity-tickets-32088585824.

15] – On Tues., Mar. 7 from 7:30 to 9 PM, St. John's will host Professor Seble Dawit from the Goucher College Peace Studies Department. She will lead a discussion on how to talk with those whose political beliefs differ from our own. Contact Kim at mailto:leith92@yahoo.com.

16] --   The Women’s Fightback Network is organizing a Baltimore International Women’s Day March “A Day Without a Woman, Women Unite to Fightback” on Wed., Mar. 8, starting with a rally at 3 PM. The march will begin at 4 PM. Gather at People’s Park, across from 2011 N. Charles St., Baltimore 21218.  Women and girls, including Trans women and their supporters will rally with speakers addressing many of the issues that face women and girls such as reproductive rights, violence and pay equity. The events will underscore the plight of immigrant women and their communities who are facing deportations and bigotry.

March to the Women’s Detention Center to highlight support for incarcerated women and to demand an end to racism and mass incarceration.  Following a brief rally, the March will continue to Douglas Homes where women will address the problems that women and girls face in public housing. The March will conclude at approximately 6 PM at McKeldin Square, Pratt & Light Sts. Call 410-218-4835.

17] – See DIRT! on Wed., Mar. 8 at 6 PM in Maryland Hall, 801 Chase St., Annapolis 21401.  Annapolis Green and Fair Farms present this documentary, narrated by Jamie Lee Curtis, which explores dirt and links to healthy foods, good nutrition, delicious wine, climate change, famine, war, human life and society. This film is based on the book, by William Bryant Logan, "Dirt: The Ecstatic Skin of the Earth." A talk will be held afterwards with special guests!  The suggested donation is $10. RSVP at info@fairfarmsnow.org.

18] –  See a screening of the acclaimed documentary 'The Overnighters' on Wed., Mar. 8 at 6:30 PM at the Baltimore Ethical Society, 306 W. Franklin St., Baltimore 21201. Go to https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_overnighters.

A modern-day Grapes of Wrath, award-winning documentary. An intimate portrait of job-seekers desperately chasing the broken American Dream to the tiny oil boom town of Williston, North Dakota. With the town lacking the infrastructure to house the overflow of migrants, a local pastor starts the controversial "overnighters" program, allowing down-and-out workers a place to sleep at the church. His well-meaning project immediately runs into resistance with his community, leading to profound consequences that he never imagined.   Go to https://www.meetup.com/Charm-City-Film-Series/events/233726131/?gj=wc1c.2_e&rv=wc1c.2_e&_af=event&_af_eid=233726131&https=on.

19] -- The Movement DC General Meeting focusing on Sanctuary City Status and Transit Rights will happen at the Shaw Neighborhood Library, 1630 7th St. NW, WDC, on Wed., Mar. 8 from 7 to 8:30 PM. Come learn about The Movement, become an organizer, and plan actions around two current campaigns! Currently, The Movement is working on a campaign to ensure DC's next Police Chief reflects the values of DC communities and will act to protect all residents of our city. The group is also working on a campaign to raise awareness about the proposed changes to public transit services around the DC area. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/475971642792327/.

20] – Striking Back at Sexism: An International Woman's Day Panel will take place at La Casa Community Center,  3166 Mount Pleasant St. NW, WDC 20010-2747, on Wed., Mar. 8 from 7:30 to 9 PM.  The day memorializes a spontaneous strike of 20,000 women garment workers--the great majority of whom were immigrants-- in New York in 1909. In 1917, International Women’s Day inspired a spontaneous strike of women factory workers in Petrograd. Their courage was contagious, and on the fifth day of strikes, Czar Nicholas II abdicated the throne. This year, the International Socialists Organization, in solidarity with organizers across the nation, plans to focus on women left out by the “glass-ceiling” neoliberal feminists.  Go to www.womenstrikeus.org.  Columbia Heights is the nearest Metro.  See https://www.facebook.com/DCISO/.

21] -- Come up to Prisoners’ Rights Advocacy Day on Thur., Mar. 9 from 9 AM to 2 PM at the Lowe House Office Building, 6 Bladen St., Room 318, Annapolis 21401.  Sign up at https://goo.gl/forms/sdMotvdnZ4FjLwaL2.

22] -- Catch a book talk “The home that was our country: a memoir of Syria” at Busboys and Poets, 14th and V Sts., WDC, on Thurs., Mar. 9 from 6:30 to 8 PM.  At the Arab Spring's hopeful start, Alia Malek returned to Damascus to reclaim her grandmother's apartment, which had been lost to her family when Hafez al-Assad came to power in 1970. Its loss was central to her parent's decision to make their lives in North America. In chronicling the people who lived in the Tahaan building, past and present, Alia portrays the Syrians-the Muslims, Christians, Jews, Armenians, and Kurds-who worked, loved, and suffered in close quarters, mirroring the political shifts in their country. Restoring her family's home as the country comes apart, she learns how to speak the coded language of oppression that exists in a dictatorship, while privately confronting her own fears about Syria's future.  The book is a deeply researched, personal journey that shines a delicate but piercing light on Syrian history, society, and politics. Teeming with insights, the narrative weaves acute political analysis with a century of intimate family history, ultimately delivering an unforgettable portrait of the Syria that is being erased.  The author is an award-winning journalist and civil rights lawyer. Visit http://www.politics-prose.com/book/9781568585321.

23] -- Join the Get Money Out Maryland Pep Rally for the HJ6 Hearing at Washington Adventist University, 7600 Flower Ave., Takoma Park 20912, on Thurs., Mar. 9 from 7 to 9 PM.  The hearing will take place on Friday. Jamie Raskin will be joining in to shed light on how to fight money in politics, and Jeff Clements will be on hand to preview his testimony in support of HJ6.  RSVP http://www.americanpromise.net/get_money_out_maryland_jeff_clements_and_the_fight_for_the_28th.

24] – On Thur., Mar. 9 at 7:30 PM at Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse, 30 W. North Ave., Baltimore 21201, catch CANDACE WOLF: SHIFTING THE UNIVERSE: Spoken Histories of Work and Resistance.  Come listen to international voices of work & resistance! Janitors, surgeons, forest protectors, trackmen, midwives, spinners, weavers, teachers, bicycle repairmen, puppeteers, domestic workers, fishing people, seed keepers, road builders, merchant seamen, and other working people tell their own true stories about struggles for justice, freedom, and equality in the new book. It will be an evening of story recitations, call & response, participatory readings, and community dialogue with author, storyteller, and oral historian Candace Wolf. Call 443-602-7585.  RSVP at http://www.redemmas.org.

To be continued.

Donations can be sent to the Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 325 E. 25th St., Baltimore, MD 21218.  Ph: 410-323-1607; Email: mobuszewski [at] verizon.net. Go to http://baltimorenonviolencecenter.blogspot.com/.

"The master class has always declared the wars; the subject class has always fought the battles. The master class has had all to gain and nothing to lose, while the subject class has had nothing to gain and everything to lose--especially their lives." Eugene Victor Debs