Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Baltimore Activist Alert -- February 28 -- March 3, 2019


49] ANSWER Coalition happy hour – Feb. 28
50] Wayward Community Night BARCS Fundraiser – Feb. 28
51] "Frederick Douglass in Baltimore" -- Feb. 28
51] Gloria Richardson and Black Liberation -- Feb. 28
53] An Evening with Jeff Clements and Hedrick Smith -- Feb. 28
54] Film “No Date No Signature” – Feb. 28
55] Celebrate Norman Birnbaum -- Mar. 1
56] Cutest Cat Contest – Mar. 1, 2 & 3
57] WIB peace vigils – Mar. 1
58] White House vigil -- Mar. 1
59] Black Lives Matter – Mar. 1
60] Film LOVING – Mar. 1
61] American Dream Deferred: Black Federal Workers in Washington, D.C – Mar. 1
62] Ballroom Dancing – Mar. 1
63] 40th Catholic Social Ministry Convocation -- Mar. 2
64] Peace Vigil – Mar. 2
65] Communities United “Meet Me in the Middle” – Mar. 2
66] Adoption Event, hosted by Saving Grace Animal Rescue of Maryland – Mar. 2
67] Enjoy Coffee and Conversation with OR Baltimore – Mar. 2
68] Computer Literacy classes for immigrant women – Mar. 2
69] Women's Unity March in Annapolis – Mar. 2
70] Kings Bay Plowshares are hiring
71] Emergency Demonstration against an attack on Venezuela or Iran  
72] Donate books, videos, DVDs and records  
73] Do you need any book shelves?
74] Join the Global Zero campaign
75] Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil
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49] – On Thurs., Feb. 28 at 6 PM, join the ANSWER Coalition for a happy hour fundraiser at City Tap House Penn Quarter, 901 9th St. NW, WDC 20001. RSVP at https://www.facebook.com/events/1872810846161755/. The suggested donation of $5 at the door.

50] – On Thurs., Feb. 28 from 6 to 9 PM, get over to the Wayward Community Night BARCS Fundraiser, hosted by Wayward Smokehouse and BARCS Animal Shelter, 1117 S. Charles St., Baltimore 21230.  Calling all Animal Lovers to help raise money for the Animal Rescue & Care Shelter, BARCS Baltimore.  BARCS is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization operating Maryland’s largest animal shelter and pet adoption center. It is an open-admission shelter, granting refuge to every abandoned, neglected, abused, lost or surrendered animal. A staggering 30 or more animals are surrendered to BARCS every day. No matter what the circumstance, they do not turn away any animal in need of shelter, food, medical care and a loving touch. Yearly, this equates to more than 11,000 dogs, cats, kittens, puppies, and even wildlife and exotic animals that need care and placement.   Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/1920861694707557/.

51] – On Thurs., Feb. 28 from 6:30 to 8 PM, hear about "Frederick Douglass in Baltimore" with John Muller & Dr. Ida E. Jones, hosted by Baltimore History & Culture at Enoch Pratt Free Library, 400 Cathedral St., Baltimore 21201.  Muller will present using newly discovered information found in the Baltimore City Archives, Maryland Historical Society, Enoch Pratt Free Library, and private archives. Muller has presented widely throughout the DC-Baltimore metropolitan area at venues including the Library of Congress, Newseum, Politics and Prose, American Library in Paris and local universities. Muller will be in conversation with Dr. Ida E. Jones, Morgan State University archivist. Writers LIVE programs are supported in part by a bequest from The Miss Howard Hubbard Adult Programming Fund. See https://www.facebook.com/events/1915964408513571/.

52] – On Thurs., Feb. 28 from 7 to 9 PM, hear about “The Struggle Is Eternal: Gloria Richardson and Black Liberation” by author Joseph R. Fitzgerald at Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse, 1225 Cathedral St., Baltimore 21201. Call (443) 602 7611 or go to https://www.redemmas.org/Many prominent and well-known figures greatly impacted the civil rights movement, but one of the most influential and unsung leaders of that period was Gloria Richardson. As the leader of the Cambridge Nonviolent Action Committee (CNAC), a multifaceted liberation campaign formed to target segregation and racial inequality in Cambridge, Maryland, Richardson advocated for economic justice and tactics beyond nonviolent demonstrations. Her philosophies and strategies—including her belief that black people had a right to self–defense—were adopted, often without credit, by a number of civil rights and black power leaders and activists.

The book explores the largely forgotten but deeply significant life of this central figure and her determination to improve the lives of black people. Using a wide range of source materials, including interviews with Richardson and her personal papers, as well as interviews with dozens of her friends, relatives, and civil rights colleagues, Fitzgerald presents an all-encompassing narrative. From Richardson’s childhood in Baltimore, when her parents taught her the importance of racial pride, through the next eight decades, Fitzgerald relates a detailed and compelling story of her life. He reveals how Richardson’s human rights activism extended far beyond Cambridge and how her leadership style and vision for liberation were embraced by the younger activists of the black power movement, who would carry the struggle on throughout the late 1960s and into the 1970s.

Joining will be Dion Banks & Kisha Petticolas of the Eastern Shore Network for Change, to situate Gloria Richardson's life and work within the continuing struggle for racial equity and justice on Maryland's Eastern Shore.  Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/330493537790550/.

53] – On Thurs., Feb. 28 from 7 to 9 PM, enjoy An Evening with Jeff Clements and Hedrick Smith, hosted by The American Promise at T.C. Williams High School, Minnie Howard Campus, 3801 W. Braddock Rd, Alexandria, VA 22302. Tickets are at www.americanpromise.net.  In this time of turbulence and political divide, Americans rarely agree on anything. Yet they are united in their commitment for action which secures fair, free elections by limiting the undue influence of money in politics. More than 80% of Americans—Democratic, Republican and independent—support initiatives to limit corporate campaign contributions. Increasingly candidates for elected office, even in Virginia, are running and winning on campaign platforms of not taking money from Super PACs and big money donors. To-date, 19 States have ratified legislation supporting a constitutional amendment to reverse Citizen’s United, prompted by a belief that such a constitutional amendment is needed to ensure that our citizens to have as much influence with our elected officials big-money interests. Hear co-founder and president of American Promise, Jeff Clements, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hedrick Smith lead and shape the discussion. This event will explore options to address the issue of money in politics. View https://www.facebook.com/events/1928260327303570/.

54] – On Thurs., Feb. 28 from 7:30 to  9:30 PM, see the 2017 film “No Date No Signature,” Official Oscar Entry from Iran, hosted by Daricheh Cinema at the Landmark's Bethesda Row Cinema,  7235 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda 20814. The director is Vahid Jalilvand, and it stars Navid Mohammadzadeh, Amir Aghaie and Hedieh Tehrani. The forensic pathologist Dr. Nariman has a car accident with a motorcyclist and injures his 8-year-old son. He offers to take the child to a clinic nearby, but the father refuses his help and money. The next morning, in the hospital where he works, Dr. Nariman finds out that the little boy has been brought for an autopsy after a suspicious death.  Nariman is facing a dilemma: is he responsible for the child’s death due to the car accident or did the child die of food poisoning according to other doctors’ diagnosis? It is in Farsi with English Subtitles.   Tickets are at darichehcinema.com.

55] – Norman Birnbaum, a leading intellectual of the 20th Century left who taught at Georgetown Law for 22 years and remained actively involved with the Law Center in retirement, passed away on Jan. 4, 2019. He was 92. On Fri., March 1 attend the Norman Birnbaum Memorial and celebrate the extraordinary life and first Defender of Liberty Award winner at the Georgetown Law School campus, Gewirz Building on the 12th Floor, 120 F St. NW, WDC, from 11 AM to 12:30 PM.  A reception will follow. RSVP https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdSa4lVCCbrFrpIjbti08134WLGb3R_s7I-XpSAOjdRGTvfBA/viewform.

56] –Get over to Washingtonian's Cutest Cat Contest starting Fri., Mar. 1, continuing on Sat., Mar. 2 and closing on Sun., Mar. 3. Each day it goes from 11:30 AM through 11:30 PM at Humane Rescue Alliance, 1201 New York Ave. NE, WDC 20002. Tickets are at contests.washingtonian.com.  Do you have an adorable feline friend you’re eager to show off? Submit a high-resolution photo of your cat or kitten by March 14, 2019, at 11:59 PM for a chance at stardom in Washingtonian.  A panel of judges from Washingtonian and the contest’s beneficiary, Humane Rescue Alliance, will select the “Judges’ Pick” titleholder. In addition, a “People’s Choice” favorite will be determined by most votes received through a Washingtonian.com online gallery. Both winners will be awarded a full-page feature in Washingtonian’s May 2019 issue.  All entrants will receive a faux digital Washingtonian “Cutest Cat” cover personalized with their cat’s name and image. Each submission is $30, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Humane Rescue Alliance. Please see Washingtonian's rules page for full details before entering: https://www.facebook.com/events/258954795029119/?event_time_id=258954855029113.

57] – On Fri., Mar. 1 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 LUNCH at Baba's Kitchen.  Warm-up, dry off, and enjoy a vegetarian chili lunch and lots of good conversation. Bring a side or topping for the chili.  There are still places at the table; invite a friend to come along with you.

Another vigil is at Roland Park Place, 830 W. 40th St, Baltimore. 21211. However, if weather is iffy, contact Anne at awyattbr@gmail.com.  Lunch will take place at 1 PM at the RPP Café, 830 W. 40th St., Baltimore 21211.

A third vigil will be in Chestertown, Kent County at Memorial Park at Cross Street and Park Row.  This vigil is looking for more peace bodies on the Eastern Shore.  Welcome to the network, Chestertown Women in Black.

Wear black. Dress for who knows what kind of weather.  Peace signs will be available. 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 to: wibbaltimore@peacepath911.org.

58] – On Fri.,  Mar. 1 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.

59] – 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. 1. Black Lives Matter.  

60] – On Fri., Mar. 1 at 7 PM, come to the Free First-Friday Film @ the Peace Center of Delaware County, 1001 Old Sproul Rd., Springfield, PA (just off the corner of Old Marple and S. Sproul Roads, behind the Mr. Car Wash) to see LOVING. The film celebrates the true story of Richard and Mildred Loving’s unwavering resolve and deep love as an interracial couple struggling for the legal right to be married. In 1967, they won a landmark Supreme Court case, Loving v. Virginia.  Their story begins in 1958, when they fall in love and drive to Washington, D.C., to get married, because interracial marriage was legal there. When they return home to Central Point, Virginia, they are dragged out of bed by police, arrested, charged with the crime of being an interracial couple, and sentenced to a year in prison.

This 2016 romantic drama was directed by Jeff Nichols, who also wrote the screenplay.  It was nominated for numerous awards, including Golden Globe (Best Actor) and an Oscar (Best Actress). Actors Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga bring quiet intensity to their magnificent performances as the married partners.  When asked if he would like to relay a message to the court, Richard says simply, “Tell the judge I love my wife.”

  Following the film, people are invited to participate in a discussion. Doors open at 6:30 PM for light refreshments.  A group discussion about the film follows its screening. Go to www.brandywinepeace.com. The screening is co-sponsored by the Brandywine Peace Community. For directions to the Peace Center of Delaware County, visit www.delcopeacecenter.org or call 484-574-1148.

61] – On Fri., Mar. 1 from 7 to 9 PM, catch up Dr. Frederick W. Gooding, Jr., assistant professor of African American studies in the John V. Roach Honors College at Texas Christian University, author of "American Dream Deferred: Black Federal Workers in Washington, D.C" at Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse, 1225 Cathedral St., Baltimore 21201. As the largest employer of one of the world’s leading economic and geo-political superpowers, the history of the federal government’s workforce is a rich and essential tool for understanding how the “Great Experiment” truly works. The literal face of federal policy, federal employees enjoy a history as rich as the country itself, while reflecting the country’s evolution towards true democracy within a public space. Nowhere is this progression towards democracy more apparent than with its internal race relations. While World War II was a boon to black workers, little is known about the nuanced, ongoing struggles for dignity and respect that black workers endured while working these “good, government jobs.” American Dream Deferred challenges postwar narratives of government largess for African Americans by illuminating the neglected stories of these unknown black workers.  Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/590578971402900/. Call (443) 602 7611 or go to https://www.redemmas.org/

62] – 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 on Mar. 1. Call Dave Greene at 301-570-3283; or email eneergdivad@gmail.com.

63] – On Sat., Mar. 2 from 9 AM to 3 PM, come to the 40th Catholic Social Ministry Convocation, hosted by Catholic Charities of Baltimore at Mercy High School, 1300 E. Northern Pkwy., Baltimore 21239.  Seek Justice, Win Peace.  Join a convocation discussing the roles of parishes and parishioners in bringing greater social justice to the community. The keynote speaker is Ana Grande, Organizing Director of the Monsignor Oscar Romero Center in L.A. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/570670266709260/.

There are more than a dozen workshops to choose from, and the Pax Christi Baltimore sponsored workshop is “Spreading Peace In Violent Times” with Audrey Rodgers (of St. Vincent de Paul parish) as the workshop presenter.  The keynote presentation will be in the morning session. There are two sessions for the workshops, one in the morning and one after lunch. After the afternoon workshops the participants will gather again in the auditorium for the parish awards presentation, the special awards presentation, and a closing prayer service. Since this is the 40th year, an additional component will be door prizes (but you have to be present to win!).

Registration is only $15, and it includes lunch. For online registration go to https://baltimoresmc2019.eventbrite.com/. At that page will be the workshop description for every workshop. When you get to the “get tickets” page, the page will ask you your preference for the morning and the afternoon workshops and your lunch preference.  You can pay for your registration with a credit card.

64] – 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

65] – On Sat., Mar. 2 from 11 AM to 1 PM, come to the Communities United “Meet Me in the Middle,” the monthly public meeting at St Vincent de Paul Church, 120 N Front St. (President & E Fayette Sts., across from the Shot Tower subway stop). Email jane@communitiesunite.org.

66] – On Sat., Mar. 2 from 11 AM to 2 PM, attend an Adoption Event, hosted by Saving Grace Animal Rescue of Maryland and Mutt Mart, 2904 Hamilton Ave., Baltimore 21214. Come meet your new best friend, and support small business by shopping at Mutt Mart. See https://www.facebook.com/events/2325608827697587/.

67] –Enjoy Coffee and Conversation with OR Baltimore.  Our Revolution Baltimore's office hours are scheduled for Sat., Mar. 2 from 11 AM to 1 PM at Red Emma's. Discuss how Our Revolution Baltimore should engage 1] Nationally with the presidential election, 2] Locally in the mayoral and city council elections, and 3] Any other topics you'd like to discuss.  Check out https://www.facebook.com/events/361353674450981/.

68] –  Beginning on Sat., Mar. 2 from 1 to 4 PM, the Immigration Outreach Service Center will hold its second cohort of Computer Literacy classes for immigrant women. This is a great opportunity for women with some English skills to learn how to use a computer and how to search for jobs online.  Classes will be held at the St. Matthew Rectory, 5401 Loch Raven Blvd., Baltimore 21239 for three hours every Saturday through May 11th, with the exception of Easter weekend, April 20th. Email info@ioscbaltimore.org or call 410-323-8564.

69] -- On Sat., Mar. 2 at 1 PM, there is a Women's Unity March in Annapolis. This year, the Women's Unity March centers around Coretta Scott King's powerful words: "Women if the soul of the nation is to be saved, I believe that you must become its soul." The March is a call for women and allies to come together, to discuss how we can uplift and amplify the most marginalized, underrepresented, and oppressed members of our community. Injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere. Each speaker will give the attendees information on the challenges that their community faces and also offer tangible next steps for us to support their efforts. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/312756416112804/. Gather at the Civil Rights Foot Soldier Memorial, 44 Calvert St., Annapolis 21401. Call or text (443) 782-5518 or email info@marchonmd.org.  The march will proceed for 7/10ths of a mile to the Kunta Kinte - Alex Haley Memorial, where there will be speakers! After the official program is complete, proceed to Susan Campbell Park (past City Dock and Ego Alley), where community members are invited to share their stories with the crowd.

70] – The Kings Bay Plowshares 7 are looking for a SHORT-TERM PAID ORGANIZER.  Go to https://www.kingsbayplowshares7.org/help-wanted/ or contact Sarah Cool at 404.449.7893.

71] – It is a violation of U.S. law for us to attack a country that has not attacked us, as only Congress can declare war. The Trump administration is nevertheless beating the war drums for war against Iran and Venezuela. The Mueller investigation is tightening the vise, and could cause Trump to attack those countries in order to divert attention from Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Such a military strike would demand an immediate and unequivocal response from us to show that we will not tolerate his abuse of power.

Let's mobilize to show that we the people will not tolerate another military adventure, which would be bound to have profound negative consequences. If a preemptive military strike against Iran or North Korea takes place, then meet outside the War Memorial, 101 N. Gay St., Baltimore, MD 21202. If the attack is before 2 PM local time, then events will begin at 5 PM, local time. If the attack occurs after 2 PM local time, then events will begin at noon, local time, the following day. Contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net.

72] -- If you would like to get rid of books, videos, DVDs, records, tarps and table cloths, contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at comcast.net.

73] -- Can you use any book shelves? Contact Max at 410-323-1637 or mobuszewski2001 at comcast.net.

74] -- 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.

75] – 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: mobuszewski2001 [at] comcast.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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