Saturday, July 20, 2019

Baltimore Activist Alert – July 21 to July 22, 2019


Baltimore Activist Alert – July 21 to July 22, 2019

"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 mobuszewski2001 [at] comcast.net.

1] Books, buttons and stickers
2] Web site for info on federal legislation
3] Get involved with NCNR   
4] Buy an Anti-War Veteran hat  
5] Lawyers Against War
6] SUPPORT AMAZON WORKERS OF CONSCIENCE
7] Little Friends for Peace
8] Food Bank Drive – through July 31
9] Plans to Prosper You – August 11
10] The Warmth of Other Suns – through Sept. 22
11] Weight Discrimination – July 21
12] Bark and Brunch – July 21
13] Adoption Sunday – July 21
14] Legislative Education Series on Immigration – July 21
15] Slavery and Reconstruction in Montgomery County – July 21
16] ERA gathering – July 21
17] Evening with Palestinian youth activist Janna Jihad of Nabi Saleh – July 21
18] Pentagon Protest – July 22
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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 U.S. wars.

To join the ORGANIZING List, please send your name, group affiliation, city and email address to mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net.  Different local chapters of a national organization are encouraged to subscribe.  

4] – Get a good-looking black hat which says Anti-War Veteran in the front and Viva House 50th in the back.  The cost is $10. Contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net.

5] – Jeff Ross, an attorney in Maryland, is interested in gathering with other lawyers to discuss ways in which the legal profession and the law generally can be conceptualized as a peace-building and war-resisting institution and redirected to these ends. Areas to explore might include: 1) ways in which this group could support with legal analysis/writing those lawyers who are representing peace-builders/war-resisters in criminal prosecutions; 2) ways in which, from a more theoretical perspective, the law might be grounded in an ethic of non-violence; and 3) ways in which law students and young lawyers might be exposed to a non-violent vision of the law. All religious, philosophical, and critical perspectives on the law are welcome. The group might want to call itself Lawyers Against War. Jeff can be reached at 443-690-6872 and jross50@hotmail.com.

6] -- SUPPORT AMAZON WORKERS OF CONSCIENCE.  We are in a deep struggle to support conscience within the high tech community, which may be the only way to prevent a major leap into artificial intelligence warfare that we see the beginnings of in the expanding global U.S. drone war system.  This may be of particular interest to Johns Hopkins' Navy-funded researchers, some of whom have been working on swarming drone technology.

These are not major asks and can be a powerful reinforcement of conscience at an extremely critical moment.  Please consider circulating this link to your lists encouraging people to sign the linked RootsAction petition - https://www.knowdrones.com/blog/2019/3/6/support-amazon-workers-who-dont-want-to-work-for-war and leafletting Whole Foods in your areas. This is a link to the leaflet -- https://gallery.mailchimp.com/dd110b000ca250d868d4f419b/files/107fc695-8af9-4f7e-a523-ecd1d1dfd28f/Wholefoods_Leaflet.pdf. Should you have interest in circulating the links and possibly leafletting, contact Nick Mottern at  nickmottern at gmail.com.

7] -- Little Friends for Peace (LFFP - http://www.lffp.org/) has been conducting summer peace camps around the Metro DC area for well over 30 years.  For approximately the last ten years, LFFP has been offering free tuition to children of TASSC (Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition - https://www.tassc.org/) members.  Recently they have also been welcoming children of refugees to their camps without regard for tuition payment. If you would like to assist with this undertaking, there are many ways you can including:

Driving - many of the TASSC and other refugee families want their children to attend camp but they do not have the ability to drive them there and back.  For the last 8 to 10 years, Helen Schietinger has been working with LFFP and TASSC to provide drivers for these children.  If you can drive some children even one way, on one day on any day during the following three weeks of peace camp this summer, it would be much appreciated.  Many drivers from past years have moved or "aged out" of feeling comfortable driving and we really need as many volunteer drivers as possible.  If you can possibly drive, please contact either Helen (202-344-5762 - h.schietinger@verizon.net ) or Bob Cooke (301-661-0449 or cookerh1251@gmail.com) regarding exactly when you can drive and from where you might be comfortable driving.  Most of the children live in PG County, D.C. or Montgomery County.

The weeks drivers are needed include: July 22 - camp is in Cheverly, MD; August 5 - camp is in Colesville/Silver Spring, MD and August 19 - camp is in Mt. Rainier, MD.  Share this information.

Donate for Scholarships. In order to help as many scholarship asylee, refugee (and other) children attend camp, LFFP (http://www.lffp.org/donate.html) can use as much scholarship money donations as possible.  No amount of scholarship money is too little.  

8] – St. Ursula / St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank Food Drive will take place at Boscov's (White Marsh, MD), 8200 Perry Hall Blvd., Baltimore 21236 from Sun., July 21 through the month of July 30 from 10 AM to 9 PM. Boscov's is celebrating Christmas in July by giving back to those in need in our community. Join in spreading Christmas cheer during the month of July.  Boscov’s White Marsh has partnered with St. Ursula/ St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank to stock up their food bank for the summer season. Donations of non-perishable items are welcome and can be dropped off at your local Boscov’s store now through July 31st. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/604073376781185/?event_time_id=604073383447851.

9] – Plans to Prosper You is hosted by Save Bethesda African Cemetery through Sun., Aug. 11 at 5119 River Road, Bethesda 20816.  Thanks to anthropologist Delande Justinvil and Professor Adrienne Pine, you are invited to a very special event: Plans to Prosper You: Reflections of Black Resistance and Resilience in Montgomery County's Potomac River Valley. The exhibit is to be seen from 9 AM to 5 PM at American University's Katzen Museum.  See https://www.facebook.com/events/2053174084987910/.

10] – The Phillips Collection (TPC) in Washington, D.C. has a dedicated mission of addressing contemporary social justice issues of global significance. The museum has recently undertaken an extraordinary exhibition on the urgent topic of immigration and the global migration crisis entitled: The Warmth of Other Suns: Stories of Global Displacement. This important exhibition presents 75 historical and contemporary artists—from the United States as well as Algeria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Egypt, Ghana, Iraq, Lebanon, Mexico, Morocco, Syria, Turkey, UK, Vietnam, and more—whose work poses urgent questions around the experiences and perceptions of migration, internal and cross-border displacement, and the current global refugee crisis. Check out https://www.phillipscollection.org/events/2019-06-22-exhibition-the-warmth-of-other-suns.

   In conjunction with the exhibition which is on view through Sept. 22, the museum has also created a slate of dynamic programming including artist talks.  Exemplarily, on Aug. 29, Millennium Arts Salon Executive Director Juanita Hardy will feature a Salon Panel Talk on the issue of migration. TPC’s flagship event, Phillips after 5, on Aug. 1, will honor night markets and feature global music and cuisine.  Always fun, and this with a purpose.
Contact Phillips Director of Communications Miriam Magdieli at MMagdieli@phillipscollection.org for complimentary passes, or to RSVP for Phillips After 5. If you have a group she can also help to arrange a tour with museum staff.  The Phillips Collection is eager to engage in partnerships with organizations working with migrant communities, whether by advocacy, direct action, or support for migrants here in DC.

11] – Usually, the Baltimore Ethical Society, 2521 St. Paul St., Baltimore 21218, meets on Sundays, and generally there is a speaker and discussion at 10:30 AM.  On Sun., July 21, the platform address is Weight Discrimination.  This lecture proposes we distance ourselves from focusing on the “goods” and the “bads” associated with weight related issues, directing our attention, instead, to those of self-respect, body compassion and size acceptance, as we learn how to honor the diversity in each and every person and how to make peace with food.

  Mary Beth Sodus is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Mindful Eating Counselor and Certified Personal Trainer, working at UMMS Mid-town. Mary Beth uses her skills in medical nutrition therapy and movement to help people improve their relationship with food and their bodies so they can show up for what matters most in their life. She has an ongoing interest in expanding health-span via the Mediterranean diet and the newest lifestyle research. She focuses on intuitive eating and weight-inclusive wellness.  Call 410-581-2322 or email ask@bmorethical.org

12] – On Sun., July 21 from 11 AM to 2 PM, do the Bark & Brunch! This is hosted by Pitties and Purrs Rescue, Inc and Mutt Mart, 2904 Hamilton Ave., Baltimore 21214.  Join in for a Summer Sunday-Fun Day at the always awesome Mutt Mart in Hamilton! Brunch will be served with Beverages and MORE! Full proceeds benefit the Animals of Pitties & Purrs Rescue, Inc. directly!  Also meet Adoptable Dogs to love and the P&P Merchandise for Sale! Look at http://muttmartbaltimore.com/. See https://www.facebook.com/events/379531076251518/.

13] – On Sun., July 21 from noon to 3 PM, it is Adoption Sunday at Howl, hosted by Howl, 3531 Chestnut Ave., Baltimore 21211.  The Animal Allies Rescue Foundation will be bringing KITTENS for adoption.  AARF is an all-volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to promoting rescue and adoption of abandoned, abused, homeless, and neglected animals. Through education and community involvement, AARF aims to increase public awareness surrounding the issues of animal abuse, the importance of spaying and neutering, and the fallacies of breed discrimination. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/1541591492643447/.

14] – On Sun., July 21 from 1:30 to 4:30 PM, attend a Legislative Education Series on Immigration, hosted by the Maryland Legislative Coalition at the Charles E. Miller Branch Library, 9421 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City 21042.  Join Delegates Joseline Pena-Melnyk and David Fraser-Hidalgo as they lead a discussion on the status of Immigration Legislation in Maryland.  Maryland is one of the most diverse states in the nation, and has a huge immigrant population. Although Maryland enjoys a Democratic super-majority in both houses in the Legislature, legislation supporting immigrants is difficult to pass. Delegates Pena-Melnyk and Fraser-Hidalgo have sponsored some very important legislation that would help protect immigrants. In this session, they will lead a discussion of the major pieces of legislation that they would like to see passed, what obstacles immigration legislation faces, and what we can do to support our legislators. See https://www.facebook.com/events/714874948970187/.

15] – On Sun., July 21 from 2 to 4 PM, catch Slavery and Reconstruction in Montgomery County, hosted by Showing Up for Racial Justice, Montgomery County and Save Bethesda African Cemetery at American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, WDC 20016.  Who was enslaved in Montgomery County? What was their life like? How can we honor them today?
The speakers are Dr. Amy Rispin, Historian and co-author of "Unearthing Bethesda's Historic African-American Community and Cemetery" and Dr. Timothy Willard, Historian - "Slavery and reconstruction in Montgomery County.

The exhibition title takes its name from bible verse Jeremiah 29:11 to echo the central role of the Black church in bringing communities together, inspiring hope, and acting as a vector for social change. The goal of this exhibition is to offer a space of learning and meditation that highlights the Black history of Montgomery County and western Washington, DC and pay homage to the communities who championed fights against racial discrimination through faith, family, and fellowship. While this exhibition highlights the communities of Scotland, Tobytown, and Macedonia-Moses, we hope future iterations of Plans to Prosper You will continue to prompt in-depth collaboration within and beyond these communities. Seek https://www.facebook.com/events/2294376037545886/.

16] – On Sun., July 7 from 4 to 5 PM, get on The CALL - ERA Education Program at Katrina's Dream, PO Box 32003, WDC 20007.  Tickets are at www.katrinasdream.org.  Please come each Sunday and help build the groundswell. The collaboration of grassroots organizers, lobbyists, and professionals is dedicated to promoting and educating folks across the United States of America to empowering women around the world.

The CALL IN NUMBER is 563.999.2090, the CONFERENCE NO: 898879#.  Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1710130249022424/?event_time_id=1710130255689090.

17] – On Sun., July 21 from 5 to 7:30 PM, enjoy an Evening with Palestinian youth activist Janna Jihad of Nabi Saleh, hosted by CODEPINK: Women For Peace and American Muslims for Palestine.  It will take place at Busboys and Poets, 450 K St. NW, WDC 20001. Janna Jihad is part of the Tamimi family of the famous West Bank village of Nabi Saleh. Janna, who is the cousin of Ahed Tamimi is the world’s youngest press card holder. Janna will discuss what it is like to grow up under Israel’s occupation and be part of the grassroots resistance from a young age.

She is a 13-year-old Palestinian youth activist and journalist who covers the Israeli occupation in her own village on the West Bank, Nabi Saleh, as well as throughout Palestine. She began reporting at the age of seven, and five years later, she continues to give a voice to the children of Palestine who have grown up amid the violence of Israeli apartheid. In 2017, she was awarded an International Benevolence Award in Istanbul. Janna serves as Ambassador of the South African children’s rights organization (Shamsaan – 2 Suns) who has brought her to the US for a one month tour visiting New York, Washington DC, Detroit, Portland, Bend, Los Angeles and Fort Lauderdale. She will speak on Capitol Hill and dialogue with noted personalities such as Dr. Marc Lamont Hill and Democracy Now’s Amy Goodman. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/350513632295700/.

18] – There is a weekly Pentagon Peace Vigil from 7 to 8 AM on Mondays, since 1987, outside the Pentagon Metro stop.  The next vigil is July 15, and it is sponsored by the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker.  Email artlaffin@hotmail.com or call 202-882-9649.  The vigil will be outside the Pentagon's south Metro entrance and in the designated "protest zone" behind bicycle fences across from the entrance to the Metro.  By Metro, take Yellow Line and get out at the "Pentagon" stop. Do not go to the Pentagon City stop! Go up south escalators and turn left and walk across to protest area. By car from D.C. area, take 395 South and get off at Exit 8A-Pentagon South Parking. Take slight right onto S. Rotary Rd. at end of ramp and right on S. Fern St. Then take left onto Army Navy Dr. You can "pay to park" on Army Navy Dr.,  and there is meter parking one block on right on Eads St. Payment for both of these spots begin at 8 AM.  No cameras are allowed on Pentagon grounds. Restrooms are located inside Marriott Residence Inn on corner of S. Fern and Army Navy Dr.

To be continued

Donations can be sent to the Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 325 E. 25th St., Baltimore, MD 21218.  Ph: 410-323-1607; Email: mobuszewski2001 [at] comcast.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

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