Baltimore Activist Alert – December 1 – 3, 2019

Baltimore Activist Alert – December 1 – 3, 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] Lawyers Against War

5] Call to protect Human Rights for Palestinian Children  

6] Waging Peace in Vietnam Exhibit – Dec. 1 - 3

7] Nature’s Witness: Wildlife Photography Exhibit through Feb. 28

8] Empowering Plant-Based Accessibility in All Communities – Dec. 1

9] Protest Canada Goose – Dec. 1

10] Legislative meeting prep session -- Dec. 1

11] Pentagon Peace Vigil – Dec. 2

12] Picket with Striking Metrobus Workers – Dec. 2 - 3

13] Urge Congress to Hold Hearings on the ERA – Dec. 2

14] Gun Laws Save Lives Rally – Dec. 2

15] Conversation with Dr. Chris Ford – Dec. 2

16] Food Rescue Pop-Up at Flourish – Dec. 2

17] Protest at Baltimore Amazon Warehouse – Dec. 2

18] Baltimore Council Candidate Endorsement Interviews -- Dec. 2, 3 & 4

19] Baltimore Fair Election fund bill – Dec. 2

20] Never Silent, Living with HIV – Dec. 2

21] Honor Matthew Shepard with a Plaque Dedication – Dec. 2

22] Get Money Out of Maryland – Dec. 2

23] Save the Date to Save the Bay – Dec. 2

24] DC Statehood Phone Bank – Dec. 3

25] Food Rescue at YO! Baltimore West – Dec. 3

26] Protest killer drone research at JHU – Dec. 3

27] Hearing on Baltimore’s Fiscal Readiness for Kirwan – Dec. 3

28] Espionage, Press Freedom, and Assange – Dec. 3

29] Anne Arundel Green Party Meeting – Dec. 3

30] “All We Do Is  ‌ Talk Steel” – Dec. 3

31] "Shelter in a Time of Storm" – Dec. 3

----

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] – 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.

5] -- CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVE:  SUPPORT  HR 2407 -- “The Promoting Human Rights for Palestinian Children Living Under Israeli Military Occupation Act,” which would prohibit U.S. foreign aid from contributing to “the military detention, interrogation, abuse, or ill-treatment of children in violation of international humanitarian law.” Additionally, it would authorize $19 million dollars annually to fund NGOs monitoring human rights abuses associated with the military detention of children and provide physical and mental health services to children who have been victims of military detention, abuse, and torture.  The Bill was introduced by Rep. Betty McCollum from Minnesota, and has found co-sponsors...BUT NOT IN MARYLAND. What if Maryland had some women in its delegation?   And, right now with the vacant seat following Rep. Cummings' death, don't hesitate to call another office and ask that your voice be heard. Call the main switchboard 202- 225-2131 and ask to be transferred to any of the following Maryland Representatives: Brown, Harris, Hoyer, Raskin, Ruppersberger, Sarbanes or Trone.

6] - On Sun., Dec. 1, Mon., Dec. 2 and Tues., Dec. 3 from 8 AM to 5 PM, visit the Waging Peace in Vietnam Exhibit, hosted by the New Village Press, 1957 E St. NW, WDC 20052-0041.  November 15, 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War Mobilization March on Washington, a gathering of over half a million demonstrators against the war. The George Washington University offers a series of events to educate students and the general public about often overlooked facets of the history of US involvement in Vietnam, including the impact that antiwar GIs and veterans had on ending the war. Look at https://www.facebook.com/events/508974299680430/?event_time_id=513544722556721.

7] - On Sun., Dec. 1, 2019 through Feb. 28, 2020 from 9 AM to 5 PM, see Nature’s Witness: Wildlife Photography Exhibit hosted by the National Wildlife Federation at the American Association for the Advancement of Science,

1200 New York Ave. NW, WDC 20005. Come marvel at “Nature’s Witness,” an exhibition of 50 powerful wildlife photographs chosen to inspire conservation. Free and open to the public, this National Wildlife Federation exhibit will run until Feb. 28, 2020.

All 50 images were entries in annual National Wildlife® Photo Contests, which draw more than 22,000 images from around the world every year. Within the exhibit, one group of images titled “Nature’s Challenge” will raise awareness about some of the threats putting wildlife at risk today, including habitat loss, invasive species, disease and climate change. Another set of photographs titled “Life’s Essentials” will explore how people can help species thrive by gardening for wildlife. Kids attending the exhibit — a family-friendly event — will also be able to pick up a copy of Ranger Rick®, Ranger Rick Jr.™, Ranger Rick Cub™ or one of the National Wildlife Federation’s many other children’s publications. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/2707182892665780/?event_time_id=2707182935999109.

8] -- 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., Dec. 1 hear about “Empowering Plant-Based Accessibility in All Communities.”  Plant-based food options are healthier, more environmentally friendly, and better for animal welfare than the mainstream options in our current food system. It is an ethical dilemma that these plant-based food options are not equitably accessible across communities. Plant Dining Partnerships is a non-profit organization working across the foodservice industry to ensure that no matter who you are or what community you live in, you are able to access plant-based foods which are better for your health, for the environment, and for ethical animal issues.

Lana Weidgenan will speak about the Plant Dining Partnerships, a newly launched organization that has hit the ground running with plant-based menu item victories at Dunkin’ and Hardee’s and two current campaigns on Starbucks and Wendy’s. Lana is a plant-based climate activist and advocate for community food justice as a means to combat the climate crisis. This year, she spoke at the United Nations about the food to climate connection and has been featured on media outlets including Fox News, The New York Post, MTV News, MSN, CGTN Global Television Network, and more. Lana led the campaign at Plant Dining Partnerships in which Dunkin’ agreed to launch a breakfast sandwich with plant-based protein at all 9,000 locations nationwide. She was one of the co-organizers of the national DC climate strike that first brought the school strikes for climate movement to the United States. Lana is also a full-time student in Public Health Studies at the Johns Hopkins University and an Ambassador for the Foodprints for the Future program leading up to Earth Day 2020.  Call 410-581-2322 or email ask@bmorethical.org. 

9] -- Protest Canada Goose, hosted by DMV Actions for Animals on Sun., Dec. 1 from 11 AM to 12:30 PM at Tuckernuck, 1053 Wisconsin Ave. NW, WDC 20007-3635.  Join local activists in protesting Canada Goose! Canada Goose jackets are products of cruelty. The company uses fur from wild coyotes who are caught in painful steel traps where they can suffer for days with broken bones and wounds before trappers return to bludgeon or shoot them to death. Mothers desperate to get back to their pups have even been known to try to chew off their legs.  Contact: Erika at 703-399-1889.  All protesting materials will be provided. MEGAPHONES are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED! Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/426042188111865/.

10] -- Jews United for Justice has a legislative meeting prep session on Sun., Dec. 1 from 7 to 8:30 PM. Sign up for the session here: https://jufj.org/events/category/legislator-meetings/leg-prep/.  A District 43 meeting with Senator Mary Washington and Delegate Regina Boyce will be on Thurs., Dec. 5 from 6:30 to 9 PM. To attend this meeting, you must attend a prep session. You can join by video at https://zoom.us/j/479604801 or by call at +16465588656, 479604801#.

11] – 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 Dec. 2, 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.

12] --  On Mon., Dec. 2 and Tues., Dec. 3 from 7:45 to 9:45 AM and then from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, join the  WMATA HQ Picket with Striking Metrobus Workers at 600 5th St. NW, WDC 20001-2610.  Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/553753515478162/.

13] – Urge Congress to Hold Hearings on the ERA, which would be supported by Katrina's Dream.  Each Monday, including Dec. 2, at 8 AM, make calls to Senator Graham at (202) 224-5972 and your senators for the ERA. Hold hearings on S.J. Res 6, and S.J. Res. 5 which calls for the removal of a deadline for passage of the ERA. Click on this link https://bit.ly/2T1B8wp, and check out https://www.facebook.com/events/246467582967063/?event_time_id=246467699633718.

14] - On Mon., Dec. 2 from 9 to 11 AM, get over to a Gun Laws Save Lives Rally, hosted by Moms Demand Action - DC at the Supreme Court of the United States, 1 1st St. NE, WDC 20002. The U.S. Supreme Court will hear the first gun-related case in a decade. The case — called New York v. New York State Rifle — is an NRA lawsuit, and its ruling has the potential to weaken gun laws across the country.  A coalition of gun violence prevention groups are rallying at the Supreme Court. Demand the case be dismissed. Stand up against the NRA's extreme approach that threatens our constitutional rights, our lives, and public safety! Spread the word on social media using hashtag #GunLawsSaveLives. RSVP at bit.ly/scotusdec2. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/989209541413169/.

15] – On Mon., Dec. 2 from  2 to 3 PM, catch a Conversation with Dr. Chris Ford, Assistant Secretary of State, at the Stimson Center, 1211 Connecticut Ave. NW, 8th Floor, WDC 20036.  Ford is an expert on International Security and Nonproliferation, and he will discuss the State Department’s efforts to encourage a “new normal” that establishes healthy patterns that can and will be sustained indefinitely. Bringing this about should be the core of a collective nuclear security agenda.  Visit https://www.stimson.org/content/conversation-dr-chris-ford-assistant-secretary-state.

16] – On Mon., Dec. 2 from 3 to 4 PM, get with a Food Rescue Pop-Up at Flourish, 3418 Belair Road, Baltimore 21213-1233.  Bring a bag, take home healthy, free food! Check out https://www.facebook.com/events/301851223848295/?event_time_id=301851360514948.

17] – On Mon., Dec. 2 from 5 to 6 PM, join a protest at Baltimore Amazon Warehouse, 2010 Broening Hwy., Baltimore 21224-6027, on Cyber Monday, hosted by Peoples Power Assembly and ICE Out of Baltimore. Tell Bezos: Stop enabling ICE raids, and Support Amazon workers.  Call 410-218-4835.

Despite horrific conditions at detention camps and a racist war on migrants and refugees, especially children, one of the richest people in the world, Jeff Bezos, continues to consolidate his wealth by profiting off of deportation and detention and exploiting Amazon workers. Amazon is helping ICE, the immigration police, track, detain, and deport immigrants. Amazon’s servers host Palantir, the company that provides ICE with “mission critical services,” such as its case management software. But it turns out Amazon’s role in the deportation machine goes deeper than that. Through intense lobbying, Amazon and Palantir have secured a role as the backbone for the federal government’s immigration dragnet. Support the Amazon workers who nationally have been demanding the right to organize and to reduce inhuman production rates and demand safe working conditions.  See https://www.facebook.com/events/1240325856165545/?notif_t=plan_user_invited&notif_id=1575080684966761.

18] – On Mon., Dec. 2, Tues., Dec. 3 & Wed, Dec.  4 from 5 to 8 PM, come to Baltimore Council Candidate Endorsement Interviews, hosted by 1199 SEIU Maryland/DC, 611 N. Eutaw St., Baltimore 21201. Help to decide which candidates (and incumbents) for the Baltimore City Council we should endorse. Hear the candidates' positions and ask them your questions. Refreshments will be served. See https://www.facebook.com/events/2431240633805461/?event_time_id=2434009516861906.

19] – The Baltimore Fair Election fund bill is scheduled for 3rd reader on Mon., Dec. 2 at 5 PM. This will be the best small-donor matching bill passed in Maryland, with the highest capacity to draw in new voters and new candidates. PLEASE COME TO CITY COUNCIL AT 5 PM.  Later there will be the need to pass another bill to establish an acceptable and sustainable funding source. The system will be implemented in 2024.

20] –  On Mon., Dec. 2 from 6:45 to 8:30 PM, check out Never Silent, Living with HIV, hosted by Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History and Whitman-Walker Health at 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, WDC 20560. Tickets are at www.etix.com.  In observance of World AIDS Day, turn the stage over to HIV survivors and those who have cared for loved ones with HIV/AIDS. Their personal stories are courageous and hopeful, yet reflective of the challenges faced by people with HIV. The National Museum of Natural History is teaming up with Whitman-Walker Health to bring you this program. This program is offered in conjunction with the exhibition Outbreak: Epidemics in a Connected World at the National Museum of Natural History.  See https://www.facebook.com/events/583429462198275/.

21] – On Mon., Dec. 2 from 7 to 9 PM, honor Matthew Shepard with a Plaque Dedication, hosted by Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW, WDC 20016.  Tickets are at the tix.cathedral.org. Join Washington National Cathedral and the Matthew Shepard Foundation for a ceremony of inspiration, celebration and song during a dedication of the Matthew Shepard Memorial Plaque. Elevated by a grassroots, crowd-funded campaign in the weeks following Matthew’s 2018 interment in the Cathedral, the plaque in the Chapel of St. Joseph of Arimathea is intended to honor Matthew’s memory and to serve as a source of strength in the continued journey for LGBTQ+ equality. Gathered again in the Cathedral Nave, and joined by Dennis and Judy Shepard, speakers and musicians will celebrate Matthew’s legacy and highlight ongoing efforts to, as the Matthew Shepard Foundation declares, “envision a future without hate, where understanding and compassion guide us toward an equitable world.” This service is free and open to the public, however, RSVPs are required for planning purposes. Respond at https://www.facebook.com/events/2629187963770446/.

22] – Join the Get Money Out of Maryland Teleconference on Mon., Dec. 2 from 8:30 to 9:30 PM.  There are two ways to join the conference: Dial 1 929 205 6099, and then use meeting ID: 512 862 260. Or Click on your device if you have downloaded the app from Zoom. The focus will be on organizational sign-ups, public relations, and logistics for the January 20 observance.

23] --  On Tues., Dec. 3 from midnight to 11:59 PM, Save the Date to Save the Bay, hosted by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. If you just can't wait, give early: www.cbf.org/givingtuesdayfb. Sign up for a Giving Tuesday email reminder: https://bit.ly/2QM821J. Your gift to save the Bay and its rivers and streams will be worth DOUBLE, matched dollar-for-dollar by Leidos up to $30,000. Look at https://www.facebook.com/events/3018555638370410/.

24] –  Can you participate in a DC Statehood Phone Bank on Tues., Dec. 3 from 10 AM to 6 PM at the John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, WDC 20004 in room G-9. Join the Washington, DC Statehood Office for a DC Statehood Phone Bank. Call state legislatures across the US to raise awareness of DC residents' lack of full and equal voting representation in Congress.   Phones, scripts, materials, and light refreshments will be provided. The Phone Bank continues each Tuesday. See https://www.facebook.com/events/673834763077915/?event_time_id=673834836411241.

25] – On Tues., Dec. 3 from noon to 1 PM, Food Rescue at YO! Baltimore West, 1510 W. Lafayette Ave., Baltimore 21217.  Get fresh, delicious, free food. Bring a bag. Bring a friend! Take what you want. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/403785397093000/?event_time_id=403785437092996.

26] – Vigil to say "No Drone Research at JHU" at 33^rd and N. Charles Sts. on Tuesday, Dec. 3 from 5 to 6 PM. Contact Max at mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net or 410-323-1607. 

27] -- On Tues., Dec. 3 at 5:30 PM, Baltimore City Councilman Zeke Cohen is hosting a Hearing on Baltimore’s Fiscal Readiness for Kirwan at City Hall. The meeting will be on the 4th floor, and there will be an opportunity for all to speak on PILOT. The plan is to have as many folks as possible there to speak out on how a PILOT where our hospitals, colleges, and universities pay a fairer share will benefit the city and help fund desperately needed resources for our schools.  Contact National Nurses United Organizer Chris Novoa at 818-319-2853.

28] – On Tues., Dec. 3 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM, hear about Espionage, Press Freedom, and Assange, hosted by Profs and Pints at La Pop DC, 1847 Columbia Road NW, WDC 20009.  Tickets are at profspintsassange.brownpapertickets.com.  Hear from Gary Ross, assistant professor at the Daniel Morgan Graduate School of National Security, former supervisory special agent with the Department of Homeland Security, and author of "Who Watches the Watchmen? The Conflict between National Security and Freedom of the Press." Julian Assange faces extradition from England to the United States to stand trial for allegedly disclosing thousands of classified documents on WikiLeaks, the Web site he founded precisely to publicize leaked information. If found guilty on each of the 18 counts contained in the federal indictment, he faces a potential sentence of more than 100 years. If extradited, he would become the first non-government insider brought to trial under the Espionage Act for the publication of national defense [sic] information. Media-rights advocates have expressed concern that the acts he is accused of committing strongly resemble many of the "newsgathering" activities journalists regularly perform.

Do Assange's actions make him a public enemy, or a public servant? Is he a hero in the battle for government transparency, or is he a threat to democracy? What would his extradition and conviction mean for members of the media who may sometimes use similar methods?  It's a talk that will give you a much better understanding of WikiLeaks, the case against Julian Assange, and one of the most vexing problems of our time, the need to find a way to uphold both national security and free speech in the Internet age. (Advance tickets: $12. Doors: $15, save $2 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later. Please allow yourself time to place any orders and get seated and settled in.)  Look at https://www.facebook.com/events/774465796323465/.

29] – On Tues., Dec. 3 from 7 to 8 PM, come to the Anne Arundel Green Party Meeting at 49 West St., Annapolis 21401.  Please join the Anne Arundel Green Party on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month from 7-8 PM in the back room of 49 West Coffeehouse in Annapolis. Discuss legislation, candidates, and actions in Anne Arundel County and Maryland. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/748015478906214/?event_time_id=748015632239532.

30] – Bill Barry [mailto:billbarry21214@gmail.com] will be speaking about “All We Do Is  ‌ Talk Steel” and showing short video clips of the people interviewed in this book at the  Edgemere Senior Citizens Center, 6600 North Point Road, Sparrows Point 21219, on Tues., Dec. 3 at 10 AM.

31] – On Tues., Dec. 3 from 7 to 10 PM, Jelani Favors presents "Shelter in a Time of Storm" at Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse, 1225 Cathedral St., Baltimore 21201. Go to http://redemmas.org/.  Favors presents "Shelter in a Time of Storm: How Black Colleges Fostered Generations of Leadership and Activism" in conversation with Taylor Branch. For generations, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have been essential institutions for the African American community. Their nurturing environments not only provided educational advancement but also catalyzed the Black freedom struggle, forever altering the political destiny of the United States. In this book, Favors offers a history of HBCUs from the 1837 founding of Cheyney State University to the present, told through the lens of how they fostered student activism.

He chronicles the development and significance of HBCUs through stories from institutions such as Cheyney State University, Tougaloo College, Bennett College, Alabama State University, Jackson State University, Southern University, and North Carolina A&T. He demonstrates how HBCUs became a refuge during the oppression of the Jim Crow era and illustrates the central role their campus communities played during the civil rights and Black Power movements. Throughout this definitive history of how HBCUs became a vital seedbed for politicians, community leaders, reformers, and activists, Favors emphasizes what he calls an unwritten "second curriculum" at HBCUs, one that offered students a grounding in idealism, racial consciousness, and cultural nationalism.  Favors is assistant professor of history at Clayton State University. Branch is an author and public speaker best known for his landmark narrative history of the civil rights era, “America in the King Years.” Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/420366135560946/.

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