Baltimore Activist Alert – March 15 – 20, 2020

Baltimore Activist Alert – March 15 – 20, 2020

"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] Sierra Club cancels all meetings in March

5] Parkway Theatre closed through Mar. 26

6] Baltimore Museum of Art closed through March

7] Baltimore Ethical Society closed March 15 & 22

8] Becoming Jane Exhibition – through Summer 2020

9] World Peace Meditation Class -- Mar. 15

10] Public Forum-Meet Mary Washington – Mar. 15

11] Dog Adoption Event – Mar. 15

12] National Action to End the Korean War – Mar. 15 – 17

13] Democratic Socialists of America – Mar. 15

14] Baltimore County Headquarters is open -- Mar. 15

15] Talking to Friends & Family about Racism – Mar. 15

16] Pentagon Peace Vigil – Mar. 16

17] Baltimore’s Irish Railroad Workers Museum Documentary – Mar. 16

18] Palestine II - Art Exhibition -- Mar. 16 - 20

19] El Salvador’s New Vision – Mar. 16

20] Meet the Endorsed Candidates / Our Revolution Baltimore – Mar. 16

21] Meeting to organize for the June 20, 2020 demo – Mar. 16

22] Film “Heather Booth: Changing the World” -- Mar. 16

23] Charlottesville and the Future of American Democracy -- Mar. 16

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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] – The Sierra Club is suspending all planned events of any size for the next month, including all volunteer and staff in-person meetings.

5] – Your safety and well-being continues to be our highest priority. In accordance with the executive order issued by Governor Hogan of the State of Maryland yesterday regarding postponement and cancellation of gatherings of 250 people or more, the Parkway Theatre is temporarily closed effective today, March 13, 2020 through March 26, 2020. We are regularly monitoring and responding to the rapidly evolving situation with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, as it is challenging to predict the impact of this pandemic. Out of an abundance of caution, the Parkway Theatre will also receive a deep cleaning before patrons and staff return.

Please follow and connect with us online and on social media. If you have a question, please email info@mdfilmfest.com.

6] – The Baltimore Museum of Art will close its galleries and shop at 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 15. We hope to reopen to the public for regular hours on Wednesday, April 1. If you have any questions, please email visitors@artbma.org. BMA Members may call 443-573-1800.

7] - 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.  However, there will not be a meeting on Sun., Mar. 15 or Mar. 22.  Call 410-581-2322 or email ask@bmorethical.org. 

8] – On Sun., Mar. 15 from 10 AM to 6 PM and continuing, check out the Becoming Jane Exhibition, hosted by the Jane Goodall Institute at the National Geographic Museum, 1145 17th St. NW, WDC 20036.  Tickets are at www.nationalgeographic.org. The exhibition will continue through Summer 2020. Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace, braved the unknown to give the world a remarkable window into humankind’s closest living relatives: chimpanzees. In this hands-on, transportive multimedia exhibition celebrating her extraordinary life and work, you’ll explore Dr. Goodall’s early years through iconic images and a multiscreen experience and venture on a 3D exploration of Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park where she did her famous behavioral research on chimps. You’ll also see a life-size hologram of Dr. Goodall, enter a replica of her research tent, and learn about her current role as a leader in community-centered conservation and youth empowerment. Before you leave, you will find out what you can do today to make a positive impact in the world. 

The museum is open 7 days a week from 10 AM to 6 PM (last ticket sold at 5 PM daily.) Groups of 20 or more receive discounted museum admission. Contact groupsales@ngs.org to book your group visit today. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/977953615906486/.

9] – On Sun., Mar. 15 from 10:30 to 11:45 AM, join a World Peace Meditation Class, hosted by the World Peace Cafe Baltimore at the Kadampa Meditation Center-Maryland, 900 E. Northern Parkway, Baltimore 21212. Prayers are neither small nor passive actions. Rather, they are a force for change in our shared world. Bring peace to the world through the action of meditating together and dedicating prayers for world peace. The morning includes a guided meditation, talk on Buddhism applied to daily life & a traditional chanted prayer in English. Everyone is welcome – you do not need to be a Buddhist to attend– just drop in!

  Following the prayers, everyone is welcome to come to the World Peace Cafe for brunch which always includes pancakes with toppings, and various other delicious foods such as soup, sandwiches, salad, desserts, coffee and teas.  The suggested donation is $5- to $10/adult & $2/child.  Brunch is $6to $8 (less for kids portion). See https://www.facebook.com/events/3084164601626024/?event_time_id=3084164651626019.

10] - On Sun., March 15 from 11:45 AM to 12:45 PM, get over to a Public Forum-Meet Mary Washington, hosted by First and Franklin Presbyterian Church, 210 W. Madison St., Baltimore 21201.  There are Federal rules (good ones) that First & Franklin is required to observe. Specifically, consistent with the IRS restriction on political campaign intervention by 501 (c) (3) Tax Exempt Organizations, First & Franklin does not endorse or oppose any candidate for office, either verbally or in writing. First & Franklin is allowed by IRS rules to host public forums for voter education and to encourage voter participation so long as the organization remains strictly non-partisan. Thus, while we do not actively solicit candidates, we do welcome any and all candidates who express an interest in a forum.  Look at https://www.facebook.com/events/496795857927037/.

11] -- On Sun., March 15 from 1 to 3 PM, be at a Dog Adoption Event, hosted by the Pet Rescue Alliance at PetSmart, 7690 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, VA 22306. Get a furry friend to take to hiking trails, vineyards, and outdoor restaurants. Many amazing dogs and puppies looking for fosters and forever homes are available! Volunteers are needed to help handle dogs at the event. Check out https://www.facebook.com/events/1431349483713595/.

12] – There is a National Action to End the Korean War from Sun., March 15 through Tuesday, March 17. On SUNDAY, MARCH 15 from 1 to 2:30 PM: END ENDLESS WARS, KOREA PEACE NOW!  Rally at Lafayette Square followed by march.  From 3 to 5 PM: KOREA PEACE NOW! GRASSROOTS NETWORK AND PEACE TREATY NOW JOINT NATIONAL CONVENING at Human Rights Campaign, 1640 Rhode Island Ave. NW.

On MONDAY, MARCH 16 starting at 9 AM, come to the ANNUAL KOREA PEACE NETWORK CONFERENCE at ST. MARK’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 301 A ST. SE, WDC 20003.  On TUESDAY, MARCH 17 get with Korea peace advocacy on the Hill. Check out https://www.peaceaction.org/korea-peace-network/?link_id=4&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-end-all-endless-wars-korea-peace-now&email_referrer=email_735041&email_subject=end-all-endless-wars-korea-peace-now.  Register at https://airtable.com/shr0l3XeuQaZmEi0c?fbclid=IwAR2rgM0_RKQl3tTMwkh25kaf6nbjremiPFuo2L_Mdi4zrG6mzna4WzA9QtQ&link_id=6&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-end-all-endless-wars-korea-peace-now&email_referrer=email_735041&email_subject=end-all-endless-wars-korea-peace-now.

13] – On Sun., March 15 from 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM, attend a General Body Meeting, hosted by the Baltimore Democratic Socialists of America at Homewood Friends Meeting, 3107 N. Charles Street, Baltimore 21218.  Find out more about organizing and where your place is in the movement! New member orientation starts at 1:30 PM! The general meeting will start at 2:30 PM.  Look at https://www.facebook.com/events/2601418220126379/.

14] – On Sun., March 15 from 2 to 4 PM, join the Baltimore County Democratic Party, 301 Allegheny Ave., Towson 21204.  The Baltimore County Headquarters is open every Sunday afternoon for post carding, phone banking, and meetings for like- minded patriots to work on their favorite projects. There is free parking. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/317826492509123/?event_time_id=317826509175788.

15] - On Sun., March 15 from 6 to 8 PM, participate in an Informal Discussion: Talking to Friends & Family about Racism, hosted by SURJ Baltimore at Homewood Friends Meeting, 3107 N. Charles Street, Baltimore 21218.  This is a space to gather resources, share strategies and practice the skills needed for white folks to take responsibility for educating themselves and confronting racism in their own communities.  SURJ is experimenting with a new open-format discussion group that will take place on the 3rd Sunday evening of each month. Participants are invited to name a topic they would like to talk about either in advance or at the beginning of the meeting, and then we will break into groups for informal conversations to share resources, strategies, and experiences.  To have an idea of SURJ CORE VALUES, see https://www.showingupforracialjustice.org/surj-values.html.

If you need assistance or arrive late, please call 410-206-7826. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/527336824438087/.

16] – 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 Mar. 16, 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.  

17] –   On Mon., March 16 from 9 to 10 AM and 11 AM to noon, see a Baltimore’s Irish Railroad Workers Museum Documentary at Baltimore City Community College, 2901 Liberty Heights Avenue, Baltimore 21215. The discussion after the documentary will be led by Dr. Servio-Mariano, Associate Professor of Sociology & Anthropology. See the documentary in the Tranquility Lounge on the Liberty Campus.  Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/637828520123353/?event_time_id=637828523456686.

18] –   On Mon., March 16, Tues., March 17, Wed., March 18, Thurs., March 19 and Fri., March 20 from 10 AM to 5 PM, get over to Palestine II - Art Exhibition, hosted by the Institute for Palestine Studies and Middle East Institute, 1763 N Street NW, WDC 20036.  This is an exhibition of artworks donated by Arab and Palestinian artists to the Institute for Palestine Studies-USA. Email keywordpalestine2@palestine-studies.org if you have any questions. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/2441426146187974/?event_time_id=2474595982870990.

19] – On Mon., March 16 from 1 to 2:30 PM, hear about El Salvador’s New Vision: A Conversation With VP Félix Ulloa, hosted by Geovanny A. Vicente Romero at NYU Washington, DC, 1307 L St. NW, WDC 20005.  RSVP at https://www.nyu.edu/community/government-affairs/study-of-congress/news-and-events/El-Salvadors-New-Vision-for-a-Prosperous-Future.html.  The John Brademas Center and NYU Washington, DC invite you to join a conversation with El Salvador's Vice President.  He will discuss the historic transformations taking place in El Salvador in the areas of economic development, security, and political engagement following the 2019 elections. El Salvador's reputation is allegedly quickly improving from that of a violent Central American nation plagued by corruption and massive outflows of migrants to one of an emerging investment and tourism destination, with a people-focused government bringing new hope to its citizens and unparalleled engagement through social media.

See https://www.facebook.com/events/689404878264957/.

20] – On Mon., March 16 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, Meet the Endorsed Candidates / Our Revolution Baltimore at the Enoch Pratt Free Library - Canton Branch, 1030 S. Ellwood Ave., Baltimore 21224.  The endorsed candidates will speak about their campaign and how to help get them elected! Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/516125542439417/.

21] - On Mon., March 16 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM, there will be a meeting to organize for the June 20, 2020 gathering in Washington, D.C.  The meeting is hosted by Maryland Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival at the Oak Hill Center for Education and Culture, 2239 Kirk Ave., Baltimore 21218.  The poor and dispossessed of this country must organize together to address systemic racism, poverty, militarism and the war economy, ecological devastation and the false moral narrative of religious nationalism. Our lives depend on it. There are over 140 million poor and low-wealth Americans, 43% of our nation and over 250,000 people a year are dying from poverty. This reality is constitutionally inconsistent, morally indefensible, and economically insane. We know that together we must RISE! See https://www.facebook.com/events/312408886382578/.

22] – On Mon., March 16 from 6:30 to 9:30 PM, check out the film “Heather Booth: Changing the World,” hosted by the Center for Dynamic Community Governance at The New Deal Café, 113 Centerway, Greenbelt 20770.  The screening will be graced by the legendary activist herself.  Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/527855224502358/.

23] – On Mon., March 16 from 7 to 8 PM, Politics and Prose will host Michael Signer author of “Fans of Cry Havoc: Charlottesville and the Future of American Democracy” at 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW, WDC 20008-2024.  Books will be sold and signed at the event. For more information, go to https://www.politics-prose.com/event/book/michael-signer-cry-havoc-charlottesville-and-american-democracy-under-siege or https://www.facebook.com/events/178424243403517/.

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