Baltimore Activist Alert – January 10 – 11, 2021

Baltimore Activist Alert – January 10 – 11, 2021

"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 Max Obuszewski, BNC, 431 Notre Dame Lane, Apt. 206, Baltimore, MD 21212.  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] Volunteer with a Catholic Worker house  

5] Free Prakash Churaman  

6] Indigenizing Environmental Justice -- Jan. 10

7] BLM Witness – Jan. 10

8] Annapolis and Testimony 101 – Jan. 10

9] Palestine as a lens for collective liberation – Jan. 10

10] Healthcare Emergency Town Hall – Jan. 10

11] New Year, New Meow! – Jan. 10

12] Black Lives Matter – Jan. 10

13] Get with Sunrise – Jan. 10

14] Medicare 4 ALL Workgroup – Jan. 10

15] Festival of Hope for Patrick O'Neill – Jan. 10

16] Pentagon Peace Vigil – Jan. 11

17] Food Rescue – Jan. 11

18] Count Every Vote & Impeach Trump – Jan. 11

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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] - Suzanne Fontanesi and Jeff Ross are in the beginning stages of renovating the basement of their house for purposes of bringing in a volunteer (targeting young adults in discernment mode), starting next fall. They are trying to grow a Catholic Worker House in Irvington (West Baltimore). In a nutshell, there is a lot that a volunteer could do in that neighborhood/Baltimore, in addition to prayer and daily community living and in addition to plugging into all the good work that people are already doing in and around Baltimore (and beyond).  If you think you might know of anyone who might be interested in starting a conversation with them about becoming such a volunteer/community member, please contact Jeff/Suzanne at 443-690-6872.

5] – Prakash Churaman was 15 when he was arrested and accused of murdering his best friend. NYPD detective Barry Brown coerced him into making a false confession over the course of hours in an interrogation room. He was convicted and sentenced to life in prison by Judge Kenneth Holder, a former prosecutor. That conviction was overturned this summer and now for the first time he has a chance to come home if money can be raised for his bail. Here is the link to a video which tells his story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FStlvKjTt4&t=7s. Here is the link to Gofundme: https://www.gofundme.com/f/freeprakashchuraman and another one to a petition: https://www.change.org/p/freeprakashchuraman.

6] - 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., Jan. 10, hear from Dina Gilio-Whitaker talk about Indigenizing Environmental Justice. How does the indigenous perspective and history inform how we think about environmental ethics and environmental justice? When in graduate school, our speaker, Dina Gilio-Whitaker noticed that American Indians were not reflected in environmental justice scholarship. “The frameworks and histories that formulate that literature really don’t address the histories of colonialism in this country, and tribal sovereignty and nationhood. What does environmental justice look like through the lens of settler colonialism?” How does that go beyond the lens of environmental racism? She is a lecturer of American Indian Studies at California State University San Marcos, and an independent consultant and educator in environmental justice policy planning. Email PRESIDENT@BMORETHICAL.ORG for the ZOOM LOGIN INFORMATION.

7] – On Sun., Jan. 10 from 12:30 to 1:30 PM ET, join the Weekly Seekers' BLM Witness at the Seekers Church, 276 Carroll St. NW, WDC 20012. Visit https://www.facebook.com/seekerschurchDC/. Since last spring, Seekers have been witnessing weekly for Black Lives Matter in front of Seekers Church, accompanied by a musical background of stirring peace and justice songs. It is a wonderful opportunity to show up for racial justice and experience unity as passing drivers and pedestrians of all races and ethnicities wave and raise fists. Cars honk, bicyclists ring their little bike bells, and sometimes passers-by ask for a sign and join in.  This will continue through Jan. 24.

8] – Annapolis and Testimony 101 is happening on Sun., Jan. 10 from 3 to 6:30 PM ET.  Join Jews United for Justice virtually for Annapolis 101 to learn the basics of how the Maryland General Assembly functions in Annapolis and for Testimony 101 to learn how to give testimony during session! Feel free to choose to attend just one training session.  You will receive call-in instructions via email after you RSVP athttps://jufj.org/event/annapolis-testimony-mdga21-2/?contactdata=6uHdHZjjEJ5TB9EbQv4l3XJt51SNzdLtBn6qDyD2xLrFRAflKqb8fe80CFAhELUFVtiZZKSTKYdh4OYa2ztRxdZWPkjUaVqiHSRey77hytLLjXovvUMEpynbE5U3fPNLd0UIbjUy11f4yKUY5cY%2bwxen03Fv9VTSxenPuRbyMzMPQGFvnhWIg5d18GsGXsqkUO%2b0%2bSKvIkffo%2bMGuBrDzJDRFil4w5aItYZrpNR8Db54dH17%2ftw31WHUnptg1SgI%2feE0L9twbH2N3tk1o2sjxA%3d%3d&emci=f2be3d93-1e51-eb11-a607-00155d43c992&emdi=821e4a72-dd51-eb11-a607-00155d43c992&ceid=3403859.

9] – From police brutality in Philadelphia to child detentions and military occupation in Palestine, the U.S. is implicated in systemic racism across borders. You are invited to a special Philadelphia-based webinar, Going Forward Together: Palestine as a lens for collective liberation.  Visit https://form.123formbuilder.com/5754345/going-forward-together-palestine-as-a-lens-to-collective-liberation. This is happening on Sun., Jan. 10 at 3 PM ET.

10] – Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) recognizes the strife of these troubled times in our nation, but remains steadfast in our support of #SinglePayer expanded and improved #MedicareForAll, as the practical solution to save money and save lives during this phenomenally challenging time of national and global existential crisis. Not only are #COVID19 and #ClimateChange already causing immense human pain, loss, and suffering, but the effects of other existential threats of war, poverty, racism, and political corruption are clearly visible to all in our digitally connected world, and are being seen regularly now on an almost daily basis. Will a new more favorable White House and Congress make right the injustices of healthcare currently controlled by Big Insurance and Big Pharma?

Join the PDA Healthcare Emergency Online Town Hall Meeting on Sun., Jan. 10 at 4 PM ET.  RSVP for secure log-in by sending an email to mikefox@pdamerica.org.

11] – The Animal Welfare League of Arlington until Sun., Jan. 10 at 4 PM is offering $0 adoption fees for ALL of its adult cats, as part of New Year, New Meow! Start off the New Year with a new best friend! Meet your new best friend at https://www.awla.org/adopt/cats/.  These cats are aged 6 months and up. Standard policies and procedures apply.

12] – On Sun., Jan. 10 from 4 to 5 PM EST, there will be a Black Lives Matter Vigil at the Governor Warfield Parkway and Windstream Drive.  These Sunday vigils will continue through June 2021.  This is hosted by Black Lives Activists of Columbia and it occurs the second Sunday of each month. Please plan to wear masks, observe physical distancing, and bring your own signs. Visit https://www.facebook.com/BLAColumbia.

13] - Are you new to Sunrise, or do you have a friend that’s new to Sunrise? Do you want to recommit to taking action for climate justice in 2021, and want to learn how? There are two upcoming opportunities to learn more.  Join a national training in two parts.  On Sun., Jan. 10 from 4 to 6 PM EST & Tuesday, Jan. 12 from 8 to 10 PM. At this training, you will get grounded in the brand new political moment we’re in now that Trump is on his way out, look at what history shows us about how movements can create big change, map out how the Biden administration could launch a Green New Deal in 2021, and learn about the role a movement like Sunrise can play to make that happen. Sign up here https://www.sunrisemovement.org/green-new-deal-year-1-trainings/?link_id=3&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-take-action-tuesday-md-environmental-bills-sunrise-orientation&email_referrer=email_1036032&email_subject=take-action-tuesday-md-environmental-bills-sunrise-orientation.

14] – On Sun., Jan. 10 from 5 to 6 PM EST, get with a Medicare 4 ALL Workgroup Weekly Meeting, hosted by Metro D.C. Democratic Socialists of America.  These meetings will continue through April 25.  RSVP HERE FOR ZOOM: https://actionnetwork.org/events/medicare-4-all-workgroup-weekly-meeting-m4a-17/?fbclid=IwAR31W1Nrj9rONfu2_IOOnvPT3TiWfl5G7jMLFpnXYAUTuktYAsdHDjpi7QY.  Democratic Socialists are fighting to make single-payer Medicare for All healthcare a reality.  Help fight to replace our fractured and broken health system with a unified Medicare for All system. Not a DSA member? Consider becoming a Member. Fees are on a sliding scale according to what you feel you can afford: http://dsausa.org/join?source=Metro%20DC.

15] – Participate in the virtual Festival of Hope on Sun., Jan. 10 at 7 PM EY for Patrick O'Neill.  He is about to begin a prison sentence for the disarmament action at the Kings Bay Trident base in Georgia more than two years ago. He is scheduled to self-report to the federal prison in Elkton, OH on January 14 to serve the remaining 12 months of his 14 month sentence. Judge Wood recently denied his request for a delay until he could be vaccinated.  The link to join the webinar (via Code Pink) is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81392472499 or call in at 1 301 715 8592. The Webinar ID is 813 9247 2499. The program will feature talks from Jeannine Hill-Fletcher, a professor of religion at Fordham University who testified at the Religious Freedom Restoration Act hearing and Paul Magno, a fellow Plowshares activist with Patrick in the Pershing Plowshares in 1984. Some of the other KBP7 are expected to speak.

Music will be provided by Luci Murphy, guitarist Scott Ainslie and by Patrick's daughters, Annie and Veronica. There will be a concluding blessing from Fr. Bob Cushing. The festival will also be viewable on the Kings Bay Plowshares Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Kingsbayplowshares.  If the webinar is full and you can't get on the zoom try this option. It will be recorded and posted to YouTube afterwards. Check the website page at the link below for more details. www.kingsbayplowshares7.org

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 Jan. 11, 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., Jan. 11 from noon to 1:30 PM EST, participate in Food Rescue at Land of Kush, 840 North Eutaw St., Baltimore.  This Food Rescue will continue until Mon., Apr. 26. Food Rescue Baltimore is proud to partner with The Land of Kush each and every Monday to bring free vegan and plant-based food to the community. Bring a bag, take what you want, while supplies last. #KeepItFreshDay #MeatlessMonday. See https://www.facebook.com/The-Land-of-Kush-102096254517153.

18] – Count Every Vote! Maryland [nvtraining2@gmail.com] is inviting you on Mon., Jan. 11 at noon to go to the offices of members of Congress with signs saying: Impeach Now!  Constituents should go to Kweisi Mfume’s office at 1010 Park Avenue, Baltimore 21201 or to Dutch Ruppersberger’s office at 375 W. Padonia Road, Timonium 20193 or to John Sarbanes’ office, 600 Baltimore Ave., Towson 21204. Please wear masks and plan to social distance!!!

To be continued.

Donations can be sent to Max Obuszewski, Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 431 Notre Dame Lane, Baltimore, MD 21212.  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