Baltimore Activist Alert – March 14 - 15, 2021

Baltimore Activist Alert – March 14 - 15, 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] “Freethought Feminist Helen Hamilton Gardener” – March 14

7] Feed the Homeless – March 14

8] US Exceptionalism: Its Story in Nicaragua and Beyond – March 14

9] Healthcare Town Hall – March 14

10] How Black Women Broke Barriers – March 15

11] Feminist Solidarity – March 14

12] Coalition for Justice and Police Accountability – March 14

13] Pentagon Peace Vigil – March 15

14] Food Rescue – March 15

15] An End to Policies that Hurt the Poor – March 15

16] Freedom Seder – March 15

17] Rise Up Against Voter Suppression – March 15

18] Clean Air Baltimore Coalition bi weekly meeting -- March 15

------

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., March 7, hear about “Freethought Feminist Helen Hamilton Gardener.”  In honor of Women’s History Month, explore Gardner’s life. In partnership with freethinker Robert Ingersoll, Gardener railed against religious institutions that brutally oppressed women. Gardner became vice president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association and played an important role in bringing about the 19th Amendment. She advocated for the rights of women by writing fiction, challenging sexist faux-science, and serving on the United States Civil Service. Hugh Taft-Morales serves as Leader of the Philadelphia Ethical Society and the Baltimore Ethical Society and is a member of the Ethical Action Committee of the American Ethical Union (AEU).  In April of 2009 he graduated from the Humanist Institute and was certified as an Ethical Culture Leader by the AEU in 2010. Email PRESIDENT@BMORETHICAL.ORG for the ZOOM LOGIN INFORMATION.

7] – On Sun., March 14 from 1 to 5 PM EST, Feed The Homeless - Charity Event at 16 W. Saratoga St., Baltimore 21201-4227. Hosted by Mark Grey, go to https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011934377773.

    Feed the Homeless is in downtown Baltimore, 550 Holliday St., at the intersection of Guilford Ave. & Centre St., 21202. Skylyne Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Baltimore. The group currently raises funds & collect donations to benefit the homeless & less fortunate men, women & children. It accepts food trays of different hot foods & soups (on location) perishable items, can goods, cases of water & juice toiletries, hygiene products, feminine products, school supplies, coats & winter accessories, footwear, pillows, blankets, and so much more. Consider making a minimum donation of $5 or $10, or any amount you can contribute. Go to https://www.facebook.com/skylynefoundation/. Email skylynefoundation@gmail.com.

8] – The Alliance for Global Justice [info@AFGJ.org] is hosting a Webinar on Sun., March 14 at 3 PM ET -- US Exceptionalism: Its Story in Nicaragua and Beyond. “US American Exceptionalism” is a concept promoting the United States as the Shining City on the Hill. The first among nations. The example all other states should follow.  This webinar will address the notion of US exceptionalism, with special but not exclusive focus on Nicaragua. ‌ Visit https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-5gLugW9Siynzc4VVfp0MQ?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=ea38deab-4c9b-45ea-bea7-6e3e5cc6b1b5. The speakers are Brian Willson, Kathy Hoyt, and Sofia Clark.  Willson will describe the history and origins of the dogma of US American exceptionalism – the fear and trickster psychology behind it, the adolescent culture which produced it, and its origins in Nicaragua and Central America in the 1800s and 1900s. Hoyt will focus on American exceptionalism as an ideology to justify punitive sanctions on other nations. Clark will examine American exceptionalism in the global context – how it is used to justify US foreign policy around the world.

9] – Mike Fox for Progressive Democrats of America [mikefox@pdamerica.org] reminds us that the Healthcare Emergency Town Hall is happening on Sun., March 14 at 4 PM ET.  This weekly series of town halls will address COVID 19 and help to make America a healthier place for all, as the new Expanded and Improved Medicare for All House Bill was written by Rep. Jayapal and Rep. Debbie Dingell, who is the special guest at the town hall! Register at https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0tceuhrzsvHdymeeZRwb-i7X50FJa-HMR4.  PDA joins the celebration of bringing financial relief to a pandemic-weary nation. And similarly, the group is celebrating that more and more of us are now receiving life-saving treatments like the vaccinations.  However, remain vigilant in the pursuit for a Healthcare reform that we know would have positioned us to have had the comprehensive COVID-care and pre-COVID care needed for many more to have survived who sadly did not, and many fewer to have suffered needlessly. That reform specifically is #SinglePayer expanded and improved #MedicareForAll.

10] – The Takoma Park Mobilization [info@tpmobilization.org] hosts a Book Group on Sun., March 14 at 4 PM ET.  Read Martha S. Jones, Vanguard: How Black Women Broke Barriers, Won the Vote, and Insisted on Equality For All. RSVP to pbandj@idabostian.com to be added to the list for the Zoom invite.

11] – On Sun., March 14 at 5 PM ET, get with Feminist Solidarity, and celebrate International Women’s Day and the Advancement of Cuban Women." This is an event sponsored by the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (US), US Women and Cuba Collaboration, and the US-Cuba Normalization Committee. Register for the event at https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_A3ywo6QwQie2B7uWuJUWCQ?link_id=4&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-join-us-for-upcoming-solidarity-events&email_referrer=email_1100956&email_subject=solidarity-events-this-march-starting-tonight.  The event will feature the following speakers: Ambassador Lianys Torres Rivera, Chargé d’Affaires for the Cuban Embassy in Washington, D.C., Kathryn Hall-Trujillo, Founding Director of the Birthing Project, and Isabella Borgeson, Queer, Filipina mixed race community organizer, award-winning poet and educator at the poetryfoundation.org.

12] – The Maryland Coalition for Justice and Police Accountability, including Progressive Maryland and 90+ other organizations, mobilized hundreds of Marylanders to protest a horrendous dilution of racial justice legislation. Democrats in the House Judiciary Committee voted down amendments to include meaningful civilian oversight to the Speaker’s so-called police reform bill. In doing this, these Democrats chose the side of the Fraternal Order of Police over their constituents and the many Marylanders who have had to suffer as a result of reckless police repression and violence. Join a phonebank on Mon., March 15 at 5:30 PM to make calls to constituents in key districts. Sign up at https://secure.everyaction.com/ofsrCT68kE-46AAGesc1wA2?emci=12a6fe4f-1981-eb11-85aa-00155d43c992&emdi=df54506b-1a81-eb11-85aa-00155d43c992&ceid=136680.  It’s time for us to show them that we will no longer wait for the end to police abuse and murder.

13] – 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 March 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.  

14] – On Mon., March 15  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.

15] – The Poor People's Campaign DMV Mobilizing Team [zillah@poorpeoplescampaign.org] is demanding An End to Policies that Hurt the Poor! D.C. elected officials fall short of addressing the plight of the poor in our Federal City. Join the PPC on Mon., March 15 at noon at the Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, WDC 20004-3003, and help deliver the 14 Policy Priorities to the DC Council and Mayor? RSVP at https://www.breachrepairers.org/calendar.

16] – Get involved with a FREEDOM SEDER by registering at https://jufj.org/event/freedom-seder/?contactdata=lrwb2TgxVNngrBB7qtb1wKcc8qIzSDLtdP3f7OheO2zgJKNqLXINiY39FA2LKsNh%2b9nblDThYElhRB9%2bA48ygw%3d%3d&emci=c4da83e3-db81-eb11-85aa-00155d43c992&emdi=49757080-e081-eb11-85aa-00155d43c992&ceid=3403859.  The Seder is host by Jews United for Justice and Jewish Community Action on Sun., March 14 at 3 PM ET. Connect the tradition of Passover to current fights for social justice.  The suggested donations is $36.00, but everyone is welcome regardless of ability to pay.  If cost is a barrier, please register by selecting the "Sliding Scale" ticket and enter a contribution amount that works for you.  All donations support Jewish Community Action progressive, Jewish organizing for racial and economic justice in Minnesota. Contact Lauren Muscoplat at lauren@jewishcommunityaction.org with any questions or needs, and stay tuned for more information to come.

17] – Rev. Dr. William Barber, II & Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis [info@poorpeoplescampaign.org]  are asking you on Mon., March 15 at 3 PM ET to Rise Up Against Voter Suppression & For a Moral Agenda.  More than 250 voter suppression bills have already been introduced in 43 states.

When our vote is suppressed, elected officials pass policies that hurt us. Join in on Moral Monday for in-person socially distant demand deliveries in the capitals of 30 states and for a national livestream and call-in action. RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/moral-monday-state-capitol-demand-deliveries?source=direct_link&&link_id=2&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&email_referrer=email_1108441&email_subject=rise-up-against-voter-suppression-for-a-moral-agenda. After a massive fusion movement of poor and low-wealth people helped shift the political landscape in the 2020 election, in Alabama, there is a proposed bill that people must prove their citizenship to qualify to vote. In Florida, where poor and low-wealth people voted for a higher minimum wage, there has been an attempt to ban ballot drop boxes and put severe restrictions on vote by mail.

18] – On Mon., March 15 from 5 to 6 PM, attend a Clean Air Baltimore Coalition bi weekly meeting.  The next meeting will be March 29. Joining the meeting will be a high school student group, the Baltimore City Students for a Democratic Society. Welcome them into the organizing efforts to transition Baltimore from incineration to Zero Waste! How can we can help get legislation passed to move this money from polluters to clean energy?  Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIocO-opjojHNGkAYWFp3jv7vb4JoAU7Cxu.

To be continued.

Donations can be sent to Max Obuszewski, Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 431 Notre Dame Lane, Apt. 206, 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