Baltimore Activist Alert -- August 9 - 10, 2023

50] Press conference with man on Death Row – Aug. 9

51] Town Hall on Nagasaki Day – Aug. 9

52] The importance of girl’s education – Aug. 9

53] Freedom to Vote text bank -- Aug. 10

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50] –  Death Penalty Action [info@deathpenaltyaction.org] wants you to know that on Wed., Aug. 9 at 11 AM there will be a Press Conference featuring Anthony Sanchez. On the date that was to have been a clemency hearing for Anthony Sanchez, hear from Anthony himself as well as his advocates, including David Ballard, an Oklahoma private investigator, who will explain again why the recent statement from the Attorney General is mistaken. This event is part of the #FreeAthonySanchez campaign, whose goal is exactly that: Halt the execution and free an innocent man who has been on Oklahoma's death row nearly 20 years for a crime he did not commit. Additional information is at https://www.freeanthonysanchez.org.  Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_j64IqxONQ3eMiplVgsX-iw?link_id=0&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-update-freeanthonysanchez-campaign-2&email_referrer=email_2012149&email_subject=update-freeanthonysanchez-campaign#/registration.

51] – The Hiroshima Nagasaki Commemoration Committee will continue its 39th annual remembrance of the 1945 atomic bombing on August 6 of Hiroshima and on August 9 of Nagasaki.  The groups involved in the Commemoration Committee are the Baltimore club of CPUSA, Baltimore Nonviolence Center, Chesapeake Physicians for Social Responsibility, First & St Stephen's United Church of Christ, Homewood Friends Meeting, Maryland Peace Action and Prevent Nuclear War/Maryland. 

To help build up people power, on August 6, Hiroshima Day, the Committee held a 7th Congressional District Nuclear War Awareness Town Hall at Homewood Friends Meeting in Baltimore. This town hall was in Kweisi Mfume’s legislative district.  The vigil on Charles Street allowed many passing vehicles to honk in support. Once inside, around 7 PM, participants were informed of Baltimore’s long history of antinuclear weapons endeavors.  And a number of organizations made powerful statement about the threats created by these weapons of mass destruction. Baltimore City Councilmember Odette Ramos pointed out that she grew up in New Mexico and was very much in support of anti-nuclear weapons organizing.  She added that her door was open should there be interest in bringing any initiatives before the City Council.

 The commemoration will continue on August 9 with a 2nd Congressional District Nuclear War Awareness Town Hall at First & St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ, 6915 York Road, Baltimore 21212.  This town hall which will be in Dutch Ruppersberger’s legislative district will start at 6 PM with a commemoration vigil outside the church. Once inside, around 7 PM, a short film will be shown about the Marshall Islands. From 1946-1958 the United States detonated 67 nuclear weapons on Bikini and Eniwetok Atolls in the Marshall Islands, which resulted in forced relocation, culture loss tied with loss of lands, as well as biological and ecological consequences, which are ongoing.

  After the film, participants will gather for a brainstorming strategy session.  The idea is to get as many groups together to plan future activities to challenge our government’s nuclear weapons policies.  For example, Rep. David Trone, who is running for senator, is refusing to co-sponsor H. Res. 77 which promotes the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.  This is what his communications director wrote: “Congressman Trone supports a nuclear-free world and firmly believes in the ideals behind House Resolution 77. Today, as millions of Ukrainians fear for their lives and mourn those killed by Putin’s brutal invasion, Congressman Trone recognizes the need to support and defend the sovereignty of Ukraine and the safety of its people, and so will refrain from signing onto Congressional resolutions that could preempt the Administration’s diplomatic efforts to end the war.” Note 37 members of Congress have co-sponsored H. Res. 77, which has had no effect on preempting any of the Biden administration’s diplomatic efforts.  As part of the strategy session, participants will discuss a possible response to Rep. Trone and other matters relating to the dangers of living in a world with nuclear weapons. 

 Also participants will engage in a discussion about possibly arranging a meeting with City Councilmember Ramos.  Over the years, Baltimore peace and justice activists have worked with members of Baltimore’s City Council, and now may be the time to strategize on new initiatives. Could we, for example, get City Council to consider divestment from banks which fund nuclear weapons contractors?  Share your thoughts and ideas about steps to take towards a nuclear-free world. Contact Max at 410-323-1607 or at mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net. 

52] – On Wed., Aug. 9 from 7 to 8 PM ET, the Climate Reality Project, Northeast region, Girls' Education - Why It's Crucial for Climate and How You Can Help. This is a virtual meeting. Project Drawdown has identified closing the gaps in girls' education as one of the most powerful climate solutions. Learn more about the issue and how you can help from Anand Seth and Bruno Laporte from Edu-Girls. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/571189/?followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_more_events_of_type.

53] – Get with NextGen Organizing for a Freedom to Vote Act virtual Text Bank on Tues., Aug. 10 from 1 to 3 PM ET. The Freedom to Vote Act was reintroduced this summer as a bicameral bill to expand access to the ballot box, modernize voter registration, ensure fair maps, and much more. Now is the time to take action and ensure your representatives support this bill. Choose a time that works for you, and you will get the script, texting platform, guides, and a community to connect with other NextGen volunteers!  RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/573369/?followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_most_popular_virtual.

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