Baltimore Activist Alert -- April 20 - 23, 2025

Baltimore Activist Alert – April 20 – 23, 2025

"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 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] Need help in archiving activist material

4] Get the book A Bag of Snakes

5] Get the book Male Supremacy in the Catholic Church: An Insider’s View by Roy Bourgeois

6] Baltimore activist selling her home

7] “Echoes from the Key Bridge” – April 20

8] Gaza update – April 20

9] The Encampments – April 20 - 23

10] Building the Resistance and Progressive Power – April 20

11] Rapid Response for Our Freedoms – April 20

12] DSA Internationalism Working Group meeting – April 20

13] Vigil at the Pentagon – April 21

14] Testify against a 12% electricity hike – April 21

15] Reel & a Meal takes on Musk – April 21

16] Honor Joe Nangle – April 21

17] Disarming Earth Day – April 21

18] Hands off Nature – April 22

19] Workshop on travel – April 22

20] Support Ukraine, not Trump – April 22

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1] – Buttons, bumper stickers 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] –  Janice Sevre-Duszynska needs some assistance in archiving her activist material.  If you are interested in this project, contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net.

4] – Barry Lee Burnside, a gaggle of great writers and copy editors are making available “A Bag of Snakes: Selected Writings on Prisons and the Death Penalty by Murphy Davis and Eduard Loring. Edited by Barry Lee Burnside.” Ed indicates the book will be available for sale on April 13, and is asking you to pre-order your copy. Your donation will provide a needed financial boost for the printing costs. The suggested donation is $20 for one copy; and $30 for your copy and an additional copy for a prisoner or someone in need. Any donation is appreciated. More or less you will receive the book.  Barry and the team have spent over two years putting this book together. It begins with outlines and notes found in the boxes of materials Murphy left when she ascended. The work is a work of love, and all involved are proud of the fruit borne by seeds nourished in good soil.

To order by postal mail, make your check to Open Door Community.  Send it to Open Door Community, PO Box 10980, Baltimore 21234.  For any questions, contact David Payne at 404-290-2047 or davidpayne@opendoorcommunity.org.

5] – Another book to consider purchasing is Male Supremacy in the Catholic Church: An Insider’s View by Roy Bourgeois. His new book is both memoir and position-paper, and it makes the case that the Roman Catholic Church is a corrupt system that spits out truth-tellers. The crime he was excommunicated for was attending the ordination ceremony of Janice Sevre-Duszynska in Lexington, Kentucky, in August 2008. The ordination was under the auspices of the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests.  The Vatican’s response has been to excommunicate any woman who has the audacity to see herself as a priest equal to a male priest. You can purchase a copy from Amazon or by Kindle.

Here are two quotes to contemplate: “I permit no woman to teach or to have authority over men. She is to keep silent.” – Timothy 1, 2:12-13.  “If the patriarchy that dominates the church is not dismantled and women are not treated as equals, the church will continue to diminish and, eventually, die.” – Roy Bourgeois.

6] – A home in Baltimore is for sale on a dead-end street in the Lauraville neighborhood, with three bedrooms, and one bath. The yard backs into a field and then a forest. There is a serene and quiet setting with an abundance of wildlife. The owner will be asking a reasonable amount for the property but it will not be overpriced. Contact her by text only at 443 500 6733. On the text, leave your name and phone number, and she will get back to anyone that reaches out. 

7] – The Baltimore Ethical Society invites you on Sundays at 10:30 AM for a platform presentation at the Impact Hub Baltimore, 10 E. North Ave., Baltimore 21202.  On April 20, however, there will be a virtual hybrid talk: Collecting Key Bridge Stories with Maria Gabriela Aldana, director of Art of Solidarity [https://artofsolidarity.org/home.html]. She has been working in partnership with the Baltimore Museum of Industry to direct “Echoes from the Key Bridge,” a community-centered oral history and video project, honoring firsthand accounts from the people most impacted by the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore Harbor on March 26, 2024. The collection includes Port workers, small business owners, first responders, social workers, and family members of the six men who fell into the Patapsco River and lost their lives. Maria Gabriela will explore the stories of the people who work in and around the harbor, as well as the importance of community-centered collections and archives.

 Aldana is a bilingual artist, community organizer, oral historian, folklorist, and teacher. For over 20 years, she has produced murals, exhibitions, parades, films, traveling exhibitions, festivals, and multicultural events. Originally from Managua, Nicaragua, Ms. Aldana is a proud immigrant with a lifetime of experiences between two cultures.  To receive the Zoom link, email president@bmorethical.org

8] – Doctors against Genocide [info@doctorsagainstgenocide.org] on Sun., April 20 at noon ET, check out updates from Gaza: Hear from Dr. Youssef Abu Al-Rish Deputy of Ministry of Health, Medical Students from Gaza Medical Schools & Shatha Abusrour, Disability Advocate. Register at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aUUzycRDSwaem750Nc6iFg

9] – See THE ENCAMPMENTS on Sun., April 20 at 2:20 PM, Mon., April 21 at 2:20 PM and 8:45 PM, Tues., April 22 at 2:20 PM and April 23 at 2:20 PM and 8:45 PM at the AFI Silver Theatre, 8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring 20910.  Go to https://silver.afi.com/Ticketing/visSelectTickets.aspx?cinemacode=1001&txtSessionId=46364&visLang=1

10] – The Progressive Democrats of America [info@pdamerica.org] on Sun., April 20 at 4 PM ET will hold its weekly Town Hall: Building the Resistance and Progressive Power, with Special Guests Lucas Venturous and YPDA Leaders. RSVP at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0tceuhrzsvHdymeeZRwb-i7X50FJa-HMR4?emci=4634e116-9d16-f011-8b3d-0022482a9fb7&emdi=4b7c5313-e516-f011-8b3d-0022482a9fb7&ceid=2907617#/registration

 We are living in the midst of a constitutional crisis. Donald Trump and his billionaire cronies are defying the Supreme Court, pushing illegal and unconstitutional deportations, and attacking the very foundations of our democracy. The far right is testing the limits of our system.  Joining us is Young Progressive Democrats of America (YPDA)-endorsed candidate for New York’s 1st Congressional District, Lukas Venturous! Lukas is a first-generation American product of Greek immigrants. His grandfather, Lambros, walked through Ellis Island in the 1950s, as a refugee from the Greek Civil War. With a campaign focused on worker empowerment, ending corruption, and accessible public transportation, Lukas brings fresh energy and a vision to build a brighter future for Long Island, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the town hall. Then get an update from Executive Director of Our Wisconsin Revolution, and YPDA Steering Committee Member, William Walter. William has been on the front lines fighting for progressive policies in Wisconsin and beyond. Hear how he and his fellow organizers defeated Elon Musk, and are now working to build a coalition of state organizers committed to winning electorally while also reaching out to new, young, and disaffected voters. 

11] – On Sundays, April 20 & 27 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM ET, join for a virtual "Rapid Response for Our Freedoms," a crucial event where we stand as one to defend democracy, uphold the rule of law, and safeguard the rights and freedoms we all hold dear. This is our moment to rise up for an America that includes everyone when we say "liberty and justice for all," not just the wealthy and powerful.  At People Power United, we believe in progress and the strength of collective action. Together, we can push back against extremism and build a brighter future. Join us in the fight for Freedom over Fascism and help amplify the power of people to shape our democracy! RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/747339/

12] – On Sun., April 20 from 7 to 8 PM ET, get over to a MDC-DSA Internationalism Working Group meeting. A link to attend this virtual event will be emailed upon RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/mdc-dsa-internationalism-working-group-monthly-meeting-april-2025?link_id=78&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-april-11-2025&email_referrer=email_2702227&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-april-18-2025&&

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 April 21, 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 begins at 8 AM.  No cameras are allowed on Pentagon grounds. The restrooms are located inside Marriot Providence Inn on corner of S. Fern and Army Navy Dr.

14] – On Mon., April 21 from 5 to 7 PM ET, testify against a 12% hike on your DC gas bill.  Speak up and stop this rate hike at the Public Service Commission's upcoming community hearing to say NO TO RATE HIKES. It will take place at the Petworth Neighborhood Library, 4200 Kansas Ave. NW, WDC 20011. Email claire.liz.mills@gmail.com. RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/testify-against-a-12-rate-hike-on-your-gas-bill?source=direct_link&&link_id=79&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&email_referrer=email_2702227&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-april-18-2025&

Washington Gas is looking to increase gas rates by an average of 12%, or $15 per month for every customer. Meanwhile, 1 in 7 WGL residential customers are already behind on their bills. Who can afford even higher bills? DC residents shouldn't be footing the bill for Washington Gas shareholder's profits.

15] – Susan Barnett [reelandmealatnewdealcafe@gmail.com] on Mon., April 21 at 6 PM ET wants you to get with a hybrid Reel and Meal program. Reel and Meal presents Short Films and Speakers to Highlight Government Agencies that have been Crippled or Shuttered in Recent Months. Arrive/Log on by 5:45 PM as the program starts promptly at 6 PM and ends promptly at 8:30 PM. In person, come to the New Deal Café at 113 Centerway (Roosevelt Center) in Greenbelt. Come enjoy the wide-screen film projection system.  Virtual (on Zoom): Registration is required:  https://tinyurl.com/RnMApr25.  April’s Reel and Meal is sponsored by the Greenbelt Refugee Aid Committee, GRACE, which worked to bring Ukrainian refugees to Greenbelt. Three government agencies are among the many that have either been crippled or shuttered recently and are the focus of this Month’s Reel and Meal.

The United States Agency for International Development was created in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy. For many years USAID did humanitarian good around the world. We will see short films and a former employee will share personal experiences about the excellent work this organization did before being crippled by Trump’s attacks on good government. The United States Institute for Peace, USIP, was created by Congress and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1984. It also did much good work worldwide before being raided and shuttered by Musk last month. Short films and discussion will familiarize us with this important, non-partisan agency. The third subject is the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, USCIS. This is the organization tonight’s sponsor, the Greenbelt Refugee Aid Committee, GRACE, worked through to bring our Ukrainian refugees to Greenbelt. This organization was created in 2003. Federal oversight of immigration started in 1891 with an act of Congress. It was originally administered by the Treasury Department. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, was also created in 2003. Look at this dual-purpose organization as well.

The Reel and Meal at the New Deal Café is a monthly film series focused on environmental, social justice and animal rights issues. Contact Frank Gervasi at 301 467-2418 or the Reel and Meal Facebook page: www.facebook.com/reelandmealNDC

16] – Pax Christi USA [jcoode-paxchristiusa.org@shared1.ccsend.com] on Mon., April 21 at 7 PM is hosting "With joy in your presence," a celebration of Fr. Joe Nangle OFM. In December, the Pax Christi community—and so many other communities—lost a visionary advocate for nonviolence and social justice: Fr. Joe Nangle, OFM, at once a prophetic leader, a caring pastor, a deep thinker, and a loving friend. At this celebration of Fr. Joe’s life and the communities he impacted, there will be an introduction of his legacy fund. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/2917416634697/WN_GQVVW4HeSayZeIkbJ33L8g#/registration

17] – On Mon., April 21 at 8 PM ET, get involved with Disarming Earth Day: War Is Not Green! Liberating Earth from Empire. This is the last teach-in of our series leading up to Earth Day 2025. This 4th teach-in will cover the central issues that we have been discussing and building toward: that War Is Not Green. Cover the cost of war to the planet, the conjoined fates of the climate and anti-war movements, and what it means to build an anti-militarist climate movement that calls for an end to U.S. warfare and imperialism, stands for repatriation of indigenous land, and builds a new world. RSVP at https://www.codepink.org/earthmonth421?utm_campaign=april_member_newsletter_2025&utm_medium=email&utm_source=codepin

18] – WildEarth Guardians [info@wildearthguardians.org] on Tues., April 22 at 2 PM ET is calling out for “Hands off Nature!” Learn how Guardians is fighting off the Trump administration’s attacks on our wildlife, wild places, and communities. The early days of the Trump Administration and new Congress have unrolled an unprecedented assault on nature across the West. Attacks on our drinking water, old growth forests, the Endangered Species Act, and our National Parks engage us in an existential battle for the wild West we love.  RSVP at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Q7kVtvHCTrG8GETbDprGsg#/registration

19] – MPower Action [info@mpowerchange.org] on Tues., April 22 at 4 PM ET will hold a workshop on travel and safety for our communities. This is a critical conversation on travel bans. The Trump administration is advancing its authoritarian agenda through a cruel, inhumane, and unconstitutional crackdown on our communities. While the travel ban has not been formally issued, you will have the necessary guidance and tools to be prepared during any upcoming travels, or in the event you, your neighbors, or community members are targeted by this administration. Hear about the South Sudan ban, the Afghanistan TPS termination, and know your rights (KYR) guidance.  RSVP at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Elr_8WtbQQqaleZWUG44ig?_x_zm_rtaid=p-U_-8N5QKSdyWMDGrPO9w.1745110772892.b0232156056e8bd86258b42b78719a29&_x_zm_rhtaid=761#/registration

20] – Join the Baltimore Nonviolence Center on Tues., April 22 from 4:30 to 5 PM ET at 33rd and N. Charles Sts. to condemn the invasion of Ukraine and the Trump/Vance team which supports Putin’s war crimes. Putin has destroyed Aleppo and Grozny and has threatened the use of nuclear weapons.  And he knows that Trump appreciates how he got Trump elected in 2016. Rather than support Ukraine, Trump hoped to steal Ukraine’s rare earth minerals.  Let us hope that the European Union will provide further support for the Ukrainian people. Contact Max at mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net or 410-323-1607.

To be continued

Donations can be sent to Max Obuszewski, Baltimore Nonviolence Center, and 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