Baltimore Activist Alert – May 4 – 5, 2025

Baltimore Activist Alert – May 4 – 5, 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] Welcome to Muskville – May 4

8] Lessons from Bonhoeffer – May 4

9] Gaza update – May 4

10] DC Poor People's Campaign – May 4

11] Green New Deal Working Group meeting – May 4

12] Whole Foods sign wave – May 4

13] MOCO DSA branch meeting – May 4

14] PDS Town Hall – May 4

15] Indivisible meet up – May 4

16] Rapid Response for Our Freedoms – May 4

17] Electoral working group meeting – May 4

18] Death Penalty Action -- May 4

19] Vigil at the Pentagon – May 5

20] Electoral Working Group meeting -- May 5

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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] – Welcome to Muskville, a Solidarity City at Columbus Circle NE (Union Station), WDC running through May 9 from 9 AM to 8:30 PM. This in-person organizing space started on April 20 and provides support for displaced workers and demonstrate mutual aid, as well as provide political education and organizing for collective action. We'll offer daily programming from large event tents, launch collective actions, host art and cultural events, and build the networks that our movements need to challenge the actions of the Trump/Musk administration. Programming will include supportive services for fired federal workers and other community members, trainings, political education, performances, and more. For the daily schedule go to https://www.solidaritycity.org/schedule-1. Visit  https://www.solidaritycity.org/

8] – The Baltimore Ethical Society invites you on Sundays at 10:30 AM for a platform presentation on Zoom or at the Impact Hub Baltimore, 10 E. North Ave., Baltimore 21202.  On May 4 the platform is Lessons from Bonhoeffer with Hugh Taft-Morales, Ethical Humanist Leader in Baltimore and Philadelphia.  This platform will be delivered in hybrid format, which means you can attend the platform via Zoom or in person. Masks are optional.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German Lutheran pastor, resisted Nazism and paid for it with his life. After 18 months in prison for participation in the German resistance, Bonhoeffer was hanged on April 9, 1945. Although they differed theologically, Ethical Culture founder Felix Adler and Bonhoeffer shared some characteristics. Both were born in Germany. Both spurned materialism, craved unity, embraced reason, and accepted suffering. And both felt a duty to act to save others. Taft-Morales explores how Bonhoeffer’s example can support our justice work today. Visit https://www.meetup.com/bmorethical/events/306609074/?eventOrigin=group_upcoming_events, and to receive the Zoom link, email president@bmorethical.org

9] – Doctors against Genocide [info@doctorsagainstgenocide.org] on Sundays, May 4, May 11, May 18 & May 25 at noon ET wants you to check out updates from Gaza. Register at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aUUzycRDSwaem750Nc6iFg

10] – The DC Poor People's Campaign [washingtondc@poorpeoplescampaign.org] on Sun., May 4 from 1 to 3 PM is organizing a Spring Meet-up. You will be given the location after you RSVP at tinyurl.com/DCPPCSpringMeetup.

Looking for a group that builds power to ensure dignity & justice for all?  Want to take action against systemic injustices together with a diverse group of advocates, organizers, and volunteers in the Washington DC area? The idea is to bring advocacy organizations, faith communities, and impacted folks together to confront & combat the systems that hold the people of this nation down.   

11] –On Sun., May 4 from 1:30 to 2:30 PM, get over to a Green New Deal Working Group meeting at Cleveland Park Library, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 3310 Connecticut Ave. NW, WDC 20008. Email ecosocialism@mdcdsa.org. RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/green-new-deal-working-group-meeting-13?link_id=60&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-april-25-2025&email_referrer=email_2719217&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-may-2-2025&&

Join Metro D.C. DSA's new Green New Deal Working Group to discuss a long term eco-socialist strategy for the formation. The chapter has four eco-socialist campaigns (We Power DC/public power, Social Housing, Public Transit, and Green Spaces), and there will be a discussion as to how to collaborate and operate as a group, plan events in the next years, and organize together for eco-socialist campaigns

12] – Get with a WHOLE FOODS Sign Wave: SAY NO TO BEZOS, hosted by Baltimore Sign Waves on Sun., May 4 from 2 to 3 PM ET at Falls Road & Smith Ave. Billionaire Jeff Bezos is a Trump enabler, fascist collaborator, and enemy of the free press. Let’s use our spending power to make him pay for the damage to our democracy. Why should Elon Musk feel all the economic pain? Help us make Bezos’s brands toxic, just like Tesla's. Urge shoppers to take their business elsewhere. Bring signs, noisemakers, and other useful objects. This sign wave will continue on Sundays through May 25. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/780875/?followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_closest

13] – Get over to a Montgomery County DSA branch meeting on Sun., May 4 from 2 to 4:30 PM in building up to a state-wide Tenant Summit. The meeting will take place in-person at the Rockville Library, 21 Maryland Ave., Rockville 20850 and online on Zoom. RSVP to see the Zoom link, viewable on the "Event Details" page: https://actionnetwork.org/events/montgomery-county-branch-may-general-body-meeting?link_id=19&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-april-25-2025&email_referrer=email_2719217&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-may-2-2025&&

14] – The Progressive Democrats of America [info@pdamerica.org] on Sun., May 4 at 4 PM ET will hold its weekly Town Hall: Alan Minsky and YPDA's William Walter report back on their visit to Capitol Hill where they proposed a series of bills that would codify the PDA 2025 agenda. Also, Alan will report on the largest-ever Jewish-led Justice for Palestine Conference in U.S. history. PDA believes the progressive agenda is embraced by a majority of Americans.  One way to make PDA’s case is through the introduction of a new round of progressive legislature in Congress, led by the most prominent progressive elected officials in the country.

 PDA's Executive Director Alan Minsky, YPDA Steering Committee Member William Walter, and PDA Communications Director Mike Hersh set off to walk the halls of Congress, and they have great news to report! What would be a winning progressive agenda to bring to the American people? Also, Alan will report back on the largest-ever Jewish-led Justice for Palestine Conference, being held this weekend. RSVP at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0tceuhrzsvHdymeeZRwb-i7X50FJa-HMR4?emci=29ea8821-1927-f011-8b3d-6045bded8cca&emdi=3aa05bd4-5c27-f011-8b3d-6045bded8cca&ceid=2907617#/registration

15] –On Sun., May 4 at 5 PM ET, there is a Hampden-Medfield Indivisible Meet-up  at Union Craft Brewing, 1700 W 41st St. #420, Baltimore 21211. This is a satellite group of Indivisible Baltimore, located in the Hampden-Medfield area of Baltimore. This meeting set up to allow for delegates to join the Indivisible Baltimore meeting at 3:30 PM. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/dfadcoalition/event/780604/?followup_modal_context=organization_newsletter_custom_recommendations

16] – On Sundays, May 4, May 11, May 18 & May 25 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/

17] – The Northern Virginia DSA Electoral Working Group meeting will be on Sun., May 4 from 7 to 8 PM.  Join #nova-electoral on slack, and fill out the interest form. Also, feel free to reach out to @Alex Yarkosky on slack with any questions about electoral work. A link to attend this virtual event will be emailed upon RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/nova-electoral-monthly-working-group-meeting-0504?link_id=62&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-april-25-2025&email_referrer=email_2719217&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-may-2-2025&&

Join in #nova-electoral on slack, and fill out an interest form. Also, feel free to reach out to @Alex Yarkosky on slack with any questions about electoral work

18] – Death Penalty Action [info@deathpenaltyaction.org] on Sun., May 4 at 9 PM ET hopes you will tune in to The Forecast.  There are four executions scheduled this month. The primary goal with these virtual vigils is to give abolitionists who can't be there in person a way to connect to the protest on the ground outside the prison, and to fill in with people who know the prisoner, state people who know the state issues and other issue experts speaking both broadly and to case specifics, plus spirituality/prayer from multiple faith perspectives, including live music (when possible) by professional level musicians who without being necessarily religious, bring a spirituality that speaks to and for anyone who opposes executions. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GQi-Z-U0QyyvyVOoYaL3nA#/registration?link_id=5&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-two-executions-this-week-9pm-tonight-the-forecast-2&email_referrer=email_2720175&email_subject=four-more-executions-this-month-9pm-sunday-the-forecast&&

19] – 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 May 5, 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.

20] – Progressive Democrats of America [info@pdamerica.org] wants you to participate with the Grassroots Election Protection Coalition/ALLIANCE 4 GRASSROOTS DEMOCRACY Zoom on Mon., May 5 at 5 PM ET. Hear from leading activists, elected officials, and others committed to union organizing as well as cleaning up our elections and the environment, and other critically important issues. RSVP at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqfuygpjIiHtc20uIOxdeqYRiAicjSLWUc#/registration

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