Baltimore Activist Alert – April 19 – 20, 2026
"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.
1] Books, buttons and stickers
2] Contact the White House
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] Labor History Project
7] Friends meeting – April 19
8] Everyday ethics – April 19
9] Doctors against genocide – April 19
10] Indivisible Bowie on the bridge – April 19
11] Canvass for Apurna Raj – April 19
12] Canvas for Zola Shaw – April 19
13] Black Lives rally – April 19
14] Knit to melt ice – April 19
15] Canvass for Josie Caballero –
April 19
16] Resisting ICE – April 19
17] No sanctions – April 19
18] Israeli occupation – April 19
19] Weekly PDA Town Hall – April 19
20] Internationalism working group – April 19
21] Vigil at the Pentagon – April 20
22] Moral Monday – April 20
23] Memorial Day ceremony – April 20
24] Election protection – April 20
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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] –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.” 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] – William Barry [billbarry21214@gmail.com] has a request. As the country begins to celebrate our 250th anniversary, our history is complicated but one thing is certain--labor history is always deleted. So he created the MD250 Labor History Project, and hopes you will participate by sending in labor history materials, and by sharing it with your friends, as part of creating a union movement. Go to https://www.md250laborhistory.org/
"We are either part of the solution or part of the problem." "The only reason an organization has dead wood is that management either hired dead wood or it hired live wood and killed it." - W. Edwards Deming
7] – Homewood Friends Meeting [homewoodfriends@gmail.com] gathers for worship on Sundays at 10:30 AM at 3107 N. Charles St., Baltimore 21218 and on Zoom. A simple lunch will take place after the 10:30 AM worship. Call 410-235-4438. To join by Zoom, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/255867065?pwd=UDNxVnlVSkZQOHlXWlc3NHpHeHdhZz09#success
8] – The Baltimore Ethical Society meetup on Sun., April 19 at 10:30 AM
will feature this platform delivered via Zoom--Our Conduct Guidelines: "Everyday Ethics,"
Part 3. This platform will be led by
Karen S. Elliott, the BES president. In
the Ethical movement, there is work to help make the world a more ethical place
by social justice and other actions, but also look at individual relationships
with others as an important part of ethical actions. Every week near the start
of the meetings, the presider says "The Baltimore Ethical Society strives
to be a safe, welcoming community for all members and guests, regardless of
race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, economic status, creed, age, or
disability. We ask that members and guests show respect for one another in
their words and actions so that BES may continue to honor the worth and dignity
of every human being. BES members and guests are encouraged to advocate for
their personal comfort and safety.
Why should the treatment of others make a difference to members or attendees of an Ethical Society? What's all this stuff about normalizing stating pronouns when giving names before speaking to the group? Karen Elliott will summarize key parts of what was said in the last two meetings that related to Conduct Guidelines and then facilitate a final continuation of the discussion about why we have such guidelines and what we think about them. Visit https://www.meetup.com/bmorethical/events/313589557/?eventOrigin=group_events_list
9] – Doctors against Genocide [leadership@doctorsagainstgenocide.org] on Sun., April 19 at noon invite you to join an urgent webinar. Last Wednesday, hundreds of healthcare workers and advocates mobilized in Washington, DC for the 1000 White Coats Advocacy Day with nearly 60 meetings with congressional offices. Dozens of walk-ins. Clear demands delivered directly: end the genocide, everywhere.
The press conference reflected the real depth and breadth of this growing coalition against genocide--National Nurses United, Nonviolent Medicaid Army, Rashida Tlaib, JAPA, Sanctions Kill, Workers United Maryland, and CODEPINK. The gathering made clear that this movement is broad, principled, and deeply committed to justice.
10] – On Sun., April 19, from 1 to 3 PM ET at 15202 Major Lansdale Blvd., Bowie 20716, join Indivisible Bowie for a Visibility Brigade sign wave on the pedestrian bridge over Route 50. If you can't make the full time, no worries, come when you can! Help bring attention to important issues and let your neighbors and commuters know they are not alone in fighting back against authoritarianism.
Parking is behind the Hampton Inn in the old theatre lot, please look for the sign. Follow the paved path through the chain-link fence, then turn left onto the pedestrian trail to reach the bridge. Approximately a 4-minute walk. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/dfadcoalition/event/873914/?followup_modal_context=organization_newsletter_custom_recommendations
11] – Aparna Raj, former DSA chapter chair and chapter-endorsed
candidate for the Ward 1 seat on DC Council, is setting the tone among fellow
candidates, putting forward a clear vision that seeks to materially improve the
lives of the ward’s working class. Socialists are turning out in force to
support that vision. Metro DC DSA’s Bodily Autonomy Working Group (BAWG), Queer
Section, and Socialist Feminist Section are joining forces to lead a canvass
for Raj on Sun., April 19 from 1 to 4 PM. The canvass will launch from the
Columbia Heights Civic Plaza, 1400 Park Road NW, WDC 20010. RSVP
athttps://actionnetwork.org/events/bawg-canvass-for-aparna-raj?source=direct_link&&link_id=18&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&email_referrer=email_3197038&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-april-17-2026&
12] – Zola Shaw, a union organizer
who has built a loyal following of trade unionists and tenants in Montgomery
County, is running to lead the rent stabilization charge in Rockville. Zola has
consolidated endorsements from every labor union in this race; victory will
expand the labor and tenant bloc in Montgomery County Council. Zola will be
canvassing on Sun., April 19 from 1 to 4 PM at the Maryvale Elementary School, 1010 First St., Rockville
20850. Training and
buddies will be provided to all who need them. RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/canvass-for-zola-shaw-sunday-419/?link_id=8&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-april-10-2026&email_referrer=email_3197038&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-april-17-2026&&
Come out to canvass for the MoCo DSA endorsed candidate Zola Shaw for Montgomery County Council D3! Knock on doors to tell them all about Zola and her support for working class families.
13] – The Interfaith Coalition For Black
Lives [interfaithcoalition4blacklives@gmail] hopes you will attend a rally on
Sun., April 19 from 1:30 to 2:30 PM In front of University Baptist Church and
across from the main entrance to Johns Hopkins University, 3501 N. Charles St.,
Baltimore 21218. The group will collect diapers (sizes 3 to 6),
menstrual products, and protein packs (Ensure, Boost, etc.) for the Food
Pantry at the Church of the Guardian Angel (CGA). The CGA is in the
Remington neighborhood -- close to where the rally is on Sunday.
CGA serves 200 people per week in central Baltimore City and has joined
with an Immigrants Rights Coalition to help families who have had their primary
wage earner detained or deported by ICE.
14] – Calling All Resistance
Knitters/Crocheters to join the Melt the Ice Hat Knit-In, hosted by Allies for
Democracy on Sun., April 19 from 2 to 4 PM ET in the common area at The Shops
at Kenilworth, 800 Kenilworth Dr., Towson 21204. In the
1940s, Norwegians quietly defied Nazi occupation by knitting and wearing red,
pointed hats with tassels. A simple garment became an act of protest. Today,
Minnesota knitters are reviving that tradition—and they need more hats. Join in
to knit and crochet Melt the Ice Hats. These red hats will be sent
to Needle & Skein yarn shop in Minnesota and distributed to
protesters. Bring red yarn and needles or a hook if you have them. Knit and
crochet patterns may be found on Ravelry. Beginners welcome, and supplies may
be available to share. This event will continue through June 14. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/899993/?followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_more_events_of_type
15] – In Montgomery County, Josie Caballero is fighting to protect tenants, defend MoCo’s immigrant community, and create a progressive county tax structure. Josie will be holding a canvass on Sun., April 19 from 2 to 6 PM, from Takoma Urban Park, 7035 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park 20912. Training, rides to doors, and buddies will be provided to all who need them. Takoma Urban Park is a 10 minute walk from the Takoma Park metro. Rides to doors will be provided for those who need them. RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/canvass-for-josie-caballero-sunday-412/?link_id=14&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-april-3-2026&email_referrer=email_3186207&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-april-10-2026&&
16] – The Takoma Park Mobilization [info@tpmobilization.org] on Sun., April 19 from 2 to 4 PM at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, 6951 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park will discuss RESISTING ICE - LESSONS LEARNED. Neighbors are being abducted from Takoma Park streets. Be better prepared! ICE and Customs and Border Patrol are ramping up their staff, infrastructure, and surveillance to launch new waves of detentions and deportations. A detention center is to be built in Hagerstown and an ICE/CBP operation center will be installed in Hyattsville.
17] – Join a TEACH-IN and TOOLKIT LAUNCH: SANCTIONS UNDERMINE CHILDREN’S RIGHT TO HEALTH on Sun., April 19 at 3 PM ET. Americas without Sanctions will present its new teach-in materials to explain how the US blockades of Cuba and Venezuela undermine children’s right to health. The group demands that the US Government Stop Killing Children with Sanctions. This webinar will be in English and Spanish with simultaneous interpretation. Email NicaraguaWebinars@gmail.com. REGISTER at bit.ly/NicaApril19
18] – Get over to Field Testing Israeli Occupation Tech: The Palestine Lab on Sun., April 19 at 3 PM ET. Israel is one of the world's top arms exporters, selling drones, cyber‑weapons, biometric systems, and crowd‑control tools to over 130 countries, marketed as “combat-proven” after being deployed on Palestinians living under military occupation. This Round Table centers the human impact of this experimentation, examining how Palestinian lives are used as testing grounds for weapons, AI platforms, and policing tactics later exported worldwide. Panelists will trace the connections between Israeli military and police forces and U.S. policing and immigration enforcement, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. RSVP at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/DuftjhaVRU2-bCITMabqOQ?ct=t%28EMAIL_CAMPAIGN+January+2026_COPY_04%29&mc_cid=ac0d624b63&mc_eid=d94264e14b#/registration
19] – The Progressive Democrats of America [info@pdamerica.org] on Sun., April 19 at 4 PM ET will hold its weekly Town Hall featuring legendary journalist Robert Scheer and PDA member running for Congress, Kai Newkirk (AZ-4). Scheer is an American journalist, author, and political activist best known for his influential reporting and commentary since the 1960s. Newkirk is a progressive activist and organizer running for U.S. Congress in Arizona’s 4th Congressional District, where he is challenging incumbent Greg Stanton in the Democratic primary. Known for his leadership in nonviolent direct action movements, Newkirk is running a grassroots, movement-driven campaign focused on democracy, human rights, and bold progressive reform. RSVP at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0tceuhrzsvHdymeeZRwb-i7X50FJa-HMR4?emci=b5a18e01-092f-f111-9a48-000d3a14b640&emdi=a8b79cb5-632f-f111-9a48-000d3a14b640&ceid=2907617#/registration
20] – The Metro DC DSA Internationalism Working Group monthly virtual meeting on Sun., April 19 from 7 to 8:15 PM. A virtual link will be communicated before the event. Email internationalism@mdcdsa.org. RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/metro-dc-dsa-internationalism-working-group-april-monthly-meeting?link_id=77&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-april-10-2026&email_referrer=email_3197038&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-april-17-2026&&
21] – There was a weekly Pentagon Peace Vigil from 7 to 8 AM on Mondays, since 1987, outside the Pentagon Metro stop. However, the Pentagon police, presumably on the orders of President Trump, have made it impossible to protest on the reservation. Now it will take place on the corner of S. Fern and Army Navy Dr. in Arlington, VA. The next vigil is April 20, and it is sponsored by the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker. Email artlaffin@hotmail.com or call 202-882-9649.
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.
22] – Repairers of the Breach Team [info@breachrepairers.org] on Mon., April 20 at noon want you to join in for Nationwide Moral Monday! Call on Congress and the White House to end the unholy and illegal war in the Middle East. No more funding unauthorized military action and instead invest in social safety net programs that protect poor and working people. Call on Congress and policymakers to fund people, not unholy war. RSVP at https://bit.ly/MoralMondays2026
23] –On Mon., April 20 at 1:30 PM, Combatants for Peace and The Parents Circle-Families Forum will co-host the 21st annual Joint Memorial Day Ceremony — a gathering that transforms sorrow into collective resolve, and reminds the world that even now, another future is still possible. RSVP at https://secure.everyaction.com/5eWFtbWPk0iqfSsWGlFGjA2?link_id=13&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-nhpa-update-on-preventing-war-with-iran-events-and-good-news-april-10th-2026&email_referrer=email_3191868&email_subject=nhpa-update-on-tax-day-the-cost-of-war-events-and-good-news-april-17th-2026&&
24] – Progressive Democrats of America [info@pdamerica.org] wants you to participate with the Grassroots Election Protection Coalition/ALLIANCE 4 GRASSROOTS DEMOCRACY Zoom on Mon., April 20 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
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
