Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Baltimore Activist Alert - October 20 - 22, 2015


17] Meet Alicia Garza – Oct. 20
18] Philadelphia Peace Vigil – Oct. 20
19] Vigil against JHU’s drone research – Oct. 20
20] Water & Cooperation in the Middle East – Oct. 20
21] Peace Academy course – Oct. 20
22] "Reflections of a Mental Health Chief in a Solitary Confinement Unit" – Oct. 20 & 21
23] Religion & Violence – Oct. 21
24] Amazonian Activists at Risk of Criminalization and Murder – Oct. 21
25] Come to Rep. Sarbanes’ office – Oct. 21
26] Housing for All – Oct. 21
27] Book talk “Rachel Carson and Her Sisters” – Oct. 21
28] Israeli laws that discriminate against Palestinian Christians – Oct. 21
29] Laudato Si – Oct. 21
30] Public Banks – Oct. 21
31] Patrick Bond at Red Emma’s – Oct. 21
32] Support Dr. Aafia Siddiqui – Oct. 22
33] Defend Immigrant Families – Oct. 22
34] Film “Journey into Europe– Oct. 22
35] Pacem inTerris dinner – Oct. 22
36] Climate Change Meet-Up – Oct. 22
37] SPREADING PEACE CONVOCATION – Oct. 22
38] Peace Academy course – Oct. 22
39] Pledge of Resistance meeting – Oct. 22
40] Pray for Peace – October 22
41] “The Future of Our Schools” – Oct. 22
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17] – Come to the Grand Ballroom, Stamp Student Union, University of Maryland, College Park on Tues., Oct. 20 at 4:30 PM to meet a social activist committed to challenging society to recognize and celebrate the contributions of all individuals, specifically black people and queer communities.   Alicia Garza is the co-creator of the viral hashtag #BlackLivesMatter, a national organizing project which has evolved into the banner under which this generation's civil rights movement marches. Visit http://www.diversity.umd.edu/alicia.pdf.

18] – Each Tuesday from 4:30 - 5:30 PM, the Catholic Peace Fellowship-Philadelphia for peace in Afghanistan and Iraq gathers at the Suburban Station, 16th St. & JFK Blvd., at the entrance to Tracks 3 and 4 on the mezzanine.  The next vigil is Oct. 20.  Call 215-426-0364.

19] – Vigil to say "No Drone Research at JHU" each Tuesday at 33rd & North Charles Sts. Join this ongoing vigil on Oct. 20  from 5:30 to 6:30  PM.  Call Max at 410-366-1637.

20] – The School of International Service, American University, is hosting Water, Cooperation, and Peace in the Middle East: Student Practicum Report Presentation on Tues., Oct. 20 from 6 to 8 PM at School of International Service, AU, Abramson Family Founders Room, SIS, 3400 Nebraska Ave. NW, WDC 20016.  To attend the event sponsored by the Global Environmental Politics program and the Center for Israel Studies. RSVP at http://www.american.edu/cas/israelstudies/rsvp/rsvp4.cfm. Call 202-885-1747.

21] – The Peace Academy has four course offerings ranging from family peace-keeping strategies to nonviolent communication tactics. Each is to be conducted at The Perry School, 128 M St. NW, WDC, or interested parties can arrange a course at their particular sites. Registration can be completed online at www.lffp.org or by contacting MJ Park at mjpeace@gmail.com or 240-838-4549. Details for the first course is listed below.

Course I: Live Teach, Peace Teach has one more session: Disarming one's heart and resolving a conflict on Tues., Oct. 20 from 7 to 8:30 PM.  The cost is $45 per session.

22] – Mary Buser, who worked in the mental health center at Riker’s Island in NYC until 2000, will speak about her experiences, focusing in particular on the use of solitary confinement, something that is now recognized as a form of torture. Her new memoir, “Lockdown on Rikers”, addresses what went on behind the walls of this notorious jail and the insidious reasons for its brutality.

The last publicly available report (2012) shows that Maryland uses solitary confinement at nearly twice the national average, that it puts people into solitary for minor infractions, and that it leaves people there for longer even than its own guidelines recommend.  The Maryland advocacy group Interfaith Action for Human Rights (IAHR) has introduced legislation in the Maryland General Assembly the past two years simply to require the government to provide information on its use of solitary confinement—but neither time did the bill make it out of committee.  IAHR will continue to advocate for transparency in prison conditions in Maryland and ultimately for a dramatic reduction in the use of solitary confinement.

Ms. Buser will deliver "Reflections of a Mental Health Chief in a Solitary Confinement Unit" on Tues., Oct. 20 at 7:30 PM at Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse, 30 W. North Ave., Baltimore 21201, and on Wed., Oct. 21 at 6:30 PM at Busboys and Poets, 235 Carroll St. NW, WDC. Go to http://www.peaceactionmc.org/.

23] – Across every continent, policymakers, religious leaders, and scholars are discussing multiple aspects of the interrelationship between religion and violence with increasing regularity. More recently, there have been efforts to try and bring together voices addressing these questions in a collaborative spirit, as well as to enhance the quality of debate by developing more rigorous research into religion and violence.  Dr. Debora Tonelli will share aspects of her research, particularly on violence in the Bible and on violence in religious imagery, and discussing the work of the interdisciplinary research network she founded in Italy. Katherine Marshall, Drew Christiansen, S.J., and Leo Lefebure, S.J. will then share findings from their work in the field. Gerard Mannion will introduce and moderate the seminar: Religion and Violence: Developing Research and Building Networks on Wed., Oct. 21 from 10 AM to noon at the Berkley Center, 3307 M St. NW, WDC 20007.  RSVP at http://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/events/rsvp/religion-and-violence-developing-research-and-building-networks?utm_source=Berkley+Center+Master+List&utm_campaign=8e340bbb58-Event_announcement_12_03_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_66160ba037-8e340bbb58-353941. Email the Berkley Center berkleycenter@georgetown.edu.

24] – Amazon Watch invites you to a "Green-Bag Lunch" presentation: Amazonian Activists at Risk of Criminalization and Murder on Wed., Oct. 21 from 12:30 to  2 PM in the Amazon Watch / CIEL Conference Room, 1350 Connecticut Ave. NW, #1100, (above Cosi, Dupont Circle South), WDC. Fighting for the collective rights of their peoples is more risky than ever for indigenous leaders across the Amazon. On Global Witness's list of most dangerous countries for environmental and land rights defenders, Brazil leads the pack accounting for roughly half of the assassinations over the last decade. The situation facing indigenous leaders in Ecuador has deteriorated significantly since August, reaching levels of politically-motivated repression not seen in recent memory. Over the current session of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, indigenous peoples from at least five countries around the region will hold hearings and denounce urgent violations of their collective and individual rights. Join us for this special presentation featuring indigenous leaders and civil society activists from Ecuador and Brazil as they provide updates on what is happening on the ground and what you can do to support their struggles.

25] – As part of the national "Educate Congress" Campaign Letter Drops, on Wed., Oct. 21 at 4:30 PM, the Pledge of Resistance will go to Rep. John Sarbanes’ office, 600 Baltimore Ave., Suite 303, Towson, MD 21204, to deliver a letter.  The letter urges him to vote against the Trans-Pacific Partnership, in favor of Justice is Not For Sale Act (H.R. 3543), The 21st Century Glass-Steagall Act (H.R. 3054), The Return to Prudent Banking Act (H.R. 381) and more. Let Max know if you can sign on to the letter and go to Sarbanes’ office--410-366-1637 or mobuszewski at verizon.net. Are you a constituent?

26] – Gather at 641 S St. NW, WDC, on Wed., Oct. 21 at 6:30 PM to get back in gear with the Housing For All Campaign! This year organizers will be taking on an additional housing challenge: improving rent control so it keeps rents affordable for thousands of residents across the District. Join the campaign meeting for a discussion about how rent control works and learn How a Bill Becomes a Law in Washington, DC. Go to https://www.cnhed.org/housing-for-all-campaign/campaign-events/.

27] – Robert K. Musil is to speak about his book “Rachel Carson and Her Sisters” on Wed., Oct. 21 from 6:30 to 8 PM in the Poe Room at the Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Library, 400 Cathedral St., Baltimore 21201.  In his new book, Musil, former Physicians for Social Responsibility President and President of the Rachel Carson Council, redefines the achievements and legacy of Carson, linking her work to a wide network of American women activists and writers. Come join the author for a discussion of Rachel Carson's lasting legacy. Email twhitehouse@psr.org.

28] – On Wed., Oct. 21 at 7 PM, Jonathan Kuttab, a leading Palestinian human rights lawyer in Israel and Palestine, will be speaking in the St. Columba's Episcopal Church sanctuary, 4201 Albemarle St. NW, WDC 20016--just a block west of Wisconsin Ave. and the Tenleytown Metro Station (Red Line). His talk will focus on the unjust Israeli laws that discriminate against our Palestinian Christian sisters and brothers. Mr. Kuttab was born in West Jerusalem, but after the Six Day War his family moved to the United States. After practicing with a Wall Street law firm for several years, he returned home to co-found the Palestinian Center for the Study of NonviolenceAl-Haq (lawyers and others who assist with human rights issues), and the Mandela Institute for Political Prisoners.  He is licensed to practice law in Palestine, Israel, and New York, and serves on the board of The Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center in Jerusalem. Call 301-518-5551.

29] – On Wed., Oct. 21 from 7 to 9 PM,  participate in A Closer Look, the second of a three part series examining and discussing Pope Francis’ environmental encyclical, Laudato Si (last session will be Wednesday, Oct. 28). Questions and discussion materials will be mainly drawn from Father Tom Reese’s, “A Readers’ Guide to Laudato Si,” National Catholic Reporter, The National Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Interfaith Power and Light.  This is happening at St. Rose of Lima parish, 11701 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg. 

30] – At the Goethe Institut, 812 7th St. NW, WDC, on Wed., Oct. 21 from 7 to 9:15 PM, hear from a panel of experts why public banking is a key to a healthy and just economy and why it makes sense for D.C. Panelists include Nomi Prins, former Wall Street banker, author “All the President’s Bankers,” Senior Fellow Demos; Gar Alperovitz, author “What Then Must We Do?,” co-chair Next System Project, co-founder Democracy Collaborative; Harold Meyerson. Op-ed columnist Washington Post, editor-at-large The American Prospect; Jessica Nembhard, board chair One DC, author “Collective Courage: A History of African American Cooperative Economic Thought and Practice;” and Prof. Horst Gischer, University of Magdeburg, Germany, chair, Dept. of Community Economics, Money and Credit. Enjoy a social hour with food and drinks from 5:30 to 6:45 PM

31] – On Wed., Oct. 21 at 7:30 PM @ Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse, 30 W. North Ave., Baltimore 21201, Patrick Bond will discuss the "new scramble for Africa" and BRICS: An Anticapitalist Critique.  The event will also celebrate the release of “BRICS: An Anticapitalist Critique,” co-edited by Bond.  As economies North and South engage in the “race for what’s left” around key natural resources, extractivism – plundering solely for profit – is playing an increasingly central role in their capitalist development and accumulation patterns. Extractivism and now neo-extractivism (which refers to an expanded role for the national state) are hotly debated throughout the left globally. For some it is seen as the only option for growth, and thus it must be socialized and mobilized as a lever of social and economic development. For others, it only enhances dependence on capitalist world markets controlled by monopolistic corporations, a problem further exacerbated by its ecological contradictions and reliance on practices of dispossession. Bond directs the University of KwaZulu-Natal Centre for Civil Society in Durban and is a political economist at the University of the Witwatersrand. He is author of “Elite Transition” (Pluto Press 2014) and “Politics of Climate Justice” (UKZN Press 2012).

The emergence of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa on a global stage has upset the dominance of the United States as the world’s only superpower. But can they chart a path toward a more just global economy? This collection of essays, which brings together leading political economists from around the world, argues that the BRICS are actually amplifying some of the worst features of international capitalism. This book aims to fill a gap in studies of the BRICS grouping of countries, and provides a critical analysis of their economies, societies and geopolitical strategies within the framework of a global capitalism that is increasingly predatory, unequal and ecologically self-destructive — no more so than in the BRICS countries themselves.  Call 443-602-7585.  Go to http://www.redemmas.org.

32] – Rally to support Dr. Aafia Siddiqui at the White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, WDC, on Thurs., Oct. 22 at 10:30 AM.  Nawaz Shariff is reportedly coming to meet with President Obama. Join the National Coalition to Protect Civil Freedoms (NCPCF) and the Pakistan USA Freedom Forum to demand that the PM call for the repatriation of Dr. Aafia. The protest will also call for accountability for the disappeared, the imprisoned, the tortured and all victims of state violence. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1644953425761566/.

33] At the DOJ, 9th & Pennsylvania Ave., WDC, on Thurs., Oct. 22 at 4:15 PM, join the DC-MD-VA Coalition in Support of Children Fleeing Violence, CARECEN-Central American Resource Center, Detention Watch Network, RAICES, and others in calling for an END to family detention! March to the White House to demand that the Administration STOP detaining immigrant mothers and children. This is part of a National Week of Action to #EndFamilyDetention.

The protest is scheduled for the eve of October 23rd, the day the U.S. Government is expected to comply with federal district court Judge Dolly Gee’s ruling in Flores v. Johnson that the Obama Administration’s policy of jailing mothers and children violates the Flores Settlement Agreement that has set the standard for the detention and treatment of immigrant children since 1997. It is expected, however, that the Administration will appeal rather than comply. It is time to tell the Obama Administration to #EndFamilyDetention #EndItNow.  Contact Amy at amy.fischer@raicestexas.org.

34] – See a screening of “Journey into Europe,” by SIS professor Ambassador Akbar Ahmed, Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies, SIS, which was filmed across the European continent and explores Islam in Europe and the place of Islam in European history and civilization. Along the way, we hear from some of Europe's most prominent figures - presidents and prime ministers, archbishops, chief rabbis, grand muftis, heads of right-wing parties, and everyday people from a variety of backgrounds. Startling, challenging, and emotionally powerful, the film's themes of identity and acceptance are critically relevant to our world today. The screening will happen on Thurs., Oct. 22 from 5:30 to 8 PM at the School of International Service, AU, Abramson Family Founders Room, 3400 Nebraska Ave. NW, WDC 20016.  Go to http://journeyintoeurope.com/. RSVP https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ebnxbh8u02206dc6&oseq=&c=&ch=. Call 202-885-1747.

35] –  You are cordially invited to celebrate the ongoing peace work of Pacem in Terris, 401 N. West St., Wilmington, DE 19801 at its Annual Dinner on Thurs., Oct. 22 at 6 PM.  Connect with old friends. Meet new ones. Enjoy a fantastic culinary feast! See anti-war and pro-peace and justice signs, banners, flags, posters, and flyers that Pacem in Terris has stored away in its archives for close to fifty years. Hear the wonderful after-dinner speaker, Kevin Martin.  Register at https://squareup.com/market/delaware-pacem-in-terris/annual-dinner. Email mg@depaceminterris.org. 

36] –  There is a Meet Up to Network-Discuss Climate Change on Thurs., Oct. 22 from 6 to 8 PM at Liam Flynn's Ale House,  Liam Flynn's Ale House (in back of bar), 22 W. North Ave., Baltimore 21201.  Join in for a networking and learning event on one of the most pressing health issues of our time -- climate change.  Meet friends, activists and those who care about living a healthy lifestyle. Three guests will explain "climate change in four slides."  RSVP by emailing twhitehouse@psr.org. The Meet Up is sponsored by Chesapeake Physicians for Social Responsibility, the Sierra Club, and Citizens Climate Lobby.

37] – The SPREADING PEACE CONVOCATION, First Ever Gathering Nationally of Evangelical Pastors and Imams, will take place on Thurs., Oct. 22 at 6:30 PM at the First Baptist Church, Glenarden, MD.  It's critical that we learn to relate to each other and build bridges of understanding and respect, or an uncertain and uneasy future of conflict awaits us all.  Meet each other, share mutual concerns, and build bridges so that you can spread peace. Go to http://spreadingpeace.net/.

38] – The Peace Academy had four course offerings ranging from family peace-keeping strategies to nonviolent communication tactics. Each was to be conducted at The Perry School, 128 M St. NW, WDC, or interested parties can arrange a course at their particular sites. Registration can be completed online at www.lffp.org or by contacting MJ Park at mjpeace@gmail.com or 240-838-4549. Details for the next course is listed below.

Course II: Practicing Peace in Daily Life has one more session: Learning and practicing nonviolent communication, Thurs., Oct. 22 from 7 to 8:30 PM.  The cost is $45 per session.

39] – The Pledge of Resistance-Baltimore now meets on Thursdays at 7:30 PM, and the meetings take place at Max’s residence.  There will be a meeting on Thurs., Oct. 22 at 7:30 PM.  The agenda will include Keep Space for Peace Week, killer drones, protests at City Hall, the Democratic Party presidential debate and the Drone Report. Call 410-366-1637 or email mobuszewski at verizon.net.

40] –  On Thurs., Oct. 22 at 7:30 PM, Pray for Peace at St. John’s, Baltimore City United Methodist Church , 2640  St. Paul St., Baltimore. It is on the corner of St. Paul and 27th Sts. with the entrance on 27th St. Please pray for the Peace of Jerusalem!  Contact Charles Cloughen, Jr., Interfaith Peace Partners, coordinator, at ccloughen@episcopalmaryland.org  or call 410-321-4545.

41] – On Thurs., Oct. 22 at 7:30 PM @ Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse, 30 W. North Ave., Baltimore 21201, Lois Weiner presents “The Future of Our Schools.”  Weiner is a professor of Elementary and Secondary Education at New Jersey City University. In her new book, published by Haymarket Books, she explains why we need a social movement of teachers, working as respectful allies with parents and communities, to save public education. Part of this process is transforming teachers unions, to make them vital and democratic. We face a critical historic juncture, and this new book draws on her experience as a teacher, teacher-union activist, teacher-educator and researcher to imagine how we can create the teachers unions we need.  Call 443-602-7585.  Go to http://www.redemmas.org. 

To be continued.

Donations can be sent to the Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 325 E. 25th St., Baltimore, MD 21218.  Ph: 410-366-1637; Email: mobuszewski [at] verizon.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 




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