Baltimore Activist Alert - December 9, 2016 - January 20, 2017

38] Peace vigil at White House – Dec. 9

39] WIB peace vigils – Dec. 9

40] Book Talk: “The Way to the Spring” – Dec. 9

41] End Drone Terror – Dec. 9

42] Black Lives Matter vigil – Dec. 9

43] Film OPEN BETHLEHEM – Dec. 9

44] Indigenous Rights and Environmental Issues – Dec. 9

45] “Between Ghosts” – Dec. 9

46] Ballroom Dancing – Dec. 9

47] Strength in Synergy: An Intersectional Summit to End Gun Violence – Dec. 10

48] U.S. Prisons: Conditions of Confinement – Dec. 10

49] West Chester peace vigil – Dec. 10

50] Santa and your animal photo -- Dec. 10

51] Implementing the Exciting New UCC Resolution on Palestine-Israel -- Dec. 10

52] Youth Occupy the RNC – Dec. 10

53] Stand With Standing Rock -- Dec. 10

54] Free Leonard Peltier Vigil -- Dec. 10

55] WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE BLACK? -- Dec. 10

56] CISPES Dance Party -- Dec. 10

57] Resist Trumpism – Jan. 20

58] Toys for animals

59] Need photos of the antinuclear vigil in front of the White House

60] Sign up with Washington Peace Center

61] Donate books, videos, DVDs and records

62] Do you need any book shelves?

63] Join the Global Zero campaign

64] Join the Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil

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38] – On Fri., Dec. 9 from noon to 1 PM, join the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker in a vigil urging the powers that be to abolish war and torture, to disarm all weapons, to end indefinite detention, to close Guantanamo, to establish justice for all and help create the Beloved Community! This vigil will take place at the White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Contract Art @ artlaffin@hotmail.com or at 202-360-6416. 

39] – On Fri., Dec. 9 from noon to 1 PM, join a Women in Black peace vigil. A vigil will take place in McKeldin Square at the corner of Light and Pratt Sts., and another will take place outside Roland Park Place, 830 W. 40th St., across from the Rotunda.  Stay for as long as you can. Wear black. Dress for who knows what kind of weather. Bring your own poster or help with the "NO WAR IN MY NAME" banner.  When there are others to stand with, you don't need to carry the burden alone. Do this to be in solidarity with others....when everything around us says “Be afraid of the stranger.” Carpool and parking available at both locations. Just send an email that you need a ride [mailto:wibbaltimore@peacepath911.org].  Peace signs will be available. 

40] – Participate in a Book Talk: “The Way to the Spring” at The Palestine Center, 2425 Virginia Ave. NW, WDC, on Fri., Dec. 9 from 12:30 to 2 PM. Join The Jerusalem Fund for a talk featuring author, Ben Ehrenreich. From 2011-2013, American journalist Ben Ehrenreich lived in different cities of the West Bank, staying with Palestinian families and writing major stories for American outlets including a cover story for The New York Times Magazine. During that time he was also gathering material for his book, which chronicles what he witnessed and experienced there, and places Palestine in the same terrain as the war genre associated with courageous journalism. Ehrenreich’s writing unflinchingly describes how Palestinians in the West Bank live under occupation, how they are ruled by the Israeli military, and how they are constantly harassed by Israeli settlers who admit they are trying to drive them from the land. He shows the ways in which they are forced to negotiate an ever more elaborate and more suffocating series of fences, checkpoints, and barriers that have sundered home from field, and home from home. His writing places us in the footsteps of ordinary Palestinians, transmitting their stories with consummate literary power, making it impossible for readers to turn away. Go to http://www.thejerusalemfund.org/events/upcoming/book-talk-way-spring.

41] – Stop Trump for Peace...End Drone Terror...Stop the Drone War Command Center in Horsham, PA on Fri., Dec. 9 from 4 to 5 PM.  FRIDAY's forecast is for cold and blustery winds which would make the Reach-Out un-doable (i.e. banner and sign holding, leafleting).  Please check your e-mail at noon on Friday as to the status of the Reach-Out. These 2nd Friday of the month Anti-War ‘Reach-Outs’ with banners, signs, literature table with goodies, alternate between the 30th Street Train Station and the SEPTA entrance at 15th & Market Streets, across from Phila. City Hall west side. Go to www.brandywinepeace.com/events or 484-574-1148.

42] – There is usually a silent vigil on Fridays, from 5 to 6 PM, sponsored by Homewood Friends and Stony Run Meetings, outside the Homewood Friends Meetinghouse, 3107 N. Charles St.  The next scheduled vigil is on Dec. 9. Black Lives Matter.

43] – On Fri., Dec. 9 the Baltimore Palestine Solidarity hosts Film Series.  If you're not sure why Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions should be protected speech in Maryland, here's a good place to begin. Through film, both documentary and fiction, the groups wants to educate people on the Palestinian struggle for liberation. This is an opportunity to reconnect, learn and have dialogue. So bring a friend who's not familiar with the issue, and bring yourself to reconnect! See the film OPEN BETHLEHEM at the Homewood Friends Meetinghouse, 3107 N. Charles St., Baltimore 21218. Go to http://www.openbethlehem.org/the-film.html.It follows Palestinian director Leila Sansour's extraordinary journey to the legendary city of Bethlehem, the place where she grew up. Armed with a camera and a family car that keeps breaking down, she sets out to make an intimate portrait of a historical town in peril. Ten years on, with 700 hours of footage, the result is nothing like she had expected. Doors open at 6 PM. and the film will start promptly at 6:30 PM.   Authentic & Delicious Arabic food will be available; the suggested contribution is $5. No one will be turned away. Contact Sammy Alqasem at baltimorepalestinesolidarity@gmail.com. 

44] – Indigenous Rights and Environmental Issues: Problems and Solutions is a presentation taking place in the Continental Ballroom, George Washington University, Cloyd Heck, Marvin Center, Floor 3, 800 21st St. NW, WDC, on Fri., Dec. 9 at 6:30 PM.  Join in the discussion with Indigenous organizers and advocates from across the country. Topics will include a range of environmental issues and updates on how Native communities are addressing them. From resource extraction, to transport of oil and nuclear waste, and to deforestation, how are these communities affected? Speakers include Leona Morgan of Diné No Nukes, Jasilyn Charger of the International Indigenous Youth Council on the Dakota Access Pipeline, and other special guests.

45] – On Fri., Dec. 9 at 7:30 PM at Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse, 30 W. North Ave., Baltimore 21201, join an evening of short readings exploring trauma, gender identity, and more!  “Between Ghosts” is a collaboration between Reno Dakota [https://issuu.com/renodakota] (NM Esc) and SJ Lee. Based on a series of letters, phone calls, and telepathic correspondences. It uses ghostliness as a cypher for dissociation, loneliness, impermanence, the slippage between past and present, and the way people and places are haunted by trauma. Alain Ginsberg [https://www.facebook.com/ginsbergbutnotginsberg/] is an agender writer and performer from Baltimore, whose work focuses on narratives of gender identity, sexuality, and mental health and the ways in which trauma informs, skews, and builds onto those stories. Call 443-602-7585.  Go to http://www.redemmas.org.

46] – There is an opportunity to participate in ballroom dancing, usually every Friday of the month, in the JHU ROTC Bldg. at  8 PM.  Turn south on San Martin Dr. from the intersection of Univ. Parkway and 39th St.  Drive on campus by taking the third left turn. The next dance will be Dec. 10. Call Dave Greene at 410-599-3725.

47] -- CODEPINK invites you to its gun violence prevention intersectionality summit on Sat., Dec. 10 from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM at American University, Ward Circle Bldg., WDC. Register for Strength in Synergy: An Intersectional Summit to End Gun Violence - http://www.strengthinsynergy.com/.  The event is a one-day summit with workshops, panels, dialogue, and co-working sessions concluding with a concert of local artists dancing, performing spoken word, poetry, music, and singing. If you would like to volunteer, email Martha@codepink.org.

48] – Catch the conference U.S. Prisons: Conditions of Confinement at American University-Tenley Campus, 4300 Nebraska Ave. NW, Yuma Building, Claudio Grossman Hall, WDC 20016, on Sat., Dec. 10 from 8 AM to 4 PM. Join the international Leonard Peltier Defense Committee for this conference. See http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/.

49] – Each Saturday, 11 AM – 1 PM, Chester County Peace Movement holds a peace vigil in West Chester in front of the Chester County Courthouse, High & Market Sts. Go to www.ccpeace.org. Email ccpeacemovement@aol.com.

50] -Join WPOC’s Laurie DeYoung on Sat., Dec. 10 from noon to 2 PM at the Maryland SPCA, 3300 Falls Road, Baltimore 21211, to kick off the holiday gift drive for the animals at the Maryland SPCA and for community project, Kibble Connection. Help fill the sleigh with presents for the animals at the Maryland SPCA! Bring an in-kind and/or $5 donation to have your animal’s photo taken with Santa! Also featuring give-a-ways, music and a flea-less market of pet items. Learn more at http://www.mdspca.org/updates/detail/pet-photos-with-santa.

51] – On Sat., Dec. 10 from 1:30 to 3:30 PM at Plymouth Congregational UCC Church, 5301 North Capitol St. NE (corner of N. Capitol & Riggs Rd./Missouri Ave.), WDC, come to an interactive workshop, "Doing Justice, Achieving Peace: Implementing the Exciting New UCC Resolution on Palestine-Israel (and similar actions passed by other denominations)," sponsored by Sabeel DC Metro, the Potomac Assn. and Rockville United Church.

Rev. Graylan S. Hagler, senior pastor of Plymouth Congregational UCC Church, who led a tour of African American clergy in the Holy Land, will be the keynote speaker--and the panel will include some of the pastors on the tour.   Doors open at 1 PM for light refreshments.  This workshop is funded by a grant to Rockville United Church from the Potomac Association of the Central Atlantic Conference, UCC.  Contact Paul Verduin at phverduin@gmail.com or (301-518-5551).  RSVPs are optional, but appreciated!  

52] – Youth Occupy the RNC at 310 First St. SE, WDC 20003, on Sat., Dec. 10 from 2 to 5 PM. The goal is to urge the Republican leaders to denounce the white nationalists, and bigots who are being appointed to White House positions. The youth believe the incoming administration is out to oppress, silence, and harm their voices, bodies and rights. 

53] – Stand With Standing Rock #NoDAPL in Freedom Plaza, 14th St. NW at Pennsylvania Ave. NW, WDC, on Sat., Dec. 10 from 2 to 5 PM.  Injustice anywhere threatens justice everywhere! Walk in solidarity with our brothers and sisters at Standing Rock from Freedom Plaza through the National Mall over to the National Museum of the American Indian.  RSVP at https://www.facebook.com/events/1696649317250421/.

54] – Attend to the #FreeLeonardPeltier Candlelight Vigil outside the White House on Sat., Dec. 10 from 5 to 8 PM. As part of Human Rights Week, vigil for executive clemency for Leonard Peltier in  Presidents Park, the Ellipse on the south side of the White House. Go to http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/.

55] – On Sat., Dec. 10 at 7:30 PM at Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse, 30 W. North Ave., Baltimore 21201, catch the discussion WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE BLACK? Baltimore-based photographer SHAN's images have been on the walls of Red Emma's for the past month! Join SHAN and guests for the closing of her photo exhibit. Call 443-602-7585.  Go to http://www.redemmas.org.

56] – The D.C. CISPES Year End Dance Party will take place at St. Stephen & the Incarnation Episcopal Church, 1525 Newton St. NW, WDC, WDC, on Sat., Dec.10 from 8 PM to Sun., Dec. 11 at 1 AM. Join CISPES for a year-end celebration of another year of struggles and victories! In an election year like this one, we need to celebrate the power of organized movements and the power of solidarity. What better way than with good Compañeras, great dance music, delicious Salvadoran food and drinks of all kinds?! The suggested donation is from $10 to 30 at the door. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1121789641272351/.

57] – Join the National Campaign for Nonviolent Resistance in an Inaugural Action on January 20, 2017.  According to Forbes Magazine, Nov. 9, 2016, “President Trump Is Likely To Boost U.S. Military Spending By $500 Billion To $1 Trillion.” So we need a strong presence in D.C. for the inauguration to call for an end to all warfare, including drone warfare.  NCNR is organizing an action of nonviolent civil resistance on the day of the inauguration, Friday, January 20.  Some of us will be risking arrest, and we need others there in support and solidarity.  We will meet in the lower level food court at Union Station at 10 AM on the day of the inauguration for our final planning meeting.  We will have a final planning meeting knowing we have to keep things fluid because there is no certainty as to what will happen that day.

 The idea will be to process as near as possible to a checkpoint and make us visible to the crowds.  Then perhaps we can do a die-in.  We will have model drones, coffins, signs, banners, and leaflets to get our message across.  If you have ideas on messaging, please share over email.  Again, this will be a very fluid experience, and we will come together and make decisions as we go along. Contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski at Verizon dot net.

58] – Throughout December, the SPCA is collecting toys for the cats and dogs in the adoption center. The goal is to collect enough toys in one month to entertain the homeless animals in the shelter throughout the coming year by filling the sleigh! You can help by bringing new cat and dog toys and treats to the Maryland SPCA's adoption center, 3300 Falls Road, Baltimore MD 21211, or Project Adopt in White Marsh Mall, 8200 Perry Hall Blvd, Baltimore 21236. Some of the toys in short supply are Kongs, hard rubber chew toys, soft treats, toy mice (without catnip) and small cat balls w/ bells. Providing toys for the animals is more than a nice touch. Having toys and treats in the shelter environment helps socialize pets, reduces stress and improves health. Go to http://www.mdspca.org/updates/detail/presents-for-pets.

59] – Ellen Thomas [et@prop1.org or 202-210-3886 (cell and text)] sent this message: Hi, good friends and (hopefully) fellow photographers! There are so many great stories in the photos of the antinuclear vigil in front of the White House from 1981 to 2016 - see my growing collection at https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B0FRCou5r5zOQk5JbHlTWWYwbHc.  If you have any photos or stories you think should be added, please send them to me <et@prop1.org> or post them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Thomas.Memorial/. 

60] -- The Washington Peace Center has a progressive calendar & activist alert! Consider signing up to receive its weekly email: info@washingtonpeacecenter.org.

61] -- If you would like to get rid of books, videos, DVDs or records, contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski at verizon.net.

62] -- Can you use any book shelves? Contact Max at 410-366-1637 or mobuszewski at verizon.net.

63] -- Join an extraordinary global campaign for the elimination of nuclear weapons: http://www.globalzero.org/sign-declaration. A growing group of leaders around the world is calling for the elimination of nuclear weapons and a majority of the global public agrees.  This is an historic window of opportunity.  With momentum already building in favor of Zero, a major show of support from people around the world could tip the balance. When it comes to nuclear weapons, one is one too many.

64] – A Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil takes place every day in Lafayette Park, 1601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 24 hours a day, since June 3, 1981. Go to http://prop1.org; call 202-682-4282.

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/.

“One is called to live nonviolently, even if the change one works for seems impossible. It may or may not be possible to turn the US around through nonviolent revolution. But one thing favors such an attempt: the total inability of violence to change anything for the better" - Daniel Berrigan