Baltimore Activist Alert April 23 - 25, 2017

Baltimore Activist Alert April 23 - 25, 2017

"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 BNC, 325 East 25th Street, Baltimore, MD 21218.  Max Obuszewski can be reached at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski [at] verizon.net.

1] Books, buttons and stickers

2] Web site for info on federal legislation

3] Join Nonviolent Resistance lists  

4] Two friends are looking to buy a house in Baltimore

5] Becoming White – Apr. 23

6] Gender Revolution – Apr. 23

7] Climate Teach-In - Apr. 23

8] Sacred Resistance Advocacy Training – Apr. 23

9] From Protest to Power – Apr. 23 - 25

10] The Je’Nan Hayes Story – Apr. 23

11] Art Party for the People's Climate March -- Apr. 23

12] Pride planning meeting -- Apr. 23

13] Our Revolution meeting – Apr. 23

14] Mass Volunteer Meeting – Apr. 23

15] Pentagon Vigil – Apr. 24

16] Marc Steiner on WEAA – Apr. 24 – Apr. 28

17] Workers Voices film – Apr. 24

18] Sign Making -- Apr. 24

19] Support sanctuary -- Apr. 24

20] Get Money Out of Maryland conference call – Apr. 24

21] Demining War Zones – Apr. 25

22] Philly peace vigil - Apr. 25

23] Stop JHU’s drone research -- Apr. 25

24] Hear David Hartsough -- Apr. 25

25] Book talk with David Vines -- Apr. 25

26] Active Bystander Intervention Training – Apr. 25

27] Film THE AGE OF CONSEQUENCES – Apr. 25

28] Bike Lanes Are White Lanes – Apr. 25

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1] – Buttons, bumperstickers 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] – THE ORGANIZING LIST will be the primary decision-making mechanism of the National Campaign of Nonviolent Resistance [NCNR].  It will be augmented by conference calls and possibly in-person meetings as needed.  It will consist of 1 or 2 representatives from each local, regional, or national organization (not coalitions) that wishes to actively work to carry out the NCNR campaign of facilitating and organizing nonviolent resistance to the war in Iraq.

To join the ORGANIZING List, please send your name, group affiliation, city and email address to mobuszewski at Verizon.net.  Different local chapters of a national organization are encouraged to subscribe.  

THE NOTICES LIST will include only notices of NCNR actions and related information and is open to any interested person to subscribe.  It will be moderated to maintain focus & will include periodic notices about getting involved in NCNR national organizing.  To join the NOTICES List, send an email message to ncnrnotices-subscribe@lists.riseup.net. You will get a confirmation message once subscribed.  If you have problems, please write to the list manager at ncnrnotices-admin@lists.riseup.net.

4] – Janice and Max are looking to buy a house in Baltimore.  Let Max know if you have any leads—410-323-1607 or mobuszewski at Verizon dot net.

5] –  Usually, the Baltimore Ethical Society, 306 W. Franklin St., Suite 102, Baltimore 21201-4661, meets on Sundays, and generally there is a speaker and discussion from 10:30 AM to noon.  On Sun., Apr. 23, the Sunday Platform Address is “Becoming White.” Race is a social construction. But it is also a profoundly powerful, frightening, and omnipresent part of our current public conversation about the future as a nation. Hugh Taft-Morales shares the development of his racial identity as a white person and his evolution towards more consistent dedication to anti-racism activism intended to help deconstruct white supremacy. Hugh Taft-Morales joined the Baltimore Ethical Society as its professional leader in 2010, the same year he was certified by the American Ethical Union as an Ethical Culture Leader. Call 410-581-2322 or email ask@bmorethical.org. 

6] -- "Gender Revolution" will be screened at the Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church, 9601 Cedar Lane, Bethesda, on Sun., Apr. 23 from 12:15 to 2:45 PM.  All are welcome to join Together and LGBT Identified Cedar Laners for the viewing of "Gender Revolution: A Journey with Katie Couric," followed by a moderated discussion. Common Sense Media recommends this film for ages 12 and up.  RSVP (so they can be sure to have enough food and adequate child care coverage) at togetherleads@googlegroups.com.   A light lunch will be served at 12:15 PM (suggested donation of $5-$7), and the 90 minute film will begin at 12:30 PM.

7] – There is a Teach-In on Climate Change at Politics and Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW, WDC, on Sun., Apr. 23 at 12:15 PM, hosted by 350.org and Politics and Prose. Connect at https://www.facebook.com/events/1868925213363663/. It will address a topic that affects us all: climate change. What is the scientific consensus behind climate change, and how did this issue become so politicized? How can we balance legislation that reduces CO2 emissions and protects the environment with the need to protect American jobs and remain competitive? And as citizens, what can we do to convince our lawmakers that climate change must be taken seriously? Jamie Henn is the Strategic Communications Director and Co-Founder of 350.org, a grassroots climate awareness movement that coordinates online campaigns and mass public actions around the world. Dave Levitan is a journalist who has written about a range of scientific topics, focusing specifically on the intersection with policy and politics. His upcoming book is called “Not a Scientist: How Politicians Mistake, Misrepresent and Utterly Mangle Science.” Todd Stern was President Obama’s Special Envoy for Climate Change from 2009-2016, leading the U.S. negotiating effort that culminated in the Paris Agreement. He is a Visiting Lecturer in Law at Yale. The conversation will be moderated by Kristen Gunther, director of Mission Strategy at the March for Science.  P&P also supports the #PoetsforScience project, run by the Wick Poetry Center in collaboration with poet Jane Hirshfield.

8] -- Catch the Sacred Resistance Advocacy Training at the Foundry United Methodist Church, 1500 16th St. NW, WDC, on Sun., Apr. 23 from 12:45 to 2:45 PM.  Curious how to productively meet with elected officials? At the training, you will learn what “lobbying” actually is, including how the average citizen can effectively interact with elected officials to enact change through letter writing, phone calls, and in-person visits. This interactive training will illustrate why your voice is so important to a healthy democracy. Foundry member Emily Wirzba will be leading the training. She is a lobbyist for the nonpartisan Friends Committee on National Legislation. RSVP at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSesRHbNEPu8HN8d4ks1qAtbiVnsqrzw0dbtBLu8c-yJK6lMlQ/viewform?usp=sf_link, and go to https://www.facebook.com/events/418530778513234/.

9] – Progressive Maryland is thrilled to be part of Rise Up 2017: From Protest to Power, the founding convention of a new national organization, People's Action! Build a new national organization with thousands of progressives from across the country! Mark the first 100 days of resistance to President Donald Trump and his agenda with 1,000 community leaders from all over the country convening to deliver a resounding NO to the Trump and right wing agenda and YES to a bold vision of an economy and democracy that work for everyone, not just the rich and powerful, big corporations, and purveyors of hate.  Gather with friends and allies to celebrate what we have won and the movement we are building together from Sun., Apr. 23 through Tues., Apr. 25.  Registration opens at 1PM, and the program begins at 6 PM on Sunday.  The last activity ends at 5 PM on Tuesday on Capitol Hill. The convention takes place at the Omni Shoreham Hotel, 2500 Calvert St. NW, WDC 20008. Call (202) 234-0700.  Visit http://www.progressivemaryland.org/.

10] – Je’Nan Hayes was not allowed to play during regional basketball finals because she was wearing a hijab. The rule that was cited is so rarely enforced that neither Je’Nan nor her coach had ever heard of it until the championship game. Je’Nan and her family lobbied the State of Maryland and last week successfully won the case to rescind this obscure rule! Now all student athletes that wear head coverings for religious purposes are allowed to participate!

The fight continues, however, because Je’Nan and her family are working towards having the rule rescinded on the national level. Hear her story on Sun., Apr. 23 from 2 to 4:30 PM at the Rollins Congressional Club, 1621 Martha Terrace, Rockville.  The event will feature Je’Nan, who will share her story; her mother Salamah (Carlitta), who will share her experiences as a parent; and Jade Magnus Ogunnaike, Media and Economic Justice campaign manager at Color of Change, who led the digital campaign to support Je’Nan. Register at https://form.jotform.us/70964737384166.  Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/281233632321518/.

11] – Check out the Art Party for the People's Climate March at 1351 Spring Rd. NW, WDC, on Sun., Apr. 23 from 2 to 6 PM.  SURJ DC invites you to an art party to create signs and banners to support indigenous-led environmental movements. If you have nontoxic art supplies, feel free to bring them to contribute to the event. SURJ DC is a local chapter of Showing Up for Racial Justice - a national network of white people organizing themselves and other white people to stand up for racial justice and combat white supremacy. See https://www.facebook.com/events/447415275609921/.

12] – There is a planning meeting for Queer and Trans Resistance at Pride, 1301 Connecticut Ave. NW, WDC, on Sun., Apr. 23 from 3 to 5 PM, hosted by Resist This.  Pride is a protest. Stonewall was a riot. Homophobia, Trans misogyny, racism, xenophobia, and anti-poor sentiment run through the veins of the current administration, and those of law and border enforcement agencies across the United States. Connect at https://www.facebook.com/events/1499820756697611/.

13] – Join activists and supporters from every corner of the state at Our Revolution Maryland's first statewide meeting on Sun., Apr. 23 from 3:30 to 4:30 PM at the Tommy Douglas Conference Center, 10000 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring 20903.  Hear reports from leaders in all Maryland counties. Get Our Revolution Maryland's assessment of the 2017 Maryland legislative session. Discuss next steps for Maryland. RSVP at https://go.ourrevolution.com/page/event/detail/townhall/gpghsk.

14] – Get over to the Mass Volunteer Meeting for the Peoples Climate March at the Friends Meeting of Washington, 2111 Florida Ave. NW, WDC, on Sun., Apr. 23 from 6 to 7:30 PM, hosted by the People's Climate Movement. On April 29th, tens of thousands of people will come to Washington D.C. to surround the White House and stand up to Trump's climate-denying agenda. At Sunday’s Mass Meeting, volunteer opportunities will be shared, and organizers will make sure everyone is prepared to join the team in the final stretch.  See https://www.facebook.com/events/152859228579055/.

15] – 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 Apr. 24, 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 begin at 8 AM.  No cameras are allowed on Pentagon grounds. Restrooms are located inside Marriott Residence Inn on corner of S. Fern and Army Navy Dr. 

16] – The Marc Steiner Show airs Monday through Friday fr6m 10 AM to noon on WEAA 88.9 FM, The Voice of the Community, or online at www.weaa.org.   The call-in number is 410-319-8888, and comments can also be sent by email to steinershow@gmail.com. All shows are also available as podcasts at www.steinershow.org.

17] – See “Sramik Awaaz: Worker Voices” at the Institute for Policy Studies, 1301 Connecticut Ave. NW, WDC, on Mon., Apr. 24 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM, hosted by South Asia Labor Watch and Law@theMargins.  On the fourth anniversary of the collapse of the Rana Plaza building, join in discussion on the film. With over 1,100 casualties, the easily preventable disaster was the worst single incident in terms of death toll in the history of the garment industry. However, it is far from the only such instance in the global apparel industry, in which multinational manufacturers and retailers “race to the bottom,” seeking contractors with the lowest costs and quickest turnaround, leading to the lowest wages, worst access to worker rights, and most dangerous factory conditions. Crowdfunded and subtitled in English, the documentary is the first film to fully explore the lives, work, and organizing efforts of Bangladesh’s garment workers. If you are interested in hosting a screening of “Sramik Awaaz: Workers Voices,” contact chaumtoli@lawatthemargins.com. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/268734660233519/.

18] –  There is Sign Making for the Climate March at Denizens Brewery Co., 1115 East-West Hwy., Silver Spring, on Mon., Apr. 24 from 7 to 9 PM, hosted by the Takoma Park Mobilization.  Connect at https://www.facebook.com/events/1704580209839190/.  Come socialize, eat, drink, support a local business, make your Metro meet-up plans, and MAKE THOSE SIGNS! Some sign-making materials will be provided, but please bring your own if you can: poster board, markers, and paint.

19] – Keep standing up for Rockville sanctuary ordinance on Mon., Apr. 24 at 7 PM.  The mayor and city council of Rockville are considering an ordinance that would prohibit most collaboration between local police and federal immigration authorities. It's important we keep showing up to remind them this has broad community support. Your voice is needed. Three things you can do: Show up in person at the next mayor and council meeting on Monday and offer oral testimony during the "community forum." The anti-immigrant crowd is expected to turn up; we need to be there in larger numbers. If you want to speak, call the city clerk at 240-314-8280 to get yourself on the schedule. Email the Rockville mayor and council at mayorcouncil@rockvillemd.gov -- even if you've already done so. They need to know that you still strongly support this ordinance.

20] – Get Money Out of Maryland has a weekly teleconference, every Monday evening at 8:30 PM.  Call 605-475-6711, and use the Code 1136243#.  Go to http://www.getmoneyoutmd.org/.

21] – Demining War Zones: Opening Space for Building Peace will be discussed at the United States Institute of Peace, 2301 Constitution Ave. NW, WDC, on Tues., Apr. 25 from 1 to 5 PM.  The HALO Trust, one of the world’s largest demining organizations, will gather experts for a discussion on the implications and results of demining. Landmines left by warfare pose a daily, deadly threat for millions of people across Asia and Africa. Once any peace accord is signed, the removal of mines and other explosives is a critical first step to building safety and stability in a former conflict zone. How that work is organized—and how communities are involved— can help shape the peace that follows. See an exhibition of demining technology. The department’s Humanitarian Demining Research and Development Program will feature an array of unique lifesaving tools from the high-tech push-cart known as EMPACT to the “Minehound”—a handheld device that uses ground-penetrating radar—to a few of the department’s own mine-sniffing dogs. Visit the website at http://bit.ly/2o6KPZI.

22] –  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 Apr. 25.  Call 215-426-0364.

23] – Vigil to say "No Drone Research at JHU" each Tuesday at 33rd & North Charles Sts. join this ongoing vigil on Apr. 25 from 5:30  to 6:30 PM. Call Max at 410-323-1607. 

24] –On Tues., Apr. 25 at 7 PM, as part of the Pacem in Terris 50th Anniversary Speaker Series, hear David Hartsough, peace activist, author, Waging Peace, co-founder of Nonviolent Peaceforce, and World Beyond War, at Westminster Church, West 13^th St., Wilmington, DE. Visit http://depaceminterris.org/fw-event-slug/50th-anniversary-speaker-series-david-hartsough/.

25] – Hear a book talk with David Vine at the Georgetown Neighborhood Library, 3260 R St. NW, WDC, on Tues., Apr. 25 from 7 to 8:30 PM. Vine, Associate Professor, Anthropology, American University, and author of  “Base Nation: How U.S. Military Bases Abroad Harm America and the World,” will discuss his research.  Go to http://www.dclibrary.org/node/56504.

26] – Participate in Active Bystander Intervention Training at the Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church, 9601 Cedar Lane, Bethesda, on Tues., Apr. 25 from 7 to 9 PM.  RSVP at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrZUDK-IHNqv5glBDp2URVklXWWGR6X1sF9qf7eYMISEYVKA/viewform?usp=sf_link.  This training is for both new and previous attendees. Being trained and knowing how to appropriately respond is part of being accountable to people and communities of color.

27] – University of Maryland’s Beyond the Classroom, 1102 South Campus Commons, Building 1, 4250 Lehigh Road, College Park, on Tues., Apr. 25 from 7 to 9 PM, as part of the Spring 2017 Series on "People Power: Activism for Social Change," presents a documentary “The Age of Consequences!” (Global, 2016).  ‘The Hurt Locker’ meets ‘An Inconvenient Truth’, THE AGE OF CONSEQUENCES investigates the impacts of climate change on increased resource scarcity, migration, and conflict through the lens of US national security and global stability. Through unflinching case-study analysis, distinguished admirals, generals and military veterans take us beyond the headlines of the conflict in Syria, the social unrest of the Arab Spring, the rise of radicalized groups like ISIS, and the European refugee crisis – and lay bare how climate change stressors interact with societal tensions, sparking conflict. Go to www.BeyondTheClassroom.umd.edu.

28] – On Tues., Apr. 25 at 7:30 PM at Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse, 30 W. North Ave., Baltimore 21201, MELODY HOFFMANN PRESENTS "BIKE LANES ARE WHITE LANES."   No such exciting accommodations for cyclists exists (yet) on North Avenue as it stretches east and west into the wings of the “Black butterfly.” But is the answer simply that the city should hurry up and get bike lanes running on North Ave. too? Or are there a complicated set of issues to be unpacked, accompanied by real community deliberation, regarding the connections between bike infrastructure and gentrification, and between the image of who a “bicyclist” is and the real experiences of bikers of color as they navigate both traffic and racial disparities in policing and neighborhood investment? To help sort through these questions and set the stage for a conversation with the audience on bike equity in Baltimore, we are thrilled to welcome Melody Hoffmann, author of “Bike Lanes Are White Lanes: Bicycle Advocacy and Urban Planning,” a study of how the burgeoning popularity of urban bicycling in Milwaukee, Portland, and Minneapolis has been trailed by systemic issues of racism, classism, and displacement.  On hand to MC the event and lead the discussion afterwards will be desegregation activist and Morgan professor Lawrence Brown. Call 443-602-7585.  RSVP at http://www.redemmas.org.

To be continued.

Donations can be sent to the Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 325 E. 25th St., Baltimore, MD 21218.  Ph: 410-323-1607; 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