Saturday, March 23, 2019

Baltimore Activist Alert March 24 - 25, 2019


Baltimore Activist Alert March 24 - 25, 2019

"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 mobuszewski2001 [at] comcast.net.

1] Books, buttons and stickers
2] Web site for info on federal legislation
3] Get involved with NCNR   
4] Buy an Anti-War Veteran hat  
5] “Explore & Live Palestine” from July 11 through July 25, 2019
6] Lawyers Against War
7] SUPPORT AMAZON WORKERS OF CONSCIENCE
8] The Moral Necessity of Geo-Engineering – Mar. 24
9] Protest AIPAC – Mar. 24
10] Headed for Extinction – Mar. 24
11] “The Ghosts of Johns Hopkins” – Mar. 24
12] Concert Responding to Violence in Baltimore– Mar. 24
13] Dr. Claud Anderson- Creating our Economic Future – Mar. 24
14] DSA Meeting – Mar. 24
15] Homeless Period Campaign -- Mar. 24 – Apr. 11
16] Stand with Frederick’s Muslim Community – Mar. 24
17] DC Liberation Seder – Mar. 24
18] Muslims and Social Justice – Mar. 24
19] Pentagon Protest – Mar. 25
20] Food Rescue – Mar. 25
------
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 U.S. wars.

To join the ORGANIZING List, please send your name, group affiliation, city and email address to mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net.  Different local chapters of a national organization are encouraged to subscribe.  

4] – Get a good-looking black hat which says Anti-War Veteran in the front and Viva House 50th in the back.  The cost is $10. Contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net.

5] – Jeff Ross, an attorney in Maryland, is interested in gathering with other lawyers to discuss ways in which the legal profession and the law generally can be conceptualized as a peace-building and war-resisting institution and redirected to these ends. Areas to explore might include: 1) ways in which this group could support with legal analysis/writing those lawyers who are representing peace-builders/war-resisters in criminal prosecutions; 2) ways in which, from a more theoretical perspective, the law might be grounded in an ethic of non-violence; and 3) ways in which law students and young lawyers might be exposed to a non-violent vision of the law. All religious, philosophical, and critical perspectives on the law are welcome. The group might want to call itself Lawyers Against War. Jeff can be reached at 443-690-6872 and jross50@hotmail.com.

6] – If you are 18 to 35, don't miss this unique opportunity to visit Palestine! Registration is Now Open at https://kthps.org/join. For more information, please visit: https://kthps.org/.  Know Thy Heritage, Inc. is offering a Leadership Initiative “Explore & Live Palestine” from July 11 through July 25, 2019.  This is a program of The Arab American Institute.  Visit http://www.aaiusa.org/.

7] -- SUPPORT AMAZON WORKERS OF CONSCIENCE.  We are in a deep struggle to support conscience within the high tech community, which may be the only way to prevent a major leap into artificial intelligence warfare that we see the beginnings of in the expanding global U.S. drone war system.  This may be of particular interest to Johns Hopkins' Navy-funded researchers, some of whom have been working on swarming drone technology.

These are not major asks and can be a powerful reinforcement of conscience at an extremely critical moment.  Please consider circulating this link to your lists encouraging people to sign the linked RootsAction petition - https://www.knowdrones.com/blog/2019/3/6/support-amazon-workers-who-dont-want-to-work-for-war and leafletting Whole Foods in your areas. This is a link to the leaflet -- https://gallery.mailchimp.com/dd110b000ca250d868d4f419b/files/107fc695-8af9-4f7e-a523-ecd1d1dfd28f/Wholefoods_Leaflet.pdf. Should you have interest in circulating the links and possibly leafletting, contact Nick Mottern at  nickmottern at gmail.com.

8] –  Usually, the Baltimore Ethical Society, 2521 St. Paul St., Baltimore 21218, meets on Sundays, and generally there is a speaker and discussion at 10:30 AM.  On Sun., Mar. 24, the platform address is “The Moral Necessity of Geo-Engineering” with Randy Best. Climate change and associated global warming and sea level rise are now on the near term horizon. These changes will cause mass migration of people, increased competition for water and land capable of producing food, and extreme social disruption and conflict threatening millions. To avoid the worst of these consequences, do we have a moral obligation to look toward scientific solutions to cool the planet? Best is the Leader (Humanist Minister) of the Northern Virginia Ethical Society in Vienna, Virginia.  Call 410-581-2322 or email ask@bmorethical.org. 

9] – AIPAC is hosting its annual convention, which has historically been a celebration of the most repressive elements of the Israeli state, featuring those most engaged in curtailing Palestine freedom. CODEPINK will be in the streets to speak out against the apartheid policies AIPAC promotes and in support of Palestinian rights. Rally on Sun., March 24 from noon to 5 PM at the White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., WDC 20003.  Contact Paki at pakiwieland@gmail.com or (413) 695-1877.

AL-AWDA, the Palestine Right of Return Movement along with our allies in the Pro-Palestinian Movement will be hosting our annual rally to Support Palestine and Protest AIPAC on Sunday, March 24, 2019! The rally will begin as usual at The White House in our nation’s capital and then we will be marching with thousands to the AIPAC Conference down the road! Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/322305558560731/?active_tab=discussion.

10] -- On Sun., March 24 from2:30 to 4 PM, get with Headed for Extinction and What to Do About It, hosted by Metro D.C. Democratic Socialists of America and Extinction Rebellion Washington DC at the Shaw Library, 1630 7th St. NW, WDC 20001.  Climate change is worse than you think. Much, much worse. Cover the peer-reviewed climate science of runaway warming, which, if left unchecked, could cause societal collapse and human extinction. Discuss how we can respond to the situation, both emotionally and practically. WARNING: Hearing this talk may cause existential climate dread and/or an overpowering urge to take action. See https://www.facebook.com/events/1163430743823622/.

11] – On Sun., March 24 from2:30 to 3 PM, hear about “The Ghosts of Johns Hopkins,” hosted by the Garrett Jacobs Mansion Endowment Fund and Baltimore Heritage at The Engineers Club, 11 W. Mount Vernon Place, Baltimore 21201.  Tickets are at baltimoreheritage.org.  The philanthropist Johns Hopkins has shaped Baltimore perhaps like no other individual, from founding the university and hospital that bear his name to his role in shaping the B&O Railroad and making Baltimore an economic boom town in the 19th century. In a new book, “The Ghosts of Johns Hopkins: The Life and Legacy that Shaped an American City,” Baltimore author Antero Pietila explores how Hopkins and his legacy also impacted the racial patterns and climate of our city. This legacy includes Hopkins personally championing neighborhood clearance efforts in the 1800s to make way for new mercantile buildings to the myriad ways that the Hopkins institutions have impacted city-shaping efforts like urban renewal in the 1950s and revitalization programs today. Join Mr. Pietila as he shares his newest work exploring race and community in Baltimore. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/2191745794399345/.

12] – On Sun., March 24 from 2:30 to 4 PM, attend a Concert Responding to Violence in Baltimore: Faure's Requiem, hosted by The Spire Series and First and Franklin Presbyterian Church, 210 W. Madison St., Baltimore 21201.  Tickets are at www.firstfranklin.org.  The Spire Series will present a concert honoring the precious lives lost to gun violence in Baltimore, while uplifting the good work of those dedicated to creating a brighter future, most especially BUILD and Turnaround Tuesday. BUILD's job movement has secured 638 placements with area employers such as University of MD and The Johns Hopkins University and medical institutions. Under the direction of Dr. Jason Kissel, the First & Franklin Sanctuary Choir with orchestra, will present Gabriel Fauré’s beloved Requiem. Renowned Baltimore bass-baritone Robert Cantrell, will offer selected solo works, and the audience will join in singing "Lift Every Voice and Sing." The choir will also present Faure’s "Cantique de Jean Racine", Sevier’s powerful arrangement of "Precious Lord, Take My Hand", and G.E. Burleigh’s setting of the spiritual, "Jesus is a Rock in a Weary Land."

The collaboration is with the Family Survivor Network, a grass-roots organization in Sandtown-Winchester that offers therapeutic support for families impacted by violence. Three of their members, who are victims, will speak during the concert. There will be 309 purple ribbons, signifying each homicide victim in Baltimore in 2018, and sixteen portraits of murdered sons and daughters of Baltimore by William Brown, son of Millie Brown, founder of Baltimore’s Tears of a Mother’s Cry.  Tickets, available at the door or through The Spire Series PayPal, are a minimum of $10 per person. A freewill offering will be taken during the concert to support BUILD's Turnaround Tuesday.  See https://www.facebook.com/events/2329109753990519/.

13] –On Sun., March 24 from 3 to 6 PM, hear Dr. Claud Anderson- Creating our Economic Future, hosted by Reality Speaks at the Pleasant Hope Baptist Church, 430 E Belvedere Ave., Baltimore 21212.  Tickets are at www.paypal.com for $35.Internet Live Stream at realityspeaksmedia.com. Cal410 303-4120.  Check out https://www.facebook.com/events/660329884401809/.

14] – On Sun., March 24 from 3:45 to 6 PM, attend a General Body Meeting, hosted by Baltimore Democratic Socialists of America at Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse, 1225 Cathedral St., Baltimore 21201. There will be new member orientation from 3:45 PM to 4 PM. The general meeting will start at 4 PM. Food and beverage will be available for purchase. See https://www.facebook.com/events/656851628062555/. 

15] – On Sun., Mar. 24 through Thurs., Apr. 11 from 4 to 7 PM, be a part of a Homeless Period Campaign, hosted by Project PLASE, Inc., 1814 Maryland Ave., Baltimore 21201.  Tickets are at www.firstgiving.com. Join @Project PLASE in raising awareness and funds to help homeless individuals and their #homelessperiod.  Make a donation at https://bit.ly/2GRF8rM.  Challenge a friend, organization or group to show their support for the #homelessperiod and to keep the challenge going.  Post into your social media posts to keep the challenge going.

In addition to dealing with the everyday hardships that come with homelessness, people who menstruate have an additional level of hardship each month. With the lack of resources to buy menstrual products, they must choose between spending money on these products, or eating. The #HomelessPeriod Campaign is a fundraiser organized by Project PLASE in accordance with the Why Women Cry Conference. It intends to raise funds to create menstrual hygiene kits that can be given to PLASE clients and homeless people. The kits will be distributed by Project PLASE staff and volunteers. Homelessness brings trauma and health issues into one’s life. We believe menstruation care should not be a secondary choice for people, and that all people deserve equal access to period product. Please join Project PLASE in the #homelessperiod Campaign to provide everyone with equitable menstrual care. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/244516872997983/?event_time_id=244516896331314.

16] – On Sun., March 24 at 4:30 PM, stand with Frederick’s Muslim Community, hosted by Frederick Socialists and Frederick For Social & Economic Justice at the Islamic Society of Frederick, 1250 Key Parkway, Frederick  21702.  Join together with us as we gather as a community, united in solidarity with our Muslim family of the international working class in Christchurch, in Palestine, and especially those who live within our community. See https://www.facebook.com/events/402078907034986/.

17] – Attend a 2019 / 5779 DC Liberation Seder on Sun., March 24 from 5 to 8 PM at the Calvary Baptist Church, 755 8th St. NW, WDC 20001.  This is the fifth annual Passover Seder, dedicated to freedom from DC to Palestine. It is open to everyone and is organized with interfaith partners. No matter your experience with Passover and Jewish tradition, you are welcome here! Hear a blend of traditional and contemporary readings, poems, and songs to shed new light on Passover as the story of a liberation struggle relevant to oppressed people the world over.  Rabbi Joseph Berman will preside over the Seder. A number of other honored guests and clergy will speak, including Imam Ali Siddiqui of Interfaith Action for Human Rights.  The Seder will include a vegetarian potluck dinner. Please bring your most delicious vegetarian dish, dessert, or beverage to share in the Passover tradition. The nearest Metro is Gallery Place / Chinatown.  The suggested donation is $12.  Everyone is welcome, as no one will be turned away due to cost. If you'd like to attend the Seder, but the cost is an issue for you, please email info@jvpdc.org to RSVP. 

18] -- On Sun., March 24 from 5:30 to 8:30 PM, get with Muslims and Social Justice with Linda Sarsour, hosted by Muslim Legal Fund of America at the Diyanet Center of America, 9610 Good Luck Road, Lanham 20706. Dinner will be served.  See https://www.facebook.com/events/396035420942668/.

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 Mar. 25, 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.

20] – On Mon., Mar. 25 at noon, there will be a Food Rescue at Land of Kush, 840 N. Eutaw St., Baltimore 21201. Food Rescue Baltimore is honored to partner with The Land of Kush each and every Monday to bring access to free vegan/plant-based food in the community. Bring a bag. Take what you want from noon to 1PM or while supplies last. No purchase is necessary to take advantage of the Food Rescue Baltimore give away. Items from The Land of Kush's menu are not included in the give-away but will be available for sale. See https://www.facebook.com/events/415842178868197/.
To be continued.

Donations can be sent to the Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 325 E. 25th St., Baltimore, MD 21218.  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



No comments: