Baltimore Activist Alert -- October 9 - 10, 2019

35] “Ghana’s Economic and Agricultural Transformation” – Oct. 9

36] The history of modern US labor – Oct. 9

37] See film screening of OFFICIAL SECRETS – through Oct. 10

38] Trafficked Africa – Oct. 9

39] Peace-a-Pizza Food Night – Oct. 9

40] What should be done with the Bay Bridge? – Oct. 9

41] Stop the Execution of Rodney Reed – Oct. 9

42] Clean Water Trivia – Oct. 9

43] Citizens' Climate Lobby – Oct. 9

44] Immigration Information – Oct. 9

45] Climate Community and You: A Film Series – Oct. 9

46] Ron Kipling Williams is back with a brand new one man show – Oct. 9

47] Letters & Lattes in Howard County – Oct. 9

48] "Piety & Power: Mike Pence and the Taking of the White House” – Oct. 9

49] Race After Technology – Oct. 9

50] Art and Immigration – Oct. 10

51] Coups and Revolutions – Oct. 10

52] Honk for Impeachment – Oct. 10

53] A Russian Perspective on Arms Control – Oct. 10

54] Forum on full funding for schools – Oct. 10

55] Home Energy Workshop – Oct. 10

56] Shut Down D.C. meeting – Oct. 10

57] Turning Conversation – Oct. 10

58] Community Choice Energy Town Hall – Oct. 10

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35] – On Wed., Oct. 9 from 12:15 to 1:45 PM, check out a book launch for “Ghana’s Economic and Agricultural Transformation: Past Performance and Future Prospects," hosted by International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), 1201 I St., WDC 20005.  Lunch will be available starting at 11:45 AM.  It is co-organized by the CGIAR Research Program on Policies, Institutions, and Markets.  The book reveals that despite over 30 years of continuous growth in per capita income and rapid urbanization, Ghana has not been able to industrialize and most of its workers are trapped in traditional or low productivity agriculture or low productivity jobs in the services sector. Using a wide range of primary and secondary data at multiple scales, the book examines Ghana’s overall economic performance since the major Structural Adjustment Program in the mid-1980s and provides an in-depth empirical analysis of the performance of the agricultural sector and broader economy over the past four decades. It also offers key insights into harnessing agriculture’s potential in the country.  Register for this FREE event here: https://ghanaseconomicandagtransformationbooklaunch.eventbrite.com.  Check out https://www.facebook.com/events/1644594919010365/. 

36] – Bill Barry will be teaching the history of modern US labor history (20th/21st century) for Towson-Osher on Wednesdays from 1 to 3 PM.  It is continuing October 9.  The course will cover the early AFL unions, the rise of the CIO and the IWW, and will cover right up to today--Red for Ed, the BSO strike and the UAW strike at General Motors.  The course will also discuss why we were 37% of the workforce in 1947, and now are down to around 11%, and will look at why there were no open shop states in 1947 and now there are 27--more than half of the country. For a full course description, go to page 14 of the Osher catalog: https://www.towson.edu/campus/partnerships-research/osher/documents/osher-catalog-fall-2019.pdf.  Contact Barry at mailto:billbarry21214@gmail.com.

37] – One day in 2003, in the lead up to the Iraq War, British intelligence specialist Katharine Gun receives a memo from the NSA with a shocking directive: the United States is enlisting Britain's help in collecting compromising information on U.N. Security Council members to blackmail them into voting for war with Iraq. OFFICIAL SECRETS is a cinematic pleasure, which explores the deceitful past to remind us that we must resist in the present government deceitfulness, malfeasance and brutality.  Katherine Gun will always be a hero, unlike Colin Powell who lied to the world about weapons of mass destruction.  All involved in this decision to attack Iraq under false pretenses should face criminal charges.  This includes Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden who voted for Cheney’s war.  It can be argued that the invasion of Iraq might be the greatest foreign policy disaster ever made by a U.S. president with the help of Congress. Don't miss the film version of one person having the courage to blow the whistle while facing intense and severe pressure to be quiet. 

  Director Gavin Hood showcases Keira Knightley as Gun.  The film will be at the Charles Theatre in Baltimore at 1 PM and 7 PM at least through Thurs., Oct. 10.

38] –   On Wed., Oct. 9 from 1:30 to 3 PM, see Trafficked Africa as part of Baltimore Int'l Black Film Festival at the Charles Theatre, 1711 N. Charles St., Baltimore 21201. Tickets are at bibff.com. This is an African Film presenting the story of a South African journalist who stops at nothing, including putting herself in harm's way to halt a trafficking ring that has been acting with impunity.  An action-packed, highly-engaging storyline explores the lives of characters who have been trafficked and their families, as well as those involved in fueling the human trafficking industry. Directed by Jato Ehijator, this pioneering film focuses on social issues that are often not talked about in Africa, including human trafficking, HIV/AIDS, and prostitution. Through a well-crafted story, this project highlights many of the social injustices in our society as well as the vulnerability of women and children.  Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/2384319778492392/.

39] –  On Wed., Oct. 9 from 4 to 8 PM, enjoy Peace-a-Pizza Food Night, hosted by WES PTA at the Catonsville Peace A Pizza, 15 Mellor Ave., Catonsville 21228. Take a break from cooking and support WES by eating at Peace-A-Pizza, as the PTA will receive 10% of proceeds from your bill.  Look at https://www.facebook.com/events/441651233364822/.

40] – What should be done with the Bay Bridge?  On Wed., Oct. 9 from 6 to 8 PM at Kent Island High School, 900 Love Point Road, Stevensville, discuss preliminary alternatives as part of the Chesapeake Bay Crossing. Gov. Larry Hogan, however, has already said which one is going to happen, as far as he is concerned. Citizens who want to see something other than more cars, cars, cars – maybe some mass transit alternatives – could have something to say for the record when, as is probably inevitable, the Hogan administration is sued for riding roughshod over the deliberative process. And opponents, including both local business interests and the state environmental community are lining up. MDTA has scheduled this final Open House for public review and comment. Look at https://patch.com/maryland/annapolis/bay-bridge-crossing-options-public-hearings-run-sept-24-oct-9.

41] – Get over to the Scotus steps: #StopTheExecution of Rodney Reed, hosted by the Reed Justice Initiative and Witness to Innocence on Wed., Oct. 9 at 6 PM, and on Thurs., Oct. 10 at 6 PM get with the World Day to Abolish the Death Penalty event at European Union Embassy.  Rally in front of the US Supreme Court steps.  Fight to STOP the wrongful execution of Rodney Reed, an innocent man who has been on Texas's death row since 1998 for a crime in which the overwhelming majority of the evidence and forensics implicate former police officer #JimmyFennell and at least two of his associates who were also members of law enforcement at the time and initial listed suspects in the murder of Stacey Stites.  Rodney's execution date is scheduled for November 20th. Read more about Rodney's case here: https://justice4rodneyreed.org/about/, and send an email or letter to Governor Abbott and the Texas Board of Pardons here: https://bit.ly/2lPht3a. See https://www.facebook.com/events/391121958228490/?event_time_id=391121964895156.

42] – On Wed., Oct. 9 from 6 to 8 PM, participate in Clean Water Trivia, hosted by Clean Water Action Maryland at Charm City Meadworks, 400 East Biddle St., Baltimore 21202.  Test your knowledge of water - how it works, what it's doing, and where it's going - and the organization’s work. Questions may include former and current policy priorities at Clean Water Action, a little history, pop culture, the Chesapeake Bay clean up, and Maryland waterways.  Winners will enjoy prizes.  Come with your own team or make up one when you arrive.  Between rounds, enjoy complimentary finger foods and conversations with other trivia and Clean Water enthusiasts!  There is a suggested $10 donation to play. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/405798793463508/.

43] – On Wed., Oct. 9 from 6 to 8 PM, get with the Citizens' Climate Lobby at Meridian Hill Park, WDC 20009 for a letter writing party! Join the DC chapter of Citizens' Climate Lobby and write letters to the media about climate change.  The goal is to deliver positive news that inspires people about climate solutions. There will be training for those new to writing LTEs.  Light food and beverages will be provided. See https://www.facebook.com/events/510448319744217/. 

44] – On Wed., Oct. 9 at 6:30 PM at Route 9 Library, 3022 New Castle Ave., New Castle, DE 19720, get  Immigration Information from Immigration attorneys Rick Hogan & Judith Munoz.  They will talk about immigration myths and truths, ICE, the Executive Order, and how to get legal help.  There will be a period of questions & answers. 

45] – Get with Climate Community and You: A Film Series, hosted by One Montgomery Green at Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton 20902.  The second evening includes two films which will be shown Wed., Oct. 9 from 6:30 to 9 PM.  First, see “The Ballad of Holland House,” which tells the true story of the last house on a sinking island in the Chesapeake Bay. Then see “High Tide in Dorchester,” a powerful, intimate story that looks at a worsening global threat through the lens of Chesapeake Bay’s most vulnerable county. Check out https://www.facebook.com/events/383084785710879/?event_time_id=383084792377545.

46] – Ron Kipling Williams is back with a brand new one man show called How Many Orgasms Does It Take To Stop Dropping Bombs! It’s coming to the Charm City Fringe Festival located in the Bromo Arts and Entertainment District, October 10 to 20.  The performance takes you on a pedagogical, Socratic, interactive, radical performance deep dive into ethics. A raw and real show where the audience are the students, and what happens in the classroom, stays in the classroom!  There is a free open tech rehearsal/wine potluck on Wed., Oct. 9 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at Maryland Art Place, 218 W. Saratoga Street on the 5th floor. Feel free to drop in, sit in the audience, check out the rough cut of the show, ask some questions, mingle, and if you can, bring something to drink!

There are five performances, all held at the historic Maryland Art Place, 218 W. Saratoga Street on the 5th floor. Show times are as follows: Sat., Oct. 12 @ 4:45 PM, Sun., Oct. 13 @ 4:45 PM, Thurs., Oct. 17 @ 6:30 PM, Sat., Oct. 19 @ 8:15 PM and Sun., Oct. 20 @ 1:15 PM.  Tickets are available online at https://charmcityfringe.ticketleap.com/how-many-orgasms-does-it-take-to-stop-dropping-bombs/.

47] – Letters & Lattes in Howard County on Wed., Oct. 9 from  7 to 9 PM, organized by the Sierra Club Howard County Group at Panera Bread, 6435 Dobbin Rd., Columbia 21045.  Contact Patricia Soffen at patricia.soffen@gmail.com or (410) 869-0552.  As an extension of the Testimony 101 workshop, get involved for an evening of letter writing! Bring a laptop or paper and pen!

48] – On Wed., Oct. 9 from 7 to 8 PM, get over to the book launch "Piety & Power: Mike Pence and the Taking of the White House” with author Tom LoBianco at Politics and Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW, WDC 20008.  Go behind the well-maintained mask of Mike Pence to understand the man a breath away from the presidency. Look at https://www.politics-prose.com/event/book/tom-lobianco-piety-and-power-mike-pence-and-taking-of-white-house and https://www.facebook.com/events/1153463944850363/.

49] – On Wed., Oct. 9 from 7 to 9 PM, Ruha Benjamin presents "Race After Technology: Abolitionist Tools for the New Jim Code" at Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse, 1225 Cathedral St., Baltimore 21201.  From everyday apps to complex algorithms, Benjamin cuts through tech-industry hype to understand how emerging technologies can reinforce White supremacy and deepen social inequity. Benjamin argues that automation, far from being a sinister story of racist programmers scheming on the dark web, has the potential to hide, speed up, and deepen discrimination while appearing neutral and even benevolent when compared to the racism of a previous era. Presenting the concept of the “New Jim Code,” she shows how a range of discriminatory designs encode inequity by explicitly amplifying racial hierarchies; by ignoring but thereby replicating social divisions; or by aiming to fix racial bias but ultimately doing quite the opposite. Moreover, she makes a compelling case for race itself as a kind of technology, designed to stratify and sanctify social injustice in the architecture of everyday life. Go to http://redemmas.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/events/2340981979506193/.

50] – On Thurs.,  Oct. 10 from 12:45 to 2 PM, get over to an Artist Panel and Discussion: Art and Immigration, hosted by CeCe Heck at CCBC Essex, Arts and Humanities Hall, Recital Hall 130, 7201 Rossville Blvd., Baltimore 21237.  Three visual artists--Helen Zughaib, Erick Antonio Benitez, and Gina Gwen Palacios--will discuss their artistic work and process as well as their personal and professional experiences relating to themes of immigration and refugees. Then there will be a guided discussion. Come join in with free refreshments!  Contact Jessica Walton: jwalton2@ccbcmd.edu. Seek out https://www.facebook.com/events/421900925347751/.

51] – On Thurs., Oct. 10 from 3:30 to 5 PM, go to a book talk "Coups and Revolutions: Mass Mobilization, the Egyptian Military, and the United States from Mubarak to Sisi,” hosted by the Wilson Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, WDC 20004.  Tickets are at www.wilsoncenter.org.  Author Amy Austin Holmes and Michele Dunne of Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Dalia Fahmy of Long Island University will discuss Holmes' new book.  RSVP at https://www.facebook.com/events/736499586774689/.

52] – Honk FOR the Impeachment Inquiry in front of Rep. Andy Harris' office, 15 East Churchville Road, Bel Air 21014, on Thurs., Oct. 10 at 4:30 PM.  This is a non-partisan rally in support of the impeachment inquiry: it is a constitutional duty to investigate potential impeachable offenses (obstruction of justice, request for foreign interference in elections, etc.) Rep. Andy Harris, the only Republican member of Congress in Maryland, has been a staunch supporter of the president. Yet, he acknowledged on Sept. 30 on NPR that "we should air everything out." Let's show overwhelming support for the impeachment inquiry, which is the only way to get to the facts. This rally is led by a politically independent citizen, an immigrant who took the same oath as all members of Congress when she became an American. Her allegiance is to the Constitution, not to any political party. Conditions permitting, there will have an open mic to hear why people take the time to gather on the street in support of these constitutional proceedings.  Passengers in cars and passersby will be urged to join in being heard! Go to https://act.impeachnow.org/event/impeachment-august/148420.

53] – On Thurs., Oct. 10 from 5 to 6:30 PM, get over to Renewing Arms Control and Strategic Stability: A Russian Perspective, hosted by the Nuclear Threat Initiative, 1776 Eye Street NW, Suite 600, WDC 20006.  Hear from Alexey Arbatov, Russian Academy of Sciences' Institute of World Economy and International Relations, moderated by Ernest J. Moniz, NTI Co-Chair and CEO.  A reception will follow.  The strategic relationship between the United States and Russia remains at its lowest point since the Cold War. After 30 years of major reductions in nuclear arsenals to strengthen strategic stability, why is the world entering a new cycle of nuclear and related arms races that is multifaceted and multilateral, putting at risk the entire system of nuclear nonproliferation? Why Russia and the United States are further diverging in their understandings of the principles of stability? After years of joint efforts to eliminate incentives for a nuclear first strike against the other, why is such a scenario more likely today than at any point over the past 30 years?  Dr. Alexey Arbatov, a leading Russian scholar and expert in the fields of international security and military affairs, offers his ideas on how to reverse these trends and renew a mutual understanding of strategic stability between the United States and Russia. See https://www.tfaforms.com/4764369.

54] –   On Thurs., Oct. 10 at 6:30 PM, attend a Community Forum on full funding for schools at Laurel High School, 8000 Cherry Lane, Laurel 20707. The forum is sponsored by Prince George’s County Educational Association and AROS-Prince George’s. Learn more and register to attend at marylandblueprint.org.

55] – On Thurs., Oct. 10 from 7 to 9 PM, get over to a Home Energy Workshop, hosted by Interfaith Power & Light (MD. D.C. NoVA) at Homewood Friends Meeting, 3107 N. Charles St., Baltimore 21218. Are you a homeowner? Chances are that professional weatherization could save you 15-35% in home heating costs!  As the weather turns chilly, reflect on our own responsibility as stewards of creation to consider the impact of our electricity use, and hear from Interfaith Power & Light (www.ipldmv.org), an organization supporting our faith communities in responding to climate change. Learn how you can save energy, help create green jobs in Baltimore, and shrink your carbon footprint at the same time!  And you'll have a chance to learn about Civic Works' Retrofit Baltimore (http://retrofitbaltimore.civicworks.com/IPL/), an organization that is working to help homeowners save energy while helping to create good green jobs for underserved Baltimore residents. RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/join-us-for-a-home-energy-workshop-tickets-71544470437. Check out https://www.facebook.com/events/234173357466781/.

56] – On Thurs., Oct. 10 from 7 to 8:30 PM, get with ShutDownDC-What Comes Next? This is hosted by Shut Down DC-Climate Strike at St. Stephen & the Incarnation Episcopal Church, 1525 Newton St. NW, WDC 20010.  On September 23rd, 22 different affinity groups blocked intersections and major roads to disrupt business as usual in Washington, DC as part of the Youth Climate Strike Week of Action. On Friday, September 27, hundreds returned to the streets to disrupt business as usual once again. Take stock of what has been accomplished, take a look at the challenges and opportunities in the coming weeks and months, and begin to plot our next steps!  See https://www.facebook.com/events/2538742392886843/.

57] – On Thurs., Oct. 10 from 7 to 8 PM, as part of Field Talks, hear about Turtle Conservation, hosted by the Maryland Zoo at UNION Craft Brewing, 1700 West 41st St., Baltimore 21211.  Tickets are at www.marylandzoo.org.  This special Field Talk will take you into the wild for a discussion of turtle conservation efforts. Kevin Barrett, the Zoo’s reptile and amphibian collection and conservation manager, will speak about the work he does to learn more about the turtles in our very backyard.  The Talk will also include a hands-on activity demonstrating how the Zoo tracks these elusive and tiny turtles around Druid Hill Park.  You can further support the Zoo’s conservation program by visiting The Charmery in one of its 3 Baltimore locations on October 10th to eat a Turtle Sundae, which was specially created for the Zoo and this talk. They will offer mini and regular “Turtle” sundaes with Tell Tale Chocolate, topped with house--made caramel sauce and pecans from 3 PM to close with a percentage of sales going towards the conservation of turtles! Tickets are at https://bit.ly/31FUHtQ.  See https://www.facebook.com/events/382313815800579/.

58] – On Thurs., Oct. 10 from 7:30 to 9 PM, come to a Community Choice Energy Town Hall with Del. Lorig Charkoudian, hosted by Food & Water Watch – Maryland at Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center, 4805 Edgemoor Lane, Bethesda 20814.  Community Choice Energy is a powerful tool that lets local governments bargain for cleaner, more affordable energy on behalf of residents and businesses. But it is not currently allowed in Maryland. Delegate Charkoudian has taken the lead on changing that. Join Food & Water Action, Delegate Charkoudian, and Montgomery County DEP Director Adam Ortiz to learn more about what Community Choice Energy is, how it works, and how it can benefit Montgomery County and other Maryland communities.  The meeting will be held in the Wisconsin Room.  Go to https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/bcc/contact.html or https://www.facebook.com/events/1333473396816979/.

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