Sunday, January 19, 2020

Baltimore Activist Alert – January 19 – 20, 2020


Baltimore Activist Alert – January 19 – 20, 2020

"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] Nature’s Witness: Wildlife Photography Exhibit through Feb. 28
5] Becoming Jane Exhibition – through Summer 2020
6] “Can I be Black and Humanist?” – Jan. 19
7] MLK Day Celebration – Jan. 19
8] An Unequal Education -- Jan. 19
9] Catch a talk by Bruce Friedrich, The Good Food Institute – Jan. 19
10] Earth Ethics Action Team Meeting – Jan. 19
12] MLK Film Screening – Jan. 19
13] Sanctuary DMV Accompaniment Training – Jan. 19
14] DSA meeting Jan. 19
15] Coming Together for Justice – Jan. 19
16] Martin Luther King Annual Tribute – Jan. 19
17] Talking About Racism with Friends & Family Jan. 19
18] Pentagon Peace Vigil – Jan. 20
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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 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] - On Sun., Dec. 15, 2019 through Feb. 28, 2020 from 9 AM to 5 PM, see Nature’s Witness: Wildlife Photography Exhibit hosted by the National Wildlife Federation at the American Association for the Advancement of Science, 1200 New York Ave. NW, WDC 20005. Come marvel at “Nature’s Witness,” an exhibition of 50 powerful wildlife photographs chosen to inspire conservation. Free and open to the public, this National Wildlife Federation exhibit will run until Feb. 28, 2020.  

  All 50 images were entries in annual National Wildlife® Photo Contests, which draw more than 22,000 images from around the world every year. Within the exhibit, one group of images titled “Nature’s Challenge” will raise awareness about some of the threats putting wildlife at risk today, including habitat loss, invasive species, disease and climate change. Another set of photographs titled “Life’s Essentials” will explore how people can help species thrive by gardening for wildlife. Kids attending the exhibit — a family-friendly event — will also be able to pick up a copy of Ranger Rick®, Ranger Rick Jr.™, Ranger Rick Cub™ or one of the National Wildlife Federation’s many other children’s publications. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/2707182892665780/?event_time_id=2707182935999109.

5] – On Sun., Jan. 19 from 10 AM to 6 PM, check out the Becoming Jane Exhibition, hosted by the Jane Goodall Institute at the National Geographic Museum, 1145 17th St. NW, WDC 20036.  Tickets are at www.nationalgeographic.org. The exhibition will continue through Summer 2020. Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace, braved the unknown to give the world a remarkable window into humankind’s closest living relatives: chimpanzees. In this hands-on, transportive multimedia exhibition celebrating her extraordinary life and work, you’ll explore Dr. Goodall’s early years through iconic images and a multiscreen experience and venture on a 3D exploration of Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park where she did her famous behavioral research on chimps. You’ll also see a life-size hologram of Dr. Goodall, enter a replica of her research tent, and learn about her current role as a leader in community-centered conservation and youth empowerment. Before you leave, you will find out what you can do today to make a positive impact in the world. 

 The museum is open 7 days a week from 10 AM to 6 PM (last ticket sold at 5 PM daily.) Groups of 20 or more receive discounted museum admission. Contact groupsales@ngs.org to book your group visit today. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/977953615906486/.

6] - 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., Jan. 19, the theme is “Can I be Black and Humanist?” Christian Hayden, member of the Philadelphia Ethical Society, took a humanist pilgrimage to Ghana 2015 – 2016 where, while serving, he engaged with ideas on what it meant to be humanist and black. But before that he had already begun a journey reconciling his blackness within the context of living in Brooklyn’s East New York and Philadelphia’s Southwest communities, and the greater world around him.  Come hear how this movement and glimpses of Pan-Africanism have shaped him. Hayden says that the most important thing to know about him is that he is an Ethical Culture leader in training, which means you are stuck with hearing from him for a while. Call 410-581-2322 or email ask@bmorethical.org. 

7] - On Mon., Jan. 20 from 11 AM to 4 PM, attend a MLK Day Celebration at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt St., Baltimore 21202.  Tickets are at 17527.blackbaudhosting.com.  This is a day full of education to honor the legacy of Dr. King. Stop by A Ride to Remember Story Hour and Mural Art Project to explore the story of the desegregation of a local amusement park and carousel.  Join Dr. Traci Parker, Assistant Professor of Afro-American Studies at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, as she discusses Department Stores and the Black Freedom Movement. Enjoy an Urban Theatrical Presentation and Talkback session of the Voices of Carmen, examining escalating conflicts among young people.  Prepare to be wowed by selections by Baltimore City College-Choir. View the Annual High School Juried Art Exhibition. See https://www.facebook.com/events/1680387075419188/.

8] – On Sun., Jan. 19 from 11 AM to 2 PM, get over to MLK Day 2020: An Unequal Education, hosted by Repair The World Baltimore at the Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave., Baltimore 21224. Tickets are at www.tfaforms.com. Education remains the single most important civil rights issue of our time. Even after Brown vs. Board of Education, the Little Rock Nine, national desegregation, and the fading of overt racism from public dialogue, Maryland schools are more segregated now than they have been in decades - leading to huge achievement gaps, and robbing all students of the experience of interacting with people of different backgrounds and perspectives that is crucial in the real world.  Commemorate the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy of fighting for racial justice with a documentary screening and discussion about the inequality in Baltimore City Public Schools. View the 2017 documentary "Teach Us All," hear from a panel of local experts about their experience with educational inequity, and pack mid-year school supply restock kits for middle schoolers in West Baltimore.  Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/2607598619347524/.

9] – On Sun., Jan. 19 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, catch a talk by Bruce Friedrich, The Good Food Institute, hosted by the Veg Society of DC at the New Deal Café in Greenbelt. Enjoy lunch as well.  Bruce's talk is titled "The Next Agricultural Revolution", which will address food innovation and technology in the context of the rapidly growing area of vegan / plant-based eating. There will be time for Q&A. RSVP on the Meetup page: https://bit.ly/2Quf4pO.  Bruce Friedrich, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Good Food Institute, oversees GFI’s global strategy and programs, working with directors, international managing directors, and staff to ensure that GFI is maximally effective at implementing programs that deliver mission-focused results.  Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/555531634999869/.

10] – Earth Ethics Action Team Meeting is hosted by the Washington Ethical Society on Sun., Jan. 19 from 1 to 3 PM at the Washington Ethical Society, 7750 16th St. NW, WDC 20012.  You are welcome to bring a brown bag lunch. Contact Rich Reis, 301-325-8001. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/447692536150532/.

11] – C. FRASER SMITH PRESENTS "THE DAILY MIRACLE: A MEMOIR OF NEWSPAPERING" on Sun., Jan., 19 at 1 PM at Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse, 1225 Cathedral St., Baltimore 21201.  Enjoy a special pre-talk performance by BSO Principal Violist Lisa Steltenpohl and Associate Principal Cellist Lachezar Kostov! "The first half of the title of C. Fraser Smith’s new book may sound reverent--a miracle! Every day! But along with the tales of eccentric characters in the newsrooms where Smith has worked, "The Daily Miracle" offers a hint of sarcasm, plus anguish about the challenges that threaten newspapers. Go to http://redemmas.org/.

12] – On Sun., Jan. 19 from 1 to 4:30 PM, there is a MLK Film Screening at Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, 7401 Park Heights Ave., Baltimore 21208, hosted by Jews United for Justice. Learn about the importance of paid family leave and take action to bring it to Maryland at the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day film screening. Register at https://jufj.org/event/zero-weeks-baltimore/.  Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/2388215324635125/.

13] – On Sun., Jan. 19 from 1:30 to 3:30 PM, get with the Sanctuary DMV Accompaniment Training at United Church of Christ of Seneca Valley, 13421 Clopper Road, Germantown 20874-2119. Help meet the needs of immigrants seeking accompaniment! REGISTER FOR THIS TRAINING HERE: http://bit.ly/germantown-accompaniment.  See https://www.facebook.com/events/565714753975879/.

14] – On Sun., Jan. 19 from1:30 to 4:30 PM, come to a General Body Meeting of the Democratic Socialists of America at Homewood Friends Meeting, 3107 N. Charles Street, Baltimore 21218. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/811435669330731/.

15] – On Sun., Jan. 19 from 3 to 4:30 PM, look at Coming Together for Justice: 57 Years Ago — and Today, hosted by the Jewish Museum of Maryland, 15 Lloyd St., Baltimore 21202.  Tickets are at 68398.blackbaudhosting.com.  Inspired by the publication of A Ride to Remember by Sharon Langley and Amy Nathan on the 1963 de-segregation of Gwynn Oak Amusement Park, come together this Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend for a panel discussion of how we as a Baltimore community can learn lessons from our past to create a better future together. Tune in to https://www.facebook.com/events/761389334343027/.

16] – On Sun., Jan. 19 from 4 to 6 PM, attend a Martin Luther King Annual Tribute, hosted by Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW, WDC 20016. "Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will," the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote in 1963 from a jail cell in Birmingham, AL. "Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection."   It was a direct challenge to the white church as civil rights violence engulfed the South. White churches told Dr. King he was moving too fast, demanding too much. In the nearly 60 years since, has anything really changed?  Celebrate Dr. King's legacy and examine his challenge to the church, particularly the lack of progress on behalf of our incarcerated black and brown neighbors.  Look at https://www.facebook.com/events/573449886543642/.

17] – On Sun., Jan. 19 from 6 to 8 PM, catch an Informal Discussion: Talking About Racism with Friends & Family, hosted by SURJ Baltimore at Homewood Friends Meeting, 3107 N. Charles St., Baltimore 21218.  This is a space to gather resources, share strategies and practice the skills needed for white folks to take responsibility for educating themselves and confronting racism in their own communities. SURJ is experimenting with a new open-format discussion group that will take place on the 3rd Sunday evening of each month. Participants are invited to name a topic they would like to talk about either in advance or at the beginning of the meeting, and then we will break into groups for informal conversations to share resources, strategies, and experiences. Newcomers are encouraged to arrive early!  See https://www.facebook.com/events/2567937363531259/.

18] – 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 Jan. 20, 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.

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

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