DC Metro Action is a listing of local actions, entertainment, volunteer opportunities and the occasional rant on a wide range of socially just issues.
contact me at dcmetroaction@comcast.net
Action of the Day Many of these action alerts are found on the listservs and websites of organizations listed in our "Act Locally" section (Left).
Friday, April 29, 2005
May Day
United for Peace and Justice and Abolition Now! are calling for a massive demonstration for global nuclear disarmament and peace on May 1 – the day before world leaders and citizens from many countries converge at the United Nations for a monthlong review of the endangered Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. While ignoring their treaty obligations, the nuclear weapon states – led by the United States – are hypocritically accusing other nations of seeking nuclear arms.
In preparation for the rally, two large Japanese delegations, including survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (Hibakusha), are visiting Washington. A community reception will be held to welcome them on Friday, April 29, from 7 to 9 p.m., at the Metropolitan AME Church (1518 M St. NW).
The Washington Peace Center is running a bus to the Nuclear Disarmament Rally in New York City. The bus will depart promptly at 5:30 am on Sunday, May 1, from First Street NE, across from the entrance of the Union Station Metro, and will arrive in New York before noon. The bus will leave New York at 6:30 that evening and arrive in DC by midnight. Round-trip tickets are $35. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 202/234-2000 or click this.
For those who can't make it up to New York, head over to Lafayette Park on Sunday, May 1, from 1 to 3 p.m. for "Mission Not Accomplished,"a theatrical approach to note the two-year anniversary of the president's performance on an aircraft carrier.
March "with Bush" as he leads a quirky parade of those who have gained and those who have lost during this criminal war and occupation. Come dressed as a victim (US soldier, Iraqi police, Iraqi woman, civilian casualty, member of the press, US citizen, torture victim, unemployed Iraqi, etc.) or an opportunist (war profiteer, puppet Iraqi official, Osama Bin Laden, etc.) of Bush's criminal war.
Gather at Lafayette Park, listen to Bush's delusional sound bites and then speak truth to his misuse of power. Don't forget to bring a kazoo or your noise maker of choice for theparade around the White House! (Note: Looking for a flight suit!)
Take a look at these May Day links I found, and remember, with all the anti-war and anti-nuclear actions, May Day is a workers' holiday – the real Labor Day.
Shaw EcoVillage runs an EcoDesign Corps, where youth ages 14 to 19 develop critical thinking, job and leadership skills by designing and implementing innovative solutions to real-life community issues. The EcoDesign Corps interns will present their proposals for sustainable community improvement. Projects include a community garden, a project raising public awareness of homelessness and a rain barrel project to improve local water quality. This event is free and open to the public, however seating is limited, so RSVP to 202/265-2019 or sev.ecodesign@verizon.net. Community members are encouraged to come with questions and ideas for these continuing projects.
On April 27, the National Coalition for Dignity and Permanent Residency and its allies will meet with congressional representatives and hold a rally to demand permanent residency rights for immigrants. Despite their important role in the U.S. economy, culture and society, undocumented immigrants are subject to abuse and exploitation by unscrupulous employers and others who use the threat of deportation to impose illegally low pay, dangerous working conditions and other abuses. Legal residence for immigrants would improve wages and conditions for all working-class people by granting basic rights to this most exploited sector of the workforce.
Senators from both parties are working on a bipartisan legalization proposal for the immigrant workers who work hard to contribute to the greatness of this country. However, racist groups in Congress are seeking to stop anything that would favor immigrants. For example, the REAL ID Act, sponsored by House Judiciary Chairman James Sensenbrenner (R-Wis), which passed the House in February, would construct the largest wall yet on the Mexican border, make it more difficult for genuine refugees to get asylum, further eliminate due process for immigrants, and impede immigrants from getting driver's licenses. This legislation fails to address root causes, serving only to further criminalize individuals whose work is an essential part of the U.S. economy, thereby suppressing wages in sectors that employ immigrants and making it more difficult for immigrants to obtain humane working and living conditions.
This is a crucial moment to raise our voices and demand recognition of our human rights. Rally on Wednesday, April 27, at 3 p.m., at Upper Senate Park (Constitution Avenue between New Jersey and Delaware). For more information, call 202/544-9355, or send an e-mail.
The Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance of Washington, DC (GLAA), is a local, all-volunteer, non-partisan, non-profit political organization, founded in 1971 to advance the equal rights of gay men and lesbians in DC. It is the nation's oldest continuously active gay and lesbian civil rights organization.
GLAA meetings are held at 7 p.m., on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, at the Charles Sumner School (17th and M Streets NW; Farragut North Metro). The next meeting is Tuesday, April 26. For more information, send an e-mail.
Emily Jacir's provocative conceptual art probes the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the political and social issues facing the Middle East. In "Where We Come From," Jacir asked fellow Palestinians from around the world, "If I could do anything for you, anywhere in Palestine, what would it be?" Responses ranged from poignant – "go to my mother's grave in Jerusalem on her birthday and put flowers and pray" – to playful – "play soccer with the first Palestinian child you meet in Haifa" – to practical – "go to the Israeli post office in Jerusalem and pay my phone bill."
Using her American passport to facilitate a freedom of movement unavailable to most Palestinians, Jacir documented her attempts to fulfill these requests. Her journey through loss, daily struggles and sorrow tells the story of a people confined and prevented from attending to the most basic human needs.
Jacir's critically acclaimed project was described by New York Times critic Holland Cotter as "one of the most moving gallery exhibitions I've encountered this season." Kim Levin of the Village Voice said, "Her efforts reverberate with the complexities of fear, longing and travel restrictions. Read every affecting word."
The exhibit runs through Wednesday, May 25, at The Jerusalem Fund (2425 Virginia Ave. NW). The gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, call 202/338-1958.
On April 16, 1862, while the Civil War still raged, President Abraham Lincoln signed into law the Compensated Emancipation Act, which released 3,100 enslaved persons held in involuntary servitude in the District of Columbia. Each slaveholder was paid an average of $300 per slave. This law struck a mighty blow against slavery that resulted in the Emancipation Proclamation nine months later.
Until the early 1900s, yearly DC Emancipation Day celebrations were the most important observance in the African-American community in Washington, DC – exceeding the Fourth of July, Christmas and New Year holidays.
Come out and march with the "Stand Up! for Democracy in DC Coalition" in the DC Emancipation Day parade on Saturday, April 16, starting at Fourth Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, at 10:30 a.m. The parade will head to Freedom Plaza (14th and Pennsylvania), where a program will take place. Bring your issue to say: "First Freed – Last Free!" African wear, period costumes or chains are encouraged! For more information, contact Anise Jenkins at 202/232-2500, ext. 1, or anisej@nifcomm.com.
Shed Light On US War Casualties: From the Front Line to The Back Door
Code Pink is continuing its nightly vigil at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center indefinitely. Every Friday from 8 to 10 p.m., the vigil signals the late-night arrivals of badly wounded soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan.
On Friday nights there is an abundance of traffic on Georgia Avenue and much support from those driving by. Join this very welcoming group, and bring friends, candles, a sign or a banner. The messages are about supporting the troops by bringing them home alive now, and taking care of them when they get here.
Those who have participated have been moved by the experience, one that put them much closer to the real face of war. They stood with soldiers, military families, neighbors, friends and fellow peace activists in caring and spirited community. It is worth noting that all of the soldiers they have met so far support the war, even adamantly, but most were open to hearing their perspective, some truly wanting to understand it.
The Friday evening vigil is at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center (7200 Georgia Ave., at Elder Street NW; North Gate). For more information, contact Ann Wilcox at 202/441-3265 or Ellen Taylor at 202/270-1861.
The film "The Language You Cry In" offers a history of how African-Americans have retained links with their African past through the horrors of the Middle Passage, slavery and segregation. Sponsored by Project South: Institute for the Elimination of Poverty and Genocide, the film will be screened on Thursday, April 14, from 7 to 9 p.m., at Cafe Mawonaj (624 T St. NW; 202/332-5333).
At the "Millions for Stadiums, Peanuts for Schools" rally, you can send the message that a city flush with revenue – and spending at least $581 million on a new stadium – should not cut funding for education. Mayor Anthony Williams' proposed budget for fiscal year 2006 slashes the budget for DC Public Schools by 44 percent over the next two years. And despite the return of Major League Baseball to the nation's capital, the budget offers no additional funding for athletic programs for Washington kids.
So on Opening Day for the Nationals at RFK, rally with school advocates at the newly renovated stadium to demand that DC leaders invest in school buildings just like they have chosen to invest in the big business of baseball. The action is sponsored by the DC Public Schools Full Funding Campaign, a coalition of students, parents, school workers and concerned DC residents who believe that the conditions of DC's schools are unacceptable.
Rally at the Washington Nationals home opening day on Thursday, April 14, at 6 p.m. at RFK Stadium (main entrance on East Capitol Street SE). For more information, call the DC Public Schools Full Funding Campaign at 202/491-6593.
"In recent years, Asia's deadliest conflict has not been in Afghanistan, North Korea, Kashmir or Indonesia," says John Norris of the International Crisis Group. "Instead, Asia's most lethal war has been waged largely unnoticed in the mountainous Hindu Kingdom of Nepal." Despite the great scale of suffering in this country of more than 24 million people, our Western media has consistently ignored Nepal's conflict. Learn more on Wednesday, April 13, from 2:20 to 3:30 p.m., at the Institute for Policy Studies (733 15th St. NW, Suite 1020). For more information, click here and here.
Federal and local officials are increasingly eroding immigrant rights and protections. A panel discussion on the pressing issues in the immigrant community and local, national and global efforts to defend immigrant rights will be held on Tuesday, April 12, from 7 to 9 p.m., at King Emmanuel Baptist Church (Kalorama and Ontario Roads NW; 202/588-1087. Come out and hear speakers from the Coalition of Latino Merchants, the DC Employment Justice Center and Global Rights.
50 Years Is Enough: US Network for Global Economic Justice is screening two films on Saturday, April 9, at the Festival Center (1640 Columbia Rd. NW).
"To Be a Woman" explores how the policies of the World Bank and the IMF devastate the lives of women, children and the poor in the Global South. The film examines issues of international debt and development through the stories of the women in three African countries who are struggling to survive being "structurally adjusted." It will be screened at 1 p.m.
"Thirst" shows how population growth, pollution and scarcity are turning water into "blue gold," the oil of the 21st century. Global corporations are rushing to gain control of this dwindling natural resource, producing intense conflict in the US and worldwide where people are dying in battles over control of water. "Thirst" follows the story of resistance in Bolivia, India and California. It will be shown at 3 p.m.
The suggested donation is $5 for each film, but no one will be turned away due to lack of funds. For more information, call 202/463-2265.
We are all invited to a benefit party for Peace Action this Sunday, April 10, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., at Java Green (1020 19th St. NW; Dupont Circle Metro; 202/775-8899). Light vegetarian fare and drinks will be provided, dinner will be available, and feel free to BYOB. The suggested donation is $10, but no one will be turned away. You can RSVP here, or donate directly here. For more information, contact Paul Kawika Martin at 951/217-7285 or paulm@igc.org.
On April 11, 2002, Irish documentarians were in Venezuela, making a movie about the nation's left-leaning president, Hugo Chavez, whose support comes mostly from the country's impoverished, who make up 80 percent of the population. That day, the filmmakers found themselves in the heart of a coup d'etat, trapped in the presidential palace as Chavez's right-wing oligarchic opposition overthrew the leader. Chavez was able to return to power within 48 hours, buoyed by public support.
"The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" captures the frightening days in which the nation's political future was fought over using both bullets and manipulation of the media. This movie also addresses Washington's support for the coup in the world's fifth largest producer of oil, which supplies 14 percent of the petroleum used by the United States. The film will be screened on Friday, April 8, at 6:30 p.m., at Howard University's Locke Hall Smart Room.
SOME, Inc. (So Others Might Eat), is seeking a community organizer at the grassroots level to engage people who are homeless and to develop their potential to advocate actively on policy issues of their choosing. This position requires an excellent and very patient group facilitator, listener, speaker, writer and presenter. B.A. and two years' experience are preferred. Willingness to work some evenings and occasional weekends (flexible hours); driver's license required. The position includes coordination on policy advocacy and includes raising awareness about the reality of poverty in the District of Columbia. A cover letter, resume and short writing sample should be addressed to nmasliansky@some.org, or faxed to Nechama Masliansky, director of advocacy & social justice, at 202/797-1867. The opening is immediate; the incumbent is on staff through April and is eager to train her successor. The incumbent is relocating away from DC.
"The African Fiber", a film examining trade, globalization, and their effects on small-scale cotton farmers in Africa, is being screened by 50 Years Is Enough: US Network for Global Economic Justice. After the movie, meet the filmmaker, Francoise Champey, during a reception with refreshments. It all happens on Thursday, April 7, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Festival Center (1640 Columbia Rd. NW). The suggested donation is $5, but no one will be turned away.
Maryland is scheduled to execute death row inmate Vernon Evans the week of April 18. Evidence never shown to a jury suggests that he was not the actual shooter. Come to a panel discussion about this case and the death penalty, and hear from exonerated death row prisoners Shujaa Graham and Madison Hobley, Evans' sister, his attorney and others. This event, organized by the Takoma Park chapter of the Campaign to End the Death Penalty, is on Wednesday, April 6, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Takoma Presbyterian Church (310 Tulip Ave., Takoma Park). For more information, contact 202/271-8014 or visit www.stopexecutionsinmaryland.org.
Act now to stop the genocide in Darfur. Join a weekly speak-out vigil at the White House on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Lafayette Park. For more information, contact Akenji Ndumu at 202/546-7961 or andumu@africaaction.org, or click here.
And on Thursdays at noon, join the DC Anti-War Network on the White House sidewalk on Pennsylvania Avenue and let tourists, passersby, White House employees and the White House press corps know we oppose this war. Bring signs, props, costumes and leaflets.
DC Metro Action is published by Michael Schlesinger, a 32-year veteran of electoral and issue organizing who is committed to social justice and to increasing participation in the political process.
All original content (C) 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 Michael Schlesinger
The 
On April 16, 1862, while the Civil War still raged, President Abraham Lincoln signed into law the Compensated Emancipation Act, which released 3,100 enslaved persons held in involuntary servitude in the District of Columbia. Each slaveholder was paid an average of $300 per slave. This law struck a mighty blow against slavery that resulted in the Emancipation Proclamation nine months later. 
"Thirst" shows how population growth, pollution and scarcity are turning water into "blue gold," the oil of the 21st century. Global corporations are rushing to gain control of this dwindling natural resource, producing intense conflict in the US and worldwide where people are dying in battles over control of water. "Thirst" follows the story of resistance in Bolivia, India and California. It will be shown at 3 p.m.
SOME, Inc. (
