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).
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Celebrate 24 Years of Standing at the White House Gates
The Peace Park Antinuclear Vigilers hope friends will come to celebrate 24 years of standing at the White House gates, 24 hours a day, since June 3, 1981. The activists are part of Proposition One, a grassroots movement for disarmament of nuclear weapons and the conversion of nuclear and other arms industries to provide for human and environmental needs. Check out and sign their online petition.
Earlier this year, DC Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton reintroduced, for the seventh time, HR-1348, the Nuclear Disarmament and Economic Conversion Act, which was inspired by Proposition One.
Show up on Friday, June 3, from 5 to 7:30 p.m., at Lafayette (Peace) Park (16th and Pennsylvania NW; McPherson Square or Farragut South Metro). Bring drums, music, leaflets, banners, whatever, and express your own opinions alongside the vigil signs. At 7:30 p.m., join in for a 10-block walk to Peace House (1233 12th St. NW) for a potluck get-together. For more information or to RSVP for the potluck, call the Peace Park Crew at 202/682-4282.
Three Iraqi labor leaders have been assassinated this year. US Labor Against the War is bringing six Iraqi labor leaders to the US, and DC Labor for Peace and Justice is sponsoring a happy hour to raise money for their stay in DC from June 10 to 15. Help bring Iraqis to DC and attend the upcoming events, where you will hear about life in Iraq and how Iraqi workers fare under the coalition from Iraqis who are living there.
The happy hour is on Wednesday, June 1, from 6 to 9 p.m., at Karma (corner of 19th and I Streets NW). Admission is $8, with live music and drink specials all night.
The Washington Area Clinic Defense Task Force (WACDTF) is an all-volunteer, non-violent group founded in the 1980s to promote peaceful and safe access to women's health clinics in the DC metropolitan area. WACDTF is looking for new escorts in and around the capital area. Escorts are generally needed each Saturday, rain or shine, between 7 and 11 a.m., depending on the clinic. The next training will be on Saturday, May 28, 1 to 3 p.m., at the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library (7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church).
In 1898, after what was called a "splendid little war" the Spanish American War Puerto Rico was added to the list of U.S. possessions. A group of Puerto Rican youngsters was sent to study in the U.S. to the Carlisle Indian School, Tuskegee, and Hampton Industrial School (see this earlier DC Metro Action post, "A Forgotten Chapter in American History").
Sonia Rosa is from Puerto Rico and has done extensive research on the Taino Indians. She holds a doctorate from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez. Join her as she shares her fascinating research on this important chapter of American history on Thursday, May 26, at 7 p.m., at La Casa (3166 Mt. Pleasant St. NW). RSVP to Bobbie Stewart at 202/667-1186 or jcstewart@alum.mit.edu.
The Virginia Grassroots Coalition has been trying to engage Congressman Tom Davis in a dialogue about Social Security. Davis so far has refused to meet with his constituents to talk about President Bush's plans to privatize Social Security and cut benefits. Virginia United to Protect Social Security has offered to organize a town hall meeting with local residents to talk about these plans, but has received no response from Davis. If you live in Virginia's 11th Congressional district, call the Congressman's office at 703/916-9610 and ask him to attend the town hall and talk to his constituents.
Seven activists go on trial on Wednesday, May 25, at 9 a.m., at the DC Superior Court (500 Indiana Ave. NW, Room 120) for protesting against genocide in Darfur at the Sudanese Embassy.
At the embassy on Feb. 2, 2005, activists displayed photos of some of the more than 2 million displaced people in the west Sudanese region of Darfur, where over 300,000 have been killed since 2003. After embassy officials refused to meet with them, the activists blocked the entrance by kneeling in prayer and were charged with unlawful assembly. They face a maximum of three months in jail and/or $250 in fines if convicted.
The defendants and expert witnesses will argue at trial that their nonviolent civil disobedience was justified as an effective means to stop a far greater harm being perpetrated by the Sudanese government in Darfur. The defense witnesses include Dr. Eric Reeves, the worlds leading authority on genocide in Darfur; Mwiza Munthali, the director of information at TransAfrica, one of the organizations that led protests against apartheid at the South African embassy in the 1980s and against genocide in Darfur at the Sudanese embassy last summer; Bishop Thomas Gumbleton, auxiliary Catholic bishop of Detroit and founder of Pax Christi USA; Dr. Mark Lance, a professor of peace studies at Georgetown University; and Barbara Wien, the co-director of Peace Brigades International.
On Tuesday, May 24, from 7 to 9 p.m., John Prendergast of the International CrisisGroup, Dr. Reeves and the defendants will speak and answer questions at the True Reformer Building (1200 U St. NW). More detailed information about genocide in Darfur, pre-trial events (including vigils at the Sudanese Embassy and White House), the witnesses, defendants and their protest at the embassy is available at this website. For more information, contact Scott Schaeffer-Duffy at 774/239-4022 or theresecw@aol.com; or Paul Magno at 202/234-2000 or pmagno@igc.org.
Sankofa Video and Books and the Blackout Arts Collective present "Arts Under the Stars," a weekly gathering of artistic expression. This family-friendly event features artists of color who work in different media, and the public is encouraged to bring art to share as well.
The event is held every Friday, rain or shine, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Sankofa Video and Books (2714 Georgia Ave. NW), and it's free and open to the public. For more information, call 202/234-4755.
EarthRights International (ERI) is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization that combines the power of law and the power of people in defense of human rights and the environment, our earth rights.
ERI is hosting a benefit concert featuring Emma's Revolution and the acoustic folk duo of Pat Humphries and Sandy Opatow on Friday, May 20, at the Wonderland Ballroom (1101 Kenyon St. NW; Columbia Heights Metro). The fun starts at 6 p.m. and tickets are $20, available online or at the door. For more information, call 202/466-5188, ext. 106.
This in from Adam Eidinger, a car-free Metro rider:
"Are you riding the McDonald's train today? Or maybe your neighborhood stop has become 'Haliburton Station' or even 'Heritage Foundation Station at Capitol South.' Think it won't happen? Think again. Our cash-strapped Metro system refuses to make a strong case for increased funding from local governments and is instead giving into corporate sponsorship to raise funds. Once this get going, the distinct look of our Metro will be lost forever to mass marketing. The nation's capital deserves better. We already have one of the best Metro systems in the country. Don't let marketers turn it into a giant glossy magazine ad that benefits mega-corporate interests. There are surpluses in regional government coffers to fund Metro. A new study shows DC has the third worst traffic congestion in the nation, but local political leaders are sitting on their hands. Metro needs expansion and infrastructure improvements."
The DC Office of Planning will hold a briefing on the revision of the District's Comprehensive Land Use Plan for Advisory Neighborhood Commissions.
These briefings will include a short presentation on the Comprehensive Plan and an overview of the revision process and will provide an opportunity for ANC Commissioners to discuss specific land use policies and long-range planning and map issues.
The briefings will be held from 6 to 9 p.m., are open to the public, and will include time for public comment.
Ward 1 Monday, May 16 Harriet Tubman Elementary School 3101 13th St. NW
Ward 2 Thursday, May 19 Francis Junior High School 2425 N St. NW
Ward 3 Thursday, June 23 University of the District of Columbia 4200 Connecticut Ave. NW, Bldg. 38, Windows Lounge
Ward 4 Thursday, June 2 Emery Recreation Center Georgia Avenue and Madison Street NW
Ward 5 Tuesday, May 24 McKinley High School 151 T St. NE
Ward 6 Tuesday, May 17 Hine Junior High School 335 Eighth St. SE
Ward 7 Wednesday, May 25 Kelly-Miller Middle School 301 49th St. NE
Join with EmpowerDC and learn how to start and sustain tenants' associations, preserve Section 8 housing, protect the rights of Section 8 voucher holders, and find out what will happen after Section 8 expires. The event is on Saturday, May 14, at 11 a.m., at the Mount Pleasant Library (16th and Lamont Streets NW). For more information, or to suggest a topic for discussion, call EmpowerDC at 202/234-9119.
The May meeting of the DC Irish Northern Aid Committee is at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 10, at Flanagan's Pub in Bethesda (7637 Old Georgetown Rd., two blocks from the Bethesda Metro, with a public parking garage next door). Come out to gather prior to the meeting for dinner and to socialize at 6:30 p.m.
Brooke Murphy will chair the May meeting, with a full agenda that includes a discussion of the recent Westminster and local elections in Northern Ireland, the upcoming national AGM meeting in Philadelphia, important pieces of legislation currently before Congress, and the development of new youth outreach and credited university internship programs. Call Randy at 301/325-5560 for more information.
The Institute for Politics, Democracy & the Internet and the Center for Democracy & Technology will host a legal briefing on the issues at stake in the Federal Election Commission's proposed rulemaking on Internet communications. Three nationally recognized experts in campaign finance law will explain how the FEC's proposed Internet rules will affect bloggers, political activists, parties, political committees, corporations and unions, with particular emphasis on the blogging community.
The panelists will field questions submitted by the Internet community, so be sure to submit yours at this e-mail.
Bloggers are encouraged to "live blog" the event. Internet access for a limited number of bloggers will be provided, and a section of event seats will be reserved for bloggers. If you are considering live blogging the event and would like to reserve a seat, and if you will allow a link to your site, please respond with an e-mail.
The event will take place on Wednesday, May 11, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the George Washington University campus (805 21st St., Room B07, the basement of the Media & Public Affairs Building at the corner of 21st and H NW). The discussion will be filmed, and video footage will be archived and made available for download from the Institute's web site.
Two years ago, peace advocates from around the world mourned the death of a courageous 23-year-old American woman who gave her life defending the human rights and freedom of Palestinians. The film "Rachel Corrie: An American Conscience" weaves together the story of Corrie's involvement in the International Solidarity Movement with those of others from around the world who have traveled to the Occupied Territories to stand in solidarity with Palestinians in non-violent resistance to the Occupation.
In this powerful documentary, director Yahya Barakat goes beyond the politics of the Occupation to depict the facts on the ground. He portrays the Palestinian dilemma and shows what motivates members of the international peace camp to come to Palestine.
A screening and a conversation with the director will take place on Wednesday, May 11, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Jerusalem Fund (Potomac Plaza Building, 2425 Virginia Ave. NW). Admission is free. For more information, call 202/338-1290.
The DC Women's Human Rights Action Team is a group of community activists dedicated to advancing women's human rights, focusing specifically on issues surrounding violence against women on a local, national and international level. The group's next meeting, open to the public, is on Wednesday, May 11, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Amnesty USA office (600 Pennsylvania Ave. SE).
The Rhythm Workers Union will host an evening of rhythm consciousness with a drumming workshop, rhythm games and an all-out jam session. Learn to drum, then learn to drum together. Spoken word artists, poets, singers, musicians and dancers are welcome!
6 to 7:15 p.m. Community Hour: Please help support the restaurant by coming in for delicious eats and drinks. Otherwise, please bring a few bucks to drop in the hat.
7:15 to 7:30 p.m. Opening Jam
7:30 p.m. Workshop to cover the basics of conscious drumming
8 p.m. Facilitated jam session
9:30 p.m. Closing Circle
Please bring a drum or percussion instrument if you have one! (There will be some extras if you don't.) For more information, send an e-mail.
Without stable, effective Metro service, our region would face an overwhelming increase in traffic congestion and air pollution. Join with the Sierra Club Metro DC and talk to our neighbors one-on-one about Metro's long-term funding crisis, and about action they can take to ensure a future with more and better Metro service.
Meet up at the Southeast Branch Library (403 Seventh St. NE) at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 7, for training and discussion (bagels and coffee provided!), then go out to talk to your neighbors in the Eastern Market area. Stick around to join in for an after-event lunch social at a local restaurant. To volunteer, send an email to chris.carney@sierraclub.org with your name, phone number, address, and availability. For more information, contact the Sierra Club Metro DC Office at 202/237-0754 or www.sierraclub.org/dc/sprawl, or visit the group's Metro system webpage.
On Thursday, May 5, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., the MLK Memorial Library (901 G St. NW, 2nd Floor) will host a opening reception for "No More Hiroshimas! No More Nagasakis!" a photo exhibit by Alexandra Silverthorne, the 2004 DC Area Youth Delegate to the World Conference Against A and H Bombs. Refreshments will be served. The exhibit runs until May 29.
In their new book, "Voices of A People's History of the United States" celebrated historian Howard Zinn and his co-author Anthony Arnove gather inspiring speeches, fiery poems and sharp political essays by the people who built the social justice movements. Zinn and Arnove will read from and discuss their new book on Monday, May 2, at 7 p.m., at Politics and Prose Bookstore (5015 Connecticut Ave. NW). For more information, call the store at 800/722-0790 or visit its website.
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 
In 1898, after what was called a "splendid little war" the Spanish American War Puerto Rico was added to the list of U.S. possessions. A group of Puerto Rican youngsters was sent to study in the U.S. to the Carlisle Indian School, Tuskegee, and Hampton Industrial School (see this earlier DC Metro Action post, "
Sonia Rosa is from Puerto Rico and has done extensive research on the Taino Indians. She holds a doctorate from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez. Join her as she shares her fascinating research on this important chapter of American history on Thursday, May 26, at 7 p.m., at La Casa (3166 Mt. Pleasant St. NW). RSVP to Bobbie Stewart at 202/667-1186 or 
The Virginia Grassroots Coalition
At the embassy on Feb. 2, 2005, activists displayed photos of some of the more than 2 million displaced people in the west Sudanese region of Darfur, where over 300,000 have been killed since 2003. After embassy officials refused to meet with them, the activists blocked the entrance by kneeling in prayer and were charged with unlawful assembly. They face a maximum of three months in jail and/or $250 in fines if convicted.
The defendants and expert witnesses will argue at trial that their nonviolent civil disobedience was justified as an effective means to stop a far greater harm being perpetrated by the Sudanese government in Darfur. The defense witnesses include Dr. Eric Reeves, the worlds leading authority on genocide in Darfur; Mwiza Munthali, the director of information at 
"Are you riding the McDonald's train today? Or maybe your neighborhood stop has become 'Haliburton Station' or even 'Heritage Foundation Station at Capitol South.' Think it won't happen? Think again. Our cash-strapped Metro system refuses to make a strong case for increased funding from local governments and is instead giving into corporate sponsorship to raise funds. Once this get going, the distinct look of our Metro will be lost forever to mass marketing. The nation's capital deserves better. We already have one of the best Metro systems in the country. Don't let marketers turn it into a giant glossy magazine ad that benefits mega-corporate interests. There are surpluses in regional government coffers to fund Metro. A new study shows DC has the third worst traffic congestion in the nation, but local political leaders are sitting on their hands. Metro needs expansion and infrastructure improvements."
The 
The Rhythm Workers Union
Meet up at the Southeast Branch Library (403 Seventh St. NE) at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 7, for training and discussion (bagels and coffee provided!), then go out to talk to your neighbors in the Eastern Market area. Stick around to join in for an after-event lunch social at a local restaurant. To volunteer, send an email to 
On Thursday, May 5, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., the MLK Memorial Library (901 G St. NW, 2nd Floor) will host a opening reception for "No More Hiroshimas! No More Nagasakis!" a photo exhibit by 
celebrated historian Howard Zinn and his co-author Anthony Arnove gather inspiring speeches, fiery poems and sharp political essays by the people who built the social justice movements. Zinn and Arnove will read from and discuss their new book on Monday, May 2, at 7 p.m., at Politics and Prose Bookstore (5015 Connecticut Ave. NW). For more information, call the store at 800/722-0790 or 
