Tragedy in Las Vegas; Gun Control & Tax Legislation; Tom Porter in Tuskarora; ++
Dear Friends, 50th year 716-332-3904; 716-931-3520 10/2/17
Apologies for another “Frequent Update” so immediately, but we needed to share:
*Deep condolences for all affected by the tragic mass shooting in Las Vegas. The grieving families and friends, the wounded, the many … the whole country again shocked and horrified. May the legislators uphold their responsibility to the country rather than cater to the NRA’s $$. Enough is enough – it is way past time to talk about it. We must DO something about it!!!
**Correction: Tom Porter – or Sakokwenionkwas – will speak 10/3 at the Tuscarora Nation House Community Room at 5226 Walmore rd. Tuscarora Nation, Lewiston, NY 14092 at 6pm!! For a carpool we’ll meet at Burning Books, 420 Connecticut Ave, Buffalo, at 5pm and leave shortly after to travel to Tuscarora. It will be a Corn Soup Fundraiser evening with Sakokwenionkwas – or Tom Porter – founder, spokesperson and spiritual leader of the Mohawk Community of Kanatsiohareke (Ga na jo ha lay gay) located in the Mohawk Valley near Fonda, New York since 1993. He is a member of the Bear Clan of the Mohawk Nation at Akwesasne.
Also, tomorrow at 2pm the Common Council meeting will include BARC’s petition to have the Columbus Statue removed and the park renamed. Go to City Hall, Council Chambers, 13th Floor. The petition has 1600 signatures, and you can sign it here.
Don’t forget to contact your senators about the outrageous tax plan being mis-represented as a boon the middle class when it really caters to the wealthy and hurts the middle class and more impoverished people. And your congressperson re the outrageous propositions increasing our danger from guns by loosening regulations re silencers and concealed carry.
Lastly, please pace yourself. The onslaught on our human rights, welfare, and safety is overwhelming at times. We are all in this together, and as we remember Gandhi on his birthday, let us remember true Ahimsa – not hating or blaming. Just working together and Being the Change we want to see in the world.
Peace and Love, Justice and Mercy.
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Sent earlier today:
We are almost out of signs in the #loveisloveBUF campaign! (in which someone’s mean-spirited and dangerous sign-burning is igniting a movement) – so come out to get them while they last. More info here.
Please donate generously for hurricane and earthquake relief in Puerto Rico, Cuba, Mexico. See below – and please note a number of new and worthwhile campaigns!
If you haven’t already, you’ll want to buy tickets for our 50th Annual Dinner with the renown
***************** AMY GOODMAN!!!! *******************
on Friday, Nov. 3. She’ll be talking about her 21 years at Democracy Now!, the best news show in the country! Doors will open at 5pm, at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. On our website wnypeace.org, you can find more info (including re baskets, donations, +), and
– buy a ticket, or a table;
– renew your membership to get a discount on your ticket;
– contribute toward the student/ltd income tickets; and/or
– book a vendor table.
You can also email wnypcvolunteers@wnypeace.org for questions about putting ads, messages, and mementos in the program book.
Below are event listings; campaigns; regularly scheduled events – all in that order.
Don’t forget to follow us on twitter at @wnypeace; like and review us on facebook; and follow WNY Peace Center on Instagram!
As Pete Seeger said, “Step By Step the longest march can be won.” We shall overcome!! Together. #loveisloveBUF!!
EVENTS LISTING
Mon, Oct 2:
Talking Peace with the WNY Peace Center Radio Show on 91.3FM, WBNY
Mondays, 1-3pm. Jim Anderson and Vicki Ross co-hosting. Focus on Anne Frank Project Social Justice Conf (Buff State Oct 3&4); World On Your Plate conference (see above Oct 6-7); and Heron Simmonds, Chair of WNYPC’s Racial Justice Taskforce re policing in Buffalo, racial issues generally. Go to wbny.buffalostate.edu or http://tunein.com/radio/WBNY-913-s27549/.
*
Tues, Oct 3:
Tom Porter, Mohawk, speaking on the Great Law of Peace at Tuskarora Reservation, see above, starting 6pm.
* Wed, Oct 3-Thurs Oct 4
Anne Frank Project, Buff State: Sharing Stories, Connecting Communities Social Justice Festival – Free and open to public. For more info:
annefrankproject.com/afp-festival
Thurs, Oct 4, 11am-1pm: From Trauma to Healing
Turning the Cycle of Violence into a Spiral of Healing. More info here. Campbell Student Union’s Assembly Hall. We’re sure to be inspired by the stories, each other, and the strength of the Spirit as we explore routes to healing and forgiveness.
*Weds, Oct 4: St. Joseph SJC Gun Violence Panel Discussion
7-9pm. St. Joseph University SJC Gun Violence Awareness Subcommittee panel discussion (in the Community Room): Guest panelists Tiffany Lankes and Lou Michel, Buffalo News reporters who wrote of the lingering effects of gun violence on Buffalo’s children.
* “It Can’t Happen Here” – Subversive Theatre Collective, Buffalo NY. Oct 5,6,7 (Thurs, Fri, Sat) Written in 1935, Sinclair Lewis’ tale tells of a huckster politician who buys the presidential election and proceeds to turn the U.S. into a fascist dictatorship… see any modern parallels? Manny Fried Playhouse, 255 Great Arrow, Buffalo. WNYPC sponsors this timely production! Thursday (pay as you can); and Fri, Sat., $30.
* 14th Annual WORLD ON YOUR PLATE
Fri, Oct 6 (5-9pm); and Sat, Oct 7 (8:30am-5pm). Daemen College, 4380 Main St, Amherst, NY 14226; Wicks Student Center. Students are Free with ID & pre-registration. (Reg tickets $30 for entire event if pre-registered.) Don’t miss this stellar conference on Food and Sustainable Living, with Arturo Rodriguez, grandson of Cesar Chavez and president of Farm Workers Union; and Linda Black Elk, ethnobotanist and restoration ecologist (was at Standing Rock). Student free with ID; Scholarships available. All about food – from recipes and health; to farmworkers and justice; seeds, climate change, more!! For info or to register: worldonyourplate.org/
* Protest 17th year of war on Afghanistan
Friday, Oct 6, 4pm. Bidwell & Elmwood. Initiated by IAC.
Keep Space for Peace Week: Oct 7-15. Stay Tuned!!
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ONGOING CAMPAIGNS
As you know, people desperately need our help because of the devastation caused by “natural” disasters (read fossil-fuel-burning-generated Climate Catastrophe). You can contribute as follows:
Puerto Rico– Belle Center, 104 Maryland St. Bflo 14201
716-845-0485 (tax deductible). Water, clothes, blankets, other supplies being collected for shipment; as well as $.
Cuba—Alliance for Global Justice/Irma Relief, 418 W. 145th St.. New York, NY 10031 (for tax deductible)
(Not tax deductible, IFCO/Irma Relief (same address) Phone: 212-926-5757
And from renowned anthropologist Christine Eber:
“Today I heard that there are daily 5 point quakes in Chiapas so it seems the danger isn’t over.
Below are ways to donate to earthquake relief in Chiapas.”
You can donate, via Paypal, a Los Topos: donativos@brigada-rescate-topos.org
http://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias/2014/09/140926_mexico_topos_terremoto_hr
Please give generously – the situations are dire for so many.
*
#loveisloveBUF – NEW campaign of sign distribution ignited by someone setting fire to this sign in the yard of activist and friend Johanna Dominguez:
“IN OUR AMERICA – No human is illegal – Women are in charge of their own bodies – Science is REAL – Diversity is celebrated – Black Lives Matter – Disabilities are respected – Kindness is everything – Hate has no home – LOVE IS LOVE.”
A similar sign has been produced and will be available at WNYPC events, Thin Ice on Elmwood, more, until supplies run out. You can also donate to keep the campaign going – and we hope you will!! Love is Love. And is a force more powerful. We shall overcome!
*
Gender Justice Taskforce
If you believe that discrimination against all women should be eliminated please support enacting the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in the city of Buffalo. Follow this link for more information: https://cities4cedaw-buffalo.org/ and contact your district’s councilperson to urge them to support this ordinance too.
Darius G. Pridgen- Ellicott District- 716-851-4980
Christopher P. Scanlon- South District- 716-851-5169
David A. Rivera- Niagara District- 716-851-5125
Joel P. Feroleto- Delaware District- 716-851-5155
Richard A. Fontana- Lovejoy District- 716-851- 5151
David A. Franczyk- Fillmore District- 716-851-4138
Joseph Golombek, Jr.- North District- 716-851-5116
Ulysees O. Wingo, Sr.- Masten District- 716-851-5145
Rasheed Wyatt- University District- 716-851-5165
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Prisoners’ Rights Taskforce
Black Panther Party Political Prisoner Herman Bell was recently attacked by prison guards, after 20 years of incarceration with no disciplinary issues. For detail, click here. At this time, we are encouraging everyone to take the time to write to Herman or send him a get-well card, so that the authorities know we are paying attention and are concerned for Herman. For more info on this campaign, please go to: wnypeace.org/prisoners-rights
Herman Bell’s new address is:
Herman Bell 79 C 0262
Five Points Cor. Fac.
P.O. Box 119
Romulus, N.Y. 14541
*
Economic Justice Taskforce
Please call our state senators and ask them to support The New York Health Act, the bill to guarantee health care to all New Yorkers, passed the NY State Assembly for the third consecutive year in 2017. Call now to help #PassNYHealth in the State Senate. Contact info is on our website
wnypeace.org/governmental-contact-info/). Learn more nyhcampaign.org
*
Environmental Justice Taskforce
NIRS needs your help! U.S. Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL) is attempting to rush H.R. 3053, the Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act of 2017, to the House floor for a vote.
NOW is the time to call your Congressional representatives (202-224-3121), and tell them to VOTE NO on HR 3053, the Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act of 2017.
For more info: wnypeace.org/environmental-justice
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Resist Militarism! Taskforce
Check out the wonderful Nonviolent Direct Action and Civil Resistance of the Seven arrested in the Rich Man’s War, Poor People’s Blood action at Hancock Air National Guard Base upstatedroneaction.org/
Please support Roots Action’s call for a ban of weaponized drones:
http://act.rootsaction.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=6180
Please call your Senators and Congresspersons to urge them to:
– vote in favor and cosponsor if possible Senator Markey’s Bill # 200 and House Bill, Rep Lieu # 669, to Restrict First Strike with Nuclear Weapons; and
– support signing on the Ban the Bomb Treaty being discussed now at the UN.
And lastly, please sign on to Credo Action’s Stop Police Militarization petition here.
*
Immigrant & Refugee Justice Taskforce
Please call your NYS Assembly Members and ask them to support NYS ASSEMBLY Bill #4050. The GreenLight NY program restores access to drivers’ licenses to all community members, to avoid abusive immigration enforcement. For more info, please go to
https://www.facebook.com/GreenLightNY/; Green Light Petition
+
Vive la Casa, shelter for people awaiting documents and/or sanctuary, still desperately needs personal hygiene products and of course, CASH.
jrchc.org/vive
(Checks to Jericho Road/VIVE) 50 Wyoming St., Buffalo, NY 14211, 892-4354.
+
Please support the Sanctuary Church, Pilgrim St. Luke’s UCC, (Utica and Richmond, Buffalo, NY 14222), with CASH to support the construction of showers.
For more info, call the Church at 716-885-9443, or go to http://pslucc.org/
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REGULARLY SCHEDULED EVENTS in the One Movement, One Struggle
Riverside-Salem UCC/DC Progressive program and potluck.
Sundays, 4-7pm. Programs vary, and include a go-round, discussion,
sharing, and potluck. Crop Walk and continued discussion of “I Am Not Your Negro” – film re James Baldwin. Environmental Cottage, 3449 West River Road, Grand Island.
Talking Peace with the WNY Peace Center Radio Show on 91.3FM, WBNY
Mondays, 1-3pm. Jim Anderson and Vicki Ross co-hosting. Special guest
Heron Simmonds, Racial Justice Taskforce Chair, and Dylan Schlosser, UBSSW.
Go to wbny.buffalostate.edu or http://tunein.com/radio/WBNY-913-s27549/.
Buffalo Supports Standing Rock Water Protectors/Nekanesakt
1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month, 6:30-8pm. This week pre-empted by Tom Porter, Mohawk, speaking on the Great Law of Peace at the Cattaraugus Reservation Community Center, starting 6pm. Dinner included. All are welcome.
Interfaith Peace Network
1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month, breakfast pot-luck 8-9:30am, NRC, 1272 Delaware Ave, Buffalo NY 14209 (entrance and parking round back).
Environmental Justice Taskforce
Protest the Shipments of VERY Dangerous Radioactive Liquid from Canada.
Fridays 2-3pm, Front Park, Buffalo.
Fridays – 1st and 3rd of the month; 6pm: Stop The Violence Coalition,
United Way Building, Delaware and Summer Sts.
Saturdays, Noon-1pm: Women In Black. Nonviolence vigil, Bidwell and Elmwood.
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More listings on website (wnypeace.org) and in previous email posts.
Please submit possible listings for consideration to weeklynews@wnypeace.org.
Also send requests to get onto Weekly News listserve to
weeklynews@wnypeace.org.
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for occasional delays!)
Many thanks, peace, solidarity, and yes – Love. We shall overcome!!