RAPP #HALTsolitary Virtual Advocacy; Speakout for Ethical BPOs; Funding NYS SNAP
May 27th, 2020
In an effort to limit ongoing digital overload, we are continuing to highlight just a few important items and special upcoming events and then refer you to our website for details on our regularly scheduled events and COVID-19 ‘Helping Hands’ resource list.
We at the WNY Peace Center are extremely alarmed at the recent video of two Buffalo Police officers repeatedly punching a captive man in the head, coupled with the many terrible stories of aggressive, unreasonable, and/or racist behavior on the part of Buffalo Police Officers, as told by attendees at the Buffalo Police Advisory Board Meeting of 05/20/2020. We have sent out a press release to that effect, publicly inviting Mayor Brown, Commissioner Lockwood, and Deputy Commissioners Gramaglia and Lark to join us in a Speak-Out for Ethical Peace Officers – on June 9th at 6pm (or at a mutually agreed upon time). We, of course, also invite you to attend for an open and honest virtual discussion on standards of conduct, use of force, and de-escalation. More details will be shared as they are confirmed.
In response to the current $14 billion COVID-related budget crisis, Governor Cuomo is withholding authorization of NYS contracts beginning July 1st. This affects all operations – in particular, the funding of social programs like food banks and SNAP (food stamp) programs. The Network of Religious Communities (NRC) is one of 45 agencies currently receiving funding to provide SNAP education and assistance in NYS counties, and their Nutrition Outreach program is one of the programs dramatically impacted. We are asking friends of the NRC and those who recognize the importance of the SNAP program – especially during the current public health crisis – to contact their NY State Representatives and Senators urging them to have the Governor authorize vital state contracts for the fiscal year beginning July 1st. Please visit our Campaigns page for more details.
New sentencing dates were announced for the Kings Bay Plowshares 7 – June 8th, 29th, and 30th – per the request of the defendants in order to accommodate their right to be sentenced in person in an open court, witnessed by the public. As they wait for their sentencing, each of the KBP7 continues to serve their communities as human needs grow exponentially during this COVID-19 pandemic. Please see their recent webinars on disarmament and divestment hereand here. If you would like to write to Judge Lisa Godbey Wood in support of the defendants, you may do so here.
Lastly, on Saturday the WNYPC hosted a special episode of Draw and Talk with Valentino Dixon (one of our newest board members!) and featured a discussion with local social workers. You can watch and participate in the drawing session yourself – at home, at your leisure – and send us photos of you work to share! You can check out more of Valentino’s drawing lessons and discussions on YouTube and Instagram.
Please see details and much more below, including special events this week, regularly scheduled events, campaigns, fundraisers, and more at wnypeace.org, on our Facebook page, Twitter (@wnypeace), and Instagram (@wnypeace)! We update our Event Calendar often as we learn of new events, so please be sure to check back regularly!
*** And lastly, a reminder to pace yourselves – do only what you can without engaging in digital overload. No one call do it all. Let us know what kind of help you might need from the WNYPC; please feel free to reach out!
Peace, thanks, solidarity and yes – love.
<3 <3 <3 <3 <3
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS
WEDS, MAY 27 @ 10AM: PRISONER’S RIGHTS – VIRTUAL ADVOCACY NYS RAPP, #HALTsolitary
In partnership with CAIC, RAPP and others, today we will have a rally and prep session (which started the day at 10am) and then engage in some individual and joint actions from 11-3, including reaching out to legislators on social media and via emails and calls. We demand that the legislature not leave people in prison and their families behind as they return to session this week. Since we can’t all be together in Albany to demand that HALT, Elder Parole, and other critical bills be brought to a vote, we will do our first “Virtual Advocacy Day.” There is still time to participate; please sign up here.
THURS, MAY 28 @ 6:00 PM: IMMIGRANT & REFUGEE JUSTICE MONTHLY TASKFORCE MEETING
Join the Immigrant & Refugee Justice (IRJ/”urge”) Taskforce for its monthly meetings every third Thursday to discuss topics relevant to immigrant and refugee communities, including current campaigns and calls to action. For those who participated in our first #IRJtoRead book club selection, please be ready to discuss your thoughts on Dear America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen by Jose Antonio Vargas. We will also announce the May selection during this meeting. You can find these eBooks/audio books for free on the Libby/Overdrive apps using your library card. Join us on Zoom using Meeting ID 875 2934 0004 and password 980716
FRI, MAY 29 @ 11:00 AM: HONORING KALIEF’S REBIRTH & CALLING FOR AN END TO SOLITARY CONFINEMENT
Many of you will know of Kalief Browder, who was unjustly incarcerated at the Rikers Island jail complex – without trial – between 2010 and 2013 for allegedly stealing a backpack. He was unable to make bail and was in solitary confinement for two of these years; he committed suicide shortly following his release on the dropped charges. Following a celebration of what should have been Kalief’s 27th birthday on May 26th, please join us in recognizing the five year anniversary of Kalief’s passing. Register for Zoom here.
FRI, MAY 29 @ 7:00 PM: PANYS FRANCES PERKINS VIRTUAL HOUSE PARTY
Celebrate the inspiring woman in the U.S. Cabinet. As FDR’s secretary of Labor from 1933 – 1945, Frances Perkins brought us social security, unemployment compensation, and more. We hope that House Party attendees will take their time (at their leisure) to view filmmaker Mick Caouette’s wonderful one-hour documentary: Summoned: Frances Perkins and the General Welfare. As an attendee, you will receive instructions on how to view the film and also support the work of PANYS. Then on 5/29 join us for a lively discussion with Caouette, Blanche Wiesen Cook (Eleanor Roosevelt’s biographer), and renowned labor historian and Columbia Professor Alice Kessler Harris. Current members receive a special discounted ticket price; we also welcome new members who become PANYS members with their ticket purchase.
MON, 6/1 @ 1:00 PM: TALKING PEACE ON WBNY 91.3 FM
Pre-recorded show highlighting the timely topics of immigrant and refugee rights in the first hour, policing and racial justice in the second hour. Featuring Aly Wayne, Steering Committee member of the Syracuse Peace Council; Nicole Perrone, WNYPC Assistant and IRJ Taskforce Chair; and (in the second hour) local sheros Cariol Horne, former police officer who prevented an Eric Garner-type death and lost her pension for it, and Betty Jean Grant of We Are Women Warriors (both WNYPC Board members!). Our shows also air on wbny.buffalostate.edu!
THURS, JUNE 4 @ 8:00 AM: INTERFAITH PEACE NETWORK (IPN) ZOOM MEETING
You’re invited to the upcoming meeting, now once each month (1st Thursdays). All are welcome! We are intense and transformative times; it makes our faith journeys even more vital. To join the Zoom Meeting, use Meeting ID 6087005163 and password 938401. To call in by phone, dial 1-646-558-8656.
SAT, JUNE 6TH @ 11:00 AM: VIGIL IN REMEMBRANCE OF KALIEF’S PASSING
See related event on 5/29 for more details. Register for Zoom here.
#UNITE | #OneLove | #WeShallOvercome | #SiSePuede!