Refuse Fascism; Line 3; Chiapas; WAT; Women’s March

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Tuesday, January 5th, 2021

We hope that you were able to enjoy the holidays and that your new year is off to a nice start. There is a lot to look forward to in 2021 (the end to the Trump administration, the continued rollout of vaccines) but still a lot of work ahead of us, too.

With the continued alternate reality rhetoric and calls for violence from the top down, we need to remember to remain firmly rooted in non-violence. (Not pacifism – but assertive, strong truth and love.) This is a dangerous time in our nation when white supremacists and fascists are getting veiled encouragement from the highest levels, and even some public officials here in WNY. Tomorrow, please join the Refuse Fascism social media campaign, “Trump Lost! Fascists Get Out!” in an effort to transform this dangerous situation. Full details, including print and social media content, at our website.

Tonight, please join Nekanęhsakt: Friends of Ękwehęwę for their bi-weekly conference call for an update from MN on Line 3. There will also be an update on the push to rescind the medal of honor for Wounded Knee Massacre in the Niagara Falls war memorial. If you missed the Talking Peace episode featuring Agnes Williams, Joe Hill, and Nate Buckley, you can still catch that here. Please see full details below under events and campaigns.

Please tune in tomorrow evening to the first monthly LASC/ROCLA event of 2021, where Bill Jungels and Tom Potts will present on Chiapas (MX), COVID, dental projects, and autonomous communities there. As a documentary filmmaker, Bill recently co-produced “Maya Voices in a Smoking Mirror,” the culmination of his 15-year focus on Maya struggles in Chiapas. Tom is a dentist who founded a clinic in Chenalhó, Chiapas, with the help of a Tsotsil Maya committee. Each year, he volunteers there for 2 months. Tom will share the insights he has gained through his 25 years of volunteering in Chenalhó, and in particular the situation he found there during his recent stay. See below for more details.

And next week please join Witness Against Torture for a full line-up of virtual events beginning 1/11, including a fast, vigils, webinars, and solidarity actions. See more on below and on our website.

Please see details and much more – including special and regularly scheduled events this week – plus campaigns, fundraisers, and more at wnypeace.org, on our Facebook page, Twitter (@wnypeace), and Instagram (@wnypeace)!

Peace, thanks, solidarity, and yes – love!

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3

 UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS

Find more details and additional special events on our Event Calendar at

wnypeace.org/wp/events

TUESDAY, 1/5

4 PM – CODEPINK CALL about Avril Haines nomination & drones. On Zoom – register here. Please join Medea Benjamin, Marcy Winograd, and anti-drone activists for a call focusing on the upcoming confirmation hearings for Biden Intelligence nominee Avril Haines and her connection to drone warfare.

6:30 PM – Nekanęhsakt: Friends of Ękwehęwę. Conference call (1-844-854-2222 with PIN # 7858293). Updates and organizing of fundraising, educational events, and more.

7 PM – “What is the Danger of Trump’s Attempt to Overturn the Election?” Radio show – listen online to WPFW 89.3 FM; or online to WBAI 99.5 FM. Sunsara Taylor hosts a discussion with Dr. Cornel West; William H. Lamar IV; Andy Zee.

WEDNESDAY, 1/6

ALL DAY – “Trump Lost! Fascists Get Out!” social media campaign. See above for details.

7 PM – Update on Chiapas and the Zapatista’s Continuing Struggles. On Zoom (Meeting ID: 861 3900 6249 and Passcode: 217290). Bill and Tom have both spent many years in Chiapas, Mexico’s southernmost state, where most inhabitants are impoverished indigenous Maya. They will discuss their in-depth knowledge of the 20-year-old Zapatista movement and the situation of the indigenous Maya of Chiapas. Bill and Tom are both longtime members of the Latin American Solidarity Committee of the WNY Peace Center (LASC), who have been immersed in visiting and volunteering in Chiapas for many years.

~7:15 PM – Talking Peace taping. On Facebook Live. Featured guests: Clare Grady, Kings Bay Plowshares, Ithaca Catholic Worker, St. Patrick’s Four; Agnes Williams, Seneca, Indigenous Women’s Initiatives. Topics will include Epiphany (1/6), the Women’s March, Kings Bay Plowshares, Witness Against Torture and Guantanamo; Stop Pipeline 3; the Water Protectors; Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples (DRIP).

THURSDAY, 1/7

7 PM – Environmental Justice TF / WNY Drilling Defense monthly meeting. On Zoom (Meeting ID:  884 9536 7706 and Passcode: JackKanack). Topic: Climate Change – Jack Kanack, Weatherman (the “Weather Medic”) will bring attendees up to speed on climate catastrophe issues.

FRIDAY, 1/8

10 AM – Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) training. On Zoom – pre-register here. A representative from the New York State Committee on Open Government will provide an overview of NY’s FOIL law and news reporter Steve Brown will provide some tips on obtaining information through FOIL. Sponsored by the New York Coalition for Open Government.

MONDAY, 1/11

1 PM – Witness Against Torture Fast for Justice week-long events begin. See full schedule here.

5PM – “Rights or Rightlessness? The Lives of Men Imprisoned at Guantánamo.” On Zoom – register here. Join the virtual conversation as this month marks 19 years that the prison at Guantanamo Bay has been open. Featuring speakers Mohamedou Ould Slahi, Baher Azmy, and Dr. A. Naomi Paik, with moderators Dr. Maha Hilal and Aliya Hussain.

SATURDAY, 1/16

2 PM – WNY Women’s March 2021. On Zoom – register in advance here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. This year’s themes include positive goals as the opposite of Dr. King’s triple(/quadruple/quintuple) evils of society: Women in… Universal Solidarity; Peacemaking; Cooperative Economics; Sustainability; Reverence for Life. Interested in being a co-sponsor? Email assistant@wnypeace.org.

MONDAY, 1/18

5:30 PM – The Buffalo 5’s Prayer Vigil 2021. At 143 Broadway, Buffalo, NY 14203-1629 (outside WUFO – no need to exit vehicle) and broadcast on Legendary Mix 1080 AM WUFO/96.5 FM. The Buffalo 5 are down to their best/final chance to gain a reversal of their wrongful 1977 murder indictment and conviction. Numerous local clergy have invited to lead the community in prayer that the 1/20 court appearance of the Buffalo 5 results in their Motion To Vacate Indictment Number 41-413 being upheld – and then on the path to a thorough exoneration.

FRIDAY, 1/22

SAVE THE DATE: Entry Into Force Day for TPNW. On this day, the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons will enter into force. To mark the day that nuclear weapons become illegal under international law, International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) campaigners and other anti-nuclear activists around the world will be hosting a huge range of actions and activities. Find one near you (or online in your time zone) here.

MONDAY, 1/25

2 PM – “World Says No to War on Yemen” Global Day of Action. Stop the War Coalition webinar with various internationally known artists, musicians, members of French and UK parliaments, and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. The WNYPC is also working with the Lackawanna Yemeni community to possibly hold a local event – TBD. #YemenCantWait

 UPCOMING REGULARLY SCHEDULED EVENTS

Find more details and additional weekly/monthly events on our website at

wnypeace.org/wp/regularly-scheduled-events

MONDAYS

1pm – Talking Peace (WNYPC radio show). On WBNY 91.3 FM or streaming online at wbny.buffalostate.edu. Insights on peace and justice with the WNYPC. At the moment, the show is being pre-recorded by Think Twice Radio: The Home of the Future!

WEDNESDAYS

3pm – Weekly Vigil and March Against the Death Penalty. From the Robert L. Jackson Courthouse to the ECHC. Please bring your own signs.

4pm – Prisoners’ Rights weekly vigil: No More ECHC Deaths! at the Erie County Holding Center. Please bring your own signs.

THURSDAYS

5pm – Immigrant & Refugee Justice (IRJ) weekly vigil: End Ice Terror! Outside the Delaware North Building. Please bring your own signs.

FRIDAYS

2pm – Environmental Justice weekly vigil: No Nuclear Waste over the Peace Bridge! At Front Park. Signs on hand.

SATURDAYS

12 pm – Women in Black weekly vigil. At Elmwood & Bidwell. Signs on hand.

UPDATED: CAMPAIGNS BY ISSUE AREA

Find more details and additional campaigns and fundraisers at

wnypeace.org/wp/current-campaign

wnypeace.org/wp/organizing-in-wny

Environmental Justice & Indigenous Rights

– Call MN Governor Tim Walz at 651-201-3400 to urge him and other officials (e.g., Congressman Keith Ellison) to stop Line 3. Visit the Water Protectors website for information on needed donations and coming out to put your body on the line to protect Mother Earth, the waters, and the creation. Donations (physical items and/or monetary) also gratefully received at Burning Books (420 Connecticut St, Buffalo, 14213 – open daily, 11am – 7pm) or to Nekanehsakt’s PayPal. #DefendTheSacred #WaterIsLife

– Join the West Valley Action Network and support the full cleanup of one of WNY’s most dangerous radioactive pollution problems. Help protect our drinking water, environmental, and community! Join in proactively protecting our region from the long-lasting, deadly nuclear and hazardous waste at the West Valley site. Please also contact all of your legislators – local, state, and federal – to urge full covered cleanup with extensive monitoring!

Policing & Criminal Justice Reform

– City of Buffalo’s Parking Amnesty Program: December 31st deadline! The program allows individuals whose tickets are older (i.e., issued prior to June 30th, 2019) to pay the original amount owed without late fees and clear their records. Contact pvboffice@city-buffalo.com or 716-851-5182 for more information, and please help the Fair Fines + Fees Coalition spread the word about this very important program!

– Please support the Cariol Horne Whistleblower Fund!

– Contact ECDA John Flynn’s office (by phone: 716-858-2424 and by web: https://www2.erie.gov/da/) urging him to:

  1. drop all charges against Willie Henley! If you are able, please also contribute to Willie’s lawyer fee funds at gofundme.com/f/willie-henley-lawyer-fee
  2. re-visit the Buffalo 5 case (indictment no. 41-413)! Three of the original Buffalo 5 remain living and are seeking a complete exoneration and clearing of their names. Please also see the change.org petition and GoFundMe.com campaign.
  3. give Deyanna Davis more freedom while she’s in house arrest! Visit linktr.ee/deyannadavis for a petition, fundraiser, and more information.

– Buffalo needs LEAD now! We recently saw a clear example of how the current way police respond to community members with mental health issues fails our community. This entire situation could have been avoided with Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD), a program that offers an alternative to arrest or hospitalization: diverting individuals into intensive management so their underlying needs are addressed. Learn more about LEAD here and SHARE WIDELY!

– Support the demand that the police budget is reallocated to invest in traffic calming infrastructure and take BPD out of traffic enforcement all together. Please fill out the questionnaire shared by Fair Fines + Fees to participate in a budgetary process that aims to make positive changes to the City’s budget. NEW! You can also share your ideas and priorities for changing the Buffalo Police Department through this survey by Free the People WNY.

– If you are a social worker or mental health professional, please sign the WNY Agents of Change open letter to Mayor Brown re: working with the BPD.

#UNITEtheStruggles | #OneLove | #WeShallOvercome | #SiSePuede