Impeachment; Uniting the Struggles; Changes & Opportunities at WNYPC
Sunday, February 14th, 2021
It’s stunning (yet still expected) that the unbelievable happened: Trump was acquitted of his second impeachment, for the heinous insurrection. We remind everyone that we had an impeachment rally on July 2nd, 2017, and it has been clear since then (and before) that this man is a criminal and has encouraged and enabled tremendous amounts of criminal activity. This is just part of the struggle against white supremacy, racism, patriarchy, empire and violence. (Yes, we are also thinking of our local examples.) “Nevertheless, she persisted”; we will keep right on.
We are grateful to WNYPC Treasurer and Chair of the Environmental Taskforce, Charley Bowman, who will be in Syracuse this afternoon participating in the “Love in Action” Drone Action at Hancock Field (Airforce base). In a statement that will be presented at the base, host organization Upstate Drone Action implores drone operators: “We ask you to look deeply within. Is what you are doing to survive destroying your conscience and destroying the things you love?” See details below and please keep an eye out on our YouTube channel and social media for video after the event.
We are also excited to share that our youth program, PeaceJam Buffalo, is now less than two weeks away! PeaceJam is meant to foster a new generation of young leaders committed to positive changes in themselves, their communities, and the world through inspiration, education, and action. The Nobel Peace Laureates on PeaceJam Foundation’s board are a key element as well, through curriculum and example. The upcoming series of our local program is geared towards youth ages 11-18 and will meet Thursdays from 4-5 PM beginning on 2/25. Please see below for themes, learning goals, activities, and registration.
We are disappointed by the Grand Jury’s decision to reject the charges against the two Buffalo police officers who pushed Martin Gugino this past summer. The problem is state-sponsored violence is excused; if somebody is wearing a uniform, it’s excused. (Of note, one of the officers was charged with not helping Martin up when he started to but was stopped by his commanding officer – while we believe in the Nuremberg principles that obeying an order is no excuse, this is a pretty high bar.) Our criminal Injustice system is so fraught with problems – another is the over-simplification of issues, as if we can lay the blame on a single individual for issues that are much more complicated such as the militarization of the police. Also, the systemic racism is abysmal – many black people have been brutalized, shot, and/or killed, and the police doing the deed are routinely excused without charges. As Martin, and Bob Dylan, say: “Who’s Gonna Take Away Their License to Kill?” We need transformative justice. Another way is possible and so much needed! Read more on this local/national/international news here: WBFO Buffalo News WIVB NYT
As you may have heard, there is a lot of change happening at the WNYPC. At our first membership meeting of the year, Vicki Ross announced that she will be stepping down from her role as Executive Director. We are so thankful for all of her work and dedication WNYPC over the years. The WNY Peace Center now seeks a highly motivated person who is passionate about peace and social justice issues for this (part-time) job (20 hours/week). If interested, visit bit.ly/wnypeace_ed for information on the position and how to apply.
It is also the time of year when we are seeking candidates for the WNYPC Coordinating Board, which will be voted upon at our upcoming Annual Meeting on Sunday, April 25th (SAVE THE DATE!). Please review our mission here and reach out to director@wnypeace.org if you are interested.
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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
SUNDAY, 2/14
1 PM – “Love in Action”: a Valentine’s Day Drone Action at Hancock Field, in Syracuse, the 174th Attack Wing of the NY Air National Guard Base Main Gate, 6001 E. Molloy Rd, Mattydale, NY 13211. Those attending are asked to gather at 12:15 pm at May Memorial Unitarian Universalist Society (MMUUS), 3800 East Genesee, Syracuse, 13214. At about 12:40 pm, the group will go to Hancock. This will be a non-arrest action and folks will be required to wear a mask and to socially distance. For information call: Rae Kramer at 315-445-2840 or John Amidon at 518-312-6442.
MONDAY, 2/15
9 AM – Moral Monday Faith Convening. On Zoom. With national Poor People’s Campaign co-chair Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis and other faith-rooted social justice leaders from across New York. More info and RSVP at bit.ly/NYSMoralMonday
TUESDAY, 2/16
2 PM – Buffalo 5 Court/Rally Support. At Part One Ceremonial Court, 94 Franklin St./25 Delaware Ave (same building in downtown Buffalo). Only 10 people will be admitted to the gallery; others can be in front of the building with signs (all masked and observing physical distancing guidelines). Come support the Buffalo 5, fight an unjust conviction that has persisted low since these seniors were falsely accused and convicted as teens of a murder they didn’t commit. The fact that one of them was acquitted, as well as new evidence, all affirms that these convictions were unjust and must be overturned.
6 PM –Community Speakout. On Zoom (Meeting ID: 856 9280 1007 with Password: 284942). Join Open Buffalo for a dinner conversation on marijuana legalization, a clean slate, and an equitable state tax policy as they launch their 2021 community restoration project. Those interested in speaking can email jillian@openbuffalo.org
WEDNESDAY, 2/17
~7:15 PM – Talking Peace weekly taping. On Facebook Live. With host Vicki Ross, WNYPC ED; so graciously recorded by Think Twice Radio at the Home of the Future!
THURSDAY, 2/18
8 PM – For Peace in Korea, No More Drills! On Zoom – register here. Webinar on the 60-plus year history of the costly and provocative annual US-ROK combined military exercises, and why it’s critical to end them to achieve peace on the Korean Peninsula.
WEDNESDAY, 2/24
7 PM – “Waking Up White” discussion with author Debby Irving. On Zoom – register here. Trinity Episcopal will host a Zoom appearance by Debby Irving, author of “Waking Up White: And Finding Myself in the Story of Race.” Her book is eye opening, possibly life changing in its revelations about white privilege. We encourage you to read the book, though it is not a requirement for her appearance.
THURSDAY, 2/25
4 PM – PeaceJam 2021 begins! On Zoom – register here. For youth ages 11-18; will meet Thursdays from 4-5 PM beginning on 2/25. Inspiration, Education, and Action, with Noble Peace Laureates on the PeaceJam Foundation Board. Themes and learning goals include: solidarity, social justice, peaceful conflict resolution, integrity, the lives of the Laureates, and more. Activities will include mindfulness, deep slow breathing, movement (dance/yoga), acting/skits, arts and crafts, and a Global Call to Action service-learning project! Various activists, artists, and community leaders may join us, as will the stellar Confident Girl Mentoring Program. See details above and at bit.ly/wnypeace_peacejam21
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 at 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.
***NEW *** RESOURCES & OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
– In recognition of Black History Month and the Women’s March, the WNY Peace Center invites you to participate in the Travelers’ Insurance Diversity Program for Black History Month: activities which support women in the intersection – Women of Color (and/or who are part of some other marginalized group), a key demographic in our efforts. Please join us in that – check out our taskforces, event calendar, Reading List for the Intersection, and/or become a member! In the spirit of fighting the evils of poverty as identified by Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we also ask that you donate in-kind items to any of the following:
- Art Supplies for WNY Peace Center’s youth programming (including PeaceJam – see above). Contact Deidra at 716-332-3904 or office@wnypeace.org.
- Every Bottom Covered Diaper Bank – Women with Children
- Kirby’s Korner Inc. – Women whose children have different abilities
- Colored Girls Bike Too – Women and Health
- Mona’s House – WNY Women and Human Trafficking
- Black Farmers United of NYS
– Please see Jim Mang’s obituary in the Buffalo News.
– Read some great Cornel West quotes from our 2020 Annual Fundraiser!
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!
– NY State’s Climate Action Council’s Power Generation Working Group invites public comments: How Should NY State Generate its Electricity Going Forward. Send your comments to: PowerGenPanel@dps.ny.gov or call 833-498-2082. Here are some points to make:
- No nuclear power – the nuclear waste issue, a serious problem since 1945, has not been solved. No one wants it in their backyard, so lets not make more nuclear waste in the future in our low carbon future.
- No subsidies to fossil fuel; no new fossil fuel infrastructure
- NYS should generate its power from renewable sources such as wind and solar PV. Backup storage should include batteries and hydrogen.
POLICING & CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM
– 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:
- 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
- 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. Call especially if you can’t make it to render Court Support this Tuesday (see above).
- 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.
#UNITEtheStruggles | #OneLove | #WeShallOvercome | #SiSePuede