716-332-3904 6/19/19 wnypeace.org
Dear Friends,
We hope you’ll have joined us for tonight at 6 p.m. for the Traffic Stops, Fines and Fees: A Community Conversation at the Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave (@Utica), Buffalo 14208. Ever had trouble paying an expensive traffic ticket? Has your driver’s license ever been suspended because of an unpaid traffic ticket? Ever experienced incarceration due to an unpaid traffic ticket? Did you know? Black drivers in Buffalo are 4 x more likely than white drivers to have their licenses suspended. People in Black neighborhoods are 8 x more likely to receive multiple traffic tickets than white folks.
Our Resist Militarism! Taskforce & Veterans for Peace meeting discussed our Infringement Festival Plans, Bolton’s War Mongering with Iran & Venezuela, and possible related actions. Future meetings will be the 3rd Wednesday of every month, in the Isais Gonzalez-Sato Branch Library, at 280 Porter Ave. at 5 p.m. Come out to the Old County Hall tomorrow at 2pm (92 Franklin) to support an Advisory Committee to the Sheriff’s Department, so sorely needed with deaths in the facilities at many multiples of in other facilities, and suits filed over brutality! And Friday, you won’t want to miss the Youth Climate Strike at 2pm on Niagara Square! The youth are taking the lead to stop the climate catastrophe already in process.
The Strawberry Moon Festival is this weekend! It is a communal, season-welcoming event and will be kicking off its inagural run on June 22nd at 3 p.m. in the Artpark Ampitheater. Tribe Called Red will be playing.
You may also be interested this weekend for the Bridging Black and Native Shores Conference for Black and Native Peoples. The conference will take place from June 21st to June 23rd in Pittsburg, PA. This conference is a gathering space to bridge communities that share many common trails but are often separated due to the nature of systemic oppression.
Register here: BIT.LY/O2OCOMMUNITY
We especially hope you can come when Damian Webster will present a broad overview of the Great Law on June 25th at 6:30 p.m. at Burning Books. It will kick off a reading group of the Kayanerenkó:wa: The Great Law of Peace by Kayanesenh Paul Williams. The group will meet the last Tuesday of every month.
And you’ll be inspired and refreshed to Welcome/Celebrate Summer on June 23rd at 4 pm., rain or shine at the Riverside-Salem Environmental Sanctuary. There will be music in the woods with Nan Hoffman, Joe Tumino and Kathy DeLoughry. Donations are free will. There will be refreshments and a potluck!
Join us for a NONAPL Demonstration on June 29th, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. in front of the Chautauqua Mall in Jamestown. If you are unable to stay for the entire time, feel free to bring signs and come whenever you can!
No hate, no fear as we are #StillResisting. Peace, Thanks, Solidarity, and yes Love.
Events this week:
Traffic Stops, Fines and Fees: A Community Conversation
June 19th @ 6 p.m.
Merriweather Library
At this event, Buffalo residents will gather to share personal experiences with spiraling traffic debt along with a new coalition of local grass-roots organizations who will provide data-driven context about the Buffalo Police Department’s aggressive traffic ticketing practices, and the devastating effects that it has on communities of color and the poor. The meeting will give voice to individuals affected and an opportunity for experts to provide facts about traffic enforcement patterns in Buffalo and in New York State all in an effort to create solutions.
Refreshments will be provided. All are welcome!
Resist Militarism! & Veterans for Peace Meeting
June 19th @ 5 p.m.
Panera Bread on Elmwood Ave.
We will be discussing our Infringement Festival Plans, Bolton’s War Mongering with Iran & Venezuela, and possible related actions.
Strawberry Moon Festival
June 22nd @ 3 p.m.
Artpark Amphitheater
Join us for community fun and see Tribe Called Red play!
Bridging Black and Native Shores Conference
June 21st-23rd
Pittsburg, PA
Register here: BIT.LY/O2OCOMMUNITY
Damien Webster Presents Overview of the Great Law
June 25th @ 6:30 p.m.
Burning Books, 420 Connecticut St.
Walk-Out for Climate
June 21 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Buffalo Climate Strike, with US Youth Climate Strike. All students, parents, activists, and concerned people: please join to demand our elected officials do something about the climate crisis. At Niagara Square (in front of Buffalo City Hall). Signs more than welcome!!
Celebrate Summer
June 23rd @ 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Riverside-Salem Environmental Sanctuary
NONAPL Demonstration
June 29th @ 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Jamestown, in front of the Chautauqua Mall along Fairmont Rd.
More events on the calendar and the previous weekly news.
Many thanks, peace, solidarity, and yes – Love
REGULARLY SCHEDULED EVENTS in the One Movement, One Struggle:
Riverside-Salem UCC/DC – Progressive program followed by potluck. Sundays, 4-7pm. Environmental Cottage, 3449 West River Road, Grand Island. All are welcome. This week, recognizing/remembering our Fathers.
Talking Peace with the WNY Peace Center Radio Show on 91.3FM, WBNY. Mondays, 1-4pm. Call-in show! Go to wbny.buffalostate.edu. Upcoming on Racial Justice & Environmental Justice.
Buffalo Supports Standing Rock Water Protectors/Nekanesakt. Indigenous support group/allies. Tuesdays, 6:30-8pm. At Burning Books, 420 Connecticut Ave. All are welcome!!
Prisoners’ Rights Taskforce – Wednesdays 4-5:30pm protest/vigils at the Erie County Holding Center (Delaware & Church). All are welcome. Please bring signs.
Interfaith Peace Network, 1stand 3rdThursdays, 9:15am at 1272 Delaware Ave, Buffalo NY 14209 entrance and parking round back.) Breakfast potluck, planning/publicizing, & discussion.
Vigil for Victims of ICE Terror – Thursdays, 5-6pm, ICE building on the corner of Delaware and Chippewa. Bring your signs and spirit of Solidarity. We will not stay silent! #EndICETerror #FamiliesBelongTogether #AbolishICE
Environmental Justice Taskforce – Vigil to Protest the Shipments of VERY Dangerous Radioactive Liquid from Canada coming over the Peace Bridge. Fridays 2-3pm, Front Park at Vermont & Busti, Buffalo. Signs welcome and also usually available.
Stop The Violence Coalition – 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month; 6pm, United Way Building, Delaware and Summer Sts.
Women In Black – Nonviolence vigil, Bidwell and Elmwood. Saturdays, Noon-1pm. Signs also available. (and you don’t need to be a woman or dress in black)
Of note: West African Drumming Sundays, 12-2pm, Little Africa Culture Club, 356 S. Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY.
We shall overcome #Unitethestruggles #Loveislove #PowerWITH-NOTPowerOver
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More listings on calendar and in previous email posts.
To subscribe, write to weeklynews@wnypeace.org with “subscribe” in subject line.
To unsubscribe, write to weeklynews@wnypeace.org with “unsubscribe” in subject line. (Sorry for occasional delays!)
Please submit possible listings for consideration to weeklynews@wnypeace.org.
The time is now, and we are the people we’ve been waiting for.
And remember to tune in: DEMOCRACY NOW! IS NOW BEING BROADCASTMONDAY-FRIDAY, 8AM-9AM (LIVE) ON WBNY 91.3FM. Hear it over the radio or streaming live at wbny.buffalostate.edu.
Dear Friends,
The West Side Community Day is doubling for the WNY Peace Center as an opportunity to celebrate and appreciate Silver Light on her last day as assistant director. Please come see her and thank her on June 13th, at 4 p.m. on Auburn and Grant Sts. Many thanks, Silver, for all your help and work. We will miss you!
Please join us June 14th to hear Gail Walker, Executive Director of the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization, speak on U.S. – Cuba relations. The talk will take place at 7:00pm at the Pilgrim St. Luke’s Sanctuary Church, 335 Richmond Avenue, Buffalo.
Gail Walker is the daughter of IFCO founder Rev. Lucius Walker, and a force for peace and healthy international relations and communities in her own right. Ms. Walker’s work – leading IFCO delegations to Cuba and Central America, combined with years as a journalist communications professional – gives her tremendous knowledge and understanding of the countries as well as the need for normal civilized relations between our countries. She comes as the guest of the WNY Peace Center and our Latin American Solidarity Committee. Ms. Walker will be leading the Pastors for Peace Friendshipment Caravan leaving the US for Mexico City on June 22, and then on to Havana.
Two caravanistas from Buffalo will be joining 30+ others from across the United States and Canada on the 30th Friendshipment Caravan to Cuba. By circumventing the embargo, bringing in material aid, and challenging the administration’s travel restrictions, Victoria Ross and Marie Schuster of the WNY Peace Center endorse: “Love is Our License, Cuba is our Friend,” a slogan of the IFCO Caravan.
Juneteenth is this weekend! It takes place in MLK Park, on Fillmore and Best streets, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth Independence Day or Freedom Day, is an American holiday that commemorates the June 19, 1865, announcement of the abolition of slavery in the U.S. state of Texas, and more generally the emancipation of enslaved African Americans throughout the former Confederate States of America.
The 2-day celebration in Buffalo includes a parade, arts and culture stages, vendors, classes, demonstrations and interactive, fun events.
The African Heritage Food Co-Op has acquired 238 Carlton Ave due to an anonymous donor. Now they are stabilizing it and beginning the build out. If you would like to help to bring healthy food access and options to the Fruit belt neighborhood, call 716-573-1844 or email ahfcinfo@gmail.com to donate. The Co-Op currently has other open locations in Buffalo and Niagara Falls for your shopping enjoyment! Visit myahfc.com for more information. Also, https://www.facebook.com/ahfcbuffalo/
We need calls and emails to the Governor and legislative leaders urging them to pass the Climate and Community Protection Act, the strongest climate bill possible before the session ends. If you can’t go on the trip to Albany on Tues, 6/11, please call. Especially today, we need calls and emails.
Contact Info:
Governor Cuomo: 518474-8390;
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie: 518-455-3791; Speaker@nyassembly.gov
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, (518) 455-2585; scousins@nysenate.gov
Assembly Environmental Chair Steve Engelbright – 518-455-4804; EngleS@nyassembly.gov
Senate Environmental Chair Todd Kaminsky – 518-455-3401; kaminsky@nysenate.gov
(More contact info at wnypeace.org/organizing-in-WNY
More listings on calendar and in previous email posts.
To subscribe, write to weeklynews@wnypeace.org with “subscribe” in subject line.
To unsubscribe, write to weeklynews@wnypeace.org with “unsubscribe” in subject line. (Sorry for occasional delays!)
Please submit possible listings for consideration to weeklynews@wnypeace.org.
The time is now, and we are the people we’ve been waiting for.
And remember to tune in: DEMOCRACY NOW! IS NOW BEING BROADCAST MONDAY-FRIDAY, 8AM-9AM (LIVE) ON WBNY 91.3FM. Hear it over the radio or streaming live at wbny.buffalostate.edu.
716-332-3904 6/6/19 wnypeace.org
Dear Friends,
Please join us in honoring our brother, elder and friend, Ismail Johnson, who passed away and was laid to rest this week. There will be a celebration of his life on Sunday, June 9 at 2pm at PUSH Buffalo, 429 Plymouth Avenue, Buffalo, NY. Any questions, please contact Harper Bishop at harper@pushbuffalo.org.
Another important memorial is happening at Riverside Salem UCC, 3449 West River Road, Grand Island on that day for Bruce Beyer and Charles Lamb. There will be a tree planting/dedication and potluck in their honor. Program from 4pm, potluck at 6pm.
There will be a Climate Justice Trip to Albany on June 11th, in our effort to get the Climate & Community Protection Act passed, which offers 100% renewables by 2030. Food and transportation will be provided at no cost. RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/june11/. Please register for more details. With the NY legislative session ending on June 19th, we must work to get this passed. If you cannot make the trip, you can still get involved in getting the Climate & Community Protection Act passed by calling our senators or assembly members, especially in the days leading up to the trip.
Also, please contact our County Legislators and urge them to enact a Professional & Community Advisory Board with teeth for the Sheriff’s Department.
The Pastors for Peace 30th annual Friendshipment Caravan’s Northeastern Route comes to Buffalo on June 14th. Gail Walker, daughter of Lucius Walker – founder of Pastors for Peace, will be giving a talk on U.S. – Cuba relations on that date at Pilgrim St. Luke’s UCC, 335 Richmond Avenue, Buffalo, NY. The community is invited to join us for this talk. Free Will donation of $10. WNY Peace Center Executive Director Vicki Ross and board member Marie Schuster will be going to Cuba with the caravan to encourage civility among these two nations. The Caravan travels this year to Havana and Cienfuegos. According to the Pastors for Peace website, the caravan is to stand in solidarity with the people of Cuba as they move forward in healthcare, organic farming, sustainable tourism, diversity in religious expression and efforts to tackle racism, sexism and homophobia. If you’re able, please donate to the cause! Visit ifconews.org to donate. Hope to see you on June 14th.
Volunteer and Tabling Opportunities Coming Up:
Please volunteer in our outreach efforts to spread peace and justice throughout our community! Contact us at info@wnypeace.org or 716-332-3904.
• Juneteenth Festival, Jun 15-16, MLK Park. – 10:30am- 8:30pm (festival times 11am-8pm)
• Taste of Diversity, June 29 – Lafayette and Grant St., 10:30am-7:30pm (festival hours 11am-7pm)
• World Refugee Day, Sunday June 30, LaSalle Waterfront Park, 8:30am-5:30pm, (festival times 9am-5pm)
Thank you!
No hate, no fear as we are #StillResisting. Peace, Thanks, Solidarity, and yes – Love.
Events this week:
Housing Justice Community Forum & Discussion
June 6 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
SEIU 1199, 2421 Main St. Buffalo, NY. ‘Our communities need stability in housing in order to thrive, but big real estate developers are pushing people out of their homes to boost their profits! This year New York State can pass critical laws to stop the unfair evictions and predatory rent hikes.
Environmental Justice Taskforce Mtg
June 6 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
At Niagara Porter Library. Come learn about the tragedy at Lac Megantic, “bomb trains,” and what we can do to stop them, more. All are welcome!!
Stop The Violence Coalition Meeting
June 7 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Regular public meeting, working on Responding to the Needs of the People. At United Way, 742 Delaware Ave (at Summer), Buffalo, NY 14209. All are welcome!
Justice for Migrant Families 2019 Fundraiser Dinner
June 7 @ 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Trinity Episcopal Church, 371 Delaware Ave, Buffalo NY 14202. Justice for Migrant Families 2019 Fundraiser Dinner, a basket raffle, 50/50 drawing, bar, and entertainment by French ConeXion ft. Chris Vasquez and Joe Hall! $20 suggested entry donation per person, 12 and under free. Family event with kids’ corner! Dinner and entertainment included in entry. http://www.justiceformigrantfamilies.org/index.php/volunteer/
Closing reception for the #notwhite collective’s In Between the Middle art exhibit
June 7 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
¡Buen Vivir! Gallery for Contemporary Art 148 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14201 Closing reception for the #notwhite collective’s In Between the Middle art exhibit buenvivirgallery.org Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments served. notwhitecollective.com #notwhite collectiveis a group of 13 women artists elevating the stories of the others, those who do not fit neatly in the consensus boxes; neatly in cultural categories.
Celebration of the life of Ismail Johnson
June 9 @ 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
PUSH Buffalo, 429 Plymouth Avenue, Buffalo, NY. ‘Greetings Friends, To honor our fallen soldier, Ismail Johnson, please join us in celebrating his life with live music, poetry and spoken words, reflections and food. We’ll be gathering here at PUSH Buffalo THIS SUNDAY – June 9th at 2pm – all are WELCOME.
Riverside Salem: Tree dedication/planting; Bruce Beyer, Charles Lamb
June 9 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
3449 West River Road, Grand Island. Tree planting/dedication for Bruce Beyer and Charles Lamb, two beloved peace and justice activists who have passed away recently. Join us …. Program from 4pm, potluck at 6pm.
Climate Justice trip to Albany
June 11 @ 4:00 am – 9:00 pm
NY’s legislative session ends 6/19. Let’s get the Climate & Community Protection Act passed! It is the best of the environmental justice bills being offered, w/ 100% renewables by 2030, community reparations especially to those who’ve suffered more harm (particularly communities of color), create good green jobs. Please rsvp @ https://actionnetwork.org/events/june11/. Food & transportation freely provided …. times on this website are estimates only – please register for actual times.
PeaceJam Leaders (afterschool group; 10-14 yr olds)
June 11 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
At the Rafi Greene CAO Masten Resource Center, 1423 Fillmore Ave, Buffalo 14211. Come be part of an exciting newly forming PeaceJam leaders group for 10-14-year-olds. PeaceJam is national and international, with 13 Nobel laureates on the Board who all had major impact on the curriculum. The youth-led, adult-assisted program uses inspiration, education, and action.
Network of Religious Communities Appreciation Dinner
June 13 @ 6:00 pm
Come celebrate religious diversity and stellar members of various houses of worship and faith traditions. At Samuel’s Grand Manor. Contact 716-882-4793 for tickets.
LASC talk: Gail Walker, Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization
June 14 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Pilgrim St. Luke’s UUC, 335 Richmond Ave (at Utica St.), Buffalo, NY. The WNY Peace Center’s Latin American Solidarity Committee will host Gail Walker, daughter of Rev. Lucius Walker, founder of Pastors for Peace.
Many thanks, peace, solidarity, and yes – Love
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More listings on calendar and in previous email posts.
To subscribe, write to weeklynews@wnypeace.org with “subscribe” in subject line.
To unsubscribe, write to weeklynews@wnypeace.org with “unsubscribe” in subject line. (Sorry for occasional delays!)
Please submit possible listings for consideration to weeklynews@wnypeace.org.
The time is now, and we are the people we’ve been waiting for.
And remember to tune in: DEMOCRACY NOW! IS NOW BEING BROADCASTMONDAY-FRIDAY, 8AM-9AM (LIVE) ON WBNY 91.3FM. Hear it over the radio or streaming live at wbny.buffalostate.edu.
