WHAT: Poetic Justice is an intimate evening with local poets writers and artists – including world-class guitarist Mir Ali – who’ll present works based on the theme of social and political justice. Iranian human rights issues will also be discussed.
WHEN & WHERE: Friday, 6/16: 7pm at the Meeting House, 5658 Main St, Williamsville, NY 14221.
WHO: Organized by Nadia Shahram, Esq, mediation attorney, author, activist, founder and president of Coalition for the Advancement of Moslem Women; Gunilla Kester, author and poet; and the WNY Peace Center (WNYPC). All are welcome.
The WNY Peace Center has been working for human rights since its inception as part of Rev. Dr. King’s Clergy & Laity Concerned in 1967. It pursues its mission of “Peace through Justice at home and abroad” through a wide range of activities, including through the arts.
Mir Ali is a world-renown guitarist, playing classical, Flamenco, Latin and world music. A composer and recording artist, he has won numerous awards, including the Hollywood Award of Excellence for his score for the movie “Roots and Branches. As a Pakistani-American, he is well aware of justice issues, and we are more than thrilled that he’s agreed to play at the event.
WHY: Iranians are suffering mightily under a murderous regime: an average of 5 people are being executed per day. The killing of Mahsa Amini in 9/22 by the Morality Police has led to an uprising with the slogan of #WomenLifeFreedom; and young people, women, and the population at large are risking their lives to stand up for those principles. This event will give a window into the situation, including the jailing of two female reporters who first reported on the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, and possible responses.
A petition is also available, urging the UN to renege on its outrageous assignment of an Iranian regime representative as head of the UN Human Rights Council.
Alternatives to Policing Mental Health Crisis: A Community Response Model for Erie County!
Please join the Community Responders for Erie County Coalition at a general body meeting for organizations and community members interested in helping to inform and create a community responder program in Erie County. Community responders are first responders who respond to low-risk 911 calls related to mental health, drug use, and other health needs *INDEPENDENT* of the police. Come on out, grab some food, and lend your voice as we review what a pilot program could look like in Erie County! Dinner will be provided, please rsvp here.
PROTEST AT YOUR U.S. LAWMAKER’S OFFICE – WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2023 — AND EARLIER TOO IF SAUDI AIRSTRIKES RESUME
People and organizations from across the U.S. are coming together to call for an end to U.S. involvement in the war in Yemen and solidarity with the people of Yemen. We demand that our members of Congress immediately:
→ Pass a War Powers Resolution. Introduce or co-sponsor a Yemen War Powers Resolution before International Women’s Day on March 8th, to end U.S. participation in the war in Yemen.
→ Stop Weapons Sales to Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Oppose further arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, in compliance with U.S. laws.
→ Call on Saudi Arabia and the UAE to Lift the Blockade and Fully Open Airports and Seaports.
→ Support the People of Yemen. Call for the expansion of humanitarian aid for the people of Yemen.
→ Assemble a Congressional Hearing to Examine the U.S. Role in the War in Yemen.
→ Call for the Removal of Brett McGurk from his position. McGurk is the National Security Council’s Middle East & North Africa coordinator.
We ask individuals and organizations across the states to protest at the district offices of their members of Congress on Wednesday, March 1st with the above demands.
Below please add your organization’s name to this statement. More information about the U.S.-enabled blockade of Yemen: every75seconds.org. For more information about ending U.S. participation in the war, please contact national@actioncorps.org.
This event is organized by Action Corps Organizers Call.
