Calendar
On January 22nd Mike Pence made a phone call to opposition politician Juan Guaidó, essentially offering him the presidency of Venezuela. The next day, Guaidó swore an oath in which he appointed himself “Interim President of Venezuela.” Minutes later, Donald Trump officially recognized that self-appointment, in effect instigating a coup against the elected Bolivarian government of Nicholas Maduro. Since then, the mainstream corporate media has been supporting the coup, flooding the air waves and Internet with stories about chaos, poverty, corruption, and violence in Venezuela, exclusively covering anti-government marches, and showing clips of world leaders calling for the overthrow of the Venezuelan government.
Yet in a poll conducted a little more than a week before, 81% of Venezuelans had never even heard of the 35-year-old Guaido! Not mentioned in these news reports are the extremely popular education, health care, and housing programs provided by the Venezuelan government, that the U.S. government has imposed draconian economic sanctions on Venezuela, and that the U.S. has openly spent tens of millions of dollars supporting violent opposition groups. Also not mentioned is that despite all of this, Maduro won re-election in May and thousands have been marching throughout Venezuela in support of the government since the attempted coup; almost every day.
Donald Trump has threatened to use “all options, including military” against Venezuela, a country with the world’s largest proven oil reserves that John Bolton has openly said best belong in the hands of American oil companies. The attack on Venezuela foreshadows forthcoming attacks on Cuba, Iran, and Nicaragua, as well as attacks on anyone here in the U.S. who dares to oppose this drive for domination and destruction of yet another country.
Come to a presentation and discussion to find out what’s really happening in Venezuela.
Speakers: Alicia Jrapko, Task Force on the Americas; Mehmet Bayram, Independent Journalist, Allan Miller, Economist, Activist & Writer.
Liberated Lens will host a free film series commemorating the 400th Anniversary of the first Africans brought to present day America. The series will feature an event every third Sunday of the month starting February, for Black History Month, and ending in August, which marks the quadricentennial.
For the first event of the series we will show “Nightjohn” and have a discussion with Natalie Baszile, author of a novel, “Queen Sugar”.
NIGHTJOHN:
Sarny, a 12-year-old slave girl in the South, faces a relatively hopeless life. Her chief duties at the plantation of Clel Waller are serving at table, spitting tobacco juice on roses to prevent bugs, and secretly conveying intimate messages between Waller’s wife, Callie, and Dr. Chamberlaine. Then Nightjohn, a former runaway slave arrives. In exchange for a pinch of tobacco, Nightjohn secretly begins to teach Sarny to read and write, a crime punishable by death. “Words,” he says, “are freedom.
“Queen Sugar”
Queen Sugar is a novel written by Natalie Baszile, her first published novel. It is a mother-daughter story of reinvention. It tells the story about a woman, who unexpectedly inherits a sugarcane farm in Louisiana. The novel was adapted as a drama television series on Oprah’s network, directed by Ava DuVernay (“Selma”, “13th”)
CANCELLED.
The birthplace of our Chicago-based comrade Chairman Fred Hampton, Jr. is being targeted for foreclosure. It’s time to turn out to preserve the home where Mama Akua Njeri, formerly known as Deborah Johnson, raised her son and from where they carry on the Panther legacy of organizing their community to bring an end to predatory smash and grab tactics that cause so many to suffer in their community.
Join Community Ready Corps (Allies and Accomplices) for a conversation between community activist Cat Brooks and Mama Akua as they talk about the ongoing work and calling of Black women and girls who are at the center of this year’s #BlackSolidarityWeek.
All proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Black Solidarity Fund and will be used to support the efforts to #SaveTheHamptonHouse. Please bring your wallet and be prepared to make a donation or a pledge so that we can send Chairman Fred Hampton Jr. and Mama Akua home to Chicago feeling our love and support.
Tickets are sliding scale from $5-$80, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds. You will be able to purchase tickets at the door, but space will be reserved for people who purchase tickets in advance (scroll down). Tickets purchased at the door will be $5-$100.
Accessibility Information
Childcare and interpretation for Spanish and ASL provided by reservation. Please come scent-free. Venue is ADA accessible, though not fully scent-free. A scent-free, ADA-accessible bathroom is provided.
The birthplace of freedom fighter Chairman Fred Hampton is being targeted for foreclosure. Without our support, this monument to the radical legacy of the Black Panthers will be another casualty of the big banks. The Chicago community will also lose a key organizing space that currently hosts the Black Panther Cubs among other survival programs.
Join Community Ready Corps (Allies) for a special night of political education and material support for the work of Chairman Fred Hampton Jr. and Mama Akua Njeri. Last year you heard from them at our “Surviving Smash & Grab” event as part of #BlackSolidarityWeek. They opened up about the assassination of twenty-one-year-old Chicago Black Panther Party Chairman Fred Hampton Sr. just 18 months after FBI Director Edgar Hoover issued this directive:
“Prevent the Coalition of militant black nationalist groups…An effective coalition might be the first step toward a real “Mau Mau” in America, the beginning of a true black revolution.”
This year we’ll learn about the work of the Chicago Black Panther Party today, from the Panther Cubs program for youth to plans for a museum documenting the legacy of freedom fighter Chairman Fred Hampton.
This event is a fundraiser meant to solicit material support for the effort to preserve and protect the birthplace of Chairman Fred Hampton from the Oakland left. Please bring your wallet and help us send Chairman Fred Hampton Jr. and Mama Akua home to Chicago feeling our love and support.
Oakland’s First** Human Banner: “NO WALL!”
This protest is planned in response to President Trump’s declaration of a national emergency. Join in to protect the rule of law and our Constitution. On this Presidents Day holiday, stand to demand that our president respect the separation of powers.
House Party With Our Revolution!
David Duhalde is a DC-based political and socialist activist, and is the current Political Director of Our Revolution – a progressive political action organization inspired by Senator Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign.
Mark your calendars for a discussion with David: “How Can Our Revolution Work More Closely With East Bay Progressives?” hosted by the RPA. It will be held at Steve Early’s house on Monday, February 18, from 3-6pm (747 Lobos Avenue, Richmond). Beer, wine, and snacks provided. (Additional food or drink contributions welcome!)
Please RSVP to Steve Early at Lsupport@aol.com or at 617-930-7327.
Currently, Our Revolution has over 200,000 members and 600 groups across the country (and a few in Europe). Under Duhalde’s tenure, Our Revolution won over 70 races in the 2018 general election cycle, including electing Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar, and Deb Haaland to the U.S. House of Representatives.
*** Location change: Sibley Auditorium, Bechtel Engineering Center, UC Berkeley ***
Please join us for a special lecture series with celebrated author and scholar Marion Nestle.
Food Politics 2019: Food Policy in the Trump Era
What’s happening under the Trump administration to policies aimed at solving problems of undernutrition, obesity, and the effects of food production on the environment?
Introduction by Michael Pollan, John S. and James L. Knight Professor of Journalism.
This is the first lecture in a series of three special events:
February 12, 2019: https://bit.ly/2ANX9nh
Food Politics 2019: Nutrition Science Under Siege
Nutrition science is under attack from statisticians and the food industry. Who stands to gain and what might be lost?
February 19, 2019: https://bit.ly/2slNtLK
Food Politics 2019: An Agenda for the Food Movement
Recent government policy changes are eroding programs aimed at feeding the hungry, curbing obesity, and protecting the environment. What can consumers and citizens do?
About Marion Nestle
Marion Nestle is the Paulette Goddard Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, emerita, at New York University. She holds a doctorate in Molecular Biology and an MPH in Public Health Nutrition, both from UC Berkeley. She is the author of ten books, among them the prize-winning Food Politics; What to Eat; Why Calories Count; Eat, Drink, Vote; and Soda Politics. Her most recent book, Unsavory Truth: How Food Companies Skew the Science of What We Eat, was published in 2018. From 2008 to 2013, she wrote a monthly Food Matters column for the San Francisco Chronicle. She blogs almost daily at www.foodpolitics.com, and her twitter account, @marionnestle, has been ranked by Science Magazine, Time Magazine, and The Guardian as among the top ten in health and science.
RSVP: https://bit.ly/2SLZupJ
This series is presented in partnership with Berkeley Journalism, the Berkeley Food Institute, the UC Berkeley-11th Hour Food and Farming Journalism Fellowship.
UC Berkeley is hosting influential scholars and social movement leaders from Brazil and the United States—homes to the two largest Black populations outside the continent of Africa.
Guest Speakers include:
Cat Brooks (Anti Police-Terror Project)
Ericka Huggins (Black Panther Party)
Vilma Reis (Movimento de Mulheres Negras)
Alicia Garza (Black Lives Matter)
Asha Ransby-Sporn (Black Youth Project 100)
Djamila Ribeiro (Movimento de Feministas Negras)
Andreia Beatriz & Hamilton Borges dos Santos (Reaja ou Será Mort@)
Christen Smith (UT Austin)
Tina Sacks, Leigh Raiford & john a. powell (UC Berkeley)
Camila de Moraes and more throughout this three-day symposium!
In 2019, a U.S. congressional session begins with more women and non-white members than ever before amid a contentious executive branch, and Brazil’s far-right president-elect begins his first term despite anti-Black, -LGBTQ, and -woman rhetoric. The symposium on “Anti-Black State Violence in the Americas” will facilitate transnational coalitions, engagement, and learning. Taking place over three days, scholars, scholar-activists, and organizers will discuss the intersecting challenges of addressing anti-black state violence through workshops on topics including: policing and democracy; historical foundations of Black struggle; wellness and healing; sustainability and social movements; cultural media production; education in today’s socio-cultural contexts; pathways to contesting racialized forms of violence, and, many others.
Join us during this dynamic multi-disciplinary symposium as we illuminate cross-cultural understanding, bringing forward the sharp contrast and commonality between South and North America and generating anti-oppression community building across the Americas. All community members welcome!
RSVP for individuals events and workshops: https://goo.gl/forms/par3FykAT2mJtRCe2
All events are wheelchair accessible. Please fill out our Event Registration form so we can accommodate any additional access needs.
We can’t wait for you to join us for this dynamic event!!!
STOP SFPD MILITARIZATION ALERT! The vote to approve Tasers in 2018 violated the Brown Act! Remember how they locked us out of City Hall last year and cast an illegal vote? Come out tomorrow and demand the SF Police Commission rescind the vote! City Hall 2/20 5:30 Rm. 400.
— DSA San Francisco (@DSA_SF) February 20, 2019
Come learn how you fit, and where you can plug into, the East Bay Permanent Real Estate Cooperative.
The East Bay Permanent Real Estate Cooperative (EB PREC) uses community investment to develop permanently affordable cooperative housing that uses regenerative practices, like wealth re-distribution, to empower sovereign, self-determined Black Indigenous and POC communities.
Our mission is to facilitate BIPOC and allied communities to cooperatively organize, finance, purchase, occupy, and steward properties, taking them permanently off the speculative market.
By co-creating community controlled assets, thereby reducing risk of displacement, we help people meet their basic social, economic, and emotional needs, and empower them to cooperatively lead a just transition from an extractive capitalist system into one where communities are ecologically, emotionally, spiritually, culturally, and economically restorative and regenerative.
Points of Unity:
This is not an exhaustive list and it is a work in progress. For now, EB PREC has adopted the following points of unity.
~We stand for the liberation and healing of all people and lands oppressed and exploited by histories of Genocide, Slavery, Low wage labor, Land theft, Predatory lending, and Forced migration.
~We provide mutual aid to front-line communities first, the liberation of black and indigenous communities is fundamental to the liberation of all people, a rising tide lifts all boats.
~We believe restorative solutions are rooted in collective land stewardship and decision-making. We prioritize people, planet, and future generations over profits. We move at the pace of community, not capital.
~We build trust and safe spaces with each other by doing the healing work required to transform antiquated capitalist notions into regenerative and cooperative relationships.
~We build productive capacity for disinvested BIPOC communities through community education and networks of cooperatives. EBPREC helps communities manifest vision into reality on the communities terms.
UC Berkeley is hosting influential scholars and social movement leaders from Brazil and the United States—homes to the two largest Black populations outside the continent of Africa.
Guest Speakers include:
Cat Brooks (Anti Police-Terror Project)
Ericka Huggins (Black Panther Party)
Vilma Reis (Movimento de Mulheres Negras)
Alicia Garza (Black Lives Matter)
Asha Ransby-Sporn (Black Youth Project 100)
Djamila Ribeiro (Movimento de Feministas Negras)
Andreia Beatriz & Hamilton Borges dos Santos (Reaja ou Será Mort@)
Christen Smith (UT Austin)
Tina Sacks, Leigh Raiford & john a. powell (UC Berkeley)
Camila de Moraes and more throughout this three-day symposium!
In 2019, a U.S. congressional session begins with more women and non-white members than ever before amid a contentious executive branch, and Brazil’s far-right president-elect begins his first term despite anti-Black, -LGBTQ, and -woman rhetoric. The symposium on “Anti-Black State Violence in the Americas” will facilitate transnational coalitions, engagement, and learning. Taking place over three days, scholars, scholar-activists, and organizers will discuss the intersecting challenges of addressing anti-black state violence through workshops on topics including: policing and democracy; historical foundations of Black struggle; wellness and healing; sustainability and social movements; cultural media production; education in today’s socio-cultural contexts; pathways to contesting racialized forms of violence, and, many others.
Join us during this dynamic multi-disciplinary symposium as we illuminate cross-cultural understanding, bringing forward the sharp contrast and commonality between South and North America and generating anti-oppression community building across the Americas. All community members welcome!
RSVP for individuals events and workshops: https://goo.gl/forms/par3FykAT2mJtRCe2
All events are wheelchair accessible. Please fill out our Event Registration form so we can accommodate any additional access needs.
We can’t wait for you to join us for this dynamic event!!!
City-wide rally at 11:30 a.m at Oscar Grant Plaza.
Oakland teachers are the lowest paid teachers in Alameda County.
Every year, 1-in-5 teachers leave the district, and on top of high teacher turnover, students are already under resourced with only one academic counselor per 600 students, and only 21 nurses for all 37,000 students.
Oakland teachers and our students deserve better! Sign up for a shift at the picket line!
What: Join a picket line near you!
When: Thursday, February 21 — Morning shift: 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Afternoon shift: 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.;
Where: There will be picket lines at ALL 86 school sites. Check out this map to see a list of priority schools. The city-wide rally will be at Oakland City Hall.
Teachers on strike are demanding smaller class sizes, more student support, no more school closures, and a living wage.
If you can’t support at the picket line, but still want to get involved, check out this list of other ways to help.
We’ll be in front of Nancy Pelosi’s office, talking to people about the Medicare for All act of 2019 and putting on the pressure for her and other representatives to support and advance the new bill being introduced.
This crowd canvass is one of hundreds of events are happening across the country as activists come together to win Medicare for All. Check out more events and share the map at: https://medicare4all.org/actions/
To find out more information and sign up to participate, visit the event page here: https://actionnetwork.org/events/san-francisco-medicare-for-all-crowd-canvass-5
Join East Bay DSA’s Labor Committee for their regular Beer and Roses Social!
Hang out with other members who are interested in the labor movement, hear about what’s happening in the East Bay DSA Labor Committee, and learn how you can get involved!
Gloria Steinem in conversation with Favianna Rodriguez, moderated by Lauren Schiller.
What is Gloria Steinem thinking about today in our era of #MeToo and intersectionality? How can today’s feminists learn from our foremothers, and vice versa? We’ll celebrate an updated, third edition of Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions, originally published in 1983 – a book that has sold over half a million copies, and counting. As author Susan Faludi (Backlash) put it, Outrageous Acts “will always be… a required feminist reader.” From satires to moving tributes, confessions (yes, the Playboy bunny essay is in here) and analyses, the book includes classics along with new material.
Steinem will talk with artist and activist Favianna Rodriguez of CultureStrike, and Lauren Schiller, host of Inflection Point from KALW will moderate the conversation. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from an ever-relevant icon in a smart, sassy conversation that will provoke and inspire you.
Special promo! Join Women Lit at any level and receive many benefits, including a complimentary ticket (more at higher donation levels!), priority seating, and first access to the book signing line for the Steinem event.
UC Berkeley is hosting influential scholars and social movement leaders from Brazil and the United States—homes to the two largest Black populations outside the continent of Africa.
Guest Speakers include:
Cat Brooks (Anti Police-Terror Project)
Ericka Huggins (Black Panther Party)
Vilma Reis (Movimento de Mulheres Negras)
Alicia Garza (Black Lives Matter)
Asha Ransby-Sporn (Black Youth Project 100)
Djamila Ribeiro (Movimento de Feministas Negras)
Andreia Beatriz & Hamilton Borges dos Santos (Reaja ou Será Mort@)
Christen Smith (UT Austin)
Tina Sacks, Leigh Raiford & john a. powell (UC Berkeley)
Camila de Moraes and more throughout this three-day symposium!
In 2019, a U.S. congressional session begins with more women and non-white members than ever before amid a contentious executive branch, and Brazil’s far-right president-elect begins his first term despite anti-Black, -LGBTQ, and -woman rhetoric. The symposium on “Anti-Black State Violence in the Americas” will facilitate transnational coalitions, engagement, and learning. Taking place over three days, scholars, scholar-activists, and organizers will discuss the intersecting challenges of addressing anti-black state violence through workshops on topics including: policing and democracy; historical foundations of Black struggle; wellness and healing; sustainability and social movements; cultural media production; education in today’s socio-cultural contexts; pathways to contesting racialized forms of violence, and, many others.
Join us during this dynamic multi-disciplinary symposium as we illuminate cross-cultural understanding, bringing forward the sharp contrast and commonality between South and North America and generating anti-oppression community building across the Americas. All community members welcome!
RSVP for individuals events and workshops: https://goo.gl/forms/par3FykAT2mJtRCe2
All events are wheelchair accessible. Please fill out our Event Registration form so we can accommodate any additional access needs.
We can’t wait for you to join us for this dynamic event!!!
Oakland’s teachers, students, and families are ready for a historic strike for public education. The stakes are high. In Oakland and all across the country public education is under attack. We support Oakland teachers’ fight for schools that our students deserve. Smaller class sizes, more student support services, a living wage for teachers and to keep schools open. SEIU 1021 and AFSCME have already joined the fight! Let’s all show them our support! Here’s how you can help:
- Join us for a rally at DeFremery Park
- Donate directly to the Bread for Ed fund raising efforts to support students by clicking this link: https://donorbox.org/breadfored?fbclid=IwAR2OAxXd0TCQ7edRIBwruYNmZp504FiUVHApv0oszsx2ppMosvF5IM2e29U
- Donate to the OEA Member Assistance Fund (strike hardship fund) for educators who are experiencing financial hardship because of the strike, by clicking on this link: https://www.gofundme.com/striking-oakland-teachers?member=1579912
- Donate to the Alameda Labor Council Hardship Fund for OEA strike support. Make your checks payable to �Alameda Labor Council � Memo: Strike Fund�. Drop off or mail to Alameda Labor Council, Attn: Cora Kapenga, 7750 Pardee Lane, Ste 110, Oakland, CA 94621
- Adopt-A-School: (targeted schools) Need 2-4 affiliates for each location to support by donating food and supplies (breakfast/lunch/snacks/drinks) to the teachers, parents, students and community allies on the picket lines. Also, turnout for picket line help from 7am-10am and 2pm-4pm at these targeted locations. To adopt-a-school, please contact Eleanor Angeles at eleanor@alamedalabor.org or (510) 499-2839.
Markham Elementary – 7220 Krause Ave.
Burkhalter Elementary – 3994 Burckhalter Ave.
Brookfield Elementary � 401 Jones Ave.
Fruitvale Elementary – 3200 Boston Ave.
Howard Elementary – 8755 Fontaine St.
Sojourner Truth/Rudsdale – 8251 Fontaine St.
Sankofa Academy – 581 61st St.
Parker Elementary – 7929 Ney Ave.
Carl Munck Elementary – 11900 Campus Dr.
- Phone bank for strike support: Dates and times will be announced soon for phone bank at the Alameda Labor Council to make calls for strike support. To volunteer, contact Eleanor Angeles eleanor@alamedalabor.org or (510) 499-2839.
- Wear and share with your worksite “We Stand with Oakland Teachers” buttons. Pick up from the Alameda Labor Council
We will keep you posted for any changes or additional information. For daily updates follow OEA on their website: https://oaklandea.org/ or their FaceBook page: Oakland Education Association
In Solidarity!
Community organizations: Want to know how to support the Oakland teachers’ strike?
Come learn and strategize around how your organization can help teachers, parents, and students fighting for the public education system all Oakland students deserve. The more that our organizations show up, the more powerful (and quick!) the strike will be.
Hosted by Bay Rising, EBASE, Parent Voices Oakland, Oakland Rising, and the Oakland Education Association.
We stand with Oakland teachers! #StrikeReady #Unite4OaklandKids