Calendar
Bay Area rises up in solidarity with Tamir Rice’s family one year after Cleveland police officers killed 12-year-old Tamir Rice. Please join Black Lives Matter Bay Area, Black Lives Matter and the Last 3 Percent Coalition as we gather in solidarity with the family of Tamir Rice and Black Lives Matter Cleveland, and to uplift all of the families of those we have lost to police violence.
This is a black led ceremony that is centered in Black love, Black healing and Black rage. We invite allies to join us under the direction of our elders.
We support the family’s demands:
1. The immediate termination of Officer Loehmann and Officer Garmback.
2. A Federal Department of Justice investigation of Timothy McGinthy, and his removal as Cuyahoga County prosecutor.
3. A Federal Department of Justice investigation of the shooting and murder of Tamir Rice.
Qilombo is dedicated to supporting our communities and neighbors every day, whether we’re open or closed. It’s that time of year again: It’s Hella cold, Oakland and many of our neighbors are facing this winter outside. Tent cities are a part of Afrikatown until we can build the economic support to enrich us all. So let’s pool our resources to create winter gear kits to help folks better survive the outdoors. See the list we have created, but also think of vital necessities that go under the radar!
The 2-day event (also Jan 3, 10am-6pm) will consist of a fundraising benefit concert and a volunteer driven distribution event to disperse all the collected donation items to the local homeless community. Local business will also have the opportunity to host drop boxes to receive donations leading up to the distribution event. The need for warm-wear items during winter is critical for the homeless community as many die each year from hypothermia and other cold weather related illnesses.
PARTY WITH A PURPOSE!
Local Bay area artists come together to rock out for a good cause. With live performances, dancing and a DJ bay area citizens will be able to “Party with a Purpose”!
The event will also be an opportunity for guests to drop off items or to sign up as a voluteer for the blanket giveaway. Partial proceeds from these events will go towards purchasing distribution items
BLANKET GIVEAWAY!
Our plan is to distribute a Keep Warm Kit as well as a hot beverage and meal into the homeless Community in the Bay area. Every winter we provide essential aid in the demand for warm-wear items during the colder months. This campaign is called “KEEP WARM!” This year as we bring the campaign to the Bay Area we hope, that with your help, at least 300 will have the necessary provisions! Sign up as a volunteer now!
The Peace and Freedom Party presents
Abolish the death penalty
In our formative period, the Peace and Freedom Party joined with the Black Panther Party in the movement to free all political prisoners and abolish the death penalty. We have invited the Founding Chairman of the Black Panthers, Bobby Seale, to discuss this history. We have also invited speakers representing current death row prisoners, including Kevin Cooper in California and Rodney Reed in Texas.
FREE! (Please buy food & drink at the Pub.) FREE!
This is part of our on-going Socialist Forum Series on the first Saturday of every month. Doors open at 2 pm and the program will start promptly at 2:30 pm. The forum will end by 4:30 pm, but folks can stay and talk as long as you like.
The Peace and Freedom Party, born from the civil rights and anti-war movements of the 1960s, is committed to socialism, democracy, ecology, feminism, racial equality, and internationalism.
TPP 101: WHAT IS THE TPP AND WHY SHOULD WE CARE? Sign up here:
Once you sign up, you will get the number and login link to the meeting room.
Free Movie: Let the Fire Burn (2013 documentary Directed by Jason Osder) Found footage film about the May 13, 1985 bombing of the MOVE house in Philadelphia that killed 11 people (including 5 children) and destroyed 61 homes. Free.
- A resolution for the Peace and Justice Commission to consider recommending to the Berkeley City Council, making permanent the current one-year moratorium on BPD acquisition and use of drones, which expires this February, will be heard.
- Your presence and comment in support of this effort is welcome.
1 PM PRESS CONFERENCE in front of the building.
2 PM HEARING in Judge Yvonne Gonzalez-Rogers’ Courtroom.
(bring your ID to get into the building)
Defend Student Protesters’ Free Speech Rights! Stop the Resegregation and Privatization of UC Berkeley!
Defend the Right to Public Higher Education for All!
Fight Police Brutality! A Badge is Not a License to Brutalize and Kill!
UCB student and community protesters have a right to bring the UC Berkeley administration, UC Police, and Alameda County Sheriffs to trial for brutalizing student protesters on UC Berkeley’s campus during the Occupy Wall Street movement!
Demand Judge Yvonne Gonzalez-Rogers rule in favor of an open and public trial, not an individual judicial “summary judgement”!
DETAILS: The Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, Integration, and Immigrant Rights and Fight for Equality By Any Means Necessary (BAMN) will present our case against the UC administrators, UC Berkeley Police (UCPD), and Alameda County Sheriffs Officers (ACSO) responsible for the brutal police riot on peaceful student protesters on November 9, 2011 when students at UC Berkeley tried to set up an encampment in solidarity with the Occupy Wall Street movement. Students protested to oppose income inequality, to defend public education, and to restore affirmative action at UC Berkeley. To this day, the UC administration and the police are defending and justifying their attack. They want to protect their prerogative to repeat this kind of brutal censorship of student political protest when it is aimed at furthering equality and integration.
BAMN has filed a federal lawsuit (Felarca v. Birgeneau) on behalf of 21 student and community activist Plaintiffs against UC Berkeley (UCB) administrators, UCB police and Alameda County Sheriffs for police brutality, false arrests and violation of their free-speech rights. In our lawsuit against UC Berkeley administrators and police, we intend to put the former Chancellor and the top administrators responsible for the attack, together with the police officers and supervisors in charge, on the stand to have to answer, publicly and under cross-examination, for their decisions and actions that led to a police riot on peaceful protesters.
All the evidence uncovered in BAMN’s case shows that the UCB administration were completely responsible for the police violence on Nov 9, 2011 because they were afraid of the movement growing on campus that could unite with the Latina/o and black communities of Oakland and wage winning struggles for public education. The administrator defendants deemed the political speech of the student movement so hostile to the financial and political interests of the university’s private donors and corporate investors that their response to the specter of Oakland uniting with the student movement at UC Berkeley was to have riot police violently suppress and attempt to disperse the demonstration by force.
Thousands of students gathered to defend the tents that had been put up by Occupy Cal from the administration’s efforts to take them down. Videos of baton-wielding police beating students and even some professors, while the protesters held the line and refused to retreat, went viral and gained national media attention.
The UC administration authorized the use of batons against the student protest in violation of its own policies on November 9. Then UCB Chancellor Robert Birgeneau, sanctioned the use of indiscriminate force to terrorize and disperse the second protest action on that day, even as public outrage over the earlier violence was growing. The UCB anti- Occupy policy was so fanatical that students were banned from even walking through the campus with tents,bullhorns or “signage” of which the administration disapproved. People across the country were shocked that police would brutally beat peaceful protesters at UC Berkeley, the historic site and center of the Free Speech Movement of the 1960s.
The UC Berkeley administrator defendants claim they have the exclusive and unfettered right to dictate any and all “time, place, and manner” restrictions on student political speech. To absolutely no one’s surprise, these restrictions are only ever invoked against the most progressive and popular student political speech – against the fee hikes, against privatization, against the increasing racism, sexism, and inequality at UC Berkeley and in this society.
Chancellor Birgeneau made clear that the decision to suppress Occupy on the campus and to shut down the movement was also fueled by fear of the campus being “taken over” by “outside anarchists” on to the campus. Other members of the Chancellor’s “Crisis Management Team,” in charge of formulating the policing policies for the day, referred to their fears of “intransigents” coming to the campus. The term “non-affiliates” was also used as code to describe the people and politics they were hostile to and wanted to keep barricaded off from the campus. This was understood among them as code for denying people from Oakland access to the campus. The variety of demagogy against ‘outsiders’ has never had anything to do with protecting the right of students to govern their own campus and fight for their own interests. It’s a defense of elitism, of racism, of discrimination against immigrants, and in end it’s a reflection of the administration’s fear of its own students and their potential to join and lead a national movement. UC Berkeley is the world’s premiere public university because of its history of radical student protest and the gains won and enforced by the student movement. All the hallmarks of a great university – academic freedom, social criticism, honest scientific inquiry, and a dedication to the ideals of democracy, equality and justice – were won by struggles waged on this campus and in our communities.
In contrast to the fear and pessimism of the University, the anger and optimism of the new generation of civil rights and immigrant rights leaders are already propelling our whole society in the direction of freedom and equality. The explosive and militant mass resistance in Ferguson, Baltimore, Oakland and Berkeley show that the status quo is becoming increasingly unviable and volatile. In the Bay Area, BAMN played an active, and at times, crucial leadership role in the Oakland and Berkeley marches to win justice. BAMN is building a movement that can connect our campus with the ongoing struggles of minority, progressive and oppressed people around the world. The growing inequality and polarization in the United States and across the world means no shortage of struggle in the next period of history. Whether these struggles win or lose is a question of leadership – it’s up to us and what we do. Come fill the courtroom for this court case, where the power of the people can make and shift history!
LINKS TO OUR UCPD POLICE BRUTALITY TRIBUNAL:
Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/
Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/
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Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, Integration & Immigrant Rights and Fight for Equality By Any Means Necessary (BAMN)
Get the word out! January 5, tell the mayor & council: Keep rents fair & low – stop the unjust evictions!! #alamtg pic.twitter.com/10RYsR4nLc
— Alameda Renters (@Alameda_Renters) December 28, 2015
Item 7.11 (On Consent)
Subject: Creation Of A Privacy Advisory Commission
From: Office Of The City Administrator
Recommendation: Adopt An Ordinance Establishing The Privacy Advisory Commission, Providing For The Appointment Of Members Thereof, And Defining The Duties And Functions Of Said Commission.
The Oakland Privacy Working Group invites you to come and support the creation of a first-of-its-kind privacy commission for Oakland, an outgrowth of our work opposing the Domain Awareness Center.
Kurdish Film Series in #Oakland coming up in solidarity w #Rojava first one Dec 20th 5:30pm @ 1501 Harrison St pic.twitter.com/u2CnfVpbFC
— Occupy Oakland (@OccupyOakland) December 17, 2015
What really happened at the Paris Climate Talks and what does it mean now that they are over? Hear first hand from Kathy Dervin, 350 Bay Area, and other local activists.
Why does local action matter? Learn about the City of Berkeley’s progress in reaching its climate action goals and how YOU can take action now through the Transition Streets program and the Berkeley Climate Action Coalition. Bring your questions and ideas on how we’re going to transition to a lower carbon, more equitable and connected future. Please feel free to bring a snack to share around 6:30 pm (ditching plastics if you can). Film starts at 7.
For more info: info [at] transitionberkeley.com
website: http://www.transitionberkeley.com
This event is co-sponsored by Transition Berkeley, the BFUU’s Social Justice Committee, the Ecology Center and the Berkeley Climate Action Coalition
Wheelchair accessible.
Court Support for Janye
Janye’s next court date is January 8, 2016 at Wiley Manuel in Oakland at 8am in Dept 112. Please Note the 8am time (not a mistake).
The fight isn’t over. Let’s keep the pressure on the kangaroo court!
SUPPORT JANYE WALLER! – arrested in an obvious case of racial profiling, in which the cops said he “fit the description” of a crime he did not commit. A witness to the “crime” immediately confirmed that Janye had nothing to do with it, but Janye was still taken into custody where he was questioned and then leveled with serious charges related to last year’s protests in Oakland against the non-indictments for the murders of Michael Brown and Eric Garner.
JANYE WALLER IS A YOUNG BLACK ACTIVIST, A LOCAL OF THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA. He lives and works in Oakland, providing financial support to his mother, his two younger brothers, and his cousin. He attended Berkeley Community College where he planned to major in Accounting, but had to take leave in order to help support his family, and he hopes to return to college soon. Janye also volunteers at a social center in West Oakland that works to empower black and indigenous people living in the Bay Area through education and mutual aid. Within this space Janye works tirelessly, helping coordinate and administer programs focusing on skills like urban farming, which foster both community and individual autonomy.
JANYE IS THE ONLY PERSON WHO IS CURRENTLY FACING SERIOUS CHARGES AFTER THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE FLOODED THE STREETS DURING THE WAVE OF PROTESTS IN THE BAY AREA LAST WINTER. After several high profile police killings of young black men, the Bay Area, like much of the rest of the country, surged into a wave of protest and resistance. The state responded by using the legal system as a tool of repression, threatening incarceration and steep fines for some of those involved in these actions. It is sad but obvious that the one person getting targeted for that beautiful moment of protest is a strong and politicized young black man.
Mayor Lee has been decidedly absent as we have sought dialogue with him about Chief Suhr’s inability to run a police force. Chief Suhr has created a culture of racism and brutalization that gave those five officers permission to assassinate Mario Woods. If he will not fire Chief Suhr, who refuses to step down, then we will let him know that he can go too. If we do not get justice, he will not get peace!!! We will be at the doors of San Francisco’s City Hall for the Mayor’s Inauguration not in celebration, but in protest!
Everyone please try to wear black. The mayor may be celebrating his re-election but we will turn it into a funeral march in honor of Mario Woods
#calltoaction #justice4mariowoods #mariowoods #shutdownSF #BlackLivesMatter #firechiefsuhr pic.twitter.com/18O61d9eck
— Justice4MarioWoods (@Justice4MWNow) January 2, 2016
Middle East – Justice First, Peace at Last
- The Communist Party USA (Oakland/Berkeley) invites you to a discussion: Middle East – Justice First, Peace at Last.
- Suggested Readings:
- Communist Party of Israel, ‘Palestinian & Israeli Protesters: “The Last Day of the Occupation is the First Day of Peace”’ http://maki.org.il/en/?p=6287.
- Uri Avnery, ‘ The Reign of Absurdiocy’. http://www.politicalaffairs.net/a-powerfful-isreali-critique-of-the-concept-of-international-terrorism-and-wars-without-end-against-it-by-norman-markowitz/.
- Salam Ali, ‘The Iraqi Uprising Against Corruption And Sectarianism, http://iraqiletter.blogspot.com/
The Baha’i community of Oakland is organizing this gathering for the community to connect, share prayers, writings and poems from all spiritual traditions, reflect and recharge and build coalitions interested in healing.
In April, it was two years since we started holding these prayer meetings at the Baha’i Center. Come share prayers, quotes, poems, and favorite passages from your scriptures with us. We will serve a simple breakfast.
- Despite unparalleled demonization, military threats, and sanctions the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) opens an unprecedented window into life in cities and countryside alike, the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) where the Cold War lives on, and how the country took a hitherto little-known path towards socialism.
- Gloria La Riva is a lifelong social activist and organizer with the ANSWER Coalition and the Party for Socialism and Liberation. She visited North Korea in 1989 and 2015.
- Sharat G. Lin, PhD writes on global political economy, labor migration, and public health. He is a research fellow and former president of the San José Peace and Justice Center.
4:30 pm Program Part 1:
Issues Roundtable, Gitmo, misc. topics
6:00 pm Vegetarian Potluck Dinner
live music, Mike Rufo, Vic Sadot, Francis Collins
7:00-9:00pm Program, Part 2:
Joanna Macy: Keynote on “Active Hope”
Speakers/Facilitators
Harvey Wasserman and Jon Simon: Clean Elections and Voting Machines
Dennis Burnstein, KPFA host, poet
Donald Goldmacher, “Heist” filmmaker/producer: the new Berkeley Progressive Alliance
Linda Seeley, SLO Mothers for Peace: Shut Diablo Canyon Now!
Shahid Buttar, Bill of Rights Defense Committee/Defending Dissent Foundation: Privacy Rights, Surveillance
Cynthia Papermaster, No More Gitmos and Ann Fagan Ginger, Meiklejohn Institute: Shut Gitmo and Prosecute Torture
Anna Cecelia Blackshaw: SURJ (Standing Up for Racial Justice)
Susan Harman: Public Banking
Toby Blome, Codepink: Ending Drone Wars
George Lippmann: Berkeley Peace & Justice Commission, Police Accountability Civilize and De-militarize the police; stop police murders and brutality
John Lindsay-Poland, AFSC: Stop Urban Shield Audit the Pentagon, End U.S. Wars of Occupation and Plunder
Many activists are overwhelmed with the variety of issues needing their attention. The number of meetings, protests, and actions of various sorts are causing burnout, but worse, we are not seeing many victories and we need some victories to have hope and to keep going to make this world a just and healthy one.
This 2016 election year will be a real opportunity for change if we take advantage of the predicted huge voter turnout to turn the corporate-funded Republicans and Democrats out of office who are not protecting the environment, upholding the law, or legislating for citizens’ needs. Can we unite behind progressive candidates and elect them? We think so. We know it’s possible given the current disgust with the mainstream political parties, the gridlock in Washington, and the corruption that’s evident and literally killing us.
The hoped-for goal of the gathering will be to identify actions and strategies that are, or could, lead to victories on the local, state, national and international level.
Another goal is to cross-pollinate and enhance our limited resources by working together more, by sharing ideas, support and communication so we can better join our voices and creative actions for more clout and more effective results.
A behind the scenes look at the Emergency Room at Highland hospital in Oakland.
Please come support Nailah, a comrade who was part of last year’s uprisings and is having charges filed against her in the last days before her statute of limitations is up
Occupy Forum is an opportunity for open and respectful dialogue
on all sides of these critically important issues!OccupyForum presentsThe Militarization of Police:
Arming a Racist System and Killer Cops
Code Pink: Women for Peace is a grassroots, women-initiated, peace and social justice movement working to end U.S.-funded wars and occupations, to challenge militarism globally, and to redirect our resources into health care, education, green jobs and other life-affirming activities.
The Oakland Privacy Working Group is a coalition of Bay Area activists who originally came together to fight the proposed Oakland Police Department surveillance hub, the Domain Awareness Center (DAC). The DAC was a proposed, $10.9M Department of Homeland Security-funded, 24/7 surveillance center. The project had grown exponentially in scope since its inception and would have enabled law enforcement to engage in widespread warrantless surveillance of Oakland residents, using large numbers of surveillance cameras, license plate readers, thermal imaging devices, gun-shot detection sensors, toll payment tracking for those using electronic passes, and social media monitoring, along with other tools. It spawned a fierce groundswell of resistance, uniting a disparate coalition of impassioned residents who unwaveringly said “no” to government surveillance and the militarization of our community. OPWG continues to fight against the surveillance state and the technology that it uses.