This is the Grand Rapids Activist Calendar for 1/25. It contains a list of upcoming activism-related events in Grand Rapids. For more information on these events and additional events, check out http://calendar.diygr.org.
OGR vs Big Banks
January 27th 2012, 3:00 pm at Monument Park
Occupy Grand Rapids will protest the big banks starting with Bank of America on FRIDAY January 27th. JOIN US in solidarity against these evil corporations that lobby, control, and run our country.
More information soon!
Youth Occupation
January 27th 2012, 7:00 pm at Cook Arts Center
Spoken Word Performances by noted local artists:
Keegan “Seoul” Loye
Azizi Jasper
Cayanne
Duke Greene
BREAKDANCE BATTLE!
Featuring awesome talented youth and mentors from the Cook Arts Center and the Street Dance Academy
Performances start at 7pm, don’t be late!
$5 donation
Managing Media in Daily Life – Workshop
January 28th 2012, 10:00 am at City Middle/High School
How does the media impact you? How about our families? Our classrooms? Our society? How do we manage rapidly changing new media and mediums such as Facebook, smart phones, 24 hour news cycles, video and online games as well as the omnipresent influence of marketing and advertising in our daily lives? How do screens affect our brains and our development? Why is it important to become media literate?
Free to middle and high school youth.
$5 suggested donation for adult attendees.
Register in advance through GR Parks and Rec or at the door the day of the event.
Explore these questions and more in a dynamic workshop designed for youth ages 11 and up, educators and parents. Facilitated by members of STOK (Stop Targeting Our Kids): a Grand Rapids based advocacy group focused on raising media literacy awareness and eliminating the commercialization of childhood.
Benefit for La Isla Foundation
January 31st 2012, 7:30 pm at The Pyramid Scheme
A Benefit for La Isla Foundation, a non-profit advocating for agricultural workers in Nicaragua and throughout Central America by calling attention to the actions of multi-national corporations. This is a catered event which also happens to be off drink night at The Pyramid Scheme! A silent auction will also help to raise funds for the foundation. And LaughFest comedians Matt Lauria and Jerry Donovan will be there doing a bit or two! All ages are welcome and a minimum donation of $10 is requested at the door.
Norman Finkelstein
February 1st 2012, 3:00 pm at Calvin College – Covenant Fine Arts Center
Middle East scholar Norman Finkelstein will be speaking on the theme of “Solving the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict.”
Finkelstein, author of numerous books that challenge the Zionist policies of the State of Israel and the US support for such policies, is on a speaking tour. The well known academic has been the subject of a recent documentary and has written two books since the 2009 Israel bombing of Gaza; This Time We Went Too Far: Truth and Consequences of the Gaza Invasion and Goldstone Recants: Richard Goldstone Renews Israel’s License to Kill.
Up From the Bottoms: The Search for the American Dream
February 1st 2012, 6:00 pm at GVSU – Cook DeWitt Center
he Community Reading Project Contextual Presentation will feature a showing of the film, “Up From the Bottoms: The Search for the American Dream.” It will contextualize the main topics of the 2012 CRP selection “The Warmth of Other Suns” by Isabel Wilkerson.
“Up From the Bottoms: The Search for the American Dream” tells the story of the massive migration of African Americans from the rural south to the prosperous north during the World War II years and beyond. More information about the film can be found here: http://www.upfromthebottoms.com/
Peace M.E.ans Presents Norman Finkelstein
February 1st 2012, 7:00 pm at GVSU – Loosemore Auditorium
Historian, political scientist, and activist Dr. Norman Finkelstein offers his perspective on the politics of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. As the son of Auschwitz survivors, Dr. Finkelstein has a very unique and thought-provoking stance on the issue. Join the discussion!
Not Just a Game: Politics and Power in American Sports
February 2nd 2012, 4:00 pm at GVSU – Kirkhof Center
At this inaugural “Intersections” event, John Carlos, winner of the bronze medal in the men’s 200-meter race at the 1968 Summer Olympics, will tell us his story.
Carlos entered the Olympic Games with one thing in mind – to reach the platform in order to send a message. And, along with Tommie Smith, his teammate and winner of the gold medal, the message was sent, reverberating throughout the world. Smith and Carlos raised black-gloved fists crowning bowed heads to humbly reflect the strength of the black power and human rights salutes.
In addition to Carlos, renowned American sportswriter Dave Zirin, will be a part of the program and will show segments of his documentary movie, Not Just a Game: Politics and Power in American Sports. The two will also discuss their recently completed book, The John Carlos Story: The Sports Moment That Changed the World.
IGE Talks: Black History Now
February 2nd 2012, 7:00 pm at Institute for Global Education
We bring to the table what we have lived. We don’t know the future any more than we know the past, but we have stories that bear on the present. Art, culture, economics, politics— they’re all stories. Black power is knowledge. Empower yourself, share your heritage, and explore the future with us. It’s all about power, and sharing. Please join us at our continuing public forum, videotaped for viewing anytime on the internet and on GR metro cable access TV channel 24 at 7 pm Thurs. and 10 am Sat.
Really, Really Free Market
February 5th 2012, 1:30 pm at Fountain Street Church
It takes repeating the word “Really” for people to understand that free means free when Occupy Grand Rapids opens it “Free Market” from time to time. On February 5th, they go indoors for the first time at FSC! Similar to freecycling and the Church’s Free Garage Sale for Herkimer residents, the Really Really Free Market is a place where anyone can bring useful goods that they no longer need and/or take home things that they may find useful. All without charge! Those wishing to donate items may bring them earlier that day or at opening time. The Church Social Hall will be set up to display items and both members of Occupy GR and FSC will be on-site to assist with sorting and/or organizing. This is not a charity event, but an organized way to do what people have always done. Most people have shared items like baby clothes, books, and kitchenware from time to time. Free Markets are a way to extend the informal sharing that has always been a part of our economy, but goes largely unnoticed.
WMEAC Film Series – Blue Gold: World Water Wars
February 8th 2012, 6:30 pm at Wealthy Theatre
Water is perhaps our most precious, abused resource and is one of WMEAC’s driving issues. Join us as we explore “the rampant overdevelopment of agriculture, housing and industry” that is slowly increasing the demand for fresh water “well beyond the finite supply”. What can we do to protect our water resources for the future?
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ikb4WG8UJRw&feature=channel
Doors at 6:30, film starts at 7pm. Admission is FREE, with a suggested donation of $5. This event will also include a discussion on our local water system and Fifteen to the River, WMEAC’s stormwater runoff initiative.
That Takes Ovaries: Bold Women, Brazen Acts Performance
February 10th 2012, 7:00 pm at Wealthy Theatre
That Takes Ovaries!: Bold Women, Brazen Acts is a play co-written by Rivka Solomon and Bobbi Ausubel. The play offers an exciting collection of real-life stories from women and girls about the gutsy, outrageous, courageous things they have done. The stories are multicultural, funny, sassy, and touching true tales of estrogen-powered deeds. The play also includes true stories submitted by our own GVSU campus and community!
Film: Freedom Riders
February 16th 2012, 7:00 pm at IATSE Local 26
The film is a documentary on the Freedom Riders during the Civil Rights movement in the US during 1961. In 1961 racial segregation was the “law” of the land in the South. That is, until an integrated band of college students-many of whom were the first in their families to attend a university-decided, en masse, to risk everything and buy a ticket on a bus bound for the Deep South. They called themselves the Freedom Riders, and they managed to bring the president and the entire American public face to face with the challenge of correcting civil-rights inequities that plagued the nation.
CinemAwareness: More than a Month
February 17th 2012, 2:00 pm at GVSU – Kirkhof Center
Shukree Hassan Tilghman, a 29 year old African American filmmaker, is on a cross-country campaign to end Black History Month. Through this tongue-in-cheek journey, More Than a Month investigates what the treatment of history tells us about race and equality in a “post-racial” America.
Tim Wise at Partners for a Racism Free Community Forum
February 24th 2012, 8:00 am at Kroc Center
Tim Wise is among the most prominent anti-racist writers and educators in the United States. Recently named one of “25 Visionaries Who are Changing Your World,” by Utne Reader, Wise has spoken in 49 states, on over 600 college campuses, and to community groups across the nation. He has also lectured internationally in Canada and Bermuda on issues of comparative racism, race and education, racism and religion, and racism in the labor market.
Wise has provided anti-racism training to teachers nationwide, and has conducted trainings with physicians and medical industry professionals on how to combat racial inequities in health care. He has also trained corporate, government, entertainment, military and law enforcement officials on methods for dismantling racism in their institutions, and has served as a consultant for plaintiff’s attorneys in federal discrimination cases.
The Freedom Riders & Our Struggle For Justice
February 28th 2012, 12:00 pm at GVSU – Kirkhof Center
presented by Diane Nash
February 28 at 12pm in 2204 Kirkhof Center, Pere Marquette
A Chicago native who had never experienced segregation in public accommodation before moving to the South, Diane Nash went on to become one of the pioneers of the Civil Rights Movement.
Nash’s involvement in the nonviolent movement began in 1959. In 1961 she coordinated the Freedom Ride from Birmingham, Alabama, to Jackson, Mississippi, a story which was documented in the recent PBS American Experience film “Freedom Riders”. Her many arrests for civil rights activities culminated in Nash being imprisoned for 30 days, while she was pregnant with her first child. Undeterred, she went on to join a national committee to which she was appointed by President John F. Kennedy that promoted passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
8-Week Institute for Racial Healing
February 28th 2012, 3:30 pm at GVSU Meijer Campus
About Through facilitated dialogues and activities, individuals are immersed in a cognitive and affective program of learning, sharing, and processing within a multi-cultural group. Participants examine the inheritance of our history, institutionalized racism, contemporary bias, and ways to be an ally in healing racial divides. This model has been proven to establish profound insights and valuable relationships while providing a support network for continued understanding and resources. The cost is $100 per participant. Financial hardship scholarships are available upon request; please call (616) 846-9074.
Download flier:
www.ethnicdiversity.org/files-2/2012-02-28CommunityInstituteFlier.pdf
Learn more:
www.ethnicdiversity.org/what-we-do/diversityeducation
Miss Representation: Women, Media & the Art of Inquiry
February 28th 2012, 6:00 pm at GVSU – CHS Building
Explores the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America, and challenges the media’s limited portrayal of what it means to be a powerful woman.
The Women’s Center mission is to create meaningful learning about women and gender and to advocate for gender justice through the education, engagement, and empowerment of students and the greater GVSU community. This media series, followed by meaningful dialogue, will provide an opportunity to look at gender justice through a feminist lens. Light snacks and comfortable seating will be available!
Transgender Ally Open House – kick-off campaign
March 3rd 2012, 3:00 pm at West Michigan Pride Center
Transgender Allies – Changing hearts, lives and communities one person at a time
Sponsored by Transgender Education Coalition
Speakers and life stories shared
Naomi Wolf – Beyond Victimization: The Beauty Myth Revisited
March 14th 2012, 7:00 pm at Fountain Street Church
Author of seven books, including the New York Times best seller The Beauty Myth, Naomi Wolf focuses on gender equality, pervasive inequities in society and politics, the defense of liberty in America and internationally, and body image. She is the cofounder of the Woodhull Institute for Ethical Leadership, which teaches ethics and empowerment to young women leaders.
In Give Me Liberty: A Handbook for American Revolutionaries, Wolf argues that breathtaking changes take place when ordinary citizens engage in the democratic system the way the founders intended, through civic engagement.
Spiritual Violence Against the LGBT Community: A Critical Conversation
March 22nd 2012, 4:00 pm at GVSU – Kirkhof Center
Presented by Doug Van Doren, Plymouth United Church of Christ
Thursday, March 22nd at 4 p.m.
2263 Kirkhof Center
An important issue for many raised in a faith tradition is to be able to interpret those �seven passages� from the Bible which are often used as weapons against the LGBT community. This program will focus on addressing concerns about these passages as well as understanding what might be at stake for a person who is holding onto a literal point of view.
The Network’s 2012 Screening of Grand Rapids LGBTQ People’s History Project
March 24th 2012, 6:30 pm at The Network
The LGBT Network of Western Michigan invites all members of the Grand Rapids-area community to attend this fantastic film screening of GR’s LGBTQIA history, as seen through the documentary.This project was conducted by the Grand Rapids Institute for Information Democracy (GRIID). GRIID began working on a People’s History of Grand Rapids Project in the summer of 2010.
The process of this project involved conducting interviews with members of the LGBTQ community and some straight allies, finding archival video, documents and photos. We also read numerous books on LGBTQ history from the Stonewall uprising to the present and conducted research project of the Grand Rapids Press coverage during the 1980s and 90s, a time when most of the organizing in the LGBTQ community was happening.
Come enjoy an evening with friends, a Q and A, and some catered refreshments as well as learn about GR’s LGBT and allied-past and look towards our community’s future.
Transgender Visibility Day Celebration
March 31st 2012, 6:00 pm at The Network
The Network invites all members of our community and its allies to attend an exciting town hall event occurring at the center in Eastown and being put on by the Transgender Education Collaboration (http://www.trans-edu.com/).
The evening will consist of Networking, a panel discussion, refreshments, two speakers, and a Q & A breakout session.
All interested may attend and please spread the word of this important event on visibility.
Any questions? Contact the Network at 616-458-3511 or else thenetwork@grlgbt.org
In spirit Networkers.
The Network – One Community. Many Voices.
Inside Out: Portraits of Transgender Children
April 4th 2012, 4:00 pm at GVSU – Kirkhof Center
Wednesday, April 4th at 4 p.m.
2263 Kirkhof Center
Photographer Sarah Wong will travel from Amsterdam to speak about her work with gender variant children in The Netherlands. In her country, transgender people are treated with compassion and acceptance in regard to social acceptance and medical treatment. Sarah�s photographs chronicle young children who have come of age in this environment and reveal the drastic impact such support can have on one�s happiness.
Lakeshore Region Summit on Race & Inclusion
June 5th 2012, 7:30 am at Hope College
The Lakeshore Region Summit on Race & Inclusion gathers hundreds of individuals to a day-long conference focused on the effects of racism and designed to stimulate a year of action. Join us to learn from nationally-recognized experts in the field and best practices that contribute to creating a vibrant, inclusive region.
West Michigan Pride Festival
June 16th 2012, 12:00 pm at Riverside Park
24th annual Pride Festival – Riverside Park, Grand Rapids
Pre-pride events include Pride at Eve – June 14, 2012 – 8pm – Pride Movie Night, Wealthy Theatre – Friday, June 15, 2012 7pm
