Past Events 2015:
Tom Ellis: The Unites States War in Laos and its Continuing Consequences
Thursday, December 3, 7:00 – 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY 12054
Tom Ellis will give a talk on the Unites States War in Laos and its Continuing Consequences. Tom Ellis lives in Albany and works as a teacher. He is a leader in several social justice groups including the Palestinian Rights Committee and Upper Hudson Peace Action, and has also played an important role in many successful environmental campaigns, including blocking the siting of a ‘low-level’ radioactive waste disposal facility in rural New York, preventing the destruction of rivers in Canada, creating the community pressure that led the federal government to clean up the former NL Industries factory in Colonie where depleted uranium weapons were manufactured, and educating the public about the just cause of the Palestinians. Free. Everyone is welcome. Information: 466-1192.
Film:”Ivory Tower”
Saturday, November 28, 7:30 pm
First UnitarianUniversalist Society of Albany
405 WashingtonAvenue (across the street from the downtown SUNY campus)
TheSolidarity Committee continues its 2015-2016 film series with a freeshowing of the film, “Ivory Tower” (2014, 108 minutes). Thisdocumentary looks at the growing crisis in higher education, wherecutbacks in funding by conservative state governments and adoption of abusiness model by campus administrators have sent tuition ratesspiraling beyond reach and student debt soaring to roughly $1.3trillion. In turn, this crisis in higher education has led tocalls for tuition-free college by student activists and even bycontenders for the U.S. presidency. As this film indicates, thecosts and the value of college education are coming to the forefront ofpublic discussion. Co-sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, theSocial Justice Center, and Upper Hudson Peace Action, the filmscreening will take place in Channing Hall of the First UnitarianUniversalist Society of Albany, located at 405 Washington Avenue(across the street from the downtown SUNY campus). Admission is free,and free refreshments will be provided. Everyone is welcome toattend.
Sunday, November 22, 5:00 pm, Masjid-As-Salaam, 280 Central Avenue, Albany. Support for Muslims in the Community, local peace and justice planning meeting. All groups invited, such as Women Against War, Black Lives Matter, Palestinian Rights, Jewish Voice for Peace, Upper Hudson Peace Action, Interfaith Alliance, the Capital Area Council of Churches, the Interfaith Peacewalkers, Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, Muslim Solidarity Committee, Veterans for Peace and all labor, community and religious groups. Help plan events to focus on the rise of Islamophobia, excessive force and a worldwide increase of bombing and drone attacks. We invite all who wish to speak to please sign up in advance and keep to a three minute talk. For more information contact: Steve Downs [email protected] Ellie Bernstein [email protected]
BNP Fundraiser: Music Night & Pot Luck Dinner
Friday, November 6
Pot luck dinner at 5:30 pm
Program begins at 6:30 pm
Delmar Reformed Church
386 Delaware Ave, Delmar
We will begin the eveningwith a pot luck dinner and silent auction, starting at 5:30 pm. Please join us, and bring a pot luck dish to share. Individual contributions of items or services to the Silent Auction, or direct monetary contribution would also be welcome. (Checks should be made out the “Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace”. ) The program will begin at 6:15 pm. A donation of $10 is requested. $2 for students.
We will spend the evening with friends and neighbors: talking, singing and sharing wisdom and experiences from our struggle for peace and justice. Mickie Lynn; Mark Emanation & Tom Dolan; Terry Phalen; Wayne Chaet with Mo Hannah; and Terri Roben are planning to join us. Dan Wilcox will read us some of his poems. Joe Lombardo with discuss current events with us. We will have a variety of music and poetry, and a sing along with the Solidarity Singers, to close the evening. Join us!
Please RSVP if possible with then number of people who will be attending and if possible, include what dish you will be bringing for the pot luck dinner. Thanks. Send the email to Trudy at: [email protected] If you can be there to help set up and/or help clean up, please email Trudy. Questions: 466-1192.
Tuesday, November 10, 7:00pm, Oakwood Community Center, 313 10th St., Troy,NY. Scandinavian “Socialism”: Talk by Kristian F. Braekkan.The Bernie Sanders campaign has put the spotlight on the Socialism ofthe Scandinavian countries. Norwegian born Kristian F. Braekkan isuniquely qualified to comment on the realities of the Scandinaviansocial democratic history and practice. He teaches in the Economics& Management Department at Gustavus Adolphus College in SaintPeter, Minnesota. Additionally, he teaches courses in the Gender,Women, and Sexuality Studies and the Peace Studies programs. He alsoserves as the director of the annual May Day Peace Conference atGustavus. He is the co-author of The Exorcism of our Economism and isat work on a book on the Economics of Sex Work. Sponsored by The James Connolly Forum,Co-Sponsored by: Troy Area Labor Council AFL-CIO, Bethlehem Neighborsfor Peace, The Solidarity Committee of the Capital District, TheHampton Institute. Located Exit 9E off 787 Collar City Bridge forRte 7: on left at 2nd light between 9th and 10th Sts., Parking on lefton 9th St., Old Fire station building parking lot left on 10th Use thedoor facing Hoosick St. Donation of $5 requested, $2 unemployed andstudents :more information: 518 407 3582 Facebook link. Download the Flyer.
Film:”The Island President”
Saturday, October 24, 7:30 pm
First UnitarianUniversalist Society of Albany
405 WashingtonAvenue (across the street from the downtown SUNY campus)
TheSolidarity Committee continues its 2015-2016 film series with a freeshowing of the film, “The Island President” (2012, 101 minutes). This documentary recounts the story of Mohamed Nasheed of theMaldivesa man who not only brought democracy to his country afterthirty years of despotic rule but, as president, faced an even greaterchallenge: a rise in the sea level, caused by climate change, thatwould submerge the 1200 islands of his nation. The film capturesthe struggle of Nasheeds first year in office, culminating in hisdramatic visit to the Copenhagen Climate Summit of 2009. With thecrucial United Nations climate change conference of late November-earlyDecember 2015 fast approaching, The Island President (described bythe Washington Post as riveting and dazzling) provides a model ofcourageous leadership in confronting one of the great crises of ourtime. Co-sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, the Social JusticeCenter, and Upper Hudson Peace Action, the film screening will takeplace in Channing Hall of the First Unitarian Universalist Society ofAlbany, located at 405 Washington Avenue (across the street from thedowntown SUNY campus). Admission is free, and free refreshments will beprovided. Everyone is welcome to attend. Information: 466-1192
Film- CITIZENFOUR
Thursday, October 22, 6:30 – 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY 12054
CITIZENFOUR(113 minutes, 2014), is a documentary by filmmaker Laura Poitras.It follows her 2013 journey to Hong Kong, with journalist Glenn Greenwald, to meet with whistleblower Edward Snowden as he was preparing to release a wealth of classified government documents.CITIZENFOUR not only shows you the dangers of governmentalsurveillanceit makes you feel them. After seeing the film, youwill never think the same way about your phone, email, credit card, webbrowser, or profile, ever again. Sponsored by Bethlehem NeighborsforPeace. Free and open to the public. Information: 466-1192.
Friday,October 23, 7:00pm, Oakwood Community Center, 313 10th St., Troy,NY. Politics and Press Freedom: Talk by Ted Rall. TedRall, until recently, cartoonist for The Los Angeles Times, isAmericas most widely-syndicated alternative editorial cartoonist.Twice the winner of the RFK Journalism Award and a Pulitzer Prizefinalist, Ralls cartoons and illustrations have appeared in Time,Newsweek, USA Today, Rolling Stone, Esquire, The Wall Street Journal,The Village Voice and hundreds of other publications andwebsites. He is a regular contributor to MAD magazine.Rall is also aground-breaking comics journalist (an artist who reports the news usingcartoons). He has filed award-winning comics journalism from Cuba,Myanmar, Kashmir, Afghanistan and recently the student protests thatrocked Quebec during 2012. Sponsored by The James Connolly Forum,Co-Sponsored by: Troy Area Labor Council AFL-CIO, Bethlehem Neighborsfor Peace, The Solidarity Committee of the Capital District, TheHampton Institute. Located Exit 9E off 787 Collar City Bridge forRte 7: on left at 2nd light between 9th and 10th Sts., Parking on lefton 9th St., Old Fire station building parking lot left on 10th Use thedoor facing Hoosick St. Donation of $5 requested, $2 unemployed andstudents :more information: 518 407 3582 Facebook link. Download the Flyer.
Sunday,September, 27, 2:00 pm, starting at Trinity MethodistChurch 235 Lark St. Albany, NY (park in church lot), ending at Mt. ZionBaptist Church 86 Schuyler St. Albany, NY. North Star Peace Walk.Share interfaith prayers, teachings, singing and fellowship. This willbe a multi-generational inclusive family, non-politicalevent and we welcome your group/congregational banners andnon-political signs of peace. Join other community members toreaffirm common roots. Suggested Attire: White clothing Sponsors: A Village, Inc., Ahmadiyya Muslim Community,Albany Friends Meeting, Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, ChathamNeighbors for Peace, Congregation Beth Emeth Social Action Committee,Congregation Gates of Heaven, CouncilwomanVivian Kornegay, Fellowship of Reconciliation, Grafton Peace Pagoda, GuilderlandNeighbors for Peace, Islamic Center of the Capital District, KarmaTriyana, Dharmachakra, Labor Religion Coalition, Masjid As-Salam,Palestinian Rights Committee, Pine Hills Neighbors for Peace,Saratoga Neighbors for Peace, Schenectady Neighbors for Peace, Sisters of St. Joseph Albany Province Justice Committee, SouthernRensselaer Neighbors for Peace, The Su Su Womens Club, TheInterfaith Alliance of NYS, Turkish Cultural Center, UnionMissionary Baptist Church, UAlbany Interfaith Coalition, UAlbany MuslimStudent Association, UAlbany Peace Action, Underground Railroad HistoryProject, Upper Hudson Peace Action,Veterans for Peace Chap. 10, WomenAgainst War. Facebook link.
Film: “The Man Who Saved the World”
Saturday, September 26, 7:30 pm
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany
405 Washington Avenue (across the street from the downtown SUNY campus)
The Solidarity Committee of the Capital District kicks off its 2015-2016 film series with a showing of The Man Who Saved the World (2014, 110 minutes). This combined documentary and dramatic re-enactment tells the true story of Stanislav Petrov, a lieutenant colonel in the Soviet Air Defense Forces. In September 1983, when Petrov was in command of a Soviet early warning center, he received an official computer warning of five U.S. nuclear missiles launched and about to descend upon the Soviet Union. Gambling that the report was a false alarm, Petrov refused to follow standard procedure and authorize a retaliatory nuclear missile attack against the United States and Western Europe. His daring action spared the world a nuclear war. The film also features brief appearances by Kevin Costner, Walter Cronkite, Robert DeNiro, and Matt Damon. This screening of The Man Who Saved the World is the exclusive preview of the film in the capital district before its commercial release throughout the United States in October. Co-sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, the Social Justice Center, and Upper Hudson Peace Action, the film screening will take place in Channing Hall of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, located at 405 Washington Avenue (across the street from the downtown SUNY campus). Admission is free, and free refreshments will be provided. Everyone is welcome to attend. Information: 466-1192
Sunday, September, 27, 2:00 pm, starting at Trinity Methodist Church 235 Lark St. Albany, NY (park in church lot), ending at Mt. Zion Baptist Church 86 Schuyler St. Albany, NY. North Star Peace Walk. Share interfaith prayers, teachings, singing and fellowship. This will be a multi-generational inclusive family, non-political event and we welcome your group/congregational banners and non-political signs of peace. Join other community members to reaffirm common roots. Suggested Attire: White clothing Sponsors: A Village, Inc., Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Albany Friends Meeting, Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, Chatham Neighbors for Peace, Congregation Beth Emeth Social Action Committee, Congregation Gates of Heaven, CouncilwomanVivian Kornegay, Fellowship of Reconciliation, Grafton Peace Pagoda, Guilderland Neighbors for Peace, Islamic Center of the Capital District, Karma Triyana, Dharmachakra, Labor Religion Coalition, Masjid As-Salam, Palestinian Rights Committee, Pine Hills Neighbors for Peace, Saratoga Neighbors for Peace, Schenectady Neighbors for Peace, Sisters of St. Joseph Albany Province Justice Committee, Southern Rensselaer Neighbors for Peace, The Su Su Womens Club, The Interfaith Alliance of NYS, Turkish Cultural Center, Union Missionary Baptist Church, UAlbany Interfaith Coalition, UAlbany Muslim Student Association, UAlbany Peace Action, Underground Railroad History Project, Upper Hudson Peace Action,Veterans for Peace Chap. 10, Women Against War. Facebook link.
Thursday, September 10, 4:00 to 6:00 pm, OBrien Federal Building, North Pearl St and Clinton Ave, Albany. Demonstration to Support 7 Nation Iran Agreement and a Nuclear Weapons-Free Zone in the Middle East . Please join us to show your support, Co-Sponsored by:Palestinian Rights Committee of Upper Hudson Peace Action, Women Against War, Jewish Voice for Peace- Albany Chapter, Middle East Crisis Response, and Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace. Contact: Tom Ellis: [email protected] or 518-453-8874.
Resisting War: Vietnam to Iraq
Thursday, September 3, 7:00 – 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY
April 2015 marked the 40th Year Anniversary of the End of the Vietnam War. This forum will focus on three people who resisted the Vietnam War. Bob Sharkey was a non-religious conscientious objector during the Vietnam War. He will talk about what led up to his decision and will also talk about how he has tried to apply conscientious thinking since then to resisting actions that might led to war and violence. Tarak Kauff, Veteran for Peace, will talk about how he has resisted war for many decades. The third panelist will be Joe Lombardo, local activist and current co-coordinator of the United National Antiwar Coalition. Joe will discuss protesting war, then and now. The presentations will be followed by questions and answers. Join us! Sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace. Free and open to the public. For additional information call (518) 466-1192.
BNP Discussion
Monday, August 24, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Meet at Four Corners, after vigil to determine location
Delmar, NY
Our gatherings here are are always lively and interesting, with many good ideas discussed among neighbors and friends. Contact: 466-1192 for further information. New members always welcome!
Wednesday, August 26, Noon, Leo O’Brien Federal Building, N. Pearl & Clinton, Albany, Rally for Diplomacy, not War with Iran. Diplomacy or war. That’s the choice facing Congress when it comes to the nuclear deal with Iran. We will thank Sen. Gillibrand and Congressman Paul Tonko, who support the agreement, for advancing peace and diplomacy over confrontation in the Middle East. We are coming to Sen. Schumer’s office to urge him to change his mind, and listen to his peace-loving constituents, not war-loving Wall St. Senator Schumer should support the Iran agreement. Sponsored by MoveOn, Women Against War, Upper Hudson-Peace Action, Jewish Voices for Peace- Albany Chapter, Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, Citizen Action. Information: Susan Weber (462-3247 [email protected]) or Joe Seeman (583-4326 [email protected])
Monday, August 3, 5:30 – 9:00 pm, Muslim Solidarity Committee, Project SALAM and the Capital Region NCPCF Presents 11th Anniversary Commemoration of the Arrests of Yassin Aref & Mohammed Hossain With Rally, Speakers, Dinner, March, And Movie.
RALLY, SPEAKERS, DINNER: 5:30 pm Masjid As-Salam Mosque, 280 Central Avenue, Albany. Dinner will be served at the Masjid As-Salam after the rally and speakers.
MARCH: 6:45 p.m. to the Linda, 339 Central Avenue, Albany
MOVIE: 7:00 pm at the Linda, 339 Central Avenue, Albany. A screening of the documentary The Newburgh Sting. The Newburgh Sting, which won a Peabody Award in 2014, is a detailed look at the use of FBI informants through the Newburgh 4 case, which turned four innocent African American men into terrorists. The same informant was used in Albanys Aref-Hossain case. Alicia McWilliams, aunt of one of the defendants, and others will speak after the film. Free admission or goodwill donation.
The Muslim Solidarity Committee has held a commemoration event each year since 2006 to remember the men and show support for their families, and will continue to mark the anniversary of their arrests annually until Aref and Hossain are released, in 2018 and 2020 respectively. Area peace and justice groups co-sponsoring the August 3 events are Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, Capital Area Against Mass Incarceration (CAAMI), Dr. Dhafir Support Committee (Syracuse), Jewish Voices for Peace/Albany chapter, Masjid As-Salam, New York Civil Liberties Union/Capital Region Chapter, Saratoga Peace Alliance, Save the Pine Bush, Solidarity Committee of the Capital District, Upper Hudson Peace Action, Veterans for Peace/Thomas Paine and Saratoga Chapters, Women Against War. For information contact Lynne Jackson at [email protected] or Kathy Manley at [email protected]
Peace Action Film Series: This August marks the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombs dropped by the U.S. on Japan, which caused extreme suffering. Today, even more disastrous weapons are stockpiled, nine nations are known to have them, and the world is at high risk, both from weapons and from the hazards of nuclear power. The commemoration of this anniversary reinforces the need to learn more facts, and develop more strategies in the work to abolish nukes. Join in, and say Never Again! to such suffering and destruction. All films are free and open to the public.
Tuesday, August 4, 6:00 7:45 pm, Niskayuna PublicLibrary, 2400 Nott St. E., Niskayuna, NY. Film: Nuclear Savage (2011, Director Adam Jonas Horowitz). Featuring recently declassified U.S. government documents, survivor testimony, and unseen archival footage, Nuclear Savage uncovers one of the most troubling chapters in modern American history: how Marshall islanders, considered an uncivilized culture, were deliberately used as human guinea pigs to study the effects of nuclear fallout on human beings. Sponsored by Schenectady Neighbors for Peace. Information: [email protected]
Film- Message from Hiroshima
Wednesday, August 5, 7:00 – 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY 12054
Message From Hiroshima (52 minutes, 2015), narrated by George Takei, provides an inside look at life and culture in the city before the first atomic bomb was deployed. Today, where the Hon and Motoyasu rivers meet, stands the Peace Memorial Park – the former location of the Nakajima district, which once was home to thousands of people and hundreds of businesses. When the atomic bomb was detonated 2,000 feet above Hiroshima’s city center on August 6, 1945, all of that vanished. Seventy years later, director Masaaki Tanabe makes it his mission to revive the memory of what once was by interviewing /hibakusha/ (survivors) and former residents. These heart-wrenching testimonials, along with computer-generated recreations of restaurants, shoe stores, cinemas, and the famous Industrial Promotion Hall, takes us deep into the hustle and bustle of a lost culture and people. Japanese, with English subtitles and English narration. View Trailer. Co-sponsored by Upper Hudson Peace Action and Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace. Free and open to the public. Information: 466-1192. 
Monday, August 10, 7:00 8:45pm, Albany Public Library, 161 Washington Ave., Albany, NY.
Film: The Ultimate Wish (2012, Director, Robert Richter). This film raises profound questions about war, American foreign policy, technological failure, the courage to survive and the importance of taking positive actions to prevent future nuclear disasters. Prime focus is on Sakue Shimohira, age ten and hiding in a Nagasaki shelter when the nuclear bomb dropped on August 9, 1945. In one of the films most powerful moments Sakue describes her sisters suicide ten years after the war ended as “the courage to die.” Mrs. Shimohira found “the courage to live” and dedicate her life to abolishing nuclear weapons. Sponsored by Upper Hudson Peace Action. [email protected]
Thursday, July 16, 5:30 – 7:00 pm, Dana Park (intersection of Madison Avenue and Delaware Avenue, Albany), Vigil to mark the 1 year anniversary of Israel’s brutal war against the people of Gaza. Solidarity with the Palestinian people / End U.S. military aid to Israel / End the Occupation / End the Blockade of Gaza. Co-sponsors (list in formation): Jewish Voice for Peace (Albany chapter), Palestinian Rights Committee of Upper Hudson Peace Action, Social Justice Center, Capital Area Against Mass Incarceration (CAAMI), Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace. More information about the devastation caused to the people of Gaza can be found in the United Nations report. Information: Mark Mishler @ 518-466-9762, for Jewish Voice for Peace, Albany Chapter.
BNP: Making Music for Peace
Tuesday, July 21, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Bethlehem Town Hall
445 Delaware Ave, Delmar
Bring your voices, guitars, drums, spoons etc., and maybe a snack to share. We will sing and play along to some of the wonderful peace songs we all know and love. If you have a favorite peace song, please bring the lyrics/music so we can sing along with you. Information 466-1192.
Film- Obey
Thursday, July 2, 7:00 – 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY 12054
“Obey” ( 51 minutes, 2013). This is a film based on the book “Death of the Liberal Class” by journalist and Pulitzer prize winner, Chris Hedges. It charts the rise of the Corporate State, and examines the future of obedience in a world of unfettered capitalism, globalisation, staggering inequality and environmental change. The film predominantly focuses on US corporate capitalism. It was made completely of clips found on the web. A discussion will follow the film. Free. Everyone is welcome. Information: 466-1192.
Friday, June 19, 7:00 pm, Oakwood Community Center, 313 10th St., Troy,NY. The James Connolly Forum: Bhaskar Sunkara: Building a Major Radical Alternative in Todays Media. Bhaskar Sunkara will give a talk about Building a Major Radical Alternative in Todays Media. Bhaskar Sunkara is an American political writer, editor and publisher of Jacobin magazine. The son of immigrants from Trinidad and Tobago, Sunkara described Jacobin as a radical publication, largely the product of a younger generation not quite as tied to the Cold War paradigms that sustained the old leftist intellectual milieus like Dissent or New Politics. The New York Times described Jacobin as an improbable hit, buoyed by the radical stirrings of the Occupy movement and a bitingly satirical but serious-minded style. Located Exit 9E off 787 Collar City Bridge for Rte 7: on left at 2nd light between 9th and 10th Sts. Parking on left on 9th St., Old Fire station building parking lot left on 10th Use the door facing Hoosick St. Donation of $5 requested, $2 unemployed and students. More information: 518 505 0948
Film- The Koch Brothers Exposed 2014
Wednesday, June 3, 7:00 – 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY 12054
The Koch Brothers Exposed 2014 ( 60 minutes, 2014) The hour-long documentary is an updated version of a Robert Greenwald film originally released in 2012.The updated documentary shows how the Koch brothers have used their vast fortunes to oppose government programs such as Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security, as well as obstruct efforts to raise the minimum wage, tackle climate change and expand voting rights. We are joined by the films director, Robert Greenwald, founder and president of Brave New Films. A discussion will follow the film. Free. Everyone is welcome. Information: 466-1192.
Thursday, June 4, 7:00 pm, Oakwood Community Center, 313 10th St., Troy, NY. The James Connolly Forum: Steve Ellner on Venezuela After Chavez, Challenges in Post-Chavez Venezuela, Is the Process of Change in Danger? The death of the popular leader Hugo Chavez and the collapse of oil prices have left the socialist government of Venezuela in a difficult position to continue the course that benefited the poor and working people of that country. Steve Ellner will discuss the latest developments in Venezuela and what they mean for the notable political changes in Latin America in recent decades. Steve Ellner is the author of dozens of books and articles on Latin America and has been teaching history and political science at the University of the East in Venezuela since 1977. He is a regular contributor to In These Times and NACLA: Report on the Americas. His most recent book is Rethinking Venezuelan Politics: Class, Conflict, and the Chávez Phenomenon Located Exit 9E off 787 Collar City Bridge for Rte 7: on left at 2nd light between 9th and 10th Sts. Parking on left on 9th St., Old Fire station building parking lot left on 10th Use the door facing Hoosick St. Donation of $5 requested, $2 unemployed and students. More information: 518 505 0948
The Vietnam War: “40 Years Later”
Friday, May 15, 7:00 – 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY
April marks the 40th Year Anniversary of the End of the Vietnam War. Historian Larry Wittner and Veteran for Peace Dan Wilcox will be the speakers at this event. Larry Wittner will be in Vietnam in April, as a member of a delegation from the Vietnam Peace Commemoration Committee, a group of leading peace activists who worked to stop the Vietnam War in the 1960’s. This forum will be an opportunity for Larry to discuss his trip to Vietnam and reflect on war and its aftermath. May 1-2, Dan Wilcox will be attending a Conference in Washington DC titled, “Vietnam: The Power of Protest”. Dan will discuss the conference and also speak about his experiences as a soldier and an antiwar activist during the Vietnam War.
Heres an excerpt from a petition that 1,000 + historians sent to the US governments 50th anniversary commemoration program: Your official commemoration should be an opportunity to hear, recognize and perhaps reconcile or heal the lasting wounds of that era. If the US government cannot provide a bridge for crossing that Vietnam divide, how can we urge reconciliation in other parts of the world where sectarian tensions are on the rise? We believe, as did such a huge proportion of the US population decades ago, that the Vietnam War was a mistake. No commemoration of the war can ignore that view. How else can we as a nation hope to learn the lessons of Vietnam, to avoid repeating that mistake over and over again? See more at: http://historynewsnetwork.org/article/157189#sthash.7qgBt2vU.dpuf
Join us! Sponsored by Upper Hudson Peace Action and Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace. Free and open to the public. For additional information call (518) 466-1192.
May 8 – 10, Empire Meadows (Clarion) Hotel, Secaucus, New Jersey (30 minutes from New York City), UNAC National Conference, Featured speakers will include Hatem Abudayyeh, Susan Abulhawa, Pam Africa, Abayomi Azikiwe, Ajamu Baraka, Medea Benjamin, The Cuban 5, Lamis Deek, Steve Downs, Bernadette Ellorin, Glen Ford, Sara Flounders, Bruce Gagnon, Teresa Gutierrez, Lawrence Hamm, Chris Hedges, Joe Iosbaker, Charles Jenkins, Antonia Juhasz, Chuck Kaufman, Kathy Kelly, Jeff Mackler, Christine Marie, Ray McGovern, Cynthia McKinney, Michael McPhearson, Malik Mujahid, Lucy Pagoada, Lynne Stewart, David Swanson, Clarence Thomas, Ann Wright, Kevin Zeese & many more at …
Schedule of events and speakers.
Additionally, we will hear a special presentation by some of the Cuban 5, recently released from prison, who will Skype into the conference. To read the history of their case, please go here: http://www.thecuban5.org/ or http://www.freethefive.org/
Help build the antiwar movement. Join us! Register today!
Stop the Wars at Home & Abroad!
Bring All U.S. Troops Home Now!
Self-Determination for All Oppressed Peoples!
Stop Police Abuse at Home!
End All U.S. Support for Israel!
Stop Pentagon Climate Pollution!
Good Jobs, Quality Education, Affordable Health Care!
Civil & Democratic Rights for All!
Join the Facebook event Invite your Facebook friends to join the event. To register and for more information, go to the conference web site.To register for a room at the hotel at the conference reduced rate, call 201-348-6900 and say it is for the UNAC Antiwar.
If you need a ride from the Capital District or want to find someone to share a hotel room, please send an email to [email protected].
Wednesday, May 13, 7:00 PM, Social Justice Center,33 Central Ave, Albany, NY. The Alternative to Capitalism: A Vision for the Future and How to Get There, The alternative to environmental destruction, overt, covert and drone wars, all pervasive government surveillance, Ferguson-style racism & militarization of the police, multi-trillion dollar corporate bailouts, trillions in social cutback, women’s and LGBT oppression, mass Latino deportations, persecution of Muslim communities and the rule of the one percent. Speakers: Stanislas Meunier and Jeff Mackler. Stanislas Meunier is a leader of the New Anticapicalist Party (NAP) of France. The NAP was founded in 2009 with the idea to regroup all those who want to fight against the system, whether they are trade-unionists, feminist, LGBT activists, greens or anti racists activists. Its recent activities include being the only political organization that challenged in the streets the France ban on solidarity protests with Palestine in July 2014. Jeff Mackler is the author of several booklets and books including: Free Palestine! Obamas National Security State Exposed: The Meaning of the Edward Snowden Revelations Ukraine in Turmoil Stop the Occupation of Iraq! Revolution and Counter-Revolution in Egypt The Tragedy of Libya Capitalism Damns the Environment The Cuban Revolution: Beleaguered But Undaunted Chiapas Rebellion Awakens Mexico CIA – Crack in America: The Tragedy of Gary Webb Assault on Nicaragua: The Untold Story of the U.S. Secret War Jeff Mackler is a founder of the Mobilization for Peace, Jobs and Justice; a member of the Administrative Committee of UNAC (United National Antiwar Coalition); Director, Mobilization to Free Mumia Abu-Jamal and Coordinator, Lynne Stewart Defense Committee. He is currently National Secretary of Socialist Action For more information: 518-439-1968 or [email protected]
Film: “Pride”
Saturday, April 25, 7:30 pm
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany
405 Washington Avenue (across the street from the downtown SUNY campus)
The Solidarity Committee of the Capital District continues its 2014-2015 film series with a screening of “Pride (2014, 120 minutes). This is a docudrama about striking British mineworkers who drew support from a coalition of gay and lesbian activists who solicited donations to help tide over the miners’ families during the 1984 standoff with Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s government. This film-showing co-sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, the Social Justice Center, and Upper Hudson Peace Action will take place in Channing Hall of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, located at 405 Washington Avenue (across the street from the downtown SUNY campus).Admission is free, and free refreshments will be provided. Everyone is welcome to attend. Information: 466-1192
International Peace & Planet Conference, April 24-25. Cooper Union, 30 Cooper Square, New York City, NY. The International Peace & Planet Conference – taking place April 24-25 in New York City on the eve of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference – is being organized on the basis of five themes: nuclear weapons abolition, move the money (cutting military spending to prevent wars and fund essential human needs), climate change and environmental justice, the new era of global military tensions and wars, and racial equity and the demilitarization of policing. The plenaries will be held at Cooper Union, with the locations of the workshops to be announced soon. Register for the International Peace & Planet Conference
Film- The Black Power Mixtapes 1967-1975
Thursday, April 2, 6:45 – 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY 12054
The Black Power Mixtapes From 1967 to ’75 (96 minutes, 2011), is a film that should be seen by all who want to understand racism in the US. From 1967-1975, a Swedish film crew recorded interviews with major figures in the Black Power movement, creating hours of footage that remained unreleased for decades. In clips, Stokely Carmichael, Huey P. Newton and Angela Davis discuss the movement’s evolution. With contemporary audio interviews from leading African American artists, activists, musicians and scholars, The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975 looks at the people, society, culture, and style of the era. Recent events, including the Black Lives Matter movement, are a direct result of the failure to address the issues brought forward by the Black Power Movement. Free. Everyone is welcome. Information: 466-1192.
Saturday, March 21, 1:00 – 2:00 PM, Intersection of Central Ave & Wolf Road, Albany, SPRING RISING – The Albany Anti-War Demonstration. Also in Saratoga Springs: 12-1 pm in front of the Saratoga Post Office, 475 Broadway.On March 21st, peace activists around the country will hold demonstrations protesting the US endless war-making, timed to coincide with the start of the Iraq invasion in 2003. In Washington, DC, a protest in front of the White House and a march to the Capitol on the 21st will culminate several days of teach-ins and lobbying. The protest goals are to increase opposition to wars and militarism, and in particular to US military operations in Iraq, Afghanistan & Syria, as well as US drone attacks and surveillance worldwide. Spring Rising also advocates the closure of US military bases overseas, the dismantling of the US nuclear arsenal, the demilitarization of police forces and a halt to their targeting of minority communities, and increased understanding of and resistance to US military operations acceleration of climate chaos. PLEASE BRING RELEVANT SIGNS! SPRING RISING has been endorsed by numerous national and local groups including Code Pink, UNAC, Veterans for Peace and Voices for Creative Nonviolence. Here in the Capital District, our March 21st demonstration is co-sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, Grannies for Peace and Women Against War. Snow or No Snow! Information: 466-1192 or [email protected] Register on Facebook
March 21, the antiwar movement will return to Washington, DC for a massive rally against U.S. Wars. End all Wars at Home and Abroad! Join us!
Here’s the schedule so far:
Wednesday, March 18: Peace gathering and fellowship.
Thursday, March 19th: Lobbying on Capitol Hill, followed by a tour of the war machine: homes and offices of war criminals.
Friday, March 20th: Afternoon and evening teach-in: Ending Current Wars, Ending the Institution of War.
This event will examine ISIS and U.S. warmaking in Western Asia and elsewhere; the damage militarism does to the natural environment, economies, and civil rights; and how the war system can be replaced with a peace system.
Saturday, March 21st: Protest at the White House, followed by march.
This nonviolent intervention was originally proposed by Cindy Sheehan’s Soapbox and the Soapbox People’s Network. It has been endorsed and will be supported by Amnesty International Charlottesville, the ANSWER Coalition, the Bill of Rights Defense Committee, the Baltimore Pledge of Resistance, CND CYMRU, CODEPINK, the Granny Peace Brigade of New York City, KnowDrones.com, Maryland United for Peace and Justice, Military Families Speak Out, the National Association Against Police Brutality, the National Campaign for Nonviolent Resistance, the Network to Stop Drone Surveillance and Warfare, the No Fear Coalition, United National Antiwar Coalition, Veterans For Peace, Voices for Creative Non-Violence, WarIsACrime.org, Washington Peace Center, Witness Against Torture, World Beyond War, and World Can’t Wait. To endorse, volunteer, get involved or learn more, go to: http://SpringRising.org Contact Dede at [email protected] To join the Facebook event for Spring Rising For more information on what will happen in DC during from Wednesday March 18 through Saturday, March 21
Some from the Capital District will be going to DC. If you are interested in carpooling, e-mail: [email protected].
BNP: Making Music for Peace
Tuesday, March 17, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Bethlehem Town Hall
445 Delaware Ave, Delmar
Bring your voices, guitars, drums, spoons etc., and maybe a snack to share. We will sing and play along to some of the wonderful peace songs we all know and love. If you have a favorite peace song, please bring the lyrics/music so we can sing along with you. Information 466-1192. 
Monday, March 9, 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Siena College, 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, New York, Father Benjamin Kuhn House. Talk by Nazila Fathi, Iranian journalist and author, former New York Times correspondent based in Tehran and author of the recently released: “The Lonely War: One Woman’s Account of the Struggle for Modern Iran”. From 2001 to 2009, Fathi was based in Tehran as the only full-time New York Times correspondent in Iran; prior to that, she wrote for TIME magazine, and Agence France-Presses. Nazila Fathi is a journalist, translator, and commentator on Iran who reported out of the country for nearly two decades until 2009, when threats from the Iranian government forced her into exile. Listen to Nazila Fathi’s Interview on NPR’s Morning Edition Boland Room of Father Benjamin Kuhn House, Building 15 on campus map. Campus Map .Parking: use lot U, on Turchi Road near the athletic complex. Turchi is off of Spring Street Road, which runs from Route 9 along the south edge of the campus. Sponsored by Women Against War, Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, Upper Hudson Peace Action, Siena College Fair Tade and Social Justice Program.
BNP Forum: Intersectionality
Thursday, March 5, 7:00 – 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY
Intersectionality for purposes of this forum is defined as the study of intersections between forms or systems of oppression, domination or discrimination. “This feminist sociological theory was first named by Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989, though the concept can be traced back to the 19th century. The theory suggests thatand seeks to examine howvarious biological, social and cultural categories such as gender, race, class, ability, sexual orientation, religion, caste, and other axes of identity interact on multiple and often simultaneous levels, contributing to systematic injustice and social inequality. Intersectionality holds that the classical conceptualizations of oppression within society, such as racism, sexism, biphobia, homophobia, transphobia, and belief-based bigotry, do not act independently of one another. Instead, these forms of oppression interrelate, creating a system of oppression that reflects the “intersection” of multiple forms of discrimination.” From Wikipedia An example of intersectionality would be the School-to-Prison-Pipeline where there are disproportionate numbers of racial minorities and children with disabilities who are subjected to this institutional system of structural inequality. The panel will include Angelica Clarke, Mari Matsuo and Mary Finneran. Angelica Clarke will be discussing the movement against mass incarceration, and how the way we frame justice as punishment rather than restoration, and how that cultural lens damages more vulnerable communities (those dealing with intersections of oppression) more keenly. She will be using Angela Davis, Kim Crensaw, Mariame Kaba, and personal reflections to do that. Mary Finneran will talk about public education oppression, and how environmental assaults are much more likely to affect poor communities, with the poor being as treated as “dispensable”. Mari Matsuo be talking about the connections between racism against minorities here in the U.S. and the lack of value for non-american, non-white lives overseas. She will also discuss how international corporations are involved with oppression both domestically and abroad. Each panelist will speak for about 15 minutes, followed by a discussion period with questions and answers. Free and open to the public. For additional information call (518) 466-1192.
February 4-20, 2015, Standish Library, Siena College, 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, New York. Boycott! The Art of Economic Activism. An exhibition highlighting posters from more than 20 campaigns using economic pressure to secure people’s rights and achieve justice, including: Montgomery Bus Boycott, United Farm Worker grape and lettuce boycotts, Anti-Apartheid Movement, Anti-Sweatshop campaigns, Palestinian call for Boycott, Divest and Sanctions BDS). Opening Reception on Monday, February 9, 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Panel Discussion on Wednesday, February 11, 7:00 – 9:00 pm. Participants in several campaigns will discuss the art and practice of economic activism. Created by American Friends Service Committee and Center for the Study of Political Graphics. Sponsored by Fair Trade and Scoial Justice PRogram, Upper Hudson Peace Action, Jewish Voice for Peace- Albany NY, Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, Women Against War and Solidarity Committee Albany of the New York Capital District. Information: call 518-966-5366 or email [email protected]
Talk by Brian Jones- “The Fight for Public Education: Race, Class, and Privatization”
Friday, February 20, 7:00 pm
Oakwood Community Center
313 10th St., Troy, N.Y.
Brian Jones taught elementary grades for nine years in New York Citys public schools, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Urban Education at the City University of New York Graduate Center. He was the Green Partys 2014 candidate for Lieutenant Governor of New York. Brian co-narrated the film, The Inconvenient Truth Behind Waiting for Superman, and has contributed to several books, including More Than a Score: The New Uprising Against High-Stakes Testing. He is a member of the Movement of Rank and File Educators: the social justice caucus of the United Federation of Teachers. Brian has also lent his voice to several audiobooks, including The John Carlos Story: The Sports Moment That Changed the World and Howard Zinns one-man play, Marx in Soho. Brian is the recipient of a 2012 Lannan Cultural Freedom Fellowship. Located Exit 9E off 787 Collar City Bridge for Rte 7: on left at 2nd light between 9th and 10th Sts. Parking on left on 9th St., Old Fire station building parking lot left on 10th Use the door facing Hoosick St. Donation of $5 requested, $2 unemployed and students more information: 518 505 0948 labor donated. Located Exit 9E off 787 Collar City Bridge for Rte 7: on left at 2nd light between 9th and 10th Sts. Parking on left on 9th St., Old Fire station building parking lot left on 10th Use the door facing Hoosick St. Donation of $5 requested, $2 unemployed and students :more information: 518 505 0948 James Connolly Forum web page.
Film- The Internet’s Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz
Thursday, February 12, 6:45 – 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY 12054
The Internet’s Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz (105 minutes, 2014) is the story of programming prodigy and information activist Aaron Swartz. From Swartz’s help in development of the basic internet protocol RSS to his co-founding of Reddit, his fingerprints are all over the internet. But it was his groundbreaking work in social justice and political organizing, combined with his activist approach to information access that resulted in his two year legal battle with the Federal government. It was a battle that ended with the taking of his own life at the age of 26. ‘A devastating meditation on what can happen when a prescient thinker challenges corporate interests.’ New York Times Free. Everyone is welcome. Information: 466-1192.
Film: “Pete Seeger: The Power of Song”
Saturday, February 14, 7:30 pm
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany
405 Washington Avenue (across the street from the downtown SUNY campus)
The Solidarity Committee of the Capital District continuesits 2014-2015 film series with a screening of Pete Seeger: The Power of Song (2007, 90 minutes). This first authorized film biography of the great folksinger and political activist reveals him as an extraordinary individual, convinced that music and people could make a difference. Ferociously attacked by critics, including the U.S. government, for his daring views on peace, unions, civil rights, ecology, and more, Seeger went from the top of the hit parade to the top of the blacklist. Nevertheless, he had the courage to stick to his convictions and, ultimately, he prevailed. His inspiring story, accompanied by wonderful music, is told by Bruce Springsteen, Joan Baez, Tom Paxton, Bob Dylan, Arlo Guthrie, and Seeger himself. This film-showing co-sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, the Social Justice Center, and Upper Hudson Peace Action will take place in Channing Hall of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, located at 405 Washington Avenue (across the street from the downtown SUNY campus). Admission is free, and free refreshments will be provided. Everyone is welcome to attend. Information: 466-1192
BNP: Making Music for Peace
Tuesday, January 20, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Bethlehem Town Hall
445 Delaware Ave, Delmar
Bring your voices, guitars, drums, spoons etc., and maybe a snack to share. We will sing and play along to some of the wonderful peace songs we all know and love. If you have a favorite peace song, please bring the lyrics/music so we can sing along with you. Information 466-1192.
Joe Lombardo & Mo Hannah on their trip to Moscow
Thursday, January 15, 7:00 – 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY 12054
Joe Lombardo and Mo Hannah traveled to Moscow, Russia in December. They met with Russian peace activists and attended a peace conference as part of a United National Antiwar Coalition (UNAC) sponsored delegation. Joe and Mo will share photos of their trip and talk with us about their experiences. Free. Everyone is welcome. Information: 466-1192.
BNP Discussion
Monday, January 5, 6:00 pm
Meet at Four Corners, after vigil to determine location, Delmar, NY
Our gatherings here are are always lively and interesting, with many goo ideas discussed among neighbors and friends. Contact: 466-1192 for further information. New members always welcome!