Taking a stand in the New Year
“We must never again see a Confederate flag in the nation’s capital,” says Racial Justice Rising organizer Emily Greene. “Our Saturday morning vigils have focused on the Black Lives Matter message, but we must directly counter white supremacy too.” Traprock joined with others on the Greenfield Common on Saturday, January 9th, for 10 am to noon vigils -- and will return on Saturdays Jan. 16 and 23rd. more
And in Northfield, January 9
Photo: Cate Wollner
Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in this day-long, virtual gathering that will include: an historic tour; convocation with panelists and keynote speaker; workshops; and opportunities to get involved in social justice work. (more here)
From 2-3pm: Workshop with Traprock's Sarah Pirtle: Commitment Deepening: Conversation for European Americans about the Insurrection and Changing White Male Supremacy Culture
COMING ACTIONS: January 22-23, 2021
Greenfield Common: At the Saturday vigil, January 23rd, 11-12pm, Traprock will join others worldwide in welcoming the UN Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, goimg into effect on January 22. Originally passed in July 2017, it became international law when ratified by 50 of the 122 signing countries. More will follow. More on the Treaty here: https://www.icanw.org/
These are two of the events happening all over the world -- at nuclear weapons sites, corporations makimg nuclear weapons, in cyberspace, and on town commons -- as the historic Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons enters into force in its first 50 ratifying countries, making anything related to nuclear weapons ILLEGAL in those countries.
Jan. 21, 9 am PITTSFIELD: General Dynamics (100 Plastics Ave.) makes launch mechanisms for nuclear weapons. We'll inform staff how the Treaty will affect their company, even if the US never joins it.
Jan. 22, Noon NORTHAMPTON: L3 Harris (50 Prince St.) is a subcontractor of Northrop Grumman’s $85 billion contract to build a new U.S. intercontinental ballistic missile system. In addition to delivering information to staff, there will be a press conference, with government leaders and speakers from many organizations invited to share views on the many costs of nuclear weapons.
BREAKING NEWS!
Governor signs bill to establish commission to change the state seal and flag
A commission will be created to recommend a new seal and motto for Massachusetts, after Gov. Charlie Baker on Monday, January 11th, 2021 signed (S.2848) - the Resolve calling for the creation of a special commission to study and recommend a new or revised state seal and motto. The commission must complete its work by October 1st of this year, and recommend changes to the seal and motto that will "faithfully reflect and embody the historic and contemporary commitments of the Commonwealth to peace, justice, liberty and equality and to spreading the opportunities and advantages of education."
The present state flag and seal depicts a Native person standing beneath a white arm holding a naked Colonial broadsword, with the Latin motto, "By the sword we seek peace...." more
On Thursday, Jan. 14 at 7:00 p.m., Jewish Voice for Peace Boston will be hosting“The IHRA Definition of Antisemitism: A wolf in sheep's clothing”. HERE is the event link.
"As the attacks on the capital last week demonstrated, antisemitism is a rising danger, deeply embraced by white supremacists, and must be combated wherever it rears its ugly head. But a definition of antisemitism created by International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) and promoted in the U.S. and globally by pro-Israel forces does nothing to keep Jews safe. Instead, by equating criticism of Israel with antisemitism, and calling anti-Zionism “hate speech”, it functions to silence Palestinians, supporters of BDS, and anti-racists. Hear JVP's Sonya Meyerson-Knox Director of Communications and Amahl Bishara, Professor of Anthropology at Tufts University discuss the origins, dangers and impact of this new definition."..More and registration: https://www.facebook.com/events/2758873584375308
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When We Can Breathe Again
Voices of area children
Saturday, January 23, 1 pm
 On Saturday January 23rd, 2021, Racial Justice Rising along with Gloria Matlock's Twice as Smart Program and Vicki Citron’s Musica Franklin, with thanks to GCTV and Michael Nix, will present the voices of children, on how they are surviving during the pandemic. The program will be screened via you tube at https://racialjusticerising.org/video-gallery/, at 1:00pm and will begin with two wonderful 30 minute videos that the children made, one of them talking about Covid back in Sept 2020. Some of the children will join the video and talk about how things have changed for them over the last four months. Musica Franklin will end the program with a performance by the children, singing and playing their violins. Please join us as we start the New Year with hope for our future. The video will stay on our website for those who miss the date.
www.racialjusticerising.org email@racialjusticerising.org
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Co-presented with the W.E.B. Du Bois Department of Afro-American Studies
Young people have transformed the climate movement. Youth of color and youth from the Global South have been especially central in this process.
"Ugandan climate activist Vanessa Nakate, executive director of the Sunrise Movement Varshini Prakash ‘15, and other leading climate organizers will reflect on their personal experiences in the movement and share their organizing strategy, insights, and visions for the world they’re fighting to win."
This event will be held in person if circumstances permit + live and recorded on Zoom, Facebook and YouTube. Spanish interpretation and closed captioning will be available. To participate live register here
CLIMATE ACTION NOW PRESENTS
Soil Health and Carbon Sequestration Series
Beyond Stopping Emissions:
How Healthy Soil and Plants
Can Help Restore Climate Balance
Carbon Farming: Impact of Agrochemicals on Soils and Climate
with Ed Stockman of NOFA & Regeneration MASS
Tuesday, February 2, 2021, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Information and registration: http://climateactionnowma.org/speakerseries/
Dress warmly! Despite winter weather, Saturday solidarity and peace vigils continue in Greenfield and Orange
On Greenfield Town Common: 10-11 am, Racial Justice Rising weekly vigil. If weather too bad, check with Guacomolly54@gmail.com
11am-noon, Greenfield Weekly Peace Vigil.
At Orange Memorial Park by the Peace Statue: 10 to 11 a.m.
Bring signs expressing solidarity Wear a mask
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