Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Drone bombings by the USA


Picture of a drone victim - from The Guardian UK

“On a fall afternoon in 2012, Mamana called Nabila and a squad of her siblings and cousins outside to the family’s okra fields, part of their sprawling garden in tribal Pakistan. It was about to be the Eid festival and the Rehman family needed to gather and prepare vegetables. Nabila, nine years old, had set to work when the drone fired its missiles. 
A dark plume of dust rose from the garden and mixed with acrid smoke. It spared Nabila and the other children the sight of their grandmother’s mutilated corpse. 
Her older cousins, all male, ran to help the screaming children. Nabila’s hand and her arm were injured with burns and shrapnel. Her three-year-old brother, Safdar, who was watching the harvest from the roof of their home, had fallen to the ground, breaking bones in his chest and shoulders. The teenagers had gotten Nabila and some of the others out of the way when the second round of missiles hit, in what the CIA refers to as a “double-tap” - to make sure it kills its targets.”

Sunday, April 24, 2016

Upcoming events for the week of April 24, 2016


Rainbow from Mt. Pisgah on April 21, 2016


UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR BY DANCEWATER

04/25/16 KEN ILGUNAS READING & SIGNING
Ken Ilgunas’ amazing adventure, detailed in Trespassing Across America, took him along the length of the proposed Keystone XL pipeline on foot, a journey that gave him firsthand insight into the people and places that would be most affected by the pipeline. Combining travel narrative, science, statistics, and cultural commentary, the book synthesizes multiple genres to make a profound statement about our world’s shifting landscapes. Author Candace Savage praises it as “an exhilarating adventure” that will leave you “emboldened and filled with hope.” Ken is the author of Walden on Wheels and has hitchhiked 10,000 miles across North America and paddled 1,000 miles across Ontario in a birch-bark canoe. Location is Malaprops in downtown Asheville and time is 7 PM. Contact Malaprops for more information.

04/26/16 HEMLOCK TREATMENT WORKDAY
Join the collaboration between MountainTrue and the Hemlock Restoration Initiative as we treat hemlocks in an effort to protect them from the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA). Eastern and Carolina hemlock populations are declining due to the HWA, a small pest thriving off the hemlock’s stored and available nutrients. MountainTrue and the Hemlock Restoration Initiative are safely treating Eastern and Carolina hemlocks chemically to keep them alive until bio-controls are successfully implemented and we need your help. Time is 10 AM to 4 PM and location is DuPont State Recreational Forest in Cedar Mountain, NC. Contact Amanda at amanda@mountaintrue.org for details and to RSVP.

04/26/16 NELDA HOLDER READING & SIGNING
In her book The Thirteenth Juror: Investigating the Grand Jury Transcripts, Nelda Holder transports us into the ranks of the 12 members of the grand jury in the Michael Brown Case. She reports on the details of the case in depth and argues for an overhaul of the grand jury process in this country while also highlighting the tragic events in Ferguson, MO, and their aftermath. Nelda is a seasoned journalist who worked as the associate editor of the Mountain Xpress and now manages Politically Purple NC. Location is Malaprops in downtown Asheville and time is 7 PM. Contact Malaprops for more information.

04/26/16 THE STATE OF BLACK ASHEVILLE ADDRESS BY REV. BARBER
Come hear Rev. William Barber, Director of the North Carolina NAACP, speak on the The State of Black Asheville & The Power of the Vote.  The talk, which will address HB2 and other issues, will begin at 5:30 PM on Tuesday, April 26th at the Hill Street Baptist Church (the doors will open at 5 PM). Other speaker will be Dr. Dwight Mullens of Blacklivesmatter and SURJ representative Carmen Ramos Kennedy. Afterwards, starting at approximately 7 PM, there will be a reception at The Block off Biltmore at 39 South Market Street in downtown Asheville.    

04/28/16 HOODTALK
HoodTalk is a grass-roots organization that strives to develop positive energy to restore greater communication and strength throughout Asheville. The focus of this series is to raise awareness of the challenges faced in African-American neighborhoods and in public housing communities. These conversations aim to address solutions to these challenges. In alignment with the Stand Against Racism, join us for the next HoodTalk on Thursday, April 28, 6 - 8 PM. Democracy NC will lead part of the discussion around voter suppression laws and engagement. Location is 185 S. French Broad Avenue in Asheville. For more information, contact Joe Greene at 828-215-2063 or kjgent81@gmail.com. 

04/28/16 PROTEST VANCE MONUMENT IN ASHEVILLE
Organized by BeLoved House: Join us at 4 PM each Thursday in April to educate and work to take down Vance Monument. A Time to Break the Silence - The Vance Monument is a racist symbol. We are remembering the martyrdom of Dr. King and calling on our city to #takedownthevance.

04/28/16 STAND AGAINST RACISM EVENT IN ASHEVILLE
The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is joining with the YWCA, Buncombe County Government and Mission Health to take a stand against racism. Workshop and luncheon from noon to 1 PM in the Asheville Chamber Boardroom at 36 Montford Avenue in Asheville.  Title is “Grey Matter: Understanding the Brain and Bias”. Have you ever wondered where our biases come from? How they impact our actions and decisions? What happens to us physiologically when we experience them? This session will give you insight into the "grey matter", the brain, and you will learn that we are ALL wired to be biased!  Through an interactive workshop, you will see how bias shows up in each of us and leave with concrete steps to minimize the effects of bias in you and your workplace, making Asheville a more inclusive community. To RSVP or for more information, contact Christa at christa.lance@buncombecounty.org or  call 250-5587.

04/29/16 STAND AGAINST RACISM EVENT IN ASHEVILLE
Come join the Asheville JCC as we Stand Up for Kavod (Respect)! Our event is taking place on Friday, April 29th from 10 to 10:30 AM in the Gym of the Asheville JCC at 236 Charlotte Street in Asheville. Students, families, and community members will have the opportunity to sing songs about respect with Penny, pledge their support to stand up for Kavod, and learn about kavod through music. If you are an outside participant that would like to participate, please email Kate at kate@jcc-asheville.org.

04/29/16 TRACEY RIZZO READING & SIGNING
Tracey Rizzo’s new work, Intimate Empires: Body, Race, and Gender in the Modern World, co-authored with Steven Gerontakis, is an examination of identity in the age of empires and colonization. Designed to be accessible for undergraduates, scholars, and interested readers alike, this text is invaluable for its insights into the shifting categories of race and gender in a period of intense change. Julia Clancy-Smith (U of AZ) says that the book “offers a fascinating interpretive overview of recent thinking on gender, race, and empire through deep analysis of images as evidence…It is unique in a crowded field.” Tracey is the Chair of UNCA’s History Department. Location is Malaprops in downtown Asheville and time is 7 PM. Contact Malaprops for more information.

04/29/16 STAND AGAINST RACISM EVENT IN ASHEVILLE
The movie “Cracking the Codes: The System of Racial Inequity” will be shown and a round table discussion will follow. The film invites America to talk about the causes and consequences of systemic inequity, features moving stories from racial justice leaders including Amer Ahmed, Michael Benitez, Barbie-Danielle DeCarlo, Joy DeGruy, Ericka Huggins, Humaira Jackson, Yuko Kodama, Peggy McIntosh, Rinku Sen, Tilman Smith and Tim Wise. Followed by round table discussion on how we live, talk and relate. Time is 6:30 to 8:30 PM and location is Jubilee! Community on Wall Street in Asheville. For more information, contact Jacquelyn at 828-252-5335 or jldobrinska@gmail.com. 

04/29/16 STAND AGAINST RACISM POETRY SLAM
Asheville Wordslam will be held at Dr. Wesley Grant, Southside Center, 285 Livingston Street in Asheville from 6:30 to 9 PM. This is a youth spoken word competition for middle school age poets. Teams from area middle schools and community programs compete for a trophy and all day passes to the Lake Eden Arts Festival where they can compete in the LEAF youth slam. Together with the audience and poets, we create a Take A Stand Against Racism community poem. This is sponsored by Asheville Writers in the Schools and Community. For more information, contact Janet at 828-215-9002 or email janet@true-ink.org.

04/29/16 STAND AGAINST RACISM PROGRAM IN ASHEVILLE
MLK Association and Stephens-Lee Alumni Association collaborate on a program celebrating pioneer WNC African American educators. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Asheville and Buncombe County will join with the Stephens-Lee Alumni Association in a program to Stand Against Racism, sponsored by the YWCA of Asheville. “Celebrating the Legacy of African American Education Pioneers” will be held Friday, April 29, 2016, from 12 noon to 2 PM at the Stephens-Lee Center at 30 George Washington Carver Avenue in Asheville. The program will include a panel discussion addressing a range of topics from the region’s early African American Educators to Oralene Simmons’s arrival as the first black student at Mars Hill College in 1961. Panelists will also profile Isaac Dickson and Lucy Herring and will offer an historic overview of Stephens-Lee and the Feeder Schools that brought students to “The Castle on the Hill” throughout its history. The program is free and open to the public. For more information contact Dr. Joseph Fox at josephlfox1@gmail.com.

04/29/16 STAND AGAINST RACISM EVENT IN ASHEVILLE
It's no secret that Asheville is changing in ways that threaten many people and communities with displacement. Racism has always played a central role in the dynamics of displacement in this country, and today is no exception. While older generations experienced the catastrophic consequences of "white flight" and "urban renewal," today's urban communities of color are confronting the latest wave of racialized displacement: so-called gentrification, in which low-income residents are priced out and kicked out. And even those who manage to stay in their homes find themselves in a shifting cultural landscape where the things that make home feel like home seem as if they could disappear at any minute--or already have. In this event, we will focus on how gentrification looks and feels in the community of West Asheville, and consider how racism plays a role in creating the dynamics we see and feel around us. Time is 7 to 9 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. This is in partnership with the WYCA’s Stand Against Racism. Contact Julie at julie@firestorm.coop for more information.

04/30/16 STAND AGAINST RACISM EVENT IN ASHEVILLE
We will show and discuss the DVD “Woodlawn”. A free event with refreshments. Time is 2:15 to 4:45 PM. This is presented by Grateful Steps and will be held at 333 A Merrimon Avenue in Asheville. For more information, contact Micki at 828-778-3194 or micki@gratefulsteps.org. 

04/30/16 STAND AGAINST RACISM EVENT IN BLACK MOUNTAIN
Gathering at Lake Tomahawk Park in Black Mountain for a discussion about how to expand our social circles to include more friends of color and a discussion on how we can work together toward racial equality. Time is 2 to 4 PM and location is Lake Tomahawk Park. Organization who is organizing this is WHO Knows Art. For more information, contact Wendy at 828-231-5355.

04/30/16 GREAT ASHEVILLE-BUNCOMBE CLEANUP
Organize your neighborhood for a spring cleanup. The GreenWorks will provide bags, gloves, safety vests, road signs and litter grabbers. The City of Asheville and NCDOT will come to pick up your trash after your cleanup. Call GreenWorks at 254-1776 to arrange to pick up your supplies.

05/01/16 STAND AGAINST RACISM EVENT IN BLACK MOUNTAIN
Singer-songwriter Kat Williams will sing and participate in a dialogue on race, along with two other people of different ethnicities. The emcee will be Drew Reisinger, county Register of Deeds and creator of the renowned slave records project. Tickets are just $10, or $8 for students under 21. Time for this event is 2:30 to 4:30 PM and location is White Horse Black Mountain on Montreat Road in Black Mountain. Please buy your tickets from me (Roberta Madden). I'll accept cash or checks payable to White Horse Black Mountain. Email me at robertamadden@yahoo.com or call me at 419.0730 or on my cell 225.315.0303. 

05/01/16 ETHICAL HUMANIST SOCIETY OF ASHEVILLE EVENT
Hood Tour - Accessing information about and an appreciation of African American presence and history in the Asheville area is the goal of this Stand Against Racism event. Our Hood Tour activity is open to the public, however, participants need to make reservations via EthicalSocietyAsheville@gmail.com. If there are more reservations than space on the Hood Tour bus additional tour times will be selected. Time is 2 to 3:30 PM and location is Stephen Lee Recreation Center at 30 George Washington Carver Avenue in Asheville. Tour fee: $25. For more information, contact Jackie at 828 687-7759 or ethicalsocietyasheville@gmail.com. 

05/03/16 ASHEVILLE TRANSIT COMMITTEE MEETING
Time is 3:30 to 5 PM and location is the 1st Floor Conference Room at City Hall.

05/03/16 CURRENT EVENTS BOOK CLUB 
Current event book club discusses “War Against the People: Israel, the Palestinians and Global Pacification” by Jeff Halper at 7 PM at Malaprops. No further information.

05/04/16 PEACE CORPS INFORMATION SESSION
Throughout its history, the Peace Corps has adapted and responded to the issues of the times. In an ever-changing world, Peace Corps Volunteers have met new challenges with innovation, creativity, determination, and compassion. In this multi-media class, local area Peace Corps Representative and returned 50+ Volunteer, Deborah Buckley (Romania 2009 – 2011, Environment; 2013, Roma youth), will lead a visual and audio presentation about the Agency as well as share stories, photos, and artifacts from returned Volunteers / OLLI members who also served later in life. Time is 9 to 10:30 AM and location is the Manheimer Room at the Reuter Center at UNCA. For more information, contact Deborah at 704.905.3074.

05/04/16 SIERRA CLUB MEETING / GREEN DRINKS
Gardening on a small scale can have enormous impacts on your backyard ecosystem, your health, and the planet. Learn tips to create successful vegetable & berry gardens through site selection, building soil health and managing pest problems... just in time for spring planting season! Meeting starts at 7 PM and location is the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Edwin and Charlotte Streets in north Asheville. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Judy at judymattox@sbcglobal.net or call 828-683-2176.

05/05/16 RENT PARTY FUNDRAISER FOR PISGAH LEGAL
Your ticket includes live blues music by the Chuck Beattie Band, delicious southern eats, craft beer by Hi-Wire Brewing & wine. Tickets are $20/person. Time is 5:30 PM and location is the YMI Cultural Center at 39 South Market Street in Asheville. Contact Betsy Ellis at betsy@pisgahlegal.org or 828-210-3444 for more information or instructions on how to get tickets.

05/05/16 AUTHOR PRESENTATION AT MALAPROPS
Leslie Boyd will present “Life O’Mike” at 7 PM at Malaprops. Come and hear about Mike's life and how it moved his mother to become an activist for access to quality healthcare for everyone. Contact Malaprop’s for more information.

05/06/16 LECTURE AT UNCA ON CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate Change: Some Inconvenient Technological and Economic Truths, by Lenny Bernstein. While there is widespread agreement that human-induced climate change is the most serious long-term environmental problem the world faces, there is little understanding of how drastic a change is necessary to eliminate the human impact on the climate system. Much of the world’s attention has focused on limiting temperature change in this century to 2o C. The agreement negotiated in Paris in December 2015 did not meet this goal. Even if it had, it would have been only a small step toward the ultimate goal of stabilizing the climate system. Lenny Bernstein was a member of the writing team of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which, along with Al Gore, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007. In his talk, Dr. Bernstein will explain why stabilization of climate system requires that net emission of long-lived greenhouse gases, particularly CO2, be reduced to essentially zero. He will explore some of the available non-CO2 technology options and briefly speculate on others that might become available. He will also discuss the policy options for driving the needed technological change. This lecture is free and open to the public. Time is 11:30 AM to 1:15 PM and location is room 102A at the Reuter Center at UNCA. This is part of the Fab Friday Lecture series.

05/09/16 UNITED TO RESTORE DEMOCRACY MEETING
Our May meeting will be a planning meeting. The meeting will focus on processing and discussing the guest speakers and other opportunities available for the group in this continued time of transition. Due to a scheduling conflict at the North Asheville Library the next meeting will be on Monday, May 9th (second Monday instead of third Monday) at 7 PM at the North Asheville Library on Merrimon Avenue. If you have any questions please call text or email Diana Kruk at 828-275-0680, dianakruk@gmail.com.

05/10/16 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEETING
On the second Tuesday of each month, Western North Carolina Veterans for Peace meets to coordinate group activities and programs.Veterans For Peace is a global organization of Military Veterans and allies whose collective efforts are to build a culture of peace by using our experiences and lifting our voices. We inform the public of the true causes of war and the enormous costs of wars, with an obligation to heal the wounds of wars. Our network is comprised of over 140 chapters worldwide whose work includes: educating the public, advocating for a dismantling of the war economy, providing services that assist veterans and victims of war, and most significantly, working to end all wars. Time is 6:30 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

05/10/16 CONNECTION PRACTICE
The Connection Practice: Empathy And Insight for Healing Relationships. Six intimate, transformative, experiential classes. Learn self-care, self-empathy; heart-brain coherence and insights; compassionate empathy for others; resolving conflicts with heart wisdom. $120; $110 if registered by May 3. Bring a friend, you each save $10. Time is 7 to 9 PM and dates are May 10 to June 14. To get more information, or to register, contact Cathy at cathyfholt@gmail.com or 828-545-9681. 

05/12/16 WALK A MILE ASHEVILLE
Walk a Mile Asheville is the people’s march against rape, sexual assault, and gender violence! Rape is commonly seen as a women’s issue despite the fact that it affects countless men. Walk a Mile Asheville is a chance for local men and women to take a stand on the issue by participating in a one mile walk through downtown Asheville. Many of the men will wear high heel shoes – which gives us a chance to take a closer look at gender stereotypes that contribute to a culture where sexual violence is common. We are encouraging both men and women to walk in the shoes of another. As in years past you will see men in heels of all heights. However, while wearing heels is encouraged, it is certainly not necessary to attend. The key is just to be there! March with us in an effort to stop sexual violence in our community- in whatever shoes you’d like! You will also see women and young people, as well as men; join this march because after all, this is an issue that impacts everyone in our community. For more information or to register or sponsor, please contact Our VOICE at 828-252-0562 or email walk@ourvoicenc.org.

05/14/16  HOW DO WE FIX OUR BROKEN WORLD?
We need hope, we need change, we need justice - and we have help. In this divided world Maitreya, the world teacher, is stepping forward. His mission has begun. Mastery and his group of enlightened teachers, are here to help us reverse the damage we have done to our planet and inspired us to create a new civilization based on sharing the world’s resources and justice - the way to lasting peace. Free presentations at 2 PM at Asheville Friends Meeting at 227 Edgewood Road in Asheville NC. Please call McNair at 828-398-0609 for more information. Sponsored by Share International Southeast.

05/14/16 TO 05/21/16 SAM’S FIFTH ANNUAL RIDE FOR PEACE
Sam is a Veteran for Peace from the Raleigh area. He will be biking from Raleigh to DC. Sam is a WW2 combat veteran.

05/14/16 CITIZENS CLIMATE LOBBY
Citizens Climate Lobby meets the second Saturday of each month at Kairos West Community Center, 742 Haywood Road in west Asheville. We are advocating for a Carbon Fee & Dividend, which would impose a fee on fossil fuels at point entry; this fee will be refunded to individuals and families. There is bipartisan support in Congress as this will create jobs and help grow the economy, boosting renewables. Time is 12:30 to 3 PM. For more information, contact asheville@citizensclimatelobby.org.

05/14/16 TIRE AMNESTY DAYS
Free to the public tire collection event. Accepting any and all types of tires from Buncombe County Residents. Please bring along valid ID, power bill or your most recent water bill showing that you're a Buncombe County resident. There's no limit to the amount of tires that you can bring out. We will accept tires until the semi-trailers are full. Time is 10 AM to 5 PM and location is Sears Asheville Mall parking lot. Contact Asheville Greenworks for more information. This is also happening on 05/15/16. 

05/18/16 GREEN DRINKS
Asheville Green Drinks is a networking party and part of the self-organizing global grassroots movement to connect communities with environmental ideas, media and action. People who are interested in environmental issues and topics meet up for a drink and occasionally listen to an expert in environment, ecology, and social justice. Asheville Green Drinks moves to a bi-monthly format in May. The location of Green Drinks will be the Center for Graduate Studies of Asheville at Lenoir-Rhyne University Board Room at 36 Montford Avenue in Asheville until we find a more convenient location. Time is 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Call 855-232-4723 for more information.

05/18/16 PRESENTATION BY GREEN OPPORTUNITIES
We invite you to a special presentation sponsored by CJJ on May 18 at the Asheville JCC to learn about the important role Green Opportunities (GO) plays in creating a just, local economy in Asheville, and how you can support GO's work. Through their flagship training programs, GO Build and Kitchen Ready, Green Opportunities provides on-the-job training, technical certification, and work experience  to low-income adults in Asheville, that primarily focuses on African American communities. Stay tuned for further details. Contact Judy at 828-253-0701 or judleavitt76@gmail.com for more information.

05/20/16 WNC PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY MEETING
Physicians, health personnel and everyone; all are welcomed at our monthly meetings held on the third Friday of each month. Bring a brown bag lunch around noon. This will be held at The First Congregational United Church of Christ, Room E205, at 20 Oak Street (just off College St. in downtown Asheville). Time is noon to 2 PM. Meeting starts at 12:30. Parking is available behind the church. Enter the church or ring doorbell at the glass doors on Oak Street. For more information contact Dr. Terry Clark, Chair, 633-0892 or Dr. Lew Patrie, 299-1242.

05/22/16 NONVIOLENT COMMUNICATION INTENSIVE
Taking our NVC to the next level – a day long intensive for people already committed to living NVC. Roberta Wall, certified NVC trainer, will be running this day long intensive. This is based on the work of Dr. Marshall Rosenberg. Time is 10 AM to 4 PM and will be held at a private location in Asheville. This intensive is for people who have at least completed one of Roberta’s four week series or comparable training AND have been putting NVC into practice in your life. In this day, we will jump into some of the deep inner NVC consciousness –raising practices and learn, hone and practice the NVC models/templates for self-empathy, empathy and honestly expressing yourself. We will make use of the NVC dance floors as well as extensive modelling of the NVC steps and maps of communication. To register, or for more information, call or email Polly at (828) 775-6333 or polly.medlicott@gmail.com. Registration fee is $100 per person.  Please consider adding an extra amount for scholarships for anyone who wants to join with more limited resources. (Please speak to Polly about scholarships.)

05/22/16 MILLS RIVER WORKDAY
The Mills River Partnership, a nonprofit organization, is holding its third annual Mills River Day on May 22 at Mills River Park. The theme is “The River Connects Us,” and the free event will feature live music, food, a raffle, and fun educational activities that illustrate the river’s importance for agriculture, education, and the community. MountainTrue is on the board of the Mills River Partnership and a major sponsor of the event. Time is 1 to 5 PM and location is Mills River Park at 124 Town Center Drive in Mills River. Contact Evan at 828-692-0385 for more information.

05/24/16 AUTHOR EVENT AT MALAPROPS
Jeff Halper will be at Malaprops to discuss his new book “War Against the People: Israel, the Palestinians and Global Pacification”. Time is 7 PM and location is Malaprops in downtown Asheville.

*******************************************
ONGOING EVENTS
*******************************************
TUESDAY
Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 4:30 PM at Pack Square, Vance Monument
Showing Up for Racial Justice is from noon to 2 PM at Firestorm Cafe and Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Educating and organizing white people for racial justice. Free.
Orientation session for Asheville Timebank. 4 PM at Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Email help@ashevilletimebank.org for information and to register. 

WEDNESDAY
Haywood Peace Vigilers have a weekly vigil at 4 PM at Haywood County Courthouse in Waynesville
French Broad Riverkeeper has a paddle-n-plant to prevent sediment erosion most Wednesdays and Saturdays. Registration required at anna@mountaintrue.org. 

THURSDAY
Political Prisoners Letter Writing at Firestorm Cafe & Books at 6 PM on first Thursday of the month. Materials provided.

FRIDAY
Women in Black have a weekly vigil at noon at the City Hall in Hendersonville
Women in Black have a monthly vigil at 5 PM at Vance Monument in Asheville (first Friday only)

SATURDAY
Transylvanians for Peace and WNC Physicians for Social Responsibility have a weekly vigil at noon in front of the courthouse in Brevard. Call 884-3435 to confirm. 
French Broad Riverkeeper has a paddle-n-plant to prevent sediment erosion most Wednesdays and Saturdays. Registration required at anna@mountaintrue.org. 

SUNDAY
Youth OUTright meeting from 4 to 6 PM at First Congregational United Church of Christ at 20 Oak Street in Asheville. Ages 14 - 23 only.

*******************************************
ACTIONS AND READINGS
*******************************************

Calling for MLK Youth Scholarship Nominations

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Asheville and Buncombe County, Inc. is accepting nominations for its annual Youth Scholarship program. MLK Youth Scholarships have been awarded to graduating high school seniors from Buncombe County to underwrite their college costs at public and private colleges across North Carolina. Nominations can be made by teachers, guidance counselors, and other school personnel; pastors and church leaders; community groups, and private individuals. Applications are available online at www.mlkassociation.org or by contacting Chairperson Oralene Simmons at 828-281-1624 or by email at ogsimmons@att.net. The deadline for returning nominations is May 6, 2016.

************************

Hood Tour Tickets

An interactive tour focusing on Asheville’s African American resilient history and future in the arts, environmentalism and entrepreneurship. The tour visits neighborhoods with existing and active green spaces, art, and grassroots initiatives. Tours run most Thursdays at 1 PM and Saturdays at 3 PM, and by appointment for groups by emailing info@hoodhuggers.com. Tours last approximately 1.5 hours. Cost is $25 per person. Tours begin at the Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Avenue.

Hood Huggers International, LLC offers sustainable strategies for building support pillars for resilient historically African American neighborhoods, providing a framework for community capacity building while increasing the effectiveness of existing service programs. These strategies incorporate the arts, environmental education and social enterprise.

DeWayne Barton is the founder/CEO of Hood Huggers. A sculptor and poet, Barton has been involved in community improvement and youth development for over 20 years. He serves on the African American Heritage Commission, CoThinkk, and the City of Asheville Neighborhood Advisory Board. 

Please call (828) 275-5305 or email blove@hoodhuggers.com for more information including how to register for these tours. 

************************


Wednesday, April 20, 2016

From the Center for Constitutional Rights

Dear CCR supporter,

I am so happy to share with you the news that CCR clients Tariq Ba Odah and Mohammed Al-Hamiri have been transferred out of Guantánamo, to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, along with seven other men. 

As Mohammed once said to me as we sat across a table in Guantanamo’s Camp Echo, his leg shackled to the floor, “Nothing is impossible in life, as long as you live and breathe. I’ve never lost hope that one day I will be free.”

It has been a long time coming, but that day is finally here. After more than 14 years of detention without charge and more than six years since they were cleared for release, Mohammed and Tariq are free. Their lives can begin anew.

For Tariq especially, that means everything. To protest his imprisonment, Tariq began an unbroken hunger strike in 2007 that has continued for nine years. He has endured unspeakable suffering at the government’s hands as a result. Over the last year of his hunger strike, he hovered at around 74 pounds, segregated from the other prisoners, weakened and in pain, but unwilling to break his protest. He leaves Guantánamo to begin what will surely be a long, slow recovery. But he leaves on his own terms, protesting to the end, unbowed by the torment he endured.   

Tariq and Mohammed are on their way home today because of your commitment to justice and support of CCR’s work in securing their freedom. My CCR colleagues Ibraham Qatabi and Aliya Hussain and I spoke to them last week. As we said our goodbyes, Tariq and Mohammed expressed deep gratitude to all of you who refused to forget their plight and who courageously shared their stories and dreams for a life of freedom.  

Before he hung up, Mohammed said, “When people are released we think about those who remain. It’ll be hard not to think of the other brothers.  God willing, this place will close with the help of your hands.” 

Today, 80 men remain at Guantánamo, including many CCR clients. With your continued support, we will stand with them until the day that they, too, are free. Please check CCR’s website later today and watch and share a short video message about the news.

With gratitude and hope,

Omar Farah

Monday, April 18, 2016

Democracy Spring


Right now, hundreds of people are sitting-in on the steps of the US Capitol demanding an equal voice and an equal vote. As this email is being written, they are being taken away by police, one by one, because Congress would rather arrest over 1,000 people than simply do its job to end the corruption of big money in politics and guarantee our right to vote.

With the corporate media refusing to pay attention to this burgeoning movement, we need your help to spread the word. Share this graphic to tell the world what is happening. By the close of today—after an eight-day barrage of nonviolent sit-ins—we will have committed the largest act of civil disobedience of this 21st century in America. The weather is changing in this country. The American people are no longer going to allow the corrupt political establishment go forward unopposed; we are no longer going to allow our voices to be silenced or our communities to be forsaken by a Congress that is bought and sold to the highest bidder. 

Going forward, every candidate and every politician will have a choice: side with the people and commit to fundamental reforms that would give us a real democracy, or expect growing grassroots resistance at your fundraisers, your debates, your campaign events, and ultimately, at the polls. 

We have no time for this corrupt status quo that results in so much destruction and pain. Our planet has no time. Our people have no time. We are taking mass nonviolent action to make 2016 a referendum on whether we have a democracy that can address the moral crises of our time or a plutocracy that sacrifices the public good for private profit. 
Forward together,

Curt & the DS Team
-=-=-
Democracy Spring · United States 



Sunday, April 17, 2016

Upcoming events for the week of April 17, 2016

UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR BY DANCEWATER

04/18/16 UNITED TO RESTORE DEMOCRACY MEETING
United to Restore Democracy will present Jason Bonsall, NC State leader of the national organization Wolf-PAC, at its April 18th meeting. Wolf-PAC's goal is to restore true representative democracy in the U. S. by pressuring state legislators to pass a free and fair elections amendment to our constitution.  Wolf-PAC believes that the Federal Government will not act because of the huge amounts of money Congress receives from corporations towards election campaigns.  When 34 states resolve for a convention, however, it must be upheld by Congress. United to Restore Democracy (Asheville) is a local non-partisan citizens group that has organized as a result of the destructive Citizens United decision to reclaim the liberties and privileges guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution for real, living, breathing people. Our group is part of a larger State and National movement to educate, empower, and bring awareness to the issues related to corporate constitutional rights, the corruptive influence of money in politics and the impacts that has on local, state and national communities. Location is the North Asheville Library at 1030 Merrimon Avenue in Asheville. Time is 7 PM. If you have any questions, please contact Diana at dianakruk@gmail.com  or 828-275-0680. 

04/19/16 READING OF THE NAMES AT UNCA
Center for Diversity Education at UNCA will be hosting the Reading of the Names with the UNCA Hillel Students on the steps of Ramsey Library at UNC Asheville. Traditionally, this is done on Yom HaShoah, which falls in the middle of final exams this year on May 5. Instead, the event will be on April 19. This is the date of the beginning of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising, which played a role in the history of the creation of Yom HaShoah. This year's readings will include names of Jewish, Romi, and Jesuit victims. Time is 9 AM to 4 PM. For more information, call 828-232-5024 or email dmiles@unca.edu. 

04/19/16 PRIDE MONTH EVENT AT UNCA
Pride Month presents “Pay it No Mind: The Life and Times of Marsha P. Johnson”. On June 28, 1969 a riot broke out between patrons of the Stonewall Inn and the Greenwich Village Police Department, igniting what would be later known as the Gay Liberation Movement. At that center of this movement was Marsha P. Johnson, a Black, transwoman, and activist. Join Multicultural Student Programs, Hyannis House, and Black Student Union as we discuss the film, Johnson’s impact on the Gay Liberation Movement, and the subsequent erasure of the transgender activists and people of color from its historical retelling. Time is 6 to 7:30 PM and location is Highsmith Student Union, room 222, at UNCA. Contact dhylton@unca.edu for more information.

04/19/16 ASURJ COALITION BUILDING GATHERING
This is the second in our monthly series of Asheville SURJ (Showing Up for Racial Justice) Coalition Building gatherings. This month's gathering will be featuring folks from Asheville Black Lives Matter as the main presenters for the evening. We invite the community to gather to explore ways to get involved with the cause of racial justice here in Asheville. This meeting is an excellent opportunity for newcomers and previously-involved folks to find out about this network and the projects our Asheville chapter is working on. Potluck style meal before and during the presentation - no worries if you are unable to bring anything, there will be enough for everyone with folks chipping in other than food. This will be held at The Kairos West Community center, which is located at 742 Haywood Road in west Asheville. There is parking in the rear if you drive down the driveway just to the left of the building. Time is 7 to 9 PM. This is a facebook event. 

04/19/16 WNC 4 PEACE
Our next meeting is on April 19th, so you're invited to attend our meeting at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 20 Oak St., at 6 PM. Ring the bell from the rear parking lot, and we'll let you in. For more information, contact Rachael at rachael_bliss@yahoo.com.

04/19/16 JUST ECONOMICS MEETING
Just Economics Bi-monthly Membership Meeting is at 6:30 PM at the United Way at 50 South French Broad Avenue in Asheville. This is a great way to get involved with Just Economics. Our work is led by the community and much of the strategy to promote a more sustainable local economy is developed in our committees that meet as part of our Bi-monthly general meeting. For more information contact info@justeconomicswnc.org. 

04/19/16 DOCUMENTARY SHOWING AND DISCUSSION AT UNCA
The UNC Asheville Department of Education and Buncombe County Schools invite all members of the university and community as they host two panel discussions and screenings of the film Paper Tigers on Tuesday, April 19, at 3:30 PM and again at 7 PM in the Carmichael Humanities Lecture Hall. Paper Tigers was produced by Jamie Redford, and won acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival. The film provides a look inside a high school where teachers, staff, and community members implemented a radical new approach to disciplining students and saw a dramatic turnaround in everything from the number of fights to test scores to graduation rates. Larry Blunt of WLOS-TV News will facilitate a discussion after the film. Pre-registration is required. Contact Kim Brown at kbrown@unca.edu or 251-6902. 

04/19/16 PUBLIC LECTURE AT UNCA
Staff from the Asheville Nature Conservancy office speaks about local land protection goals, forest restoration and conservation focuses. Free. Held in the Reuter Center at UNCA at 7 PM.

04/20/16 GREEN DRINKS
Sustainability and social justice meet-up. This meetup will focus on a NC Legislature update. Time is 5:30 PM to gather and eat. Program begins at 6:30 PM. Location is The Spot at 76 Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville. Call The Spot for more information at 828-575-2729. This is the last meeting at The Spot.

04/20/16 PRESENTATION ON FUKUSHIMA FIVE YEARS LATER
WNC Physicians for Social Responsibility invites you to come Wednesday, April 20,  at 7:30 PM at North Asheville Library at 1030 Merrimon Avenue to hear Mary Olson, just back from Japan, report on her five weeks in Japan. Mary is a WNC Physicians for Social Responsibility (WNCPSR) member and is Southeast Coordinator for Nuclear Information and Resource Service (NIRS). She will relate her experiences from mothers and grandmothers who are now suffering, five years after the TEPCO meltdowns in Fukushima, while sharing her impressions and news from Japan. She will also tell how the effects of radiation vary by gender and age of those exposed. She will be joined by Diane D’Arrigo, Director of the Radioactive Waste Project, from NIRS main office in Maryland. D’Arrigo will give an update on prospective shipments of Highly Enriched Uranium that may pass through North Carolina soon. These unprecedented shipments may travel between Ontario Canada and the Savannah River Site in South Carolina. There will be time for discussion. Contact Terry at terryclarkpsych@gmail.com for more information.

04/21/16 STAND AGAINST RACISM EVENT IN BLACK MOUNTAIN
Africa Healing Exchange, in partnership with White Horse Black Mountain and in conjunction with YWCA's Stand Against Racism, presents a multicultural celebration and benefit to raise awareness and support trauma healing. AHE works primarily with caregivers and families in Rwanda to help end the cycle of generational trauma and related illnesses. This event will feature grammy-nominated singer Laura Reed, with notable guest performers including African-inspired dancers, artists and speakers. African cuisine provided by Kente Kitchen (cash purchase); full bar; vendors featuring coffee, tea and artisan products for sale from Rwanda. Tickets in advance from White Horse Black Mountain. Time is 6 to 9:30 PM. Location is White Horse Black Mountain at 105 Montreat Road in Black Mountain. Tickets are $25 adults, $10 kids. For more information, contact Sara at 828-333-4960 or info@africahealingexchange.org.

04/21/16 PROTEST VANCE MONUMENT IN ASHEVILLE
Organized by BeLoved House: Join us at 4 PM each Thursday in April to educate and work to take down Vance Monument. A Time to Break the Silence - The Vance Monument is a racist symbol. We are remembering the martyrdom of Dr. King and calling on our city to #takedownthevance.

04/21/16 FROM BLACK LIVES MATTER TO BLACK LIBERATION
Join UNCA's branch of the International Socialist Organization as we host NY activist Haley Pessin for a discussion about this movement, how we can fight racism in the US, and how we can connect the struggle against racism to the struggle for socialism and the liberation of all. The eruption of mass protests in the wake of the murders of Mike brown in Ferguson and Eric Garner in New York have challenged the impunity with which the police have carried on a campaign of terror and murder disproportionately brutal against black people. Tens of thousands of people across the US have sparked off a movement that is challenging racism and is beginning to draw a larger conclusion about what it will take to end the oppression of black people. Titled after Keeanga Yahmatta-Taylors new book From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation, Haley's talk will open a space for discussion of the implications of the Black Lives Matter movement and where it's headed. Time is 7:30 PM and location is Highsmith Student Union at UNCA. This is a facebook event.

04/21/16 CREATION CARE ALLIANCE MEETING
Creation Care Alliance general meeting will be held from 5:30 to 7 PM at First Baptist Church on 5 Oak Street in Asheville. Vicki Garlock from Jubilee! Community Church will be speaking. Join us as we inspire one another to good work, hear from Vicki Garlock about the creative and powerful creation care activities Jubilee is doing with children and youth. We will also learn about ways to help with the Earth Day Vigil.  Email Creation Care Alliance of Western North Carolina at creationcare@mountaintrue.org for more information. 

04/21/16 ASHEVILLE TOWN HALL RESPONDING TO HB2
HB2 is a discriminatory law that targets LGB - and especially Trans - people. But the harm doesn't end there - HB2 also rolls back the clock on workers rights, civil rights and our ability to set local policy at the city and county levels. Join us for a Town Hall to discuss how to navigate your rights as a LGBT person, the movement to repeal HB2, the federal lawsuit challenging it and how you can get involved in these efforts. Panelists will include leaders from the Campaign for Southern Equality, Tranzmission, Asheville Buncombe NAACP, and the ACLU-NC. We'll also be mobilizing people for a rally and direct action at the NC General Assembly in Raleigh on Monday April 25, led by Turn Out NC and the NAACP. Time is 5:30 to 7:30 PM and location is Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville at Edwin and Charlotte Streets in north Asheville. This is a Facebook event.

04/21/16 HOMEWARD BOUND OF WNC TOUR
“Welcome Home Tour” is a tour of Asheville organizations that serve the homeless population. Registration required, free to attend. Time is 11 AM. Call 258-1695 for more information and for instructions on how to register.

04/22/16 CLIMATE LISTENING PROJECT
Time is 5 PM and location is The Collider at 1 Haywood Street, Suite 401 in downtown Asheville. We hope you'll join us to celebrate Earth Day and the roll-out of a new international Climate Listening Project collaborative campaign. the Climate Listening Project invites you to an Earth Day celebration at The Collider with French Broad Chocolates, Highland Brewing Company, and Sweet Monkey Bakery. We'll screen a new short video, share updates from our travels to Paris for the Climate Talks and Belize with Forsyth Audubon Society, and roll out the future of the Climate Listening Project. This is a private event, tickets are limited. All guests must register at http://tiny.cc/EarthDayAsheville. No charge for tickets.

04/22/16 EARTH DAY FILM 
Organic Growers School, Green Opportunities, Bountiful Cities, and Asheville GreenWorks (partners in Asheville’s Urban Agriculture Alliance) are proud to present our 3rd Annual Earth Day film. Film is “Can You Dig This” (2015), an 80 min. film that explores the urban gardening revolution currently taking place in South Central Los Angeles, one of the largest food deserts in the country. Followed by a community discussion. Doors open at 5:30 PM and film starts at 6 PM. Location is The Boardroom (2nd floor) at Lenoir Rhyne University, Asheville Campus, 36 Montford Avenue in Asheville. By donation at the door. No advance sales. First come first served. About the Film: South Los Angeles. What comes to mind is gangs, drugs, liquor stores, abandoned buildings and vacant lots. The last thing that you would expect to find is a beautiful garden sprouting up through the concrete, coloring the urban landscape. As part of an urban gardening movement taking root in South LA, people are planting to transform their neighborhoods and are changing their own lives in the process. Calling for people to put down their guns and pick up their shovels, these “gangster gardeners” are creating an oasis in the middle of one of the most notoriously dangerous places in America. This is a facebook event.

04/22/16 OUR VOICE ZINE READING
This event is co-hosted by UNC Asheville’s Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies Program and OurVOICE, and is free and open to the public. This event will include material, sometimes graphic, and discussion about rape and abuse; audience discretion is advised. Our Voice: Survivors Speak will include a reading of selected zine submissions and an open mic session for those interested in speaking or adding their creative voice to the topic of sexual violence and its effects on the community. The event is the culmination of a semester-long collaboration between UNC Asheville and OurVOICE, a nonprofit organization that serves all individuals in Buncombe County affected by sexual assault and abuse. Location is Malaprops in downtown Asheville and time is 7 PM. Contact Malaprops for more information.

04/22/16 EARTH DAY CONVERSATION ABOUT WNC LANDS
Join us on Earth Day for a conversation about public parks and forests during the next Newsmakers forum, which will be held on Friday, April 22, from 8:30 to 10:30 AM at the United Way Building in Asheville. Panelists will be Forest Supervisor Allen Nicholas with the U.S. Forest Service in North Carolina and Ecoregion Supervisor Gordon Warburton with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. The event will be moderated by journalists with Carolina Public Press. This will be your chance to hear about the challenges and opportunities facing the region's public lands, which include local, state and federal public parks and forests. In the 18 westernmost counties of the state, there are 1.1 million acres of national forests alone. A light breakfast is included in the event, and RSVPs are required. Carolina Public Press will livestream the event for those who are unable to attend in person. For more information, please call Carolina Public Press at 828-774-5290 or email us at tgeorge@carolinapublicpress.org. Time is 8:30 to 10:30 AM and location is United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County at 50 South French Broad Avenue in downtown Asheville. This event is free, but you need to get a ticket.

04/22/16 EARTH DAY DANCE PARTY
Join us for a Grassroots Dance Party benefitting BeLoved, Bountiful Cities, and Just Economics, and to an Earth Day Event after party! There will be a suggested $5-$10 donation at the door, but nobody turned away. We plan to do these dance parties as monthly events on the 3rd Friday of the month. NOTE: This month we are on the 4th Friday to coordinate with an Earth Day Film and Event. No agendas or strategizing, just dancing and hanging out with our friends committed to grassroots social change. This is at 8 PM and location is Ole Shakey’s at 790 Riverside Drive in Asheville. This is a Facebook event.

04/23/16 PEACE IS POSSIBLE YARD SALE
Rain or Shine. Multiple families donating tons of items! Funds raised goes to Peace Education Program for Veterans, Prisoners and other Peace Projects. Articles for yard sale accepted Friday from 4 to 8 PM or 8 AM on Saturday. Peace is Possible NC is a 5013C, non profit. The yardsale is from 8 AM to 1 PM and location is Beaverdam Volunteer Fire Department at 450 Beaverdam Road in north Asheville. This is a Facebook event.

04/23/16 HARD TO RECYCLE COLLECTION
Free to the public, recycling event, accepting items of all sorts. Now with two locations. Founded in 2011 by Rainbow Recycling, Hard 2 Recycle events are free to the public collections geared to bring awareness to other modes of recycling to our area. Four quarterly held collections to cover the four corners of the County and one central event in Downtown Asheville. Our goal is to educate, collect and divert items that would normally end up in the landfill: styrofoam, electronics, books, batteries, cooking oil and much more. Not accepting the following items: paints, stains, sealers, CFL or fluorescent or incandescent bulbs; chip & snack bags; petroleum products; hard plastics; vinyl / PVC / VHS / cassette tapes; plate glass, foam; wooden items or cement. Main collection from 8 AM to 1 PM at City Market Tailgate at 161 Charlotte Street in downtown Asheville and satellite collection from 8 AM to noon at First Baptist Church at 5 Oak Street in downtown Asheville.

04/23/16 GET OUT THE VOTE EVENT IN ASHEVILLE
The NC NAACP and Democracy NC launched the “It's Our Time, It's Our Vote” get-out-the-vote non-partisan campaign in December to register, educate, mobilize, and protect in the vote across North Carolina. We are preparing to hold our second round of trainings for community leaders that will focus on voter registration and protection efforts over the summer and update participants on the mobilization results of the Primary election. If you have members or supporters who want to connect with other community leaders in their community and participate in local GOTV efforts, please share the below information with them. Time is 1 to 4 PM and location is Hill St. Baptist Church at 135 Hill Street in Asheville. If your organization is interested in joining the campaign more officially, email forwardtogether@naacpnc.org and we will set up a meeting with you. For instructions on how to register for this training in Asheville (also offered in cities in the eastern part of our state), contact Darlene at darlene@democracy-nc.org.

04/24/16 EARTH DAY VIGIL 
The Creation Care Alliance of Western North Carolina invites you to join us for a vigil celebrating God's creation and calling on people of faith to care for it.  We will gather in the grass of All Souls Episcopal Cathedral, in Biltmore Village at 9 Swan Street in Asheville for an afternoon of song, reflection, and to hear messages of inspiration and action from local faith and community leaders. All are welcome! Time is 5:30 to 6:30 PM.

04/25/16 KEN ILGUNAS READING & SIGNING
Ken Ilgunas’ amazing adventure, detailed in Trespassing Across America, took him along the length of the proposed Keystone XL pipeline on foot, a journey that gave him firsthand insight into the people and places that would be most affected by the pipeline. Combining travel narrative, science, statistics, and cultural commentary, the book synthesizes multiple genres to make a profound statement about our world’s shifting landscapes. Author Candace Savage praises it as “an exhilarating adventure” that will leave you “emboldened and filled with hope.” Ken is the author of Walden on Wheels and has hitchhiked 10,000 miles across North America and paddled 1,000 miles across Ontario in a birch-bark canoe. Location is Malaprops in downtown Asheville and time is 7 PM. Contact Malaprops for more information.

04/26/16 HEMLOCK TREATMENT WORKDAY
Join the collaboration between MountainTrue and the Hemlock Restoration Initiative as we treat hemlocks in an effort to protect them from the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA). Eastern and Carolina hemlock populations are declining due to the HWA, a small pest thriving off the hemlock’s stored and available nutrients. MountainTrue and the Hemlock Restoration Initiative are safely treating Eastern and Carolina hemlocks chemically to keep them alive until bio-controls are successfully implemented and we need your help. Time is 10 AM to 4 PM and location is DuPont State Recreational Forest in Cedar Mountain, NC. Contact Amanda at amanda@mountaintrue.org for details and to RSVP.

04/26/16 NELDA HOLDER READING & SIGNING
In her book The Thirteenth Juror: Investigating the Grand Jury Transcripts, Nelda Holder transports us into the ranks of the 12 members of the grand jury in the Michael Brown Case. She reports on the details of the case in depth and argues for an overhaul of the grand jury process in this country while also highlighting the tragic events in Ferguson, MO, and their aftermath. Nelda is a seasoned journalist who worked as the associate editor of the Mountain Xpress and now manages Politically Purple NC. Location is Malaprops in downtown Asheville and time is 7 PM. Contact Malaprops for more information.

04/28/16 HOODTALK
HoodTalk is a grass-roots organization that strives to develop positive energy to restore greater communication and strength throughout Asheville. The focus of this series is to raise awareness of the challenges faced in African-American neighborhoods and in public housing communities. These conversations aim to address solutions to these challenges. In alignment with the Stand Against Racism, join us for the next HoodTalk on Thursday, April 28, 6 - 8 PM. Democracy NC will lead part of the discussion around voter suppression laws and engagement. Location is 185 S. French Broad Avenue in Asheville. For more information, contact Joe Greene at 828-215-2063 or kjgent81@gmail.com. 

04/28/16 PROTEST VANCE MONUMENT IN ASHEVILLE
Organized by BeLoved House: Join us at 4 PM each Thursday in April to educate and work to take down Vance Monument. A Time to Break the Silence - The Vance Monument is a racist symbol. We are remembering the martyrdom of Dr. King and calling on our city to #takedownthevance.

04/28/16 STAND AGAINST RACISM EVENT IN ASHEVILLE
The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is joining with the YWCA, Buncombe County Government and Mission Health to take a stand against racism. Workshop and luncheon from noon to 1 PM in the Asheville Chamber Boardroom at 36 Montford Avenue in Asheville.  Title is “Grey Matter: Understanding the Brain and Bias”. Have you ever wondered where our biases come from? How they impact our actions and decisions? What happens to us physiologically when we experience them? This session will give you insight into the "grey matter", the brain, and you will learn that we are ALL wired to be biased!  Through an interactive workshop, you will see how bias shows up in each of us and leave with concrete steps to minimize the effects of bias in you and your workplace, making Asheville a more inclusive community. To RSVP or for more information, contact Christa at christa.lance@buncombecounty.org or  call 250-5587.

04/29/16 STAND AGAINST RACISM EVENT IN ASHEVILLE
Come join the Asheville JCC as we Stand Up for Kavod (Respect)! Our event is taking place on Friday, April 29th from 10 to 10:30 AM in the Gym of the Asheville JCC at 236 Charlotte Street in Asheville. Students, families, and community members will have the opportunity to sing songs about respect with Penny, pledge their support to stand up for Kavod, and learn about kavod through music. If you are an outside participant that would like to participate, please email Kate at kate@jcc-asheville.org.

04/29/16 TRACEY RIZZO READING & SIGNING
Tracey Rizzo’s new work, Intimate Empires: Body, Race, and Gender in the Modern World, co-authored with Steven Gerontakis, is an examination of identity in the age of empires and colonization. Designed to be accessible for undergraduates, scholars, and interested readers alike, this text is invaluable for its insights into the shifting categories of race and gender in a period of intense change. Julia Clancy-Smith (U of AZ) says that the book “offers a fascinating interpretive overview of recent thinking on gender, race, and empire through deep analysis of images as evidence…It is unique in a crowded field.” Tracey is the Chair of UNCA’s History Department. Location is Malaprops in downtown Asheville and time is 7 PM. Contact Malaprops for more information.

04/29/16 STAND AGAINST RACISM EVENT IN ASHEVILLE
The movie “Cracking the Codes: The System of Racial Inequity” will be shown and a round table discussion will follow. The film invites America to talk about the causes and consequences of systemic inequity, features moving stories from racial justice leaders including Amer Ahmed, Michael Benitez, Barbie-Danielle DeCarlo, Joy DeGruy, Ericka Huggins, Humaira Jackson, Yuko Kodama, Peggy McIntosh, Rinku Sen, Tilman Smith and Tim Wise. Followed by round table discussion on how we live, talk and relate. Time is 6:30 to 8:30 PM and location is Jubilee! Community on Wall Street in Asheville. For more information, contact Jacquelyn at 828-252-5335 or jldobrinska@gmail.com. 

04/29/16 STAND AGAINST RACISM POETRY SLAM
Asheville Wordslam will be held at Dr. Wesley Grant, Southside Center, 285 Livingston Street in Asheville from 6:30 to 9 PM. This is a youth spoken word competition for middle school age poets. Teams from area middle schools and community programs compete for a trophy and all day passes to the Lake Eden Arts Festival where they can compete in the LEAF youth slam. Together with the audience and poets, we create a Take A Stand Against Racism community poem. This is sponsored by Asheville Writers in the Schools and Community. For more information, contact Janet at 828-215-9002 or email janet@true-ink.org.

04/29/16 STAND AGAINST RACISM PROGRAM IN ASHEVILLE
MLK Association and Stephens-Lee Alumni Association collaborate on a program celebrating pioneer WNC African American educators. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Asheville and Buncombe County will join with the Stephens-Lee Alumni Association in a program to Stand Against Racism, sponsored by the YWCA of Asheville. “Celebrating the Legacy of African American Education Pioneers” will be held Friday, April 29, 2016, from 12 noon to 2 PM at the Stephens-Lee Center at 30 George Washington Carver Avenue in Asheville. The program will include a panel discussion addressing a range of topics from the region’s early African American Educators to Oralene Simmons’s arrival as the first black student at Mars Hill College in 1961. Panelists will also profile Isaac Dickson and Lucy Herring and will offer an historic overview of Stephens-Lee and the Feeder Schools that brought students to “The Castle on the Hill” throughout its history. The program is free and open to the public. For more information contact Dr. Joseph Fox at josephlfox1@gmail.com.

04/30/16 STAND AGAINST RACISM EVENT IN ASHEVILLE
We will show and discuss the DVD “Woodlawn”. A free event with refreshments. Time is 2:15 to 4:45 PM. This is presented by Grateful Steps and will be held at 333 A Merrimon Avenue in Asheville. For more information, contact Micki at 828-778-3194 or micki@gratefulsteps.org. 

04/30/16 STAND AGAINST RACISM EVENT IN BLACK MOUNTAIN
Gathering at Lake Tomahawk Park in Black Mountain for a discussion about how to expand our social circles to include more friends of color and a discussion on how we can work together toward racial equality. Time is 2 to 4 PM and location is Lake Tomahawk Park. Organization who is organizing this is WHO Knows Art. For more information, contact Wendy at 828-231-5355.

04/30/16 GREAT ASHEVILLE-BUNCOMBE CLEANUP
Organize your neighborhood for a spring cleanup. The GreenWorks will provide bags, gloves, safety vests, road signs and litter grabbers. The City of Asheville and NCDOT will come to pick up your trash after your cleanup. Call GreenWorks at 254-1776 to arrange to pick up your supplies.

05/01/16 STAND AGAINST RACISM EVENT IN BLACK MOUNTAIN
Singer-songwriter Kat Williams will sing and participate in a dialogue on race, along with two other people of different ethnicities. The emcee will be Drew Reisinger, county Register of Deeds and creator of the renowned slave records project. Tickets are just $10, or $8 for students under 21. Time for this event is 2:30 to 4:30 PM and location is White Horse Black Mountain on Montreat Road in Black Mountain. Please buy your tickets from me (Roberta Madden). I'll accept cash or checks payable to White Horse Black Mountain. Email me at robertamadden@yahoo.com or call me at 419.0730 or on my cell 225.315.0303. 

05/03/16 ASHEVILLE TRANSIT COMMITTEE MEETING
Time is 3:30 to 5 PM and location is the 1st Floor Conference Room at City Hall.

05/09/16 UNITED TO RESTORE DEMOCRACY MEETING
Our May meeting will be a planning meeting. The meeting will focus on processing and discussing the guest speakers and other opportunities available for the group in this continued time of transition. Due to a scheduling conflict at the North Asheville Library the next meeting will be on Monday, May 9th (second Monday instead of third Monday) at 7 PM at the North Asheville Library on Merrimon Avenue. If you have any questions please call text or email Diana Kruk at 828-275-0680, dianakruk@gmail.com.

05/10/16 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEETING
On the second Tuesday of each month, Western North Carolina Veterans for Peace meets to coordinate group activities and programs.Veterans For Peace is a global organization of Military Veterans and allies whose collective efforts are to build a culture of peace by using our experiences and lifting our voices. We inform the public of the true causes of war and the enormous costs of wars, with an obligation to heal the wounds of wars. Our network is comprised of over 140 chapters worldwide whose work includes: educating the public, advocating for a dismantling of the war economy, providing services that assist veterans and victims of war, and most significantly, working to end all wars. Time is 6:30 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

05/12/16 WALK A MILE ASHEVILLE
Walk a Mile Asheville is the people’s march against rape, sexual assault, and gender violence! Rape is commonly seen as a women’s issue despite the fact that it affects countless men. Walk a Mile Asheville is a chance for local men and women to take a stand on the issue by participating in a one mile walk through downtown Asheville. Many of the men will wear high heel shoes – which gives us a chance to take a closer look at gender stereotypes that contribute to a culture where sexual violence is common. We are encouraging both men and women to walk in the shoes of another. As in years past you will see men in heels of all heights. However, while wearing heels is encouraged, it is certainly not necessary to attend. The key is just to be there! March with us in an effort to stop sexual violence in our community- in whatever shoes you’d like! You will also see women and young people, as well as men; join this march because after all, this is an issue that impacts everyone in our community. For more information or to register or sponsor, please contact Our VOICE at 828-252-0562 or email walk@ourvoicenc.org.

05/14/16  HOW DO WE FIX OUR BROKEN WORLD?
We need hope, we need change, we need justice - and we have help. In this divided world Maitreya, the world teacher, is stepping forward. His mission has begun. Mastery and his group of enlightened teachers, are here to help us reverse the damage we have done to our planet and inspired us to create a new civilization based on sharing the world’s resources and justice - the way to lasting peace. Free presentations at 2 PM at Asheville Friends Meeting at 227 Edgewood Road in Asheville NC. Please call McNair at 828-398-0609 for more information. Sponsored by Share International Southeast.

05/14/16 TO 05/21/16 SAM’S FIFTH ANNUAL RIDE FOR PEACE
Sam is a Veteran for Peace from the Raleigh area. He will be biking from Raleigh to DC. Sam is a WW2 combat veteran.

05/14/16 CITIZENS CLIMATE LOBBY
Citizens Climate Lobby meets the second Saturday of each month at Kairos West Community Center, 742 Haywood Road in west Asheville. We are advocating for a Carbon Fee & Dividend, which would impose a fee on fossil fuels at point entry; this fee will be refunded to individuals and families. There is bipartisan support in Congress as this will create jobs and help grow the economy, boosting renewables. Time is 12:30 to 3 PM. For more information, contact asheville@citizensclimatelobby.org.

05/18/16 GREEN DRINKS ASHEVILLE
Sustainability and social justice meet-up. Time is 5:30 PM and location is the Center for Graduate Studies of Asheville - Lenoir-Rhyne University Board Room at 36 Montford Road in Asheville. Call (855) 232-4723 for more information.

05/22/16 NONVIOLENT COMMUNICATION INTENSIVE
Taking our NVC to the next level – a day long intensive for people already committed to living NVC. Roberta Wall, certified NVC trainer, will be running this day long intensive. This is based on the work of Dr. Marshall Rosenberg. Time is 10 AM to 4 PM and will be held at a private location in Asheville. This intensive is for people who have at least completed one of Roberta’s four week series or comparable training AND have been putting NVC into practice in your life. In this day, we will jump into some of the deep inner NVC consciousness –raising practices and learn, hone and practice the NVC models/templates for self-empathy, empathy and honestly expressing yourself. We will make use of the NVC dance floors as well as extensive modelling of the NVC steps and maps of communication. To register, or for more information, call or email Polly at (828) 775-6333 or polly.medlicott@gmail.com. Registration fee is $100 per person.  Please consider adding an extra amount for scholarships for anyone who wants to join with more limited resources. (Please speak to Polly about scholarships.)

05/22/16 MILLS RIVER WORKDAY
The Mills River Partnership, a nonprofit organization, is holding its third annual Mills River Day on May 22 at Mills River Park. The theme is “The River Connects Us,” and the free event will feature live music, food, a raffle, and fun educational activities that illustrate the river’s importance for agriculture, education, and the community. MountainTrue is on the board of the Mills River Partnership and a major sponsor of the event. Time is 1 to 5 PM and location is Mills River Park at 124 Town Center Drive in Mills River. Contact Evan at 828-692-0385 for more information.

05/24/16 AUTHOR EVENT AT MALAPROPS
Jeff Halper will be at Malaprops to discuss his new book “War Against the People: Israel, the Palestinians and Global Pacification”. Time is 7 PM and location is Malaprops in downtown Asheville.

*******************************************
ONGOING EVENTS
*******************************************
TUESDAY
Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 4:30 PM at Pack Square, Vance Monument
Showing Up for Racial Justice is from noon to 2 PM at Firestorm Cafe and Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Educating and organizing white people for racial justice. Free.
Orientation session for Asheville Timebank. 4 PM at Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Email help@ashevilletimebank.org for information and to register. 


WEDNESDAY
Haywood Peace Vigilers have a weekly vigil at 4 PM at Haywood County Courthouse in Waynesville
French Broad Riverkeeper has a paddle-n-plant to prevent sediment erosion most Wednesdays and Saturdays. Registration required at anna@mountaintrue.org. 

THURSDAY
Political Prisoners Letter Writing at Firestorm Cafe & Books at 6 PM on first Thursday of the month. Materials provided.

FRIDAY
Women in Black have a weekly vigil at noon at the City Hall in Hendersonville
Women in Black have a monthly vigil at 5 PM at Vance Monument in Asheville (first Friday only)

SATURDAY
Transylvanians for Peace and WNC Physicians for Social Responsibility have a weekly vigil at noon in front of the courthouse in Brevard. Call 884-3435 to confirm. 
Third Saturdays – Asheville’s Green Grannies invites the public to “sing for the climate” at Pritchard Park at 5 PM.
French Broad Riverkeeper has a paddle-n-plant to prevent sediment erosion most Wednesdays and Saturdays. Registration required at anna@mountaintrue.org. 

SUNDAY
Youth OUTright meeting from 4 to 6 PM at First Congregational United Church of Christ at 20 Oak Street in Asheville. Ages 14 - 23 only.

*******************************************
ACTIONS AND READINGS
*******************************************
Calling for MLK Youth Scholarship Nominations

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Asheville and Buncombe County, Inc. is accepting nominations for its annual Youth Scholarship program. MLK Youth Scholarships have been awarded to graduating high school seniors from Buncombe County to underwrite their college costs at public and private colleges across North Carolina. Nominations can be made by teachers, guidance counselors, and other school personnel; pastors and church leaders; community groups, and private individuals. Applications are available online at www.mlkassociation.org or by contacting Chairperson Oralene Simmons at 828-281-1624 or by email at ogsimmons@att.net. The deadline for returning nominations is May 6, 2016.

************************
Hood Tour Tickets

An interactive tour focusing on Asheville’s African American resilient history and future in the arts, environmentalism and entrepreneurship. The tour visits neighborhoods with existing and active green spaces, art, and grassroots initiatives. Tours run most Thursdays at 1 PM and Saturdays at 3 PM, and by appointment for groups by emailing info@hoodhuggers.com. Tours last approximately 1.5 hours. Cost is $25 per person. Tours begin at the Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Avenue.

Hood Huggers International, LLC offers sustainable strategies for building support pillars for resilient historically African American neighborhoods, providing a framework for community capacity building while increasing the effectiveness of existing service programs. These strategies incorporate the arts, environmental education and social enterprise.

DeWayne Barton is the founder/CEO of Hood Huggers. A sculptor and poet, Barton has been involved in community improvement and youth development for over 20 years. He serves on the African American Heritage Commission, CoThinkk, and the City of Asheville Neighborhood Advisory Board. 

Please call (828) 275-5305 or email blove@hoodhuggers.com for more information including how to register for these tours. 

***********************