dancewater: Upcoming events for the week of April 2, 2017

This photo came from an email from American Friends Service Committee.

UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR BY DANCEWATER

04/03/17 EXHIBITS AT UNCA

Two excellent exhibits are now available at UNC-Asheville, sponsored by the Center for Diversity Education. “The Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals” and “Pioneering Voices: Portraits of Transgender People” will be on display at UNC Asheville Ramsey Library and Karpen Lobby from February 12 - April 7, 2017.

04/03/17 A PANEL ON THE FUTURE OF WILDFIRES IN WNC

MountainTrue and the Asheville Citizen-Times present “Before We Burn Again: A Panel on the Future of Wildfires in WNC.” Presented by MountainTrue and the Asheville Citizen-Times, and sponsored by French Broad Chocolates, Highland Brewing Company and the Nantahala Outdoor Center, this special event brings together leading experts in the fields of wildfire management, fire ecology, climate change and community planning to discuss the dangers and ecological benefits of wildfire, critical issues at play in last year’s historic wildfire season and appropriate, proactive responses and strategies to manage future wildfire phenomena, mitigate threats and economic impacts, and save human lives. Doors open at 5 PM. Presentation starts at 5:30 and goes until 7:30 PM. Location is Highland Brewing Company at 12 Old Charlotte Highway in Asheville. Admission by donation, registration required. Contact Mary Kate at 828-258-8737 or marykate@mountaintrue.org for more information on how to register.

04/03/17 HEALTHCARE LUNCH AND LEARN BY PISGAH LEGAL

Join us for an update on the state of health care: medical and legal perspectives with Pisgah Legal Services and Mission Health Partners. Pisgah Legal Services' core mission is to provide free civil legal advocacy to help low-income families meet their most basic needs: safety from abuse and violence in the home, affordable and stable housing, and access to affordable healthcare coverage and services. The future of healthcare and access to quality, affordable healthcare coverage and services is currently at stake under proposed healthcare legislation. With so many low-income people and families at risk of losing health care coverage, PLS is concerned about the high stakes for our clients and community. Please join Jaclyn Kiger, Managing Attorney at Pisgah Legal Services and Dr. Robert Fields, Medical Director of Mission Health Partners for a policy update and discussion on the current healthcare proposal and the impact on our community. They will cover the proposed legislation and impact on the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid and Medicare from the legal and medical perspectives. Time is noon to 1:30 PM and location is Tuton Hall at Trinity Episcopal Church at 60 Church Street in downtown Asheville. Lunch will be provided. $10 donation suggested. Space is limited, so please RSVP to Brent McKnight by March 30th at brent@pisgahlegal.org.

04/03/17 GREEN ENERGY NOW POTLUCK

Share a meal with many Asheville leaders, activists, professionals, and concerned citizens that care about creating renewable energy infrastructure now. We must act and we must at now! Our children’s futures are at stake. We will have multiple speakers including local elected officials, energy experts, nonprofit allies, and more. We ask all those able to bring a dish for a shared potluck and an attitude open to learning why renewable energy and why now. If your willing to learn what we can do right here in our back yard to help protect our environment, air, and water - this potluck is for you.Time is 5:30 PM and location is Lake Julian in south Asheville. This is a Facebook event.

04/03/17 DINNER WITH PROGRESSIVES

We will gather together tomorrow evening at Green Sage cafe (at Westgate) with fellow progressives..We ask that attendees purchase dinner, a beverage and/or dessert and RSVP so we can give our gracious friends at Green Sage a headcount. Thank you. Tomorrow night will be "open mike" (so to speak). This announcement is late because I had hoped to find a speaker for tomorrow night but I was unable too. Please come and bring your issues, petitions etc. Please let me or Sam know when you reply what you would like to present and how long you will need (if possible). Time is 5:30 PM. Contact Cheryl at ctorengo@gmail.com for more information.

04/04/17 WEEKLY PROGRESSIVE ORGANIZED WOMEN RALLY

Speakers address our elected representatives about a variety of topics. Time is 5 to 6 PM and location is Historic Courthouse Square in Hendersonville. This came from the Progressive Organized Women of Henderson County. Happens every Tuesday.

04/04/17 ASHEVILLE NON VIOLENT COMMUNICATION CONSCIOUSNESS MEETING

Asheville NVC Consciousness is for those in the Asheville area interested in exploring what it means to embody and practice NVC. Nonviolent Communication (NVC) was developed by Marshall Rosenberg as a paradigm and tool to facilitate connection, authenticity, and understanding with ourselves and others. NVC is not about being nice. Unless nice is authentic for you in that moment. It's about honest expression and empathetic listening. Asheville NVC Consciousness meets the first Tuesday of every month from 7 to 9 PM. Location is Kairos West at 742 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Matthew at info@myswl.org or kairoswest742@gmail.com for more information.

04/04/17 CURRENT EVENTS BOOK CLUB AT MALAPROPS

They are reading “Kingdom of the Unjust”. The diminutive co-founder of Code Pink has become famous for fearlessly tackling head-on subjects the left and right studiously avoid. Here, she's researching the sinister nature of the relationship between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. In seven succinct chapters followed by a meditation on prospects for change, Benjamin shines a light on one of the weirder, and most important, elements of our foreign policy. What is the origin of this strange alliance between two countries that have very little in common? Why does it persist, and what are its consequences? Why, over a period of decades and across various presidential administrations, has the United States consistently supported a regime shown time and again to be one of the most powerful forces working against American interests? Saudi Arabia is perhaps the single most important source of funds for terrorists worldwide, promoting an extreme interpretation of Islam along with anti-Western sentiment, while brutally repressing non-violent dissidents at home. Time is 7 PM and location is Malaprops at 55 Haywood Street in downtown Asheville.

04/04/17 TEACHING KIDS ABOUT RACISM AND RACIAL JUSTICE

“What is Racism? Structure, Intersectionality & Experience” is part one of a four part series on teaching kids about racism and racial justice. This series is designed to start with basic concepts to deepen your understanding of racism in our culture then move into more complex needs and scenarios for helping children to learn in classrooms and at home. These sessions will help you feel more empowered as parents and educators to be in discussion and supportive with kids developing a healthy understanding of racial diversity and how to work toward racial justice. Each event will include both a presentation of ideas and a workshop to engage those ideas. Events are run by Justina Prenatt, LPCA of Clover Heart Concepts, and Megan McCarter Martell, Executive Director of Programs at Odyssey. April 4 is “What is Racism? Structure, Intersectionality & Experience.” April 18 is “How do we talk about Race? Communication, Presence & Developmental Awareness.” May 2 is “What can teachers and parents do? Representation, Discussion, & Justice.” May 16 is “What's your Culture? Diversity, Similarities & Celebration.” Time is 6 to 8 PM and location is Odyssey Community School at 90 Zillicoa Street in Asheville. This is a Facebook event. Attendance at all four events is encouraged but is not required. The cost of the events and the childcare are free. Donations for the childcare are welcomed. For more information, contact learn@odysseycommunity.org or 828-259-3653. Registration for the events and for childcare, please contact learn@odysseycommunity.org for more information.

04/04/17 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL - BECAUSE THE WARS STILL GO ON

Every Tuesday, Veterans for Peace Chapter 099 holds a vigil at Vance Monument in downtown Asheville. Time is 5 PM. This has been happening since 2002. No matter the weather, no matter if it falls on a holiday, they are out there standing for peace. Last year, our former president dropped 26,000 bombs on seven different countries. The current president has already bombed one country, and has likely bombed a couple more. Meanwhile we are banning refugees from those countries we have destroyed. I am impressed at the protests against banning Muslims, but mystified at the lack of large protests against bombing Muslims. Isn’t bombing them worse than banning them? Show you are publicly against our country's endless wars and occupations by standing with Veterans for Peace.

04/04/17 PANEL ON GENDER MINORITIES AND FAITH TRADITIONS AT UNCA

Interfaith Panel on “Gender Minorities and Faith Traditions” with Rabbi Justin Goldstein, Rev. Michael Poulous, and Lea Anderson. Time is 7 PM and location is Karpen 038 at UNCA in Asheville. The panel with discuss text from different faith traditions that address the continuum of gender and gender identity. If you have questions about this please email Deborah at dmiles@unca.edu or call 828-232-5024.

04/04/17 CURRENT EVENTS BOOK CLUB AT MALAPROPS

Join host Bruce Roth for a lively discussion on topics of current interest including war and peace, the economy, the environment, and other hot political topics. They are reading “Kingdom of the Unjust: Behind the U.S.-Saudi Connection” by Medea Benjamin. Time is 7 PM and location is Malaprops at 55 Haywood Street in downtown Asheville. Contact Bruce Roth at rib0409@yahoo.com for more information.

04/04/17 17 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE EVENT DO!SCUSSION

Showing up for Racial Justice (SURJ) is a national network of groups educating and organizing white people to act as part of a multi-racial majority for racial justice. Asheville SURJ hosts a weekly discussion group on risk-taking, accountability, mutual interest and how to call more white people into racial justice work. Anyone with a passion for working with white people on racial justice is welcome. Time is 10 AM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

04/04/17 CONVERSATIONS ABOUT OUR DIVERSE WORLD AT MARS HILL UNIVERSITY

Thanks to a grant from Bringing Theory to Practice, MHU will be the site of many invigorating and provocative conversations to include all campus and interested community members. Conversation #5, Part I, is called “This Diverse World.” Time is 3 to 5 PM and location is Ramsey Center, Renfro Library at Mars Hill University.

04/04/17 SHOWING OF THE FILM “1984” AT FINE ARTS THEATER IN ASHEVILLE

Screening of the classic film “1984” at the Fine Arts Theater in downtown Asheville on Biltmore Avenue. A stunning screen adaptation of George Orwell’s prophetic “1948” novel about a world in which the government completely controls the masses by controlling their thoughts, altering history and even changing the meaning of words to suit its needs. Showing time to be announced. Cost is $7.50 to $10. Call the Fine Arts Theater at 828.232.1536

04/05/17 SPEAKER ON POLITICAL PSYCHOLOGY AT MARS HILL UNIVERSITY

A Whole New Paradigm: Human Nature and Politics in the XXIst Century. Pi Sigma Alpha (political honor society) is sponsoring Dr. Bill Kreml Professor Emeritus of the Political Science Department at the University of South Carolina to speak from the perspective of political psychology. He will close with Q&A from interested students. Time is 7 to 8:15 PM and location is Belk Auditorium at Mars Hill University.

04/05/17 CITIZENS-POLICE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING

This meeting is organized by the City of Asheville. This meeting is free and open to the public. They meet in the first floor Conference Room at the Public Works Building at 161 South Charlotte Street in downtown Asheville. Time is 5 PM. Call 251-1122 for more information.

04/05/17 ASHEVILLE BIONEERS CONFERENCE DAY ONE

Film and panel discussion with experts on community rights and citizen science. The 5th Annual Asheville Bioneers Conference, an event of the Bioneers Resilient Community Network, is a free three-day event presented by Lenoir-Rhyne University and the Reese Institute for Conservation of Natural Resources. The conference will bring together talks from the national conference in California with panels of local community members to discuss relevant themes related to building a better community. Conference presenters will provide a snapshot of their work in the community and lead discussions with conference attendees on topics including: community rights, natural world rights, social justice meets environmental justice, youth activism and intergenerational engagement, unifying movements to connect our community. Free. This is from 5:30 to 8 PM and location is Lenoir-Rhyne University (2nd floor boardroom) at 36 Montford Avenue in Asheville.

04/05/17 SIERRA CLUB MEETING

Join us to learn about the status of installing solar and wind clean energy generation in North Carolina. Hear from experts about our success in becoming a national leader in installed solar generation and the beginnings of wind power in our state. Find out what the future holds for both expanding solar and onshore/offshore wind energy generation. Hope in the form of wind and solar energy. Michael Shore, co-founder of First Light Solar and now president of Barber Wind Turbines will talk about the success of solar and wind energy. This event is free and open to the public. Location is the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville at 1 Edwin Place in north Asheville (Charlotte Street and Edwin Place). For more information, contact Gail Solomon at gailwriter@msn.com or 908-963-7711.

04/05/17 BILL AYERS: DEMAND THE IMPOSSIBLE

Join us as we welcome Bill Ayers, here on a national tour to celebrate the release of his latest book, “Demand the Impossible! A Radical Manifesto.” In an era defined by mass incarceration, endless war, economic crisis, catastrophic environmental destruction, and a political system offering more of the same, radical social transformation has never been more urgent. We must imagine a world beyond what this rotten system would have us believe is possible. In critiquing the world around us, Ayers uncovers cracks in the system, raising our sights for radical change, and envisioning strategies for building a movement to create a more humane, balanced, and peaceful world. Bill Ayers is a social justice activist, teacher, Distinguished Professor of Education (retired) at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and author of two memoirs, “Fugitive Days” and “Public Enemy.” Time is 6PM and this is hosted by Firestorm Coffee & Books. Location of this talk is 60 State Street in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

04/06/17 DOCUMENTARY AT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

We hear a lot about recycling, but reusing is even better for the environment. On Thursday, April 6th we'll be screening the film “ReUse: Because You Can't Recycle the Planet” in the upper showroom of the ReStore located at 33 Meadow Road in Asheville. We invite you to join us for this mind-opening film and some light refreshments. Stick around afterwards for a 20% off storewide flash sale until 9pm. The event is free, with donations to Habitat welcome. Doors open at 6pm, with a few short opening remarks at 6:15. The film will begin promptly at 6:30 PM. For more information, contact akjellquist@ashevillehabitat.org.

04/06/17 GREEN DRINKS IN HENDERSONVILLE

Hendersonville Green Drinks will present on Community Supported Agriculture. Time is 5:30 PM and location is Black Bear Coffee at 318 North Main Street in Hendersonville. Join us on Thursday, April 6, as Hendersonville Green Drinks welcomes Allison Perrett of Appalachian Sustainable Agricultural Project for a discussion on community supported agricultural. Contact Mary Kate at 828-258-8737 or marykate@mountaintrue.org for more information.

04/06/17 COMMUNITY RIGHTS MOVEMENT STUDY GROUP

This is a study group to learn more about the Community Rights Movement. If you would like to be more deeply informed about the legal process of passing a Community Bill of Rights and enjoy digesting information please join us. We will use Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund's online Democracy School and associated materials (on the web). We will do 4 weeks: March 16, 23, 30 and April 6. This will be on Thursdays from 5:30 to 7.30 PM. Location is The BLOCK off Biltmore at 39 South Market Street in downtown Asheville. This is a Facebook event under CELDF Democracy School Study Group.

04/06/17 AUTHOR EVENT AT MALAPROPS

Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café presents award-winning environmental journalist Mary Ellen Hannibal and her new book, “Citizen Scientist: Searching for Heroes and Hope in an Age of Extinction.” Hannibal will discuss her new book. Joining her in conversation will be Mallory D. McDuff, Professor, Environmental Studies/Outdoor Leadership, at Warren Wilson College. “Citizen Scientist” is Hannibal’s story of the flourishing community of volunteers who help conserve nature. Alongside this heroic cast of fellow ‘citizen scientists’ Hannibal wades into tide pools, follows hawks, and scours mountains to collect data on threatened species, and finds the makings of what may be our last, best, hope in slowing an unprecedented mass extinction. Time is 7 PM and location is Malaprops at 55 Haywood Street in downtown Asheville. Contact Melanie at 828.254.6734 or melanie@malaprops.com for more information.

04/07/17 ANTI-RACISM ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP AT UNITARIAN CONGREGATION

A weekly group focused on Standing Up For Racial Justice core values for people beginning to wake up to the impact of white supremacy on our culture and seeking a safe place to begin to talk about it. Time is 10 AM and location is 23 Edwin Place, next to Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville. Contact Elizabeth at elizabeth@lainschell.com for more information.

04/07/17 SEEDS OF RESISTANCE

Join us for an evening of inspiration for the Art of Revolution and Resilience! There will be a slide show on "Banner Drops, Clown Armies and Other Creative Strategies for Resistance" with activist/artists Jen Murphy and Shane Maxson, along with making Seed Balls--in sculpture form to embody our spring intentions, and “Getting & Staying Active" with Moni Speier Hill, and Postcard writing to save PBS and the NEA. The Art of Revolution and Resilience group's mission is to inspire creative resistance to oppression in all its forms. It will be a platform to build a toolbox you can draw from while creating a resilient future.Time is 7 PM and location is Puppet Club and Street Creature at 37 East Larchmont Road in Asheville. This is a Facebook event.

04/08/17 FILM AT FIRESTORM

Black Star Line Spring Film Series presents “Their Eyes Were Watching God” one of six films presented by Black Star Line, Asheville's new queer-, black- woman-owned brewery. “Their Eyes Were Watching God” is an American Broadcasting Company television movie based upon Zora Neale Hurston's 1937 novel of the same name. The film was directed by Darnell Martin and produced by Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Productions. Call 828-708-7010 for more information about the film. Time is 2 PM and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

04/08/17 CITIZENS CLIMATE LOBBY MEETING

Come join us to help advance our mission to build political will for a livable world. We'll listen to the national call and talk about our strategies in Asheville and WNC to help pass national bipartisan legislation on climate change - called Carbon Fee & Dividend. All political parties are welcome to join in this effort - conservative, liberal, progressive, libertarian, etc. Citizens Climate Lobby meets the second Saturday of each month at Kairos West Community Center, 610 Haywood Road (enter in back) 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.

04/08/17 GREEN RIVER SPRING CLEANING

This year MountainTrue is partnering with the Green River community to help support their annual Green River cleaning. Whether you want to hop in a boat or walk along the shore, all kinds of volunteers are needed to help clear the Green River of trash and debris. We’ll meet at 10 AM at the Fish Top Access Point on Green River Cove Road near Saluda, and meet back up at 5 PM at The Gorge Zipline for an after party of great views and beverages. Volunteers should bring sturdy shoes, clothing that can get wet, appropriate weather gear, lunch and snacks, water, sunscreen, etc. MountainTrue will provide boats and PFD’s for volunteers who want to be on the water. Contact Gray at 828-692-0385 or gray@mountaintrue.org for more information and to register.

04/08/17 SOCIAL JUSTICE TRAINING PROGRAM FOR KIDS

Dancing Bear Toys (a family owned toy store) is teaming up with Spellbound Bookshop (a locally owned children's bookstore) to host a superhero-themed social justice training program for kids. From April-October, the stores will host monthly events with a different social justice themes (anti-racism, women's empowerment, environmentalism, etc.) to train kids to be modern-day superheros. Each month that a child participates, they'll receive a prize from a local business. The next event in partnership with Stand Against Racism will take place on Saturday, April 8, 2017, 1 to 2 PM. Location is Dancing Bear Toys at 518 Kenilworth Road in Asheville. For more information, contact Marylee Sumeriski at 828-255-8697.

04/08/17 ASHEVILLE BIONEERS CONFERENCE DAY TWO

Film and panel discussion with experts on community rights and citizen science. The 5th Annual Asheville Bioneers Conference, an event of the Bioneers Resilient Community Network, is a free three-day event presented by Lenoir-Rhyne University and the Reese Institute for Conservation of Natural Resources. The conference will bring together talks from the national conference in California with panels of local community members to discuss relevant themes related to building a better community. Conference presenters will provide a snapshot of their work in the community and lead discussions with conference attendees on topics including: community rights, natural world rights, social justice meets environmental justice, youth activism and intergenerational engagement, unifying movements to connect our community. Free. This is from 1 to 5 PM and location is Lenoir-Rhyne University (2nd floor boardroom) at 36 Montford Avenue in Asheville.

04/09/17 ASHEVILLE BIONEERS CONFERENCE DAY THREE

Film and panel discussion with experts on community rights and citizen science. The 5th Annual Asheville Bioneers Conference, an event of the Bioneers Resilient Community Network, is a free three-day event presented by Lenoir-Rhyne University and the Reese Institute for Conservation of Natural Resources. The conference will bring together talks from the national conference in California with panels of local community members to discuss relevant themes related to building a better community. Conference presenters will provide a snapshot of their work in the community and lead discussions with conference attendees on topics including: community rights, natural world rights, social justice meets environmental justice, youth activism and intergenerational engagement, unifying movements to connect our community. Free. This is from 2 to 5 PM and location is Lenoir-Rhyne University (2nd floor boardroom) at 36 Montford Avenue in Asheville.

04/09/17 ‘EQUAL MEANS EQUAL’ FILM SCREENING

This award-winning documentary offers an unflinching look at how women are treated in the US today. Real-life stories uncover discriminatory ways and reveal the inadequacy of present laws that claim to protect women. It presents a compelling argument for the urgency to ratify the ERA. On 2/14/17 the ERA was introduced to the NC General Assembly. It is now in the Rules Committee, which decides if it passes through for a vote. Please call, write or visit these committee members to encourage them to pass the ERA. Time for this screening is 3 to 5 PM and location is The Block Off Biltmore at 39 South Market Street in downtown Asheville. Free. Email Amanda at amanda.eramarch@gmail.com for more information. Or call 828-254-9277 for more information.

04/11/17 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL - BECAUSE THE WARS STILL GO ON

04/11/17 17 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE EVENT DO!SCUSSION

04/11/17 STANDING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE EDUCATION WORKING GROUP

A facilitated meeting to build the infrastructure of educational opportunities within Asheville Showing Up for Racial Justice. Time is 6 PM and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

04/11/17 WEEKLY PROGRESSIVE ORGANIZED WOMEN RALLY IN HENDERSONVILE

04/11/17 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 the Center for Art and Spirit at Saint George, address is One School Road in west Asheville. For more information, contact Gerry at gwerhan@gmail.com.

04/12/17 WOMEN’S MARCH HUDDLE FOR REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RIGHTS

Time is 5:30 to 7 PM and location is The Block Off Biltmore at 39 South Market Street in downtown Asheville. Call 828-254-9277 for more information.

04/12/17 STAND WITH PLANNED PARENTHOOD

An opportunity to gather and protest the current legislation that aims to defund Planned Parenthood. The rally will highlight women's reproductive rights and the right to choose what to do with our own bodies. The rally will also be a donation-based fundraiser for our local Planned Parenthood. Time is 2 to 5 PM and location is Vance Monument in downtown Asheville. This is a Facebook event.

04/12/17 JUST PEACE FOR ISRAEL/PALESTINE MEETING

This meeting will be at 9:30 AM at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church at 117 Montreat Road in Black Mountain. Contact Suchi at suchi1025@bellsouth.net for more information.

04/13/2017 THE FACING PROJECT - STAND AGAINST RACISM EVENT

Wages are stagnant, cost of living is skyrocketing, vacancies are at critical lows and certain population are flooding in as others are being pushed out. So what do we need to talk about when we talk about unaffordable housing? More importantly, who do we need to be talking to? The Facing Project is a national effort that attempts to build communities and address pertinent issues through storytelling. Community members shared their stories--of living through and fighting the legacies of Asheville's housing policies--with UNCA students. On April 13th, from 6:30 to 8 PM at the YMI Cultural Center, these stories will be read and performed for you. Join us for an evening of critical dialogue and storytelling as we fight to face the issue of housing in Asheville. This is a registered Stand Against Racism event. For more information, contact JaNesha Slaughter at 704.493.2042.

04/13/17 ASHEVILLE JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

The film “1945” is based on the short story “Homecoming” by Gabor Santo. This is a Hungarian film with English subtitles. In this astonishingly haunting film, deep undercurrents run beneath the simple surface in a quaint village that is ultimately forced to face up to its “ill-gotten gains” from the second World War. Time is 7 PM and location is Fine Arts Theatre at 36 Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville. Admission is $10.

04/14/17 ASHEVILLE JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

The film “1945” is based on the short story “Homecoming” by Gabor Santo. This is a Hungarian film with English subtitles. In this astonishingly haunting film, deep undercurrents run beneath the simple surface in a quaint village that is ultimately forced to face up to its “ill-gotten gains” from the second World War. Time is 1 PM and location is Fine Arts Theatre at 36 Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville. Admission is $10.

04/14/17 UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST SOCIAL JUSTICE FILM NIGHT

We are screening “After Spring” - a documentary about the Syrian refugee crisis. Time is 7 PM and location is Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Asheville at Charlotte and Edwin Streets in north Asheville. With the Syrian conflict now in its sixth year, millions of people continue to be displaced. “After Spring” is the story of what happens next. By following two refugee families in transition and aid workers fighting to keep the camp running, viewers will experience what it is like to live in Zaatari, the largest camp for Syrian refugees. With no end in sight for the conflict or this refugee crisis, everyone must decide if they can rebuild their lives in a place that was never meant to be permanent. World Premiere at Tribeca Film Festival 2016. No charge for the film, but donations are welcome. Contact Norman at mnpopi@charter.net for more information.

04/14/17 ANTI-RACISM ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP AT UNITARIAN CONGREGATION

4/15/17 FILM AT FIRESTORM

Black Star Line Spring Film Series presents “Queen” one of six films presented by Black Star Line, Asheville's new queer-, black- woman-owned brewery. A Delhi girl from a traditional family sets out on a solo honeymoon after her marriage gets cancelled. Rani Mehra is an under-confident young Punjabi woman from Delhi.[6] One day prior to her wedding, her fiancé Vijay tells her that he no longer wishes to marry her. He explains that his lifestyle has changed after living abroad, and her conservative habits would be a wrong match for him. Stunned at the development, Rani shuts herself in her room for a day. Wanting to take control of the situation, she asks her parents permission to go alone on her pre-booked honeymoon to Paris and Amsterdam. In Paris, Rani meets Vijayalakshmi, a free-spirited woman of French-Spanish-Indian descent, who works at the hotel in which Rani stays. Overwhelmed by the new city and having gotten into trouble twice - once with the local police and once with a robber - Rani intends to return to India. However, Vijayalakshmi helps her out and gives her a tour around the city. The two have a series of adventures, during which Rani relives the memories of Vijay patronising her and forbidding her from dancing and drinking - which she's free to do in Paris. Call 828-708-7010 for more information about the film. Time is 2 PM and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

04/17/2017 STAND UP, SPEAK OUT FOR RESPECT & DIGNITY

A-B Tech Community College will hold a community-wide Stand Against Racism event to the college from 2 to 3:30 PM., Thursday, April 13 in the Mission Health/A-B Tech Conference Center on the Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College main Asheville campus. The event is free and open to the public. This year's event is titled, "Stand Up, Speak Out for Respect and Dignity." There will be a panel discussion that explores how to embrace and support each other. The panel will include members of our diverse faith community, our LGBT community, and our minority communities. We will discuss what services are available, what actions we need to take to support each other, and where to direct people for assistance.

04/18/17 TEACHING KIDS ABOUT RACISM AND RACIAL JUSTICE

04/18/17 COMMUNITY VIEWING AND DISCUSSION OF THE MOVIE “13TH”

Francine Delany New School will be hosting a viewing of the Netflix documentary by Filmmaker Ava DuVernay. “13th” explores the history of racial inequality in the United States, focusing on the fact that the nation's prisons are disproportionately filled with African-Americans. Subtitle for the film is: from slave to criminal with just one amendment. Time is 6 PM for the movie. If you have seen the movie before, feel free to join us at 7:45 PM for the discussion. Location is Francine Delany New School for Children at 119 Brevard Road in Asheville. Dogwood Building. This is a Facebook event.

04/18/17 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL - BECAUSE THE WARS STILL GO ON

04/18/17 17 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE EVENT DO!SCUSSION

04/18/17 WEEKLY PROGRESSIVE ORGANIZED WOMEN RALLY IN HENDERSONVILLE

04/18/2017 COMBATING STRUCTURAL RACISM IN THE WORKFORCE

The WNC Diversity Engagement Coalition is proud to be participating in the YWCA's Stand Against Racism campaign for 2017! Come raise a glass with us as we take a Stand Against Racism at Bhramari Brewhouse on Tuesday, April the 18th from 5:30 - 7:30 PM. There will be a brief presentation of some of the work that the WNC Diversity Engagement Coalition is doing to combat structural racism in the workforce followed by networking and socializing. Come ready to connect with other professionals in the community that are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Hors d'oeuvres will be provided. Please register in advance with Paulina Mendez at paulinam364@gmai.com.

04/19/17 GREEN DRINKS

This is a Sustainability and Social Justice Meet-up. Come early for community connections and green drink specials. This happens on the third Wednesday of each month. Socializing from 5:30 – 6PM and presentation from 6 – 7PM. Location is The Block Off Biltmore at 39 South Market Street at Asheville. Call 828-254-9277 for more information.

04/19/17 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS ADVOCACY TRAINING IN ASHEVILLE

Participants will have the opportunity to gain knowledge and tools to advocate for causes and topics of importance to them in a fact-based and effective manner. In addition, they could learn how to set priorities for themselves or identify organizations that could benefit from their skills and enthusiasm. This workshop outlines how state and federal legislation is enacted and focuses on key elected officials that represent the Asheville area at the local, state, and federal levels. AARP Mountain Region and UNCA Asheville OLLI are offering an Advocacy Workshop on Wednesday, April 19 at the Reuter Center. Information will be presented on ways to advocate effectively and how legislation is enacted. You must register by calling 1-877-926-8300 or by going to their webpage. Time is 2 to 5 PM and location is Reuter Center on UNCA campus.

04/20/17 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS BALLOT INTEGRITY PROGRAM IN MADISON COUNTY

Our sister League in Madison County is hosting a presentation on ensuring Ballot Integrity by the Director and Chairman of Madison County's Board of Elections. Concerned that your vote may not count ? People not eligible to vote may cast ballots? What safeguards are in place to ensure the integrity of the vote? Time is 6:30 PM and location is the Madison Campus of A.B.Tech. Co-sponsored by the Political Science Program at Mars hill University and the News Record and Sentinel. Contact the League of Women Voters or Madison County Board of Elections for more information.

04/20/17 CREATION CARE ALLIANCE GENERAL MEETING

Join the Creation Care Alliance of WNC for a general meeting as we inspire one another to good work and discuss our work empowering care for creation. We will connect with one another and explore ways to care for creation. Everyone is welcome. The meeting will be held in the First Baptist Church of Asheville in Room MB306, which is upstairs. Address is 5 Oak Street in downtown Asheville. Time is 5:30 to 7 PM. If you have any questions, please contact Scott Hardin-Nieri at scott@creationcarealliance.org.

04/20/17 FUNDRAISER FOR CHILDREN FIRST/COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOL

We are hosting our 6th annual “Are You Smarter Than an Elementary Student?” trivia night fundraiser on Thursday, April 20 and we would appreciate your support in helping to spread the word about this event. We are still recruiting teams and we would love to have you and your friends and colleagues join us for the fun. Teams are made up of 4 to 6 people for $300 a team, costumes are highly encouraged and food, childcare and an adult beverage will be provided for participating team members so a great time can be had by all. Gather 4 to 6 of your smartest or most fun friends, family and colleagues to form a trivia team for local non-profit Children First/Communities In Schools (CIS) 6th annual “pub-style” trivia contest, “Are You Smarter Than an Elementary Student?” Teams will answer basic knowledge and pop-culture questions with a few surprises thrown in. Groups will vie for great prize packages from local recreational facilities, area restaurants, The Omni Grove Park Inn and more. Time is 6 to 9 PM and location is Morris Hellenic Cultural Center at 227 Cumberland Avenue in Asheville. Proceeds benefit Children First/Communities in Schools. Contact Kate at KateF@childrenfirstbc.org or 828-214-5052 for more information, including how to register a team.

04/20/17 BUILDING BRIDGES PRESENTS: HOW RACISM HAS CHANGED FROM 1993 TO 2017

Since 1993, Building Bridges of Asheville has worked to dismantle racism by fostering relationships that respect diversity, seek understanding and encourage action. Join us for a Stand Against Racism event on Thursday, April 20, from 6 to 8 PM at Rainbow Community School. There will be a panel discussion that includes members of Building Bridges past and present will discuss how the paradigm of racism has changed since in the inception of Building Bridges in 1993 to where we are now in 2017. For more information contact Gerry Leonard at gerryleonard7@gmail.com.

04/21/17 TRUTH TELLING ON RACIAL CONFLICTS AND ‘THE DOCTRINE OF DISCOVERY’

Experience Navajo educator, Mark Charles, in a presentation on a domination framework giving moral and legal rights to invade, seize and enslave people who were not Christian. Dating back to the 15th century, numerous historical documents are still encoded in our legal system today - as shown by U.S. Supreme Court rulings as recent as 2005. This dynamic visionary speaker will be at Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church at 101 Chapel Drive in Swannanoa. Time is 7 to 9 PM. Time includes Q & A and refreshments. This event is free and open to the public (donations will be welcome). For more information, contact Paul at phultberg@charter.net or (828) 505-1026.

04/21/17 ANTI-RACISM ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP AT UNITARIAN CONGREGATION

04/21/17 to 04/23/17 ASHEVILLE CELEBRATES EARTH WEEK

“We Are All Connected!” – Asheville Celebrates Earth Week April 21-23. We are all connected! The City of Asheville has joined forces with numerous community partners to bring you a weekend full of earth day events and family-friendly activities to celebrate this important holiday. The City of Asheville, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, Equinox, GreenWorks, New Belgium Brewing, Organic Grower’s School, Mountain True and RiverLink are hosting Asheville Earth Week on April 21, 22, and 23. With multiple events at different locations over three days, Asheville Earth Week organizers hopes this celebration reinforces a mantra that our community embraces, which is “We are all connected.” On Friday, April 21, MountainTrue is coordinating corporate Earth Day service projects including river clean ups on the French Broad River and invasive plant removal at local parks. To sign your company up, contact Susan Bean at susan@mountiantrue.org or (828) 258-8737 x216. Also on Friday, April 21, join us for a sustainability tour along the newest section of the French Broad River Greenway, which starts at a new trail head at the intersection of Emma Road and Craven Street. The self- guided tour begins at 3:30 PM and will include stations along the way to learn more about greenways, riverfront redevelopment, complete streets and the Asheville Edibles program. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new greenway and the Craven Street Improvements project at 4:30 PM.

04/22/17 INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP ON DECODING AMERICA’S GREATNESS AND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN POWER & AUTHORITY

“Decoding America’s Greatness and The Difference between Power and Authority” is the title of this interactive workshop facilitated by dynamic, visionary Navajo educator, Mark Charles. This interactive workshop will help us understand the roots of social injustice including systemic racial structures. Event will be held at the Swannanoa Valley Friends Meeting at 137 Center Avenue in Black Mountain. Fee is $30 before April 1st and $35 thereafter. Fee includes lunch. Workshop limited to 30 participants. Make checks payable to Swannanoa Valley Friends Meeting and mail to Paul Hultberg at 212 Richmond Hill Drive in Asheville, NC, 28806. Please include your email and phone number. For more information, contact Paul at phultberg@charter.net or (828) 505-1026.

04/22/17 MARCH FOR MEDICAL CANNABIS FOR NORTH CAROLINA

We can no longer fear Big Pharma because 70% of NC citizens support medical cannabis. The citizens of North Carolina understand that denying the sick safe access to safe medicine is not only dangerous, but morally wrong. We are uniting in a statewide campaign to push our legislators to protect those who want to treat their illness with a safer alternative. Vote yes to House Bill 185. We are tired of being locked up and denied rights to what keeps us well. You do not have to smoke cannabis to stand with the sick who need it, to understand this will fight the opiate epidemic, and begin to heal our community naturally. This is a statewide effort with marches taking place across the state. Time is 2 to 3:30 PM. We will meet at Pritchard Park for some speakers, then march to Vance Monument. We are here not to break the law but to reform it. Bring signs, smiles, and respect. Looking forward to seeing you. This is a Facebook event, hosted by NC NORML of Asheville.

04/22/17 DOCUMENTARY SHOWING FOR EARTH DAY

Earth Day film and panel discussion on “Seed: The Untold Story.” Join us for this wonderful film and discussion. “Seed: The Untold Story” tells a beautiful tale of seed diversity and its sad demise. The film takes us on a journey through heart wrenching stories of betrayal and loss, sobering facts about where seed is today -- and isn't -- and the threats to seed diversity that threaten our very existence. From 544 varieties of cabbage, we have just 28; from 158 varieties of cauliflower, we now have 9, and the list goes on. “We have lost 94% of vegetable seed varieties in the 20th century,” we are told at the start of the film. It is truly enough to make you weep...and to inspire action to save our heritage for a sustainable future. Time spent with both traditional seed savers and seed saving pioneers working daily to bring back what was stolen from us through chemical use, GMO technology and corporate control of world politics, is also time spent with the innate beauty of seed. Filmed with reverence and an understanding of the miracle of life that seed truly is “Seed: The Untold Story” carries us closer to seed in a very intimate, even sensual, way. From seed is born the root of our existence. We'll gather together in community for an exploration of seed, as never does a gathering of caring people convene that a seed of hope is not planted.Time is 5:30 PM and location is Lenoir-Rhyne University in Asheville at 36 Montford Avenue. Donations accepted at the door. This is a Facebook event.

04/22/17 EARTH DAY SKILL SHARE FAIR

Transition Asheville and the Earth Team of First Congregational UCC will sponsor a Skill Sharing event to honor Earth Day. Participants can choose from a variety of practical skills that can help us live more sustainably on earth. Among the skills being shared by experienced teachers are the following: making homes more energy efficient; a range of tips for conserving resources; how to make a solar oven; vegetarian cooking; worm composting for gardeners; principles of permaculture; tree identification; basic carpentry; and how to plant and care for trees. The event will take place at the First Congregational UCC at 20 Oak St. in downtown Asheville. This will happen from 10 AM until 3PM. For more information, contact Ron Martin-Adkins at skillsforresilience@yahoo.com.

04/23/17 EARTH DAY VIGIL IN ASHEVILLE

Time is 5 to 7 PM and location is Pritchard Park at 67 Patton Avenue in downtown Asheville. Earth Day Vigil with the Creation Care Alliance called “Active Hope.” Time is 5 to 6:30 PM with a reception to follow. The Creation Care Alliance of Western North Carolina will host a vigil celebrating God's creation and calling on people of faith to care for it. We will gather Pritchard Park for an afternoon of song, poetry, reflection, and to hear messages of inspiration and action from local faith and community leaders. All are welcome! A reception will follow at Jubilee! Community Church at 46 Wall Street in downtown Asheville. Jubilee is also our rain out location. This event is free.

04/23/17 MEDICARE FOR ALL TOWN HALL IN WAYNESVILLE

Over the past few months, the people of the NC 11th District have tried to make their voices heard to Congressman Mark Meadows about the Affordable Care Act (ACA). As chairman of the House Freedom Caucus his primary agenda has meanwhile been focused on pushing through a full repeal of the ACA even though it will gravely affect his own constituents. Meadows opposed the TrumpCare bill–which the GOP had to pull for lack of votes–for all the wrong reasons. He felt it did not do enough to strip “entitlements,” like essential health benefits and Medicaid, from the people of his district. Meadows continues to ignore us, saying he will “have a town hall in August,” and that’s unacceptable. Congress is in recess again beginning 4/7, and we’re requesting Meadows’ presence at a town hall on Sunday, April 23. It’s time we moved past the ACA. We need Medicare for All. There have been town halls, rallies, petitions, letters, and other actions that have occurred over the past few months. The 4/23 town hall will unify all of these events. The size and scope of this event is unprecedented in the 11th. It’s time we came together as a district–as western North Carolinians–and made our voices heard. We’ll meet on the lawn in front of the Haywood County Courthouse at 285 North Main Street in downtown Waynesville. This is right next to Meadows’ office. Free. Time is 3 to 5 PM.

04/24/17 DIPLOMACY & MEDIA IN A CHAOTIC WORLD

Dr. Elizabeth (Liz) Colton, Diplomat-in-Residence at Lenoir-Rhyne University-Asheville, will present four lectures focused on Diplomacy, Politics and News. Dr. Colton is an Emmy-award winning journalist who has worked for ABC News, NBC News, Newsweek, and NPR. The Asheville native also had a distinguished career as a U.S. Foreign Service diplomat in seven Middle Eastern countries. The Monday night series includes: April 24 - Navigating Flash Points of US Politics, Foreign Policy and World Diplomacy; and May 22 - Global Diplomacy and Asheville in the world. All lectures will take place at Lenoir-Rhyne’s Asheville Center, which is located at 36 Montford Avenue in downtown Asheville. Doors will open each night at 5 PM, and lectures will begin at 5:30 PM. RSVP is required, so please call 828-407-4263. This is a Facebook event and was in the Mountain Express.

04/25/17 MOVIE NIGHT AT THE COLLIDER

The Collider and Oskar Blues Brewery launch a new monthly climate and environmental film series at The Collider, open to the public. Doors open at 6:30 PM, the film starts at 7. The first four evenings will feature episodes from the award-winning series, “Years of Living Dangerously.” Oskar Blues will provide beer and, of course, we’ll also have popcorn. Tonight we will show “Safe Passage” with Bradley Whitford and “The Road Ahead” with Ty Burrell, and “Uprising” featuring “The Coal Wars” with America Ferrera and “Elephant in the Room” with Sigourney Weaver. This is a Facebook event.

04/25/17 ASHEVILLE TIMEBANK POTLUCK

Asheville TimeBank will hold its monthly potluck dinner on the 4th Tuesday of April at 6:15 PM, at St. Mary's Episcopal Church Fellowship Hall on Charlotte Street in Asheville. Enter via Evelyn Way off Charlotte Street. Open to everyone - TimeBank members and also those who would like to learn about getting needs met outside the cash economy. Bring your laptop if you'd like some individual help. Contact Cathy Holt at cathyfholt@gmail.com for more information.

04/25/17 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL - BECAUSE THE WARS STILL GO ON

04/25/17 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE EVENT DO!SCUSSION

04/25/17 WEEKLY PROGRESSIVE ORGANIZED WOMEN RALLY IN HENDERSONVILLE

04/26/17 PASTORS FOR PEACE IN ASHEVILLE

Pastors for Peace is part of the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organizations (IFCO). It has been organizing caravans to Cuba since 1992 offering US citizens an opportunity to express their support for changing relations with Cuba. The Executive Director, Ms. Gail Walker states: “While President Obama made some efforts to begin opening US relations with Cuba before leaving office, the embargo is still in effect and there are still some restrictions on travel to Cuba. This year, in the early days of the Trump administration, we are focusing on opposition to any roll-back of the gains made under the Obama administration.” This will be a potluck dinner (please bring a dish to share) followed by a talk and discussion with Ms. Walker Time is 6:30 PM and location is Asheville Friends Meeting House at 227 Edgewood Road in Asheville. Ms. Walker will focus on what life is like in Cuba today and on the current state of US-Cuba relations. Pastors for Peace began organizing Friendshipment caravans to Cuba in 1992. This is a fundraising tour. Please donate what you can. For more information, please contact Ken at jonesk@maine.edu.

04/26/17 PASTORS FOR PEACE AT WARREN WILSON

From their website: “Pastors for Peace is a special ministry of the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization (IFCO), and was created in 1988 to pioneer the delivery of humanitarian aid to Latin America and the Caribbean. Pastors for Peace offers concerned US citizens an opportunity to demonstrate and enact an alternative people-to-people foreign policy based in justice and mutual respect. We have organized dozens of Pastors for Peace Caravans to various countries delivering life-giving aid, and organizing at home for a more just policy toward our neighbors in the hemisphere.” Pastors for Peace started organizing caravans to Cuba in 1992. Gail Walker, Executive Director, will speak about what is it like in Cuba today and about the current state of US-Cuba relations. Then the film “All Guantanamo is Ours” will be shown. This film shows the perspective and sentiment of the Cuban people, in particular those living in the towns around Guantanamo, about the illegal occupation of the U.S. Naval Base. This will be from 4 to 5:30 PM and location is Jensen Lecture Hall at Warren Wilson College. This is a fundraising tour. Please donate what you can. For more information, contact Ken at jonesk@maine.edu.

04/27/17 ASHEVILLE JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

Writer-actor Aaron Davidman embodies seventeen different characters in and around the city of Jerusalem as he takes us on an eye-opening journey into the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian story. Exploring universal questions of identity and human connection, this film challenges the audience to reconsider their views on the Israeli-Palestinian story in light of the film. This is a closing night reception to the Asheville Jewish Film Festival and director Aaron Davidman will be present. Time is 6 PM and location is Fine Arts Theatre at 36 Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville. Admission is $25.

04/28/17 ASHEVILLE JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

Writer-actor Aaron Davidman embodies seventeen different characters in and around the city of Jerusalem as he takes us on an eye-opening journey into the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian story. Exploring universal questions of identity and human connection, this film challenges the audience to reconsider their views on the Israeli-Palestinian story in light of the film. Time is 1 PM and location is Fine Arts Theatre at 36 Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville. Admission is $10.

04/28/17 ANTI-RACISM ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP AT UNITARIAN CONGREGATION

04/28/17 SILENT VIGIL FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM IN HENDERSONVILLE

This will be at the Henderson County Courthouse on Main Street in Hendersonville (between 1st and 2nd Streets) from 5 to 6 PM. There will be signs available for people to hold, or you can bring your won. This is a coalition of churches and nonprofits. This came from the Progressive Organized Women of Henderson County. Happens monthly.

04/29/17 SIERRA CLUB BUS TO DC FROM ASHEVILLE

The People’s Climate March is April 29 in Washington DC and Sierra Club WENOCA has chartered a bus to take you there. We are grateful to the national Sierra Club and the NC chapter for subsidizing the cost of the bus. Therefore, your cost for a round trip ticket is $48.47 ($30 for bus + $10 for MetroRail card + $5 for water, snacks, etc. + $3.47 service charge). Please print your ticket and show it when boarding the bus. The bus will leave the night of April 28 and return the morning of April 30. You will not need a hotel because the bus will be traveling through the night. If you cannot make the trip but would like to make a donation to help someone who wants to go but can’t afford it, you can do that at the same link. Don’t delay - we are expecting this bus to fill up fast. Contact Judy at judymattox@sbcglobal.net for more information. Go here to get tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/peoples-climate-march-bus-asheville-to-dc-tickets-32859388315

04/29/17 GREENWORKS HARD 2 RECYCLE COLLECTION

Bring out your dead electronics, tvs, computers, small appliances, batteries and more to be recycled here in the US. We need a good amount of folks to help keep this event moving. Please consider helping out for a shift. Time is 10 AM to 2 PM and location is the City Public Works parking lot at 161 South Charlotte Street in downtown Asheville. Contact Eric Bradford at 828-232-7144 or eric@ashevillegreenworks.org for more information.

4/29/17 FILM AT FIRESTORM

Black Star Line Spring Film Series presents “Introducing Dorothy Dandridge” one of six films presented by Black Star Line, Asheville's new queer-, black- woman-owned brewery. This biography of Dorothy Dandridge follows her career through early days on the club circuit with her sister to her turn in movies, including becoming the first black actress to win a Best Actress Nomination in 1954 for “Carmen Jones” to her final demise to prescription drugs, which was debated whether it was suicide or accidental. Brent Spiner plays her faithful manager who stood beside her through all of the roller coaster of her career. The film also examines her love affair with director Otto Preminger, which is shown to have probably initially helped her career, but later probably led her to some wrong decisions. The film also examines 50's racism as the black star is not permitted to use white bathrooms or the Vegas pool. In the first situation, she was given a bathroom cup to pee in. In the second situation, the hotel drained the pool and scrubbed it after she dared put her foot in the water. Call 828-708-7010 for more information about the film. Time is 2 PM and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

04/29/17 ASHEVILLE PEOPLE’S CLIMATE RALLY AND MARCH

This will be in Pack Square from 10 AM to 1 PM. More information to follow.

04/30/17 WNC SOLIDARITY CONCERT SERIES

The final Sunday of each month in 2017, two groups of WNC-based musicians and their ensembles will each perform a benefit concert to rise funding for WNC non-profits. The music performed each week will fluctuate between jazz, rhythm & blues, soul, jazz funk, jazz fusion, and swing. Each event will host two groups, playing, consecutively between 3 and 5 PM with a brief intermission. All of proceeds go to the nonprofit organization. The nonprofit for today’s concert is Our Voice. Act I is the Al Schlimm Quintet and Act II is the Chuck Lichtenberger Quartet. Location is The Block Off Biltmore at Eagle and South Market Streets in downtown Asheville. Suggested donation is $10, and are available the day of the event. This is a Facebook event. Please call The Block Off Biltmore for more information.

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ONGOING EVENTS

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TUESDAY

Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 5 PM at Pack Square, Vance Monument during most of the year, but after standard time kicks in, they meet at 4:30 PM.

Showing Up for Racial Justice Do!scussion at Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. 10 AM. Educating and organizing white people for racial justice.

Rally at historic Courthouse in Hendersonville at 5 PM. Organized by the Progressive Organized Women.

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.

Green Grannies Book Club meets at noon at Firestorm at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville.

Green Drinks meets at 7 PM at The Block Off Biltmore on the third Wednesday of the month.

Sierra Club meets at 7 PM at Unitarian Universalist in Asheville on the first Wednesday of the month.

THURSDAY

Political Prisoners Letter Writing at Firestorm Coffee & Books at 6 PM on fourth Thursday of the month. Materials provided.

Welcome Home Tour by Homeward Bound on the third Thursday of the month at 11 AM. Call 258-1695 for more information.

Asheville Prison Books Program is held at Downtown Books & News from 4 to 7 PM.

FRIDAY

Women in Black have a weekly vigil at noon at the City Hall in Hendersonville.

Standing Up For Racial Justice event is held at 10 AM at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville. Educating and organizing white people for racial justice.

SATURDAY

French Broad Riverkeeper has a paddle-n-plant to prevent sediment erosion most Wednesdays and Saturdays. Registration required at anna@mountaintrue.org.

Mountain True holds urban forest workdays on the second Saturday of the month at Richmond Hill Park from 9 AM to 1 PM. Call 258-8737 for more information.

Citizen’s Climate Lobby meeting at 12:30 PM at Kairos West Community Center on second Saturday of the month.

Food Not Bombs serves free vegan/vegetarian food every Saturday at noon at Pritchard Park.

SUNDAY

Asheville National Organization for Women meeting at 2:30 PM at YWCA of Asheville on second Sunday of the month.

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ACTIONS AND READINGS

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MESSAGE FROM STAND AGAINST RACISM

Register for the 2017 Stand Against Racism at www.StandAgainstRacism.org. This year's Stand is scheduled for Thursday, April 27 - Sunday, April 30, but can take place throughout the month of April Our 2017 theme is: Women of Color Leading Change. Here are some ways your Stand Against Racism event can take shape:

Talk within your group: Have dialogue about race based on inspirational quotes, a common reading or a video which brings out these issues. You could also research ways your organization does or does not serve African American and Latinx communities and discuss it with your colleagues. Look for ways to better serve.

Day of Support: A day of support can be as simple as having employees at a business or students at a school wear "Stand Against Racism" t-shirts or buttons. Put up Stand Against Racism posters or create a sign in front of your building that says, "We stand against racism with the YWCA."

Educational Events: Host a film screening, panel discussion or local speaker.

Rally: Host an inspirational rally to raise public awareness, put pressure on local decision makers or take local action.

Service Project: Partner with another local organization or business to reach out and give back to the community. Service projects are an excellent way to start conversations, bring people together from different parts of the community and gain perspective around racial issues in Asheville.

Social Media Action: Encourage people to tweet or post on Facebook about how they plan to combat racism in the community. Participate in the #standagainstracism photo petition by sending in photos of you and others wearing a Stand Against Racism t-shirt.

The YWCA's Stand Against Racism is a partnership of YWCA Associations throughout the country to build community among those who work for racial justice and to raise awareness about the negative impact of institutional and structural racism. As a participating site, you can unite our community in a bold demonstration that delivers a clear message: We are on a mission to eliminate racism! Register for Stand today at www.StandAgainstRacism.org.

If you have any questions, please contact Gerry Leonard, Volunteer & Racial Justice Coordinator at gleonard@ywcaofasheville.org or (828) 254-7206 x 219 and visit our website at www.ywcaofasheville.org/standagainstracism.

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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.

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dancewater

Sunday, April 02, 2017

Upcoming events for the week of April 2, 2017

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