UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR BY DANCEWATER
01/22/18 BUILDING BRIDGES WINTER/SPRING SESSION
This 9-week program will be held at Central United Methodist Church in downtown Asheville, on Monday evenings from 7 - 9 pm, starting on January 22nd and running through March 19th. We anticipate Session 51 filling up fast, so be sure to register early to reserve your spot. We hope to see you there! Where: Central United Methodist Church, 27 Church Street, Asheville, NC 28801. When: Monday evenings, 7 - 9 pm, January 22nd - March 19th, 2018. Cost: $35.00. About Building Bridges - The mission of Building Bridges is to dismantle racism by fostering relationships that respect diversity, seek understanding and encourage action. We provide educational programming paired with a safe place to learn, reflect and discuss. Since 1993, Building Bridges has profoundly impacted people and institutions throughout Western North Carolina. To date, more than 1500 participants have attended the program. For more information, including how to register, contact Building Bridges of Asheville at info@buildingbridges-ashevillenc.org.
01/22/18 ASHEVILLE SURJ WEEKLY MEETING
Asheville SURJ weekly evening meeting: Monday, 6:30-8:30pm at Asheville Unitarian Universalist Congregation (downstairs main building). Accountability group for folks seeking to focus on anti-racism work. Meetings include opportunities such as discussion, educational opportunities, or role-playing difficult conversations, and building connections. For more info email avlsurj@gmail.com.
01/22/18 LUNCH & LEARN FOR FAIR REDISTRICTING
Lunch & Learn - The Need for Fair and Independent redistricting. Dr. Jennifer Bremer, the League of Women Voters NC's state coordinator for Fair Elections Action Team (FEAT), will provide an update and overview on gerrymandering and the need for fair and independent redistricting. She will also speak to the General Assembly's decision to redistrict the current judicial districts. The General Assembly goes back into session on January 10, and these items are on their agenda. We need to educate ourselves and then act to support the League's position on these issues. For questions or further information, about the League of Women Voters of Henderson County email communications.lwvhc.com@gmail.com. Time is 11:30 AM. Support the co-op by buying your lunch and joining us in the community room. Location is the Hendersonville Community Co-op 60 South Charleston Lane Hendersonville, NC.
01/22/18 “BIRTHRIGHT: A WAR STORY” MOVIE AT GRAIL MOVIEHOUSE
Join the Grail Moviehouse with Planned Parenthood South Atlantic on January 22nd at 6:30 PM as we mark the 45th Anniversary of the landmark decision Roe v. Wade and examine how much more still needs to be done. Film and Discussion. Location is the Grail MovieHouse. Half of all ticket sales will be donated to Planned Parenthood South Atlantic. This film will also show on 01/23 and 01/24.
01/22/18 TO 2/27/18 EXHIBIT AT UNCA RAMSEY LIBRARY
The Blowers Gallery in UNC Asheville's Ramsey Library will host the touring exhibit, “Understanding our Past, Shaping our Future” from Jan. 12-Feb. 27. The exhibition is free and open to everyone and will be on view during regular library hours. The exhibit focuses on Cherokee language and culture, using sound recordings as the basis for presenting a coherent story in words and text. The exhibit was developed with the assumption that language shapes thinking. In creating the exhibit storyline, the project team foregrounded the Cherokee language, believed to reflect inherent community values. “Understanding our Past, Shaping our Future” was conceived of and designed to include community input as a way to develop its content. Rather than present historical outcomes, the team favored a thematic approach. Major themes include Cherokee Homeland, Heritage Sites, Tourism, Family, and Community Celebrations. The result is an exhibit that tells a more personal story and provides insight into Cherokee identity. Rather than translating from English into Cherokee, as is often done, much of the exhibit text was excerpted from conversations originally recorded in Cherokee. A Cherokee speakers group, organized in cooperation with the Cherokee Language Program at Western Carolina University, met weekly at the Kituwah Academy, the language immersion school on the Qualla Boundary. There, members were shown historic photographs and asked to comment on them. Their conversations were transcribed, translated, and included on the fifteen panels that make up the exhibit. Re-recorded by language instructor Tom Belt, these conversations are digitally archived. The exhibit panels use smart phone technology and QR codes to link to conversations in the archive. By hitting the on-screen play button, a visitor can listen to the Cherokee syllabary as it is spoken. The touring exhibit was funded by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Eastern Band of Cherokee in partnership with the Chief Joyce Dugan Cultural Arts Center at Cherokee Central Schools. The exhibition is presented at UNC Asheville by its Center for Diversity Education and Ramsey Library. For more information, contact the Center for Diversity Education at dmiles@unca.edu or 828.232.5024.
01/22/18 DAY OF SOLIDARITY WITH TRANS PRISONERS
Monday, Jan 22nd at 7:00pm. International Day of Solidarity with Trans Prisoners. This annual event is held to celebrate and honor the resiliency of trans prisoners across the globe. Please join Tranzmission Prison Project for a short discussion and film screening, followed by letter writing. Folks will be sending cards of support and solidarity to our comrades behind bars. TPP will provide the cards and stamps, we just need you to bring your love, rage, and words. This event will be held at Firestorm at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Contact them for more information.
01/23/18 OCCUPY WNC MEETING IN SYLVA
OccupyWNC's new meeting location is The Sylva Market and Signature Brew Coffee, 552 W Main St, Sylva, NC 28779. The next meeting is January 23rd, 7:00 pm (Supper beforehand @6:00pm at the Mad Batter restaurant.) They typically meet every 2nd and 4th Tuesday. OccupyWNC, a non-partisan group, has worked for economic and social justice in WNC since 2011. Newcomers and visitors welcome! Submitted by Lucy Christopher (828)743-9747.
01/23/18 ASURJ DO!SCUSSION
The Do!scussion is a weekly safe space in which to talk about what we see that encourages us to continue to create multi-racial coalitions in Asheville while working to dismantle white supremacy. Feel like you're struggling with the how? Come on over and we'll talk about it. Then, we'll get to do!ing. Do!scussion presently runs on Tuesdays from 10-11:30 AM followed by Do!session from 11:30-1:30 PM during which we working with accountability partners on a particular project or issue. The seven organizing principles of SURJ are: 1) accountability through action, 2) mutual interest, 3) take risks and keep going, 4) calling in more, 5) enough for everyone, 6) growth is good, and 7) centering class. Time is 10 AM and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.
01/23/18 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 4:30 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.
01/23/18 PUBLIC LECTURE ON NORTH KOREA IN WEAVERVILLE
“North Korea 2018” presentation by Jonathan Tetzlaff, global security consultant. Free. Held at Weaverville Public Library at 41 North Main Street in Weaverville. Contact Library for more information.
01/24/18 ASHEVILLE BLUE RIBBON COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RELATIONS
The task force committee will serve for approximately three months in an advisory capacity to define the mission, scope and duties concerning a newly formed Human Relations Commission. They are calling for community input. Discussions will focus on marginalized communities in Asheville, their needs, and how the new Human Relations Committee can best engage these communities and strengthen relationships citywide. Wednesday January 24th at 6:30 pm - Shiloh Rec Center, 121 Shiloh Road, Asheville, NC. Light dinner, child care and Spanish interpreters will be available for attendees. For more information, contact 828-232-4541 or JMatthews@ashevillenc.gov.
01/24/2018 BOARD MEETING FOR LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS IN ASHEVILLE – BUNCOMBE COUNTY
Board Meeting, Public Comment Open at beginning of each meeting. Wed, January 24, 6:30pm – 8:00pm. Monthly on the fourth Wednesday. Location is The Cathedral of All Souls at 9 Swan Street in Asheville. Join us in the CE Room. Information came from LWV-ABC website.
01/24/18 CITIZENS ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT
This is a progressive meetup that features short films and discussions. Free to attend. Time is 7 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Call 828-355-8115 for more information.
01/25/18 AUTHOR EVENT AT MALAPROPS
David Collins presents “Accidental Activists: Mark Phariss, Vic Holmes, and Their Fight for Marriage Equality.” “Accidental Activists” is the deeply moving story of two men who struggled to achieve the dignity of which Justice Anthony Kennedy spoke in a series of Supreme Court decisions that recognized the ‘personhood,’ the essential humanity, of gays and lesbians. Author David Collins tells Mark and Vic's story in the context of legal and social history, and explains the complex legal issues and developments surrounding same-sex marriage in layperson's terms. Thursday, January 25, 2018 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Location is Malaprops at 55 Haywood Street in Asheville. Contact Malaprops for more information.
01/25/18 ERA NORTH CAROLINA PLANNING MEETING
ERA-NC Alliance Action Teams 10 and 11 invite you to attend the first planning meeting of the new year. Date is Thursday, January 25, at 5:30 pm. Location is Grail MovieHouse in downtown Asheville. Join the fight for women's equality and inclusion in the U.S. Constitution. We will discuss the momentum of the #MeToo movement and its connection to ERA, specific action steps we can take, and a timeline for 2018. Join the fight for women's equality and inclusion in the U.S. Constitution. For more information please contact: Action Team 10 Leader Jimmie Cochran-Pratt at jimmie.cochranpratt@gmail.com or Action Team 11 Leader Ellen Perry at ellenjperry@gmail.com.
01/26/18 JUST PEACE FOR ISRAEL/PALESTINE MEETING
This meeting will be at 10 AM on Friday Jan 26th at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church Library. Contact Beth at elizakeiser@aol.com or 828-707-4271 for more information.
01/26/18 PANEL DISCUSSION AT UNCA REUTER CENTER
“Confederate Monuments: Their History and Their Future” - a panel discussion. Date is 01/26 and time is 2:00 pm-3:30 pm. Location is the Reuter Center. As 21st century America continues to reconsider monuments, building and street names, and memorials of all kinds in public spaces in light of contemporary ideas about slavery and racism, OLLI at UNC Asheville will present a distinguished panel to discuss the history and the issues. “Confederate Monuments – Their History and Their Future” will take place from 2-3:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 26 at the Reuter Center on campus. This event is free and everyone is welcome. The panel will be moderated by UNC Asheville Assistant Professor of History and BPR radio host Darin Waters, and the panelists will include: Deborah Miles, director, UNC Asheville’s Center for Diversity Education; Sasha Mitchell, chair, African American Heritage Commission for Asheville and Buncombe County; creator/editor of the Color of Asheville; Steven E. Nash, associate professor of history, East Tennessee State University; author, Reconstruction’s Ragged Edge: The Politics of Postwar Life in the Southern Mountains; Dan Pierce, professor of history and NEH Distinguished Professor at UNC Asheville; author of numerous books on Southern and Appalachian history; and Sheneika Smith, newly elected member of Asheville City Council; founder of Date My City. This panel discussion is part of the More Than A Month series created by members of OLLI, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNC Asheville, who have come together to promote and celebrate inclusivity at OLLI, develop partnerships with people of all backgrounds, and raise awareness among fellow OLLI members and the greater Asheville community of issues of concern to minority communities. For more information, call 828.251.6140 or email olli@unca.edu.
01/26/18 ‘TROUBLE’ SCREENING
Friday, Jan 26th at 7:30pm there will be a “Trouble” screening. Sub.Media offers ‘Trouble’ a brand-new monthly show offering an in-depth anarchist analysis of current struggles, tactics, and movement dynamics. Trouble broadcasts first-hand accounts and perspectives from organizers on the ground, with the aim of cutting through the fog of misinformation that often clouds our understanding of the world, and provoking people into taking bold, collective action. This monthly, half-hour film on topics of interest to people fighting the settler colonial capitalism is hosted by Blue Ridge Anarchist Black Cross and will include a discussion of the film with questions provided by the film makers. This event will be held at Firestorm at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Contact them for more information.
01/27/18 TROLLEY TOUR BY MOUNTAIN TRUE
Learn how MountainTrue promotes healthy communities by joining us for the Community Planning for All trolley tour led by Asheville Design Center's Chris Joyell on January 27 from 11am-1pm. We will be visiting several community led design projects that have made Asheville the unique and wonderful city it is, like the outdoor classroom at the Burton St Peace Garden, the mural at Triangle Park, and the 13 Bones pedestrian bridge in the River Arts District. We will also discuss how MountainTrue has influenced the redesign of the I-26 connector and open a dialogue about how community planning affects lower income neighborhoods. Members $20, non-members $30. Contact Devon Hathaway at 828-258-8737 ext 214 or outings@mountaintrue.org for more information (including location and how to register).
01/28/18 AUTHOR EVENT AT MALAPROPS
Time is 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm and location is Malaprops Bookstore/Cafe in downtown Asheville. On January 28, 2018 my husband, Dennis, and I will be appearing at Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café in Asheville to talk about our new book “We Fought the Road,” released by Epicenter Press in October. Local authors, we live in Weaverville, NC. Our cause, though, is the forgotten black soldiers who helped build the Alaska Highway in 1942. After Pearl Harbor, America’s leaders panicked. Alaska and the Aleutian Island chain offered a direct path from Japan to North America, and defending Alaska meant getting men, weapons and material there in quantities well beyond the capabilities of air transport or the Navy. Desperate for a land route from Montana to Fairbanks, America’s leaders threw a ‘hail mary pass’. They launched the Corps of Engineers to Canada and Alaska and demanded the impossible–1600 miles of road through some of the most difficult territory in the world. And, by the way, they needed it in 8 months. The result was the Alaska Highway–the Alcan. The Corps wanted no part of black soldiers in Canada and Alaska, but they simply didn’t have enough white regiments. Three of the four regiments launched into the North Country were segregated black regiments. “Hidden Figures” living under the Army’s version of Jim Crow, approximately 3600 young black men, most from southern states, wound up in deep wilderness, isolated from contact with the local population, living in tents with temperatures 30, 40, 60 even 70 below zero. Today people in the lower 48 think of the Alaska Highway as a tourist destination. And, God knows, it is a stunning experience. But very few people know of its origins, of the heroes who suffered and died to build it, and, especially the black heroes. Contact Dennis McClure at 828-713-1628 for more information.
01/29/18 ASHEVILLE SURJ WEEKLY MEETING
Asheville SURJ weekly evening meeting: Monday, 6:30-8:30pm at Asheville Unitarian Universalist Congregation (downstairs main building). Accountability group for folks seeking to focus on anti-racism work. Meetings include opportunities such as discussion, educational opportunities, or role-playing difficult conversations, and building connections. For more info email avlsurj@gmail.com.
01/30/18 ASURJ DO!SCUSSION
The Do!scussion is a weekly safe space in which to talk about what we see that encourages us to continue to create multi-racial coalitions in Asheville while working to dismantle white supremacy. Feel like you're struggling with the how? Come on over and we'll talk about it. Then, we'll get to do!ing. Do!scussion presently runs on Tuesdays from 10-11:30 AM followed by Do!session from 11:30-1:30 PM during which we working with accountability partners on a particular project or issue. The seven organizing principles of SURJ are: 1) accountability through action, 2) mutual interest, 3) take risks and keep going, 4) calling in more, 5) enough for everyone, 6) growth is good, and 7) centering class. Time is 10 AM and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.
01/30/18 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 4:30 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.
01/30/18 MEDICARE FOR ALL EVENT
Jan 30 Medicare for all: a tool for health justice from 7:00-9 PM. Location is the West Asheville Library at 942 Haywood Road. Come hear the renowned and nationally published ‘heavy metal healthcare’ expert Tim Faust speak about the necessary cause that is Single Payer in America. There will be a speech and then Q&A session following. $5-$10 sliding scale donation. Information came from Asheville Socialists. Contact Jacob at asheville.socialist@gmail.com for more information.
01/30/18 INDIVISIBLE ASHEVILLE MEETING
Join us as we kick off the new year with monthly meetings, to be held on the last Tuesday of the month. Each month we’ll give updates on recent and future actions and opportunities to get involved, and we’ll focus on learning more about our elected representatives in Raleigh and Washington, or hearing from candidates who are seeking election, or learning more about a particular issue, or sharing tools for being involved in our democracy. So mark your calendars. Hope to see you there. If you have suggestions for future meetings, let us know: email info@indivisibleavl.org. Time is 6 to 7:30 PM and location is Pack Memorial Library Auditorium at 67 Haywood Street in downtown Asheville.
01/30/18 LEGACY OF DESEGREGATION BY ASHEVILLE CITY SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
Asheville City Schools Foundation (ACSF) is hosting a four-part community series titled, "Choosing Equity" on integration, inclusion, and equity in our schools. The Legacy of Desegregation is part one in ACSF's series. Join us on Tuesday, January 30 at 6:00 PM in the Stephens Lee Recreation Center for a community conversation about the history of desegregation in Asheville City Schools. Middle school students from the Find Your Voice IRL program will provide a dramatic presentation of key events from the desegregation of the Asheville City Schools. Community leaders will share their lived-experiences of that time. We will explore the lasting legacy of the desegregation process in Asheville probing how it impacts our schools today. Food and childcare ill be provided. This information came from Building Bridges, and you can contact them at info@buildingbridges-ashevillenc.org if you have any questions.
01/31/18 ASHEVILLE BLUE RIBBON COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RELATIONS
The task force committee will serve for approximately three months in an advisory capacity to define the mission, scope and duties concerning a newly formed Human Relations Commission. They are calling for community input. Discussions will focus on marginalized communities in Asheville, their needs, and how the new Human Relations Committee can best engage these communities and strengthen relationships citywide. Wednesday January 31st at 5:30 pm - Public Works, 161 S. Charlotte Street, 1st Floor, A 109. For more information, contact 828-232-4541 or JMatthews@ashevillenc.gov.
02/01/18 SIERRA CLUB MEETING
Sierra Club Feb. 1: “Skywalker” Shares Hiking in Nepal and the World. On Thursday, February 1, the Sierra Club presents Bill Walker who will share his latest adventure – hiking the world’s greatest mountain range, the Himalayas. Known as “Skywalker” because of his seven-foot height, he has left his boot prints on the length of both the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails, as well as countless other trails in Europe and Asia. His experiences will both awe and inspire you. This event is free and open to the public. Important Note: Effective with this February meeting, all Sierra Club meetings will be on the first Thursday of the month. Location: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place (corner of Charlotte and Edwin). Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Contact: Judy Mattox, judymattox@sbcglobal.net, (828) 683-2176.
02/01/18 COMMUNITY BILL OF RIGHTS MEETING
Get Involved: Community Bill of Rights on Thursday, February 1st from 5:30-7:30 pm at The Block off Biltmore at 39 S Market Street in Asheville. Be part of Asheville and Buncombe County’s just and equitable transition to 100% renewable energy. Learn how Corporations have hijacked the Rights of Communities and what the Community Rights movement is doing to take back our Power. 5:30-5:45 Connect with like-minded fellow citizens. 5:45-7:00 Interactive presentation on Community Rights. 7:00-7:30 Ways to get involved locally. Contact The Block off Biltmore for more information.
02/02/18 LECTURE AT UNCA
Fab Friday Lecture 11:30 AM to 1:15 PM Friday, February 2, 2018, at Reuter Center Room102. “Asheville Race Relations, Black-White, Past and Present.” Panelist include Al Whitesides, Marvin Chambers, Keynon Lake and Tracy Green-Washington. This panel presentation will focus on black and white race relations in Asheville from the days when desegregation happened in the schools to what is happening today. The speakers include activists who were a significant part of the effort to desegregate Asheville City Schools. These activists are still civic leaders today continuing their part in improving race relations in the twenty-first century. ASCORE (Asheville Student Committee on Racial Equality) exists because of them. There are younger panelists too who have another perspective and know that the task is on-going and they are leading actions and movements to improve the lives of African-Americans in the Western North Carolina. The task is not done. Come listen and learn what these movers and shakers have to say. Panelists include Al Whitesides, Buncombe Country Commissioner, and Marvin Chambers, both instrumental in the desegregation of Asheville public schools in the 1960s and 1970s, and still making strides for change. Panelists Keynon Lake, founder of ‘My Daddy Taught Me That’ works for the Buncombe County Health and Human Services Dept. Tracy Green-Washington is the founder of the CoThink Foundation; she formerly worked for the Z Smith Reynolds. All are continuing the of social activism for race relations in the Asheville area. No contact information.
02/02/18 LIVE STAKING WITH FRENCH BROAD RIVERKEEPER
The French Broad Riverkeeper and Mountain True are combating sediment pollution by planting live-stakes along eroding river banks. Time and location TBD. Sign up at mountaintrue dot org for updates or to register.
02/03/18 SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENT AT PACK LIBRARY IN ASHEVILLE
Mark your calendar: On Saturday, Feb. 3, at 2 p.m., we're hosting a tell-all history event on Buncombe County's Confederate monuments, courtesy of the North Carolina Room, Pack Memorial Library: Monumental Decisions: The Legacy and Future of Civil War Markers in Our Public Spaces. Speakers: The program will begin with two brief presentations by local historians. Roy Harris will survey Buncombe County’s Confederate monuments—when and how they came into existence. Jon Elliston will review the history of the local white supremacy movement that undergirded the introduction of the monuments. Special quest speaker: Professor Fitzhugh Brundage, Chair of UNC Chapel Hill’s History Department, will headline a program on interpreting and dealing with Civil War monuments. The title of Professor Brundage’s talk will be, “A Vexing and Awkward Debate: The Legacy of a Confederate Landscape?” The focus of this program is to present when and where monuments were placed, who placed them, who paid for them, and a look at how they were presented to the public when they were placed. We also hope to shed light on the social and political times of Asheville, Buncombe County and North Carolina, during the time that they were erected.
02/04/18 POLITICAL PRISONER LETTER WRITING NIGHT
Sunday, Feb 4th at 5:00pm. Political Prisoner Letter Writing Night! Each month on 1st Sundays, join members of Blue Ridge Anarchist Black Cross for an evening of solidarity with long term political prisoners: people who have been incarcerated due to their activism and resistance to systems of domination and oppression. We come together each month to celebrate their birthdays by sending words of encouragement and support. We let them know that they--and their sacrifices for our movements--are never far from our minds and hearts. Continuously showing up for comrades who have had large chunks of their lifetimes stolen by the State is crucial solidarity work. If you have ever sat in a jail cell--for even one night--you know how important it is to show folks they are not alone on the inside. If you haven't seen the inside of a prison cell (and we hope you never do!) you can probably imagine how mentally and emotionally taxing it is to lose control over your physical self and surroundings. For those facing this reality, especially for years and even decades, any reminder of support and connection from the outside means more than most of us can imagine. We know because our comrades tell us again and again, it is no exaggeration: LETTERS SAVE LIVES! This event will be held at Firestorm at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Contact them for more information.
02/06/18 CURRENT EVENTS BOOK CLUB
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. This month’s selection is “Rules for Revolutionaries: How Big Organizing Can Change Everything” by Becky Bond and Zack Exley. Time is 7 PM.
02/07/18 ASHEVILLE SOCIALIST MEETING AT UNCA
Feb 7 Year One of Trump: Building a Socialist Left and Fighting Back from 6:30-8 PM at UNCA Rhoades Robinson, room 103. Contact Jacob at asheville.socialist@gmail.com for more information.
02/07/18 LIVE STAKING WITH FRENCH BROAD RIVERKEEPER
The French Broad Riverkeeper and Mountain True are combating sediment pollution by planing live-stakes along eroding river banks. Time and location TBD. Sign up at mountaintrue dot org for updates or to register.
02/07/18 LETTER WRITING DROP IN
Beer & Politics Letter-Writing Drop-In on February 7 from 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm. Beer & Politics is an informal letter-writing drop-in open to everyone, held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. Drop by the Westville Pub at 777 Haywood Road in west Asheville after work on any B&P Wednesday, any time between 5:30 and 7:00, and make your voices heard. We provide the Fact Sheets, stationery, cards, pre-addressed labels, and stamps. If you can’t make it to Beer & Politics this week, be sure to call and write your elected representatives about issues that matter to you.
02/08/18 HENDERSONVILLE GREEN DRINKS
Learn about current environmental issues with regional guest speakers and like-minded people. This is a monthly event and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to drink at Green Drinks. Guest speakers TBD. This is from 5:30 to 7 PM and held at the Black Bear Coffee in Hendersonville. Contact mountaintrue dot org for more information.
02/08/18 PLAY AT BEBE THEATRE IN ASHEVILLE
Censorship, Racism, and “Sepia Toned” Leadership. Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective presents A North Carolina Premiere of “Alabama Story” by Kenneth Jones. Directed by Stephanie Hickling Beckman. Runs from February 8 - 24, 2018 (Thurs - Sat) at 7:30PM. Online tickets are $18 in advance, and $21 at the door. Location is the BeBe Theatre at 20 Commerce Street in downtown Asheville. Features: John Mendenhall, David Mycoff, Molly Graves, Daniel Henry, Sonia D'Andrea, and Bjorn Goller. “Alabama Story” is based on a true event from 1959, in Montgomery, AL. When Alabama Senator E.O Eddins Sr. (renamed E.W. Higgins in the play) learns that a children's book called “The Rabbits' Wedding” featuring the marriage of two rabbits - one white, one black, is among the books available for check-out in Alabama libraries, he determines to have it banned. Calling it subliminal propaganda for interracial marriage, Eddins engages Emily Wheelock Reed, the director of Alabama's Public Library Service, in a conflict that becomes known as the “bunny book crusade.” A secondary story-line involves the chance meeting of two childhood friends separated by a traumatic incident. Their role in the play is best described by Jones, himself - “Lily and Joshua, a black man and a white woman who were once childhood friends in that small town, reunite in Montgomery the same year that the library battle is being waged. They are meant to suggest the private heart of the public controversy… the quality of their character will be challenged in their 30 exchanges.” Contact BeBe Theatre for more information.
02/08/18 TOWN HALL FOR THE POOR PEOPLE’S CAMPAIGN
I, Richard Fireman, am part of an ad hoc local steering committee that is putting on a Town Hall to kick off the Poor People’s Campaign in Western NC. This will be the 50th anniversary of MLK’s vision of a Poor People’s Campaign. The National Campaign will launch on Mother’s Day, May 13th, 2018 and end 40 days later on the Summer Solstice, June 21, 2018. The campaign will include educational events, protests, and non violent direct actions across NC and the Nation. Others on the local organizing committee are Leslie Boyd who is on the State Organizing Committee of the PPC and has been very active with Rev Barber in the Moral Monday Movement as a health care advocate, Rev Amy Cantrell the founder of Beloved Asheville, and Carmen Ramos Kennedy, President of the Asheville Buncombe NAACP. I am the local activist with links to the environmental, eco-justice community and also to the faith community, as one of the founders of the Creation Care Alliance of WNC. I am representing both the Alliance for Energy Democracy and Community Roots. The event will have local speakers who have been impacted by their poverty in the main areas of policy concerns in the PPC: Poverty (jobs, low wages, health care); Racism (including immigration); Militarism; Ecological Devastation. The Town Hall event will also include music and local organizing. The Poor People’s Campaign Town Hall Kick Off will be at Hill Street Baptist Church on Tuesday, January 16, 2018, from 7-9 pm. Free, open to the public. Contact Richard Fireman at richard.fireman1@gmail.com or (828) 645-0469h or (828) 206-8877c for more information. (Rescheduled because of bad weather on January 16.)
02/09/18 ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL JUSTICE FILM SCREENING AT UU IN ASHEVILLE
Our next film, “Whose Streets” a film about the killing of Michael Brown and the subsequent Ferguson uprising will be screened Friday, February 9th. The film premiered at the 2017 Sundance film festival. This will be shown at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Edwin and Charlotte Streets in Asheville. Time is 7 PM. Told by the activists and leaders who live and breathe this movement for justice, Whose Streets? is an unflinching look at the Ferguson uprising. When unarmed teenager Michael Brown is killed by police and left lying in the street for hours, it marks a breaking point for the residents of St. Louis, Missouri. Grief, long-standing racial tensions and renewed anger bring residents together to hold vigil and protest this latest tragedy. Empowered parents, artists, and teachers from around the country come together as freedom fighters. As the national guard descends on Ferguson with military grade weaponry, these young community members become the torchbearers of a new resistance. Filmmakers Sabaah Folayan and Damon Davis know this story because they have lived the story. Whose Streets? is a powerful battle cry from a generation fighting, not for their civil rights, but for the right to live. By the way, most of you missed the December film, “The Hunting Ground” rescheduled from 12/8 to 12/15 due to the winter storm. I wanted you to know that this outstanding film about college campus sexual assault can be streamed online on Netflix. (Also available at the public library.) All high school and college students, and their parents should see this film. For more information, contact Charlie Wussow at 612-860-6628.
02/10/18 RIDE TO MORAL MARCH ON RALEIGH - H.K. ON J.
Need a ride to the February 10th Moral March on Raleigh? We will meet in Asheville and take a bus to Raleigh for the event from 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM and then return to Asheville. Thank you to our local NAACP for sponsoring this ride. Please note that bus transportation does have a fee, but if you are unable to pay or need a discounted rate, there are different price options available. What is the Moral March on Raleigh? The Historic Thousands on Jones St (HKonJ) Coalition holds an annual mobilization called the Moral March on Raleigh & HKonJ People’s Assembly. It grew to approximately 80,000 in 2017. Each year, on the 2nd Saturday in February, thousands of HKonJ marchers from many partner organizations flood downtown Raleigh, NC where the HKonJ People’s Assembly convenes and ultimately marches to the North Carolina State Capitol. In 2007, the HKoJ Coalition sanctioned and signed a 14-Point People’s Agenda and then worked to transform this agenda into comprehensive reform bills that have been introduced in legislative sessions. What: Moral March on Raleigh. When: Saturday, February 10, 2018. Where: Bus departs from Asheville (exact meeting location TBA). Contact Edward Peters with questions (including how to register) at 336-601-9534 or edwardpeters@democracync.org
02/10/18 SWANNANOA VALLEY MLK PRAYER BREAKFAST
28th Annual Swannanoa Valley Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Prayer Breakfast. This is on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 8:00 a.m. Location is Camp Dorothy Walls on Cragmont Road in Black Mountain, N.C. This years speaker is George Logan, a native of Black Mountain, NC, and son of Wayne Logan and lifelong Black Mountain resident Lillian Logan. Logan graduated from Owen High School in 1982 and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1986. He was commissioned as a United States Army Officer shortly after his graduation from UNC. Upon completion of his military training, he sensed God’s call to ministry and attended a school in Los Angeles at Crenshaw Christian Center Ministry Training Institute. Fulfilling his theological and ministerial studies and graduating from the program in 1992 he ministered with New Life for Old Prison Ministry, serving in jails, prisons, and youth camps in California and Nevada. Pastor Logan now resides in Morganton, NC where he pastors the church he founded in 1994 - New Day Christian Church. He has continued much involvement in the prisons and community serving on a variety of boards as well as coaching, mentoring youth, and volunteering for NC Dept. of Corrections. Adult tickets are $15. For more information, including how to get tickets, go to svmlk dot org.
02/12/18 PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRATS OF BUNCOMBE COUNTY MEETING
Monday, February 12, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at Buncombe County Democratic Party HQ, Old Fairview Road, Asheville. Our goal is to further progressive ideals. We work to get big money out of politics and bring power to the people--not just corporations. We believe higher education needs to be available to anyone willing to do the academic work. We stand up for single-payer health care. Come and join us--make these ideals a reality! Contact: Kris Kramer at pdobPRESIDENT@gmail.com.
02/13/18 DISCUSSION BOUND BOOK CLUB
Hosted by the Asheville Art Museum, this monthly discussion is a place to exchange ideas that relate to artworks and the art world. Bring your book and a brown-bag lunch to make the most of your midday break! This month’s pick is Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power by Mark Godfrey. Time is 12 PM. Call Malaprop’s for more information.
02/14/18 MOUNTAIN TRUE AND SIERRA CLUB ISSUES & ACTIONS MEETING
Join Mountain True and the Sierra Club to discuss concrete action for environmental issues at the state, local and national levels on the second Wednesday of every month. Time is 6 PM and location is The Wedge at Foundation. Contact Mountain True dot org for more information.
02/15/18 LIVE STAKING WITH FRENCH BROAD RIVERKEEPER
The French Broad Riverkeeper and Mountain True are combating sediment pollution by planting live-stakes along eroding river banks. Time and location TBD. Sign up at mountaintrue dot org for updates or to register.
02/18/18 FILM SCREENING IN HENDERSONVILLE
Dinner & A Movie “Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin” Come have dinner and learn about Bayard Rustin, often called ‘the unknown hero’ of the civil rights movement. A tireless crusader for justice, a disciple of Gandhi, a mentor to Martin Luther King Jr., and the architect of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, Rustin also dared to live as an openly gay man during the fiercely homophobic 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. The film and potluck dinner will begin promptly at 5:30pm, and a discussion on the film will follow at 7:00pm. Providence Baptist Church at 1201 Oakland St, Hendersonville, North Carolina. No contact information. This was rescheduled from January due to weather.
02/19/18 NOTORIOUS HBC* (*HISTORY BOOK CLUB)
Join host and Malaprop’s bookseller Patricia Furnish to discuss a range of books across different periods of history. We’re creating a book club that tackles the challenging subjects, hence “Notorious.” This month’s pick is “Operation Paperclip: The Secret Intelligence Program to Bring Nazi Scientists to America” by Annie Jacobsen. Time is 7 PM. Contact Malaprop’s for more information.
02/20/18 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEETING
On the third 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 5:45 PM and location is the Block Off Biltmore at Eagle and Market Streets in downtown Asheville. For more information, contact Gerry at gwerhan@gmail.com.
02/21/18 LETTER WRITING DROP IN
Beer & Politics Letter-Writing Drop-In on February 21 from 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm. Beer & Politics is an informal letter-writing drop-in open to everyone, held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. Drop by the Westville Pub at 777 Haywood Road in west Asheville after work on any B&P Wednesday, any time between 5:30 and 7:00, and make your voices heard. We provide the Fact Sheets, stationery, cards, pre-addressed labels, and stamps. If you can’t make it to Beer & Politics this week, be sure to call and write your elected representatives about issues that matter to you.
02/27/18 INDIVISIBLE ASHEVILLE MEETING
At this month’s general meeting we welcome Kelly Garvy, founder of KillTheBill, who’ll speak with us about what’s going on in the NC General Assembly (NCGA) in Raleigh and what we can do to get involved and help ensure that our legislature works for the citizens of North Carolina, not against us. Indivisible general meetings are held on the last Tuesday of the month. Each month we’ll give updates on recent and future actions and highlight opportunities to get involved, and we’ll also focus on learning more about our elected representatives in Raleigh and Washington, or hearing from candidates who are seeking election, or learning more about a particular issue, or sharing tools for active engagement. Hope to see you there. General meetings are open to all. If you have suggestions for future meetings, let us know: email info@indivisibleavl.org. Time is 6 to 7:30 PM and location is Pack Memorial Library Auditorium at 67 Haywood Street in downtown Asheville.
02/27/18 LIVE STAKING WITH FRENCH BROAD RIVERKEEPER
The French Broad Riverkeeper and Mountain True are combating sediment pollution by planting live-stakes along eroding river banks. Time and location TBD. Sign up at mountaintrue dot org for updates or to register.
02/28/18 AUTHOR EVENT FOR ASHEVILLE CITY SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
Nikole Hannah-Jones: Ending Racial Inequity in Our Schools: What Actually Works. Time is 7:00 pm-8:30 pm and location is Lipinsky Hall - Auditorium. Writing for The New York Times Magazine, investigative journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones has won the Peabody, George Polk and National Magazine Awards for her reporting on segregated housing and schools, the black experience in America and racial inequality. Her current project is a book on school segregation titled The Problem We All Live With, and her talk will be titled “Ending Racial Inequity in Our Schools: What Actually Works”. Proceeds of this event will benefit for the Asheville City Schools Foundation. Tickets are $25; $75 for the talk and a 6 PM special reception. To purchase tickets over the phone, please contact Rebecca Abide at 828 - 350 - 6174. For information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Copland Rudolph at 828 - 350 - 6139 or by email at copland@acsf.org.
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ONGOING EVENTS
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MONDAY
Asheville SURJ weekly meeting at 6:30 pm at UU Congregation in Asheville, downstairs
TUESDAY
Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 4:30 PM at Pack Square, Vance Monument
SURJ Discussion at Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. 10 AM-11:30 AM. Followed by Do!sessions from 11:30-1:30 PM.
Rally at historic Courthouse in Hendersonville at 5 PM on the first Tuesday of the month. Organized by the Progressive Organized Women.
Gathering of people who like to stitch and otherwise puncture the status quo at 68 Haywood Street Outdoor Space at 9 AM.
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 Drinks meets at 6 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.
Indivisible Asheville does political letter writing at 5:30 every Wednesday at The Block Off Biltmore.
THURSDAY
Political Prisoners Letter Writing at Firestorm Coffee & Books at 6 PM on first 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.
Progressive Women of Hendersonville hold a letter/postcard writing to government representatives from 4 to 7 PM at Sanctuary Brewing Company at 147 First Avenue in Hendersonville.
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.
Dances of Universal Peace on the third Saturdays at 7:30 at 1 School Road in Asheville.
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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On this MLK Day 2018, we're calling on you to ask the young people in your life to heed the call of Martin Luther King, Jr. and help us lead the call for justice in 2018.
You know the young people I'm talking about — that special person in your life who isn't letting their young age stop them from helping their community. They're always getting involved, leading programs and people, and being the change they want to see. Tell them to APPLY NOW for Democracy Summer 2018, our paid summer internship program for college and community college students.
Democracy Summer is a life-changing, hands-on internship experience. Interns work for nine weeks during the summer as organizers in communities across the state. Right now, we're looking for interns who can spend the summer in Western NC, Eastern NC, the Triad, and Charlotte area regions to empower local volunteers, advocate for policies that improve democracy, and help our state navigate North Carolina's power structure and political process during this important year of "justice elections."
All interns earn a $3,000 stipend while building relationships and receiving training that will help them kickstart a career in social and political change. Now in its 19th year, Democracy Summer is ideal for students interested in working in social and economic justice, advocacy, research, politics, law, nonprofits, or public service.
Applications are due on March 18. For more information (including link to application) email info@democracync.org. Use the subject line: "Democracy Summer Application." Apply or encourage someone you care about to apply today.
Thank you for reading, forwarding this email, and helping us to recruit our newest class of interns!
Onward!
Cheryl Ellis
Democracy North Carolina
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