Local
Sometimes you need a reminder that human beings are capable of kindness. Come From Away—a touring production of which is now playing Columbus’s Ohio Theatre—is just such a reminder.
The Irene Sankoff/David Hein musical is a breezy and heartwarming account of what happened in Gander, Newfoundland, following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
When commercial airlines were ordered to land their planes out of fear that more could be commandeered and turned into flying bombs, the small Canadian community was forced to accept 38 or them. That nearly doubled its population and presented it with the sudden need to feed and house 7,000 strangers, many of whom didn’t even speak English.
As the musical reveals, the Newfoundlanders responded with ingenuity and generosity, providing food, shelter, clothes and other necessities. Even more importantly, they made the waylaid passengers feel safe and welcome in a world that suddenly seemed more dangerous than ever.
Community Festival (ComFest) has announced that ComFest will return live to its home in Goodale Park on June 24, 25 and 26, 2022.
Celebrating 50 years of community, social activism and education, ComFest will again feature live local music and other entertainment, workshops, street fair and much more.
Applications are now available for performers, workshops, speakers and more.
More information about ComFest 50 and applications may be found at www.comfest.com.
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ComFest is an independent, volunteer-driven celebration of creativity and activism in Columbus, OH. Founded in 1972, its purpose is to build bridges between progressive non-profit organizations, artists, activists and volunteers to raise awareness and promote change within our community.
Thursday, February 10, 2022, 7:00 PM
A major Wendy’s Boycott mobilization on April 2 will bring the fight for farmworkers’ fundamental human rights to Palm Beach, hometown of Wendy’s Board Chair Nelson Peltz and the company’s largest shareholder Trian Partners. RSVP here to learn more about how you can support the action!
By Dave Meserve, February 8, 2022
Here in Arcata, California, we are working to introduce and pass a ballot initiative ordinance that will require the City of Arcata to fly the Earth flag at the top of all city owned flagpoles, above the United States and the California flags.
Arcata is a city of about 18,000 people on the north coast of California. Home to Humboldt State University (now Cal Poly Humboldt), Arcata is known as a very progressive community, with a long-time focus on the environment, peace, and social justice.
The Earth flag flies on the Arcata Plaza. That is good. Not many town squares include it.
But wait! The Plaza flagpole order is not logical. The American flag flies at the top, the California flag beneath it, and the Earth flag at the bottom.
Doesn’t the Earth encompass all nations and all states? Isn’t the well being of the Earth essential to all life? Aren’t global issues more important to our healthy survival than nationalism?
It’s time to recognize the primacy of the Earth over nations and states when we fly their symbols on our town squares. We cannot have a healthy nation without a healthy Earth.
Wednesday 2/9 at 7pm
Presentation from the Ohio Department of Commerce, Wage and Hour Division.
Today’s largely incoherent and distorted clashes over teaching about race—teaching the inclusive, factual history of the United States as opposed to a largely fictionalized version—are unusual in instructive ways.
This year’s effective nondebate over the radically distorted and misrepresented critical race theory is a stunning indictment of contemporary American print and broadcast journalism. (On the nondebate over the Second Big Lie, see links to my essays below.) The failing crosses political and ideological lines; local and national coverage; and different media platforms.
Monday, February 7, 9:30-11am, on-line event requires advance registration
The world is watching closely as Ukraine confronts the threat of escalating Russian aggression. The Ukrainian people are often overlooked by the latest headlines, despite decades of working to build an inclusive, democratic, and peaceful society.
This event aims to elevate the voices of Ukrainian women who are working on the frontlines and at the highest policy levels to promote peace. These leaders will share their urgent calls for maximum efforts by the international community to support their security.
Featuring:
• Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine
• Ambassador Bill Taylor, Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine; Vice President, Russia and Europe, United States Institute of Peace (USIP)
• Olena Suslova, Gender Expert; Chair of the Board and Founder, Women’s Information Consultative Center, Ukraine
Monday, February 7, 1-2:30pm, this on-line event requires advance registration
This event will be an insightful and intimate panel discussion with four notable African-American individuals who found their success path in the Transportation Industry.
Speakers
• Shannetta Griffin, P.E., Associate Administrator of Airports, Federal Aviation Administration
• Jack Marchbanks, Ph.D., Director, Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)
• Amy Hall, President, Ebony Construction Co.
• Tajudeen Bakare, P.E., M. ASCE, Principal / Chief Bridge Engineer / Regional Structures Transportation Manager, CT Consultants, Inc.
Moderator
• Ralonda Hampton, Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement Officer, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC)
RSVP for this event by using this link.
Never have I seen/heard so many good solid people, unionists, progressives of various stripes, activists/fighters verbalizing feelings of extreme frustration, powerlessness. Between COVID, complete legislative gridlock, a conservative packed Supreme Court, Trump’s continuing influence over large sections of white people influenced by racism, it seems as though the corporate ruling class has done a tremendous job of blocking any way forward. Wide sections of our people are fighting depression growing out of feelings of hopelessness.
However, as the great John Lewis liked to say; “It’s darkest just before the dawn! We cannot give up hope!”
As well, it is important for us to understand that the undemocratic power-grab by Republicans/corporate pols, is ultimately based in weakness, fear of a rising people’s movement, not in strength.
In previous periods, progressive government economic programs which put money into worker’s pockets, combined with Union organizing campaigns, have turned these situations around, funneling funds to workers, and helping the entire economy.
Obstacles To Progress Are Formidable