Local
When local media reported Columbus Police Chief Thomas Quinlan was stepping downon Thursday, January 28, many Columbus residents were relieved and hopeful. The Columbus Dispatch quoted Mayor Andy Ginther’s rationale for asking the chief to leave: “Columbus residents have lost faith in him and in the division's ability to change on its own.” Ginther demoted former Chief Quinlan back to deputy chief.
Ohio’s capital city experienced a tumultuous year of social justice protests and the continued exposure of the Columbus Division of Police’s racist and violent activities. Black Lives Matter protests starting with George Floyd’s murder by police in the spring were marred by numerous incidents of excessive police violence and over-charging protesters – resulting in promises from city government that things would change.
“Quinlan represents the status quo, which is evident when you look at the lack of impactful changes he failed to make,” a current Columbus police officer noted, “the City of Columbus and the Division of Police are worse off now than when he took over.”
Saturday, January 30, 12noon-4pm, Goodale Park [central parking lot], 120 W. Goodale St.
Gather and unite with us as we celebrate and honor the life of Casey Goodson, Jr. and all Black lives killed by police in Columbus, Ohio
Demands
• The immediate termination, arrest, and indictment of Michael Jason Meade for the murder of Casey Goodson, Jr.
• Revocation of Jason Meade’s pension.
• Transparency in the investigation and release of all video and audio recordings.
• Immediate release of all evidence to Casey’s mother, Tamala Payne.
• Franklin County Sheriff’s Department cover the funeral expenses for Casey Goodson, Jr.
• The resignation of Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin.
• Fire Columbus Police Chief Quinlan for negligence in failing to contact Ohio BCI [Bureau of Criminal Investigation] in a timely manner.
• Commitment from Franklin County Commissioners to divest from Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.
Friday, January 29, 4-6pm, Community Grounds: Coffee and Meeting House, 1134 Parsons Ave.
Free Resource Friday is a donation-based initiative to provide free resources like food, clothes, and hygiene items to folks living in predominantly Black, low-income neighborhoods. Volunteers distribute items, share information, and provide support for local communities in need.
All are welcome, but QTPOC people take priority within the space.
Masks are required to enter the space. Come out from 4pm to 6pm on January 29 for free resources such as food, clothing, and hygiene products.
If you’d like to support Free Resource Fridays by donating materials, or if you’d like to get involved by offering a skill-share mini-workshop or educational class, contact us! We are always looking to foster and strengthen our partnerships in the Central Ohio community. We are also accepting donations at the event, particularly warm washed winter clothing as the weather is getting colder.
Thursday, January 28, 6-8pm, this event will be occurring via Zoom
Hey Comrades, this week the Central Ohio Revolutionary Socialists invite you to join an online conversation on how to Build the Left and Fight the Right.
The first hour of this meeting will be dedicated to a presentation and discussion on the Marxist analysis of Fascism and its legacy of fighting it. Recommended readings to check out beforehand are featured below.
The second hour of this meeting will be dedicated to debriefing on our January 20 rally.
*Recommended readings and resources (not required in order to join the discussion)*
• Clara Zetkin and the Struggle Against Fascism
Wednesday, January 27, 2021, 5:30 PM
I was truly overwhelmed with the enthusiasm and passion and energy shown by everyone at the rally at Battelle on Jan. 22, the day of the Entry Into Force of the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. These omnicidal weapons are now being stigmatized – as evidenced by Battelle trying to distance themselves from their involvement in nuclear weapons research and development. We were there quite a long time, well over 2 hours! Here is a link to Paul Becker’s photos of the rally on Flickr.
Ralph Orr Facebook writeup and photos of Battelle rally are posted under Resources for Protests.
In this moment of peaceful transition toward a recommitted democracy, we must make sure the Biden administration keeps its promise of bringing families together. Edith Espinal and Miriam Vargas are two mothers that deserve for this promise to ring true. They have both been denied the opportunity to be reunited with their families until now.
I and many other people with diabetes want to know why the phase 1B rollout changed from including all people with type 1 diabetes (outlined here on January 14th, 2021) to including only those deemed by the state as "severe" (now specified here in Governor DeWine’s January 19th press release). This week I called the Ohio Department of Health coronavirus phone line to find answers; no one could illuminate any reason why I, as an immunocompromised person with type 1 diabetes, could not receive the vaccine during the phase 1B rollout.
Study group on Angela Davis’ “Are Prisons Obsolete?
Sunday, January 24, 1pm
Angela Davis’ “Are Prisons Obsolete?” is a great introduction to prison abolition and will help us gain a deeper understanding of the Prison-Industrial Complex. As we navigate the pressing issue of police brutality, it is also important that we question the role of prisons in our society.
Join us on Zoom to discuss Davis’ work and to learn how to discuss prison abolition with your community. This study group will take place in two parts — chapters 1-3 on January 24 and chapters 4-6 on February 7.
RSVP at tinyurl.com/CbusSocialistAlt and we will send you the Zoom link.
Click this link to view a copy of the printed version of “Are Prisons Obsolete?”