Local
Tuesday, February 2, 2021, 8:00 PM
Monday, February 1, 2021, 3:30 PM
Join the Poor Peoples’s Campaign to launch Moral Mondays during the first 100 days of the Biden-Harris administration. On the anniversary of the start of the sit-in movement on February 1, 1960, in Greensboro, North Carolina, the Poor People’s Campaign will launch a new series of Moral Mondays to mark the first 100 days of the Biden-Harris administration. This Monday, we will push Democrats, Republicans and independents to immediately enact a living wage of $15 an hour covering all minimum-wage workers, including tipped workers, and stronger, expanded union rights. We will hold a massive call-in to the offices of Senate leaders Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell as we also demand just COVID relief. PoorPeoplescampaign.org/livestream. More information here.
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.