Local

The number of people living with HIV in the U.S. is decreasing. With the advancement of antiretroviral therapy, people living with the condition can experience viral suppression and longer life expectancy. However, around the world, HIV remains one of the most serious public health challenges. In 2017, more than 36 million people were living with HIV/AIDS. Of these, 1.8 million were children under the age of 15.

One subset population that is often forgotten in the war on AIDS are those people living in refugee camps. People seeking refuge from countries with higher-than-average HIV numbers and no treatment can spread the disease throughout a camp quickly. Refugee camps in the U.S. and other countries lack HIV education and treatment. Healthcare is a human rights issue that Americans often take for granted. We must gain a better understanding of this issue so that we can demand assistance for those living in camps and advocate for better HIV programming. 

Tuesday, August 27, 2019, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Pete Seeger (May 3, 1919 – Jan. 27, 2014) introduced America to its own folk heritage... and got them singing together and using music as a force for social change. He deeply believed in the power of song, convinced that individuals can make a difference. The film was produced by PBS as part of their American Masters series. Seeger’s inspiring story is told by Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Bruce Springsteen, Natalie Maines (the Dixie Chicks), Tom Paxton, Arlo Guthrie, and Seeger himself.  Co-sponsored by Columbus Folk Music Society and the Columbus Free Press. Q&A panel discussion follows the film. Location:  Drexel Theater, 2254 E Main St, Bexley 43209. RSVP on Eventbrite. Donate at Door.  Facebook. 

North Carolina Board of Elections held a sham meeting and certified voting machines that have unreadable barcodes. Read the letter below.

August 24, 2019

Mr. Damon Circosta, Board Chair
North Carolina State Board of Elections
damon.circosta.board@ncsbe.gov

Mr. Circosta:

I spoke on the issues of barcode ballots for the strict two-minute time limit imposed on concerned voters at yesterday’s NCSBE meeting. Prior to the meeting, we at Coalition for Good Governance submitted fact-based expert opinions on the reasons that BMDs are insecure, unauditable and unfit for use in NC elections, which you ignored in favor of uninformed magical thinking and vendor influence. Here’s a link to Friday’s Coalition for Good Governance submissions.

Monday, August 26, 2018, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
This film is the fourth in a series of films exploring the real and untold history of people of color around the globe.  This installment explores the motivation behind European global subjugation of people of color, the history of the vast West African empires, the ways germ warfare has been used on people of color, and the slave breeding farms in America.  Because this is a longer film, our discussion after viewing it will be short.  Location: Columbus Mennonite Church, 35 Oakland Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio. For information about COFP, visit our website at https://sites.google.com/site/centralohioansforpeace/Home

As we approach the 2020 presidential election, you may find yourself in a bout of confusion over the GOP’s agenda. Denying climate change, accepting support from white nationalists, and the marriage of church and state all come to mind as things that have never been promoted so radically by the party. In addition to this shortlist, they are also pawns of the tobacco industry.

In a scathing piece by the Guardian, the Trump administration was taken to task with a plethora of facts connecting it to the tobacco industry. It turns out that over the last 35 years, the president has had a mutually supportive relationship with tobacco companies. The same is true of other big names in the GOP.

These ties have allowed tobacco lobbyists to play a role in policymaking. The fact that this has not been spoken of more is odd considering that the evidence for it is so condemnatory. What’s the deal with the Trump administration’s affiliation with the tobacco industry, and how is it shaping national health policy?

I attended two of the three Pro Musica concerts held in the Franklin Park Conservatory gardens over August 8-11. Both concerts were lovely and distinct. The weather, the moon, stars and the jewel-like lighting in the glass conservatory building behind the stage created a magical, exquisite experience.

I want to thank the Franklin Park Conservatory, Pro Musica leaders, musicians and sponsors who made this event free and open to the public.

You see, the last time I attended this music series, there was no tall, black cast-iron fence surrounding the gardens of the Conservatory.  And if you are like me, the fence/wall came as a fist in the gut.

The first time I saw the fence/wall, I was shocked, angered and saddened at the same time.  It circles the conservatory, encompasses the entire west garden, the silver sails fountain and extends all the way back to the Adventure Center parking lot.  It appeared at the same time POTUS was trumpeting his border wall to lock out “criminals”.

Sundays, August 25, September 15, October 6, 27, 2019, 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Buy local to support a good cause: Herbs and vegetables from local urban gardens, Home-made baked goods, Hand-made crafts from Guatemala. 100% of sales goes to support The New Dawn Middle School:  Education for Maya Youth in Guatemala.  More info?  contact Heather at copalaa2003@yahoo.com.  
Location: Oakland Nursery, 1156 Oakland Park Ave, Columbus 43224.

Saturday August 24, 2019, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Spend a day with friends, enjoy music, education, dynamic speakers, or just perusing vegan owned businesses and sample local vegan eats! 

Friday, August 23-Saturday, August 24 (Fri 4-9pm) (Sat starts at 11am)
Mayme Moore Park, 867 Mt. Vernon Ave.
The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, with support from the Department of Neighborhoods, present the third annual African-American Cultural Festival Friday, August 23 and Saturday, August 24, 2019

Hosted in the heart of the Historic Bronzeville District, a variety of live music, spoken word and dance performances highlight the third annual African-American Cultural Festival. Visual artists, a kids’ fun zone and more will help round out the day. Admission is FREE.

This year’s African-American Cultural Festival will feature entertainment and live performances, education, health and wellness, the cultural corner and main stage performances. Our main stage will enjoy great performances by several groups, including the Urban Jazz Coalition, the Paragon Project, Mark Lomax, MojoFlo, ZuZu Acrobats and Rose Royce.

Main Stage Schedule:

Friday, Aug. 23:
4 p.m. Opening Ceremony
4:15 p.m. The ReDO
7:30 p.m. The Urban Jazz Coalition
Tribute to Sly and the Family Stone

Saturday, Aug. 24:

Thursday, August 22, 6-8pm
The People's Mansion, 394 E. Town St.
Make no mistake: our right to control our bodies, our ability to access health care, and our basic autonomy are at risk like never before.

Ohio had passed 22 reproductive health bans and restrictions since 2011, including the Near-Total Abortion Ban this past April. This year, we've seen an unprecedented number of attacks on our reproductive rights in Ohio and across the country.

Join us for a teach-in to hear from leaders in Ohio's reproductive rights movement and learn how you can help us fight back.

We'll hear from panelists from:
- Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio
- New Voices for Reproductive Justice Cleveland
- NARAL Pro Choice Ohio
- URGE Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equality
- Women Have Options Ohio
- Ohio Women's Alliance
- Equality Ohio