Category: Events
Internationally Known Palestinian Speaker in CT Dec. 9
by LouAnn Villani, Middle East Crisis Committee
Mazin Qumsiyeh, who has spoken all over the world about Palestinian rights and also on science issues, will talk in Connecticut on Monday, Dec. 9, in three different
places.
First he’ll be in New Haven at the central New Haven (Ives) Library, 133 Elm St., across from the Green at noon. The Middle East Crisis Committee is sponsoring the event along with the Jewish Voice for Peace Health Advisory Council. Qumsiyeh lived in Connecticut at the start of the 2000s as he headed the Cytogenetic Department at Yale Medical School. His books include Sharing the Land of Canaan and Popular Resistance in Palestine. Back in occupied Palestine in the West Bank he founded the Palestine Museum of Natural History and the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability. He has written Mammals of the Holy Land, The Bats of Egypt, and scores of scientific papers.
He has spoken in most U.S. states and in dozens of countries around the world. He helped found the Right to Return online movement and was an early proponent of the “one-state solution.” See qumsiyeh.org and palestinenature.org. His emails that go out weekly to thousands are known for their humanity and optimism mixed with mention of the terrible oppression and murder inside Palestine. He signs off with the slogan, “Stay Human.”
Later on Dec. 9 he’ll speak at Wesleyan University and Trinity College. See TheStruggle.org for details in early December.
People’s World Amistad Awards on Dec. 14
by People’s World Amistad Awards Committee
This year’s People’s World Amistad Awards will be held Saturday, Dec. 14 at 4 p.m. at the Cooperative Arts & Humanities High School, 177 College Street in New Haven. The 2024 Awards are themed “We Who Believe in Freedom Will Not Rest Until It’s Won.”
People’s World is honored to present the Amistad Award to three wonderful allies and working-class champions. Together they represent the kind of unity, solidarity and vision needed to build the movement that can transform our country to put people, peace and planet before profits. Seth Freeman, president of Congress of CT Community Colleges (4Cs), is an inspiring and passionate union leader and coalition builder for racial and economic justice in public higher education who courageously envisions funding human needs instead of corporate greed and wars. Maribel Rodriguez, first Latina president of the Western CT Labor Coalition, former healthcare worker, tireless champion for respect and dignity of all workers in the community, on the job, in the legislature, is beloved for her courage and dedication.
Teresa Quintana, Housing Equity Organizer at Make the Road, rose up against exploitation as an immigrant from Bolivia to achieve a life of dignity and rights for all, with unapologetic extraordinary commitment, and is the proud mother of two.
The event will stand “IN SOLIDARITY” with Unite Here Local 217 and NE1199 SEIU for their courageous organizing, campaigning and strikes to take on corporate greed and build worker power, This annual event is hosted on the 105th anniversary of the Communist Party USA, in the spirit of building unity against racism, red-baiting and all forms of bigotry, and standing for workers’ rights, equality, peace, democracy, and a better world. Tickets are $10. For more information, please email ct-pww@pobox.com or phone 203-624-8664.
Compassionfest 2024: Back for the Bats!
by Tabitha Logan, Compassionfest organizer
Compassionfest returns for its 8th annual event on Saturday, Oct. 12th, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Whitneyville Cultural Commons, 1253 Whitney Avenue, Hamden. Join us for a day filled with community, compassion, and celebration.
Compassionfest unites like-minded people who believe in justice, kindness, equality, and compassion. This year’s event will feature diverse vendors, vegan food, and activities for all ages. The festival offers a wide variety of activities, including vegan food from local vendors and animal-friendly products. Non-profits sharing their missions and local artisans showcasing crafts will be among the vendors. Vegan tattooing will be available along with yoga and healing workshops.
New to 2024 is the Jack-o-Lantern Lighting and Pumpkin Swap. Festival-goers can bring a lit pumpkin for the lighting at 6 p.m., with a pumpkin swap at 7 p.m. Swap your pumpkin with someone else’s for a fun, interactive experience.
The event will also feature live music throughout the day. Whether you’re a long-time vegan, curious about compassionate living, or just looking for fun, Compassionfest 2024 has something for everyone. Admission is free, with a suggested donation to support the CT Vegan Center‘s “SAVE THE BATS” campaign. Contributions will help fund conservation efforts to protect vital bat populations.
RSVP for your free ticket via Eventbrite. Stay informed by following Compassionfest on social media.
Join us for a day of compassion and community. Spread the word and let’s make a difference together!
2024 Greater New Haven Labor History Association Conference Sept 8, 4 – 6 p.m.
by Steve Mooser, Greater New Haven Labor Association
Les Leopold, the Executive Director of the Labor Institute, is the Keynote Speaker at the Greater New Haven Labor History Association’s annual conference on September 8. He and longtime community organizer and housing advocate, Kim McLaughlin, will receive the organization’s Augusta Lewis Troup award.
For decades, Leopold has been an impassioned and articulate advocate for workers’ rights and financial well-being. He founded the Labor Institute in 1975 to work for a more equitable and just society. The Institute conducts educational programs for unions, environmental organizations and other community activist groups. Bringing diverse groups out of their respective “silos” to work together has been a priority.
In 2009, Leopold wrote “The Looting of America: How Wall Street’s Game of Fantasy Finance Destroyed Our Jobs, Pensions and Prosperity and What We Can Do About It.” His 2015 book, “Runaway Inequality: An Activist’s Guide to Economic Justice,” focused on the causes of income inequity. The most significant impact has been caused by the growth of the financial sector. Neo-liberal austerity measures and significant cuts in corporate taxes and those of the wealthy forced communities to scramble to fund basic service needs, including incurring greater debt to financial entities.
In his latest book, Wall Street’s War on Workers, he expands on how the financial sector has strip-mined middle-class wealth. Leopold clearly demonstrates the result of stock buybacks. Venture capitalists buy up control of an economically healthy company by incurring tremendous debt. Borrowed funds are used for bonuses and to buy back stock. The once-healthy company is saddled with debilitating debts, resulting in massive layoffs.
A second theme is using polling data to debunk the commonly presented message that the blue-collar workforce and white working class are lost to extreme right-wing political forces.
We look forward to an exciting meeting, including music by labor troubadour Frank Panzarella. Admission is free; donations appreciated!
GNHLHA Conference is Sunday, Sept. 8, 4–6 p.m. at The Labor Center/NHFT Union Hall, 267 Chapel Street, New Haven. Parking is available in the back.
Pizza will be served at the conclusion of the program. For more info: Steve Mooser, nowunion@yahoo.com.
Brian Tokar To Give the 2024 Shafer Lecture
by Stanley Heller, Administrator, Promoting Enduring Peace
The annual Shafer Lecture, presented by Promoting Enduring Peace, will feature Brian Tokar, author of “The Green Alternative,” “Earth for Sale,” “Toward Climate Justice,” and “Climate Justice and Community Renewal: Resistance and Grassroots Solutions.”
This free event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 3 p.m. at the Unitarian Society of New Haven, 700 Hartford Turnpike, Hamden. Please see the enclosed insert for more information.
To learn more about Promoting Enduring Peace, please see PEPeace.org or @pepeace on social media.
Elm Shakespeare Company presents Richard III
Elm Shakespeare Company presents Richard III, Tuesday-Sunday at 7:30 p.m. through Sept. 1.
This production is free in Edgerton Park!
Elm Shakespeare Company’s 29th annual summer production, Richard III, directed by Rebecca Goodheart, Elm’s seasoned Producing Artistic Director, is set to be a landmark event at the Alexander Clark Playhouse Stage in Edgerton Park, running until Sept. 1st.
With over two decades of experience in directing, acting, and teaching Shakespeare, Goodhearted will explore the role society plays in creating villains and the cost of political violence on us all.
This year’s production features Lisa Wolpe, an internationally renowned theater artist known for her groundbreaking work on Shakespeare and gender, in the title role of Richard. Wolpe’s involvement brings a unique depth to the character, offering audiences a new perspective on the classic play. Her innovative approach to gender in theater juxtaposed to a traditional medieval setting, promises to be a production that continues Elm Shakespeare’s tradition of bringing thought-provoking and accessible Shakespeare to New Haven.
For more information, visit https://www.elmshakespeare.org.
Interfaith Service Festival — Sunday Aug. 4, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
New Haven Green (at College and Elm)
This announcement has everything you need: the Program Schedule, Early Morning Joe Volunteer links, Kosher Cookout Menu, Habitat Volunteer links, bring your lawn chair reminder….. it’s all here.
Read on, take your time, plan ahead, and make the most of our day together on August 4.
Thank you for waging peace,
Bruce A. Barrett, Founder/President
For complete information, visit https://mailchi.mp/e028abead27c/interfaith-festival-update-august-4th-schedule-and-more?e=f00696fb56
Black Wall Street Festival Aug. 12-18, New Haven
Black Wall Street Festival focuses on supporting black and brown entrepreneurs and creatives. It aims to combat systemic racism and enhance economic growth within these communities in New Haven. The event celebrates their contributions to the city’s prosperity and encourages community engagement, education, and activism on racial and economic justice.
For more info on being a vendor, volunteering, becoming a sponsor or partner, visit
or — on Facebook
or on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/blackwallstreetfestival/
Interfaith Service Festival on New Haven Green 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday Aug. 4
The Interfaith Service Festival on New Haven Green will take place under the trees behind the churches 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday Aug. 4, 2024. The theme this year is Courageous Love. The schedule of volunteer service projects, discussion groups and learning opportunities and much more will be updated here: https://www.iwagepeace.org. Community involvement opportunities include Swing a hammer and pound guns into Jewelry at the forge: Swords to Plowshares CT; Join a Round table on Gun Violence: Swords to Plowshares CT; Enjoy a Crypt Tour under Center Church (learn our challenging history); Clean a beach with Save The Sound. (shuttle bus provided); Build a house with Habitat for Humanity (advance signup required); Joyfully assemble 875 Blessing Bags for the unhoused with Columbus House and Beth-El Shelter; and many more listed here https://www.iwagepeace.org!
Book talk — Radical Connecticut: People’s History in the Constitution State
“Radical Connecticut: People’s History in the Constitution State” authors Andy Piascik and Steve Thornton will discuss their new book Saturday, June 15, beginning at 5 p.m., at Possible Futures Bookstore, 318 Edgewood Ave., New Haven. This is a free event and the bookstore is wheelchair accessible.
