Thomas Merton Center Pittsburgh’s Peace and Social Justice Center
PITTSBURGH’S PEACE & JUSTICE NEWSPAPER VOL. 46 No. 8 September 2016
Roll to the Polls “What do we do. WE vote! In Each and Every Election! We vote, we vote in Each and Every Election!” This is the rallying cry of the Black Political Empowerment Project (B-PEP). Since 1986. Tim Stevens and hundreds of other B-PEPPERS have worked diligently to make this cry a reality.
Penn Plaza Apartments are torn down to make space for East Liberty Marketplace. See Full Story on page 16- Photo credit: Angelica Walker
The Black Political Empowerment Project (B-PEP) has for some THIRTY YEARS been strongly advocating that African Americans VOTE in EACH and EVERY election! With this Presidential November 8th Election upon us, the importance of our vote, with the Supreme Court in the balance, is possibly more important than ever. For many years B-PEP has partnered with the CISP Program in what we have called B-PEP's 'ROLL TO THE POLLS,' which provides FREE transportation, on a non-partisan basis, to anyone who
Profit Over People: Whole Foods Replaces Affordable In This Issue… Housing
By B-PEP
needs it in many of our predominantly African American communities on Election Day. We have done this both in Primary Elections and in General Elections. For the November 8th Election that tradition will continue. Our intention, however, is to expand our Roll to the Polls program. We hope to do this in partnership with other area organizations and agencies. We would love to have the partnership of area churches throughout the Metropolitan Pittsburgh Area, to provide church vans, with drivers, to augment our B-PEP Roll to the Polls initiative. We also want each church to begin to market B-PEP's ELECTION PROTECTION PROGRAM, through which we send volunteers and staff members out on Election Day to visit various polling locaContinued on page 4...
By Angelica Walker
Over the past year, more than 100 residents have been forced to move out of the Penn Plaza Apartments, one of the few affordable housing options left in East Liberty. Residents were given 90-day eviction notices last summer, informing them that their home was soon to be demolished to
create room for new “mixed use development.” While widespread protests by Action United led to extended eviction deadlines, many residents still struggled to find new affordable housing. Residents were given $800 and relocated to various neighborhoods across the city. For younger resi-
How Prisons Exploded….
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Curing PA’s Regressive Tax Policies…
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Uncle Sam’s War Addiction…
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Ryan Talks “Molly’s Hammer”…
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Continued on page 16...
Stop Deportation, Keep 2016 Merton Award Honoring the Esquivel Family Frida Berrigan Together in Pittsburgh Frida Berrigan is a columnist for W aging Nonviolence and the author of It Runs in the Family: By Gabriel McMorland
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers took Martín Esquivel Hernandez from his Pittsburgh home in a 6 AM raid on May 2nd, the morning after he and his children participated in the May Day march for immigrant and workers’ rights. Martín is currently held in a forprofit prison in Ohio under threat of deportation. A campaign to stop Martín’s deportation is growing, led by a coalition including Martín’s
family and friends, the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), the Thomas Merton Center, the Party for Socialism and Liberation, Casa San Jose, and others. Similar campaigns have already moved officials in other parts of the country to exercise prosecutorial discretion and drop deportation cases against community members. The campaign website and petition is at keeptheEsquivelfamilytogether.com. Continued on page 12...
On Being Raised by Radicals and Growing into Rebellious Motherhood.
Monday, November 14 Sheraton Station Square 6:00 PM Tickets $65 https://2016mertonaward.eventbrite.com Scholarships, Sponsorships and Ads available 421 361 3022 This year we have exciting raffle prizes including: a basket of wine, a jazz & culture basket, a farm share of fresh vegetables from Kretschmann Farm, handmade tea pot and cups courtesy of Don Fisher, a bike from Free Right and a framed Corita print. We will also be holding a silent auction so be sure to bring your check books and credit cards! We have wonderful prizes in store for you! The Thomas Merton Center works to build a consciousness of values and to raise the moral questions involved in the issues of war, poverty, racism, classism, economic justice, oppression and environmental justice. TMC engages people of diverse philosophies and faiths who find common ground in the nonviolent struggle to bring about a more peaceful and just world.
PITTSBURGH, PA PERMIT NO. 458
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September 2016
NEWPEOPLE - 1
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Thomas Merton Center
East End Community Thrift Store
Monday—Friday: 10 am to 4 pm
Tuesday—Friday: 10 am to 4 pm Saturday: Noon to 4 pm
Office Phone: 412-361-3022 — Fax: 412-361-0540 Website: www.thomasmertoncenter.org
The NewPeople Editorial Collective
Neil Cosgrove, Ginny Cunningham, Michael Drohan, Russ Fedorka, Marni Fritz, Nijah Glenn, Jim McCarville, Bette McDevitt, Joyce Rothermel, Molly Rush, Jo Tavener
TMC Staff, Volunteers & Interns
Executive Director: Antonio Lodico Finance Director / Project Liaison: Roslyn Maholland Director of Communications: Marni Fritz Support Staff: Sr. Mary Clare Donnelly, Meagan McGill Activist & Office Volunteers: Raphael Cardamone, Monique Dietz, Nancy Gippert, Nijah Glenn, Lois Goldstein, Jordan Malloy, Meagan McGill, Joyce Rothermel, Judy Starr New People Coordinator: Marni Fritz East End Community Thrift Store Managers: Shirley Gleditsch, Shawna Hammond, & Sr. Mary Clare Donnelly TMC Organizer/ Internship Coordinator: Gabriel McMorland
Thomas Merton Center Interns: Christina A. Castillo, Emily Fecile, Virginia Johnson, Roses Laughlin, Vivian Le, Rianna Lee, Julie Lin, Monii Peters, Ronald Read, Caelan Schick, Katherine Shuey, Joshua Sturman, Angelique Stolar-Hall, Angelica Walker
2016 TMC Board of Directors
Thom Baggerman, Ed Brett, Michelle Burton-Brown, Rob Conroy (President), Neil Cosgrove, Mark Dixon, Michael Drohan, Patrick Fenton, Mary Jo Guercio, Wanda Guthrie, anupama jain, Ken Joseph, Anne Kuhn, Jonah McAllister-Erickson, Jim McCarville, Joyce Rothermel, Molly Rush (co-founder), Tyrone Scales, Evan Schindler, M. Shernell Smith.
The East End Community Thrift (Thrifty) is an all volunteer-run thrift shop which provides quality, low-cost, used clothing and household goods to the surrounding community. Thrifty needs volunteers and shoppers! Please contact us at (412) 361-6010 and ask for Shirley or Shawna, or stop in at 5123 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224. Email shawnapgh@aol.com.
TMC Projects
TMC Affiliates
(TMC projects follow TMC guidelines and receive financial and ongoing resources and support from the Thomas Merton Center.)
(Affiliates are independent partner organizations who support the nonviolent peace and justice mission of TMC. - Articles may not necessarily represent the views of Affiliates)
Anti-War Committee awc@thomasmertoncenter.org
Abolitionist Law Center 412-654-9070 abolitionistlawcenter.org
Book‘Em: Books to Prisoners Project bookempgh@gmail.com www.bookempgh.org Fight for Lifers West fightforliferswest@gmail.com 412-607-1804 Fightforliferswest.org Greater Pittsburgh Interfaith Coalition Anne Wirth 412-716-9750 Harambee Ujima/Diversity Footprint Twitter @HomewoodNation Human Rights Coalition / Fed Up (prisoner support and advocacy) 412-802-8575, hrcfedup@gmail.com www.prisonerstories.blogspot.com Marcellus Shale Protest Group melpacker@aol.com 412-243-4545 marcellusprotest.org
Pittsburgh 350 350pittsburgh@gmail.com World.350.org/pittsburgh Pittsburgh Anti-Sweatshop Community Alliance 412-512-1709
Pittsburgh Campaign for Democracy NOW! 412-422-5377, sleator@cs.cmu.edu www.pcdn.org Pittsburgh Darfur Emergency Coalition jumphook@gmail.com; www.pittsburghdarfur.org
To Submit Articles, Photos, or Poems: Visit www.thomasmertoncenter.org/newpeople/submit.
Shalefield Stories (Friends of the Harmed) 412-422-0272 brigetshields@gmail.com
Westmoreland Marcellus Citizens Group 724-837-0540 lfpochet@verizon.net
For more information: Call 412-361-3022 or email newpeople@thomasmertoncenter.org.
North Hills Anti-Racism Coalition 412-369-3961 email: info@arc.northpgh.org www.arc.northpgh.org PA United for Single-Payer Health Care www.healthcare4allPA.org www.PUSH-HC4allPa.blogspot.com 412-421-4242 Pittsburgh Area Pax Christi 412-761-4319 Pittsburgh Cuba Coalition 412-303-1247 lisacubasi@aol.com Pittsburgh BDS Coalition bdspittsburgh@gmail.com Pittsburgh North People for Peace 412-760-9390 info@pnpp.northpgh.org www.pnpp.northpgh.org
Religion and Labor Coalition 412-361-4793 ojomal@aol.com SWPA Bread for the World Joyce Rothermel 412-780-5118 United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (UE) 412-471-8919 www.ueunion.org Veterans for Peace kevinbharless@yahoo.com 252-646-4810 Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) Eva 412-963-7163 edith.bell4@verizon.net
TMC is a Member of Pennsylvania Interfaith Impact Network 412-621-9230 office@piin.org Pennsylvanians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty Martha Conley 412-361-7872, osterdm@earthlink.net TMC supports these organizations’ missions.
To Submit an Event to the TMC Calendar: Visit www.thomasmertoncenter.org/calendar/submit-event To Advertise: Visit www.thomasmertoncenter.org/newpeople/ad Advertising prices range from $15 for a business card size to $250 for a full page. There is a 10% discount when purchasing 6 months of ad space at a time, and a 20% discount when purchasing a year of ad space at a time. An additional 10% discount is available for non-profit organizations and faith-based groups.
Global Solutions Pittsburgh 412-471-7852 dan@globalsolutionspgh.org www.globalsolutionspgh.org
www.pittsburghraginggrannies.homestead.com
Stop Sexual Assault in the Military 412-361-3022 hildebrew@aol.com
The New People is distributed each month to 3,000 people who belong to diverse organizations, businesses and groups. The deadline for all submissions is the 13th of the month for the following month’s issue.
The Big Idea Bookstore 412-OUR-HEAD www.thebigideapgh.org The Black Political Empowerment Project Tim Stevens 412-758-7898 CeaseFire PA www.ceasefirepa.org—info@ceasefirepa.org Citizens for Social Responsibility of Greater Johnstown Larry Blalock, evolve@atlanticbb.net
Pittsburgh Palestine Solidarity Committee info@pittsburgh-psc.org www.pittsburgh-psc.org Raging Grannies 412-963-7163 eva.havlicsek@gmail.com
School of the Americas Watch W. PA 412-271-8414 soawpittsburgh@gmail.com
Publish in The NewPeople
Association of Pittsburgh Priests Sr. Barbara Finch 412-716-9750 B.a.finch@att.net Battle of Homestead Foundation
412-848-3079
Pittsburghers for Public Transit 412-216-9659 info@pittsburghforpublictransit.org
We are mission driven volunteers who look to build love and community by serving others in times of need.
Amnesty International info@amnestypgh.org - www.amnestypgh.org
In addition to supporting our projects, the Thomas Merton Center is currently: Advocating for affordable housing in Pittsburgh with Pittsburgh
UNITED
Advocating for Martin Esquivel-Hernandez’s release from a
for-profit-prison after being detained by I.C.E. on May 2nd 2016.
Working toward city-wide divestment of fossil fuels. Partnering with the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh to combat
Table of Contents
Page 1 A Roll to the Polls Profit Over People: Whole Foods Replaces Affordable Housing Stop Deportation, Keep the Esquivel Family Together In Pittsburgh 2016 Merton Award Honoring Frida Berrigan Page 3 Frida Berrigan A Gem on the East End Page 4 O Tempora! O Mores! O Voter Suppression! Roll to the Polls Cont’d 2016 Vote Allegheny Election Calendar Page 5 Culture Watch: What are Progressives to Do? Post-Election Blues US-Cuba Boxing on the Bridge Makes History! Page 6 How PA’s Prison Population Exploded: Pt 2 The Price Was Right Page 7 PA Needs a Progressive State Budget Zika Funding Denied, Mosquitos Winning! Congress & President Align to Strengthen U.S.
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September 2016
Islamophobia in Pittsburgh
Development Assistance Page 8 Union Edge Presents Mike Stout & the Human Union 2016 Album Release Party Page 9 I Am Project: I Am Will Page 10 Summer Activism Great Issues Forum at redeemer, Race in Pgh Page 11 Anti-Racism Film Showing & Nuclear Free Fu ture Speaking Tour Systematic Depression (Poem) Movement for Black Lives Page 12 Stop Deportation Cont’d School of the Americas Watch Convergence Non-Violent Resistance in Palestine Page 13 Intervening in Uncle Sam’s Addiction to War Living with the Nuclear Legacy Page 14 Bringing It All Home– The Black Urban Gardeners and Farmers Cooperative of Pgh Mike Stout: Blue and Green in Black & White
Page 15 Tammy Ryan Talks Molly’s Hammer A Special Place in the Strip We Remember Dr. Julian Eligator Page 16 Profit Over People Cont’d Urban Housing Crisis Summit Page 17 Let the Sun Shine In Environmentalists and Human Rights Activists Visit Pittsburgh Butler Group Sponsoring Go Green Festival & Car Show Page 18 Int’l Day of Peace Tony Norman to Speak on Faith, Fear & Politics A New Approach to Building a Culture of Peace Page 19 In Memory of John Zingaro Can Our Communities Live Peace with Compassion? TMC Plans Retreat for Nov 4-5 2016 Shalom Conference on Peacemaking and Advocacy Women’s contingent in the Pgh Anniversary Parade
Merton Center News
Frida Berrigan Frida Berrigan, the scion to activist legends Phil Berrigan and Liz McAlister, and niece of Daniel Berrigan, grew up at Jonah House in Baltimore, a Christian community devoted to peacemaking and non-violent resistance to US militarism at home and abroad, and has followed in her family footsteps. Frida was in high school during the first Gulf War and as a young adult she became increasingly active in planning demonstrations. In 2005, after a trip to Cuba, attempting to visit the notorious prison at Guantánamo Bay, she helped found Witness Against Torture. This group started with 25 people opposed to torture, indefinite detention, collective punishment, and the scapegoating and racism of the George W. Bush administration. Today, the organization has grown, with thousands of members who have continued protesting during the Obama administration. Witness Against Torture is best known for having hundreds of activists in orange jump suits and black hoods, shutting down a federal court, and the Supreme Court, while calling for justice for Guantánamo detainees.
By Jonah McAllister-Erickson
Coming from a family of activists isn’t a guarantee that one will become an activist themselves. In a compelling autobiographical piece, “Uncle Pentagon: Growing Up in the Shadow of the American War State” originally published in Tom’s Dispatch, Frida writes about growing up in the shadow of U.S. militarism:
part, “We Remember, We Remember.” I’m squinting into the early morning light and my hand is on my chest. And I do remember, even all these years later, that feeling of dread. I look at the picture and know that my younger self is barely breathing and my heart is racing beneath my hand—I am that afraid. I still feel that.”
“The Pentagon loomed so large in my childhood that it could have been another member of my family….whatever the case our holidays were built around visits to the Pentagon’s massive grounds. That is where we went for Easter, Christmas, even summer vacation (to commemorate the anniversaries of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki).”
Frida is also a columnist for W aging Nonviolence a “source for original news and analysis” about struggles for peace around the globe and is the author of It Runs in the Family: on Being Raised by Radicals and Growing Into Rebellious Motherhood, a book that expands upon her columns in W aging Non-violence and provides advice on how parents can raise thoughtful, compassionate, fearless young people, but also that admits that parenting is hard.
Later in the same piece Frida writes:
“I am in my late teens standing at the top of the steps of the River Entrance along with my brother and another friend. We hold a banner that reads in
Jonah McAllister-Erickson is a TMC Board Member.
A Gem on the East End: Local Thrift Shop Supports Community for 23 Years and Counting Rianna Lee
East End Community Thrift, located at 5123 Penn Avenue in Garfield. Photo credit: Rianna Lee
When I walked into the East End Community Thrift Shop, the first thing that caught my eye was a sign at the checkout counter – a quote by Dorothy Day that reads, “No one has a right to sit down and feel hopeless. There’s too much work to do.” After chatting with Shawna, co-manager of the shop locally known as Thrifty, I could see why this particular quote is on display. From their voucher program to the annual fashion show featuring the lovely ladies from Sojourner House, the East End Community Thrift Shop works every day to ensure
its customers and the community have a reason to hope. For 23 years, Thrifty has been providing quality, low-cost clothing and household goods to the surrounding community. But what makes this shop unique is not its low prices or quality goods – although it’s been the cheapest thrift store in Pittsburgh since the very beginning – it’s the staff and volunteers. The shop is run solely by volunteers, and those who are need to fulfill community service requirements can do so by volunteering at Thrifty. And if you shop there frequently enough, the volunteers will begin to treat you like family. Shawna told me, “Our volunteers are friendly and we know our customers. If not by name, then by what they shop for.” Thrifty’s voucher program has provided individuals – and in some cases, their children – in homeless shelters, correctional facilities, mental health institutions, and similar organizations throughout Pittsburgh with essential items like clothing, furniture, books, and other goods. Although vouchers are only available for those who are part of a participating organization, everyone in the community can expect low prices for quality goods. Since it opened in 1993, Thrifty has only raised its prices once, and they’re still the lowest prices among thrift shops in Pittsburgh. The shop also collaborates with Sojourner House, an organization that provides housing and
Don’t forget TMC on the Day of Giving Wednesday, September 21st All Day! Call the Thomas Merton Center for more information 412-361-3022 or look out for the Eblast! Visit thomasmertoncenter.org on Sept. 19th to donate!
Subscribe to The NewPeople by becoming a member of the Thomas Merton Center today! As a member, The NewPeople newspaper will be mailed to your home or sent to your email account. You will also receive weekly e-blasts focusing on peace and justice events in Pittsburgh, and special invitations to membership activities. Now is the time to stand for peace and justice!
Join online at www.thomasmertoncenter.org/ join-donate or fill out this form, cut out, and mail in. Select your membership level: ____$15 Low Income Membership ____$15 Youth / Student Membership
support to women recovering from substance abuse and their children, to put on a fashion show every year in April or May. The fashion show, Affordable Chic, has been a yearly fundraiser for the store since its beginning in 1993. It gives the wonderful women at Sojourner House a huge self-esteem and confidence boost to own the runway in affordable clothes that make them look and feel good. It’s truly all in the name – the East End Community Thrift Shop stands because of our community in order to serve our community, and that’s what has kept customers coming back for more than two decades. Thrifty is located just two doors down from the Thomas Merton Center on Penn Avenue. As we transition into autumn and shed our shorts and tank tops in exchange for jeans and sweaters, consider giving the gift of hope by donating used clothes and household items to the East End Community Thrift Shop! Donations are accepted during normal operating hours – 10AM-4PM Tuesday thru Friday, and Noon-4PM on Saturday. Or – just stop in and shop around! The prices are low, the volunteers are friendly, and who would pass up an opportunity to support the community while you shop? Rianna is a NewPeople intern at the Thomas Merton Center and a senior at Duquesne University. Her interests include feminism and women's rights, LGBT rights, and economic justice.
(You)nity Zine Release Party! Friday, September 30th 7:00 - 10:00 PM
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Sponsors include Copacetic Comics, Arts & Craftsman Supply Pittsburgh, and Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse. All proceeds to benefit the NewPeople Newspaper
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NEWPEOPLE - 3
Democracy = Voting O TEMPORA! O MORES! O VOTER SUPPRESSION! By Robert Jedrzejewski “O TEMPORA ! O MORES ! (O the times and customs),” lamented Marcus Tullius Cicero, a Roman Consul in his oration against Catiline in 63.B.C. Lost in the ear-splitting rhetoric of the two national political conventions and current raucous campaigning has been the virtual silence on the most important political issue of our day: voter suppression. One can understand how the fractious Republican party gaily proceeded to nominate for president a fascistic bully without mentioning it. But it nears incomprehensibility how the Democrats could overlook this as a cardinal campaign issue in this most important election - since voting restrictions follow Republican party lines. After the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act in 2013, eighteen states with new restrictions passed them through entirely Republican-controlled bodies. Text it! Tweet it! Shout it from the rooftops! Voter suppression is the consummate political evil that can beset a democracy - and an evil it is. Why? In a representative democracy the right to vote is one bed-rock principle, perhaps the only bed-rock principle, without which a democracy cannot exist. Voter suppression takes many forms; to name a few: voter registration inhibitions; this is the single greatest barrier to voting restricting early voting and voting hours draconian voter ID laws (e.g. in Texas concealed-carry gun permits are acceptable but stateissued student IDs are not) eliminating Sunday voting (affecting mainly Afro-American communities and their "souls to the polls" efforts to encourage and facilitatei involvement)
reducing polling places resulting in long lines and excessive waiting hours (Arizona eliminated 140 of its 200 polling places resulting in mile-long lines of voters having to wait up to seven hours to cast a ballot).
Some of the most egregious examples of voter suppression can be found in Florida, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and West Virginia. Recall also that Mike Turzai, then Republican House Majority Leader, led a similar attempt in Pennsylvania in 2012. With typical arrogance and disenfranchisement braggadocio he crowed: "...(our voter ID law ) ...is gonna allow Governor Romney to win the State of Pennsylvania. Done!" As reported in The American Prospect "The number and complexity of new voting restrictions are staggering. As Yale Law Professor Heather Gerken put it , "It's death-by-athousand cuts strategy." Truly, voter suppression is a form of civic homicide. It disappears a voter. Very likely a minority, a poor person without any power or opportunity to influence social change, or to have a say in the way he/she is treated by the government, except by casting a ballot. Vile is the politician that takes that right away. He is killing democracy. The motivation behind it all is a devilish effort of purging the electorate; that is tantamount to a tyrant's declaring "free elections" where his is the sole name on the ballot. Echoing their standard-bearer, Donald Trump, Robert Jedrzejewski is a member and volunteer of who stated "...This voting system is out of control. the Thomas Merton Center You have people...that are voting many, many . times" - Republicans claim "voter fraud" as their justification for the myriad attempts at killing oppo-
Roll to the Polls Cont’d tions to ensure that there are no problems, and/or to report to us when there are problems. If anyone would be willing to join our efforts, which are supported through our statewide connections, please let us know. We are also calling upon area churches to provide B-PEP Voter Registration Teams within their churches. Registration ends on October 11th and it is important that all of us do what we can to make certain that we are registering as many new voters as possible. Spread the word, help register more people to vote and help us to get them out to vote. Please contact us at 412-212-8775 or at bpepinfo@b-pep.net to add your voice and willing-
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sition votes. This is so patently absurd that Ari Berman, senior contributing writer for The Nation, in a recent interview with Amy Goodman averred, “since 2000, there have been a billion votes cast and only 31 cases of voter impersonation... you're more likely to be struck by lightning than you are to impersonate another voter.” Think about it! Of all the important issues being debated, analyzed and wrestled over in this most noisy and volatile year of electioneering - including immigration, gun control, taxation, global warming, supreme court appointees, etc., etc. etc. ---none, not one of these can begin to be resolved equitably absent the collective wisdom of the citizens of a democracy if they are denied a voice. Their vote is their voice. While recent federal court decisions in July have struck down (e.g. North Carolina) or softened (e.g. Texas and Wisconsin) voting restrictions, they are still being appealed and are still in effect in many states. Lest one think this is a small problem, unworthy of much concern, Ari Berman went on to say in the interview referenced above: "...we still have millions (sic) of voters that are impacted by new voting restrictions." This is the first presidential election in 50 years without the full protections of the Voting Rights Act. To be greeted by the Democrats' virtual silence on this issue is, to me, excruciating. O Tempora! O Mores!
The Black Political Empowerment Project (B-PEP)
ness to be a strong partner to B-PEP's efforts to po- the Youth Summit Programs to more schools this litically empower our community. You can also year. reach us through 412-758-2056 and speak with BThe Corporate Equity and Inclusion PEP's Civic Engagement Coordinator, Lorraine Roundtable (CEIR) is another B-PEP initiative Cook Cross. spearheaded by Chairman and CEO Tim SteIn addition to carrying out the Mission of Bvens. The purpose of CEIR is to achieve higher levPEP to urge African Americans to vote in every els of inclusion of people of color, and a diversity in election, B-PEPs other initiatives provide a broad employment, in business ownership and in business platform for non-partisan political advocacy and development in the Pittsburgh and Southwestern action, as well as for civil rights, social justice and Pennsylvania region. The Roundtable’s vision is to peace. bring about measurable, lasting change and breakThe Greater Pittsburgh Coalition Against throughs in workforce diversity, inclusion and ecoViolence (CAV) was launched on February 8, 2007 nomic opportunities. CEIR recently held its Fourth out of the need to address the issue of violence in Conference, bringing together a truly diverse group our communities. According to an alarming of people from entry level to the C-Suite, to “create report that year, the Commonwealth of Pennsyl- pebbles of possibilities for ladders to opportunities.” vania was leading the nation in homicide rates We look forward to your partnership in Bfor African Americans. A working group com- PEP's voter registration, Roll to the Polls, and Elecprised of youth, street level workers, community tion Protection efforts. and religious leaders, representatives from govWe invite you to participate in the Greater ernment and education institutions, and conPittsburgh Coalition Against Violence and the Corcerned citizens from across the City of Pittsporate Equity and Inclusion Roundtable. burgh and Allegheny, was established to identify OUR LIVES DEPEND ON IT!!!! OUR FUstrategies and ways to significantly decrease the TURE IS AT STAKE!!! violence which plagued many of the communiYours in the struggle, ties in the Pittsburgh region. Hundreds of peoTim Stevens, Chairman & CEO ple came together, over a period of many The Black Political Empowerment Project months, to create a comprehensive, anti-violence (B-PEP) strategic document – Strategies for Change, 412-758-7898 completed in 2008. A second, expanded edition -- Strategies for Change: Building More Peaceful Communities and a companion document for schools and youth-serving orEvery Monday at 9:00 pm ganizations – contained hundreds of action Tim Stevens Receives TMC points, strategies, and suggestions for impleNewPerson Award mentation by community partners from athAirs within city limits: letes to youth. Adding new strategies, CAV Comcast Channel 21 & Verizon FiOS Channel 47 is currently in the process of writing a third September edition, which will be available soon. The Coalition Against Violence has reProgressive PGH Notebook TV Series cently introduced the Youth Summit ProPCTV 21 - Public Access TV Videographer: Rich Fishkin gram, which is taking the message of antiYoutube.com/richfishpgh violence to area schools. We have conducted Producer: C.S. Rhoten summits for students from Brashear, Univer(412) 363-7472 sity Prep, Perry, CAPA, Westinghouse, and tvnotebook@gmail.com Holy Family Academy. The Youth Summit coordinators are diligently working to bring
Fighting the Election Blues Culture Watch: What are Progressives to do? “When they tell us to get out of the way, because we’re standing in the way of the lesser evil, you know, the answer to that is that this politics of fear, which we’ve been told to bow down to, has only delivered everything we were afraid of... Don’t vote for the lesser evil, vote for the greater good” It is hard not to see the truth behind these words spoken by Jill Stein, presidential candidate of the Green Party.* Though some progress has been made over the past 50 years, mostly in identity politics -- women, gay rights, civil rights, etc. -- other areas have worsened at the hands of the Democrats. The list is long: mass incarceration, civil liberties, the rights of privacy, first amendment rights for investigative journalists and their sources, workers rights and demands for a progressive job program... Other areas are a mixed bag, like healthcare. Regarding foreign policy, we can blame the Republicans all we like, but it is Obama who is responsible for the policy of extending empire by means of killer drones, the TPP and NATO. We all know this, yet the question still remains, what do we do? DemocracyNow hosted a debate between Chris Hedges and Robert Reich, who agreed with Hedges’ criticism of the political party duopoly, but hesitated to follow him into “the wilderness” of third party politics. Reich argued that we must support Hillary but continue to hold her accountable as we build on Bernie’s base, creating a mass movement and a progressive party to compete for power in 2020. Hedges responded that political movements aren’t built that way. He has a point. Political campaigns don’t educate citizens about the nature of political power. Rather, progressive campaigns sustain the very system they wish to reform. I suspect Reich wouldn’t disagree with that either. Hedges rejection of Reich’s solution also questions his very assumption that electoral politics can
provide the necessary systemic reforms. Electoral politics isn’t just about open and clean voting procedures. It is also about the public’s ability to elect politicians who represent their interests and views. Given that the majority of Americans are to the left of Congress on so many issues, it is hard to see how electoral politics accomplishes the task. Julian Assange raised similar issues at the Green Party convention. “We need to ask different questions by shifting our perspective to how power works in Washington, notably by a collusion of government, IT corporations and the corporate-owned mass media -- a kinder fascism,” he suggested. Whoever becomes president represents the forces that surround him, seen in the appointments made for Defense, Treasury, State... “In reality, the president quickly merges with the bureaucracy; its influence is enormous. The power of political parties cannot compete with its influence, coupled with that of corporate lobbyists.” One could make the case, and I assume that is what Hedges and Assange are doing, that the entire electoral process is a staged celebration of the American mythos, strengthening our patriotic loyalty to the nation and our tribal connection to the group. This year’s version of the spectacle revolved around the question, was America great or did we need to make it great again? Even if we agree with Hedges and Assange, all is not lost. There was enough cognitive dissonance to put wind in the sails of Bernie’s campaign and anger enough to make Trump the Republican candidate. To hold on to the moment and its possibilities for building a mass movement, some group or party needs to offer followers of both candidates a path into the future without destroying the present and undercutting the few important gains that electoral politics could make: supreme court appointments, middling reforms in taxation, education, trade agree-
Post-Election Blues I can feel those blues coming on, even though it is still three months until the election. While one cannot preclude any kind of unforeseen circumstance arising, it would appear at this moment that the Trump phenomenon will in one way or another selfdestruct. The big question is whether it will bring down with it a considerable part of his party or not. In any event, Hillary would seem to be on a kind of home run, although, as I said, there are lots of possibilities for bombshells to fall between now and November 8th. In the event of a Hillary victory, what then can we expect? Unlike Trump, she has a record from which we may with fair certainty deduce what is likely during her stewardship. Maureen Dowd, in a recent column, ridiculed the Republican establishment for their wailing about not having a worthy candidate. They have the perfect one, she says, and that is Hillary. She goes on, “they already have a 1percenter…, someone they can trust to help Wall Street, boost the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, cuddle the hedge funds, secure the trade deals beloved by corporate America, seek guidance from Henry Kissinger and hawk it up –unleashing hell on Syria and heaven knows where else.” The estimation of many political pundits is that Hillary will lean more and more towards the alienated mainstream neo-con element in the Republican Party, aggrieved by the Trump ascendancy in their party. They are the ones who need wooing and they have to get payback. On the other hand, it would
By Jo Tavener
ments and job creation. The Green Party could be that path by forging alliances with other groups to hold local and national governments accountable. Most people are with us on the issues; just take a look at the polls. Where we need the juice is in fighting the defeatism that I see all around me. This is the perfect mission for those energized Bernie supporters who walked out of the Democratic Convention: speak about the forgotten battles of the 19th and 20th Century, battles for the very rights we are now trying to hold on to. The acquiescence to the powerful is what needs to be wiped away with local battles and local wins, with building community through political struggle. By building a local power base committed to structural reform and accountability, the Greens become the voice of reform, backed by a movement much larger than itself. It cannot be dismissed. Our system has big tent parties that form alliances from within and then attempt to march to the same drummer -- a much less democratic way of forming alliances and consensus than the parliamentary system. Still a new party can form at a moment such as ours and gain ground by understanding how power works and educating its members in the quest for popular hegemony, continuing Antonio Gramsci’s long walk through the institutions. As cognitive dissonance grows, so do resilience circles and other forms of powerful link-ups to apply pressure. We don’t need to build a movement from scratch; it’s already there and growing, waiting to be electrified! *I have assumed a familiarity with the Green Party and platform for this piece. Go to www.gp.org for platform details. Jo Tavener is a member of the NewPeople Collective who writes the blog Culture Watch from time to time.
By Michael Drohan
seem likely that Bernie, his platform, and supporters, will be just taken for granted, as they have already pledged their allegiance to her. So this is pretty much what we have to expect in the days and years ahead. To see a silver lining in this likely scenario and outcome of the political process is not easy. However, there may be one, and it is that the Hillary agenda and course will arouse and stimulate resistance and mobilization for justice. With Barack Obama and his policy of hope we can believe in, there was a certain amount of euphoria and his past history gave some credibility to our hopes. With Hillary, however, we have to be pretty inattentive not to know what to expect. On the war and peace front, if the past is any indicator of what we may anticipate, it is plunging deeper and deeper into the big muddy. On many fronts, especially Syria, Iran and Russia, we can expect much bellicosity, if not war, from our first woman Commander-in-Chief. The moral of this story is that the peace and anti-war constituency has to start organizing and positioning on this front. We should know what to expect. On the social and economic front, either the Sanders or the Stein platform express what most progressives would subscribe to and fight for. However, these platforms are riding on the demands of social movements such as the Occupy Movement, the Black Lives Matter movement, the Fight for $15 campaign, the environmental and climate justice movements, the police accountability struggles and on and on. The number of Senators or Congress-
people who have made any of these demands a priority are few and far between. Furthermore, simply putting them on the platform of a Presidential candidate is a far cry from making them policy. Witness the pushback that Obama received with the Affordable Care Act, in trying to get a very moderate extension of health care benefits to all, and then imagine the struggle we can anticipate to get single-payer healthcare. The odds against are tremendous. There are several takeaways from this analysis. The first is that it is movements of the people which will bring about radical social change and we have to be grateful to the Sanders and Stein campaigns for articulating our agenda. A second takeaway is that our state and federal legislatures need a thorough flushing. Congress-people of the caliber of Mike Doyle, John Lewis, Keith Ellison and Barbara Lee are few and far between. Cleaning house is going to be a long and arduous task. But the most important takeaway is that we are the change we have been looking for and it will happen only if we double down on our activism and involvement. The only check on overseas adventurism and uninhibited corporate power is people power. Michael Drogan is a member of the Editorial Collective and of the Board of the Thomas Merton Center.
US-CUBA Boxing on the Bridge Makes History! By Lisa Valanti
On July 30th, Pittsburgh again made history by hosting the “US-Cuba Youth Boxing on the Bridge.” The event was televised live in Cuba; the first time that US based TV was ever available to every Cuban household. And for Pittsburgh, the Roberto Clemente Bridge was closed for the symbolic event: Pittsburgh, a city that builds international bridges, not walls! Over 3,000 people braved the inclement weather and a two-hour rain delay to show solidarity with changing US-Cuba policy. This event was the culmination of many months of preparation and many factors, engaging the collaboration of many people, a direct result of the November Citizen Diplomat Delegation led by Congressman Michael Doyle, County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and City Councilwoman Natalia Rudiak. Among the delegation hosted by the Pittsburgh-Matanzas Sister Cities Partnership, was one of our
member organizations, the Hibernian Celtic Athletic Fund which, for several years, has hosted the Donnybrook Amateur Boxing event between Pittsburgh and Ireland. Prior to the actual Boxing event, Pittsburgh youth traveled to Cuba with world famous boxer, ‘Boom Boom’ Mancini, and boxing champion, Steve Cunningham. The young boxers were able to watch the Cuban team practice for the Olympics. When the two teams finally came together on the Roberto Clemente Bridge the night of July 30th, even lightening and a two-hour rain delay didn’t keep the youth athletes from giving their best. Cuba won seven of the bouts, the US won four, so Cuba went home with the Trophy Cup, but not before extending a heartfelt invitation to their new friends and our Pittsburgh youth to keep practicing and return to Havana Cuba for a rematch in the near
Boxing on the Bridge event, Roberto Clemente Bridge. Photo originally appeared in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/other-sports/2016/07/31/ Pittsburgh-Cuba-boxing-bout-seeks-to-bridge-the-divide/ stories/201607310221
future. Lisa Valanti is Vice President of the PittsburghMatanzas Sister Cities Partnership September 2016 NEWPEOPLE - 5
Making Prisons a Growth Industry How Pennsylvania’s Prison Population Exploded: Part Two Martha R. Conley and Jerome Coffey
As described last month in Part One of this article, the Pennsylvania Legislature ushered in the era of mass incarceration in Pennsylvania by passing 30 crime bills in 1995 with the help of then Governor Ridge and the Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). Pennsylvania went from 12,000 prisoners in 1986 to more than 51,000 at its peak in 2012. Pennsylvania is exceptional in many other ways: 1. “Pennsylvania has the highest incarceration rate among states in the Northeast”. (Pgh. Post -Gazette 2-19-16). 2. In 2001 Pennsylvania incarcerated blacks at rates higher than several former slave states. 3. In 2001, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that 1,678 of every 100,000 blacks in the state are in prison, compared to 117 of every 100,000 whites. 4. By 2005 the numbers had gotten worse: 2792 Blacks were incarcerated per 100,000 as compared to 305 whites per 100,000 5. It is the only state in the U.S. that does not provide any money on a statewide basis for indigent defense. 6. It has seen over 250 death sentences vacated since the death penalty was reinstated in PA in 1974. 7. PA has the second highest number of people (5000) serving life without parole (LWOP) in the country. 8. PA has over 500 people who were sentenced to Life with parole (LWOP) as juveniles, some as young as 14 and most of them kids of color. It doesn’t take a whole lot to be sentenced to LWOP in Pennsylvania, even in the absence of physical evidence…a homicide unsolved for months, a detective that wants to close the case, indifferent legal representation and people motivated
and/or coerced and facing prison time can lead to a conviction. Convictions also result from witnesses who go from “I didn’t see his face to “That’s him” after meetings with detectives. It helps if you happen to be black and you have a juvenile record. If you’re a black kid in Pennsylvania, as elsewhere, a juvenile record comes easy. The detective can go to his files and pull up your name and you’re it. That’s apparently what happened to Jerome Coffey, inmate # AS1558. Coffey was sentenced to life without parole for a crime he vehemently denies he committed. Although vehemence is no substitute for evidence, one’s refusal to plead guilty and risk serious prison time (life or death) should at least suggest to detectives that they might want to consider other suspects…especially in a country where 95% of cases result in a plea bargains rather than a trial. Innocent people often are talked into pleading guilty to something they did not do upon being threatened with harsh prison sentences or life without parole or even death. The criminal justice system should not tolerate incarcerating innocent people to avoid the constitutional mandate of a jury trial. The detective in Coffey’s case, after months of being unable to solve the crime, testified that he “went to his files” and Coffey was it. The fact that crucial transcripts were “lost“ by the court has helped to keep Coffey there for 23 years. The fact that he had an alibi matters not, since his alibi came from his family. One of the witnesses in Coffey’s case has since signed an affidavit saying detectives coerced his testimony against Coffey. Coffey’s case is one of many that reeks of police misconduct in Philadelphia, famous for police corruption. In the 1995 police scandal in Philadelphia (one of many) police officers admitted to making arrests at night in order to earn overtime when they appeared in court the next day. They also admitted to false arrests, planting drugs on people, shaking down drug dealers, paying witnesses to tes-
The Price Was Right Bob Barker, one of America’s TV pioneer sweethearts, best known for The Price is Right, has been profiting off of one of the most vulnerable groups behind our backs for over 40 years. Barker has made millions of dollars selling “innovative” products to prisons, produced by sweatshop workers in Bangladesh, all the while brandishing his company as wholesome and pure. Unfortunately, this has come to be the norm for many large American companies; new stories are leaked all the time about our favorite companies profiting off of prison labor or sweatshops. How is such practice allowed to go on in a country that is supposed to be so great? The simplest answer to this question is Capitalism. Capitalism, the very thing this country was built on, is what will probably lead to its demise. Capitalism allows for the economy of a country to be controlled by private owners, and while many people may believe that capitalism is the way to go, it has allowed for harmful groups to privatize things like schools, healthcare, and even the most basic of necessities, water, making it inaccessible to the public. Companies and organizations like Pfizer, The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), and Coca-Cola are exploiting our citizens and denying them access to basic necessities while distracting us with their charitable donations to “third world” countries. In the early 1980’s, Bob bought the jail supply company now known Bob Barker from a friend. At the time, it was a small company operating out of North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, selling personal care items, clothing, bedding, security items, and restaurant services to local jails. Barker’s company rapidly grew over the next several decades to become what is now known as America’s leading detention supplier. Today, the company’s “innovations” include the triple bunk, which helps prisons adjust to overcrowding in prisons. “Innovations” like these are what assists expansion of the prison population and promotes mass incarceration. Yes, prisoners do need certain things to survive in prison, but Barker’s company has made 6 - NEWPEOPLE September 2016
tify falsely in court and testifying falsely themselves. Mass incarceration has other serious consequences for the black community aside from the fact that it is mostly the black community that is locked up. According to the Prison Policy Initiative, “Eight Pennsylvania House districts meet minimum federal population requirements only because they count prisoners as local residents.” However, prisoners in Pennsylvania cannot vote. “Crediting thousands of mostly urban minority men to other communities has staggering implications for modern American democracy, which use the Census to apportion political power on the basis of equally-sized legislative districts.” Counting prisoners as residents of the district where they are incarcerated is actually against Pennsylvania law that states, “[N]o individual who is confined in a penal institution shall be deemed a resident of the election district where the institution is located”. The report goes on to say that counting prisoners where they are incarcerated pads those legislative districts and inflates the votes of residents who live near prisons, while urban communities would be entitled to more representation if prisoners were counted as residents of their home communities as required by law. Thanks to Jerome Coffey for his contribution of research to parts one and two of this article. This author is a lawyer, Co-Chair of Pennsylvanians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, Member of the PA Prison Society and Fight for Lifers. Jerome Coffey is an inmate serving a life sentence in the PA prison system.
By Monii Peters
over $13 million in contracts alone. There have also that blatantly states that it’s loyalty is to money and been recent allegations that the company produces billionaires truly want prisoners to stay out of prissome of its products in a sweatshop in Bangladesh, on? These are three fundamentally contradictory where the workers are beaten if they do not produce statements that use religion to try and make the comadequate amounts of products. It seems that a com- pany seem holistic and ethical. The Bob Barker pany like this would receive serious backlash from Company claims to be transforming criminal justice the public; however, Barker has protected himself and honoring God, but I find myself questioning and his company by starting a non-profit organizawhat ways in which they are doing it. This company tion for former prisoners. has, for many years, greedily profited off of the deThe BBC Foundation’s main purpose is, “To mise of others, all the while hiding behind the facade reduce recidivism by seeing the lives of individuals of humanitarianism. From providing overcrowded changed forever serving God, family and communi- prisons with ways to keep and house more prisoners ty.” This statement is seemingly harmless when the to engaging in what is basically modern day slavery, two entities are seen as separate, but when compar- this company is nothing short of horrifying; and uning the vision of the BBC Foundation with the mis- fortunately, there are many other companies that also sion statement of the Bob Barker Company, the exploit prisoners. company from which the BBC Foundation stems, we A simple Google search will produce common run into some conflict. The company mission state- household names like McDonald’s and Walmart that ment says, “By living our values and pursuing Bob’s claim to be friendly and charitable companies (i.e. passion for customer service and innovation we are Ronald McDonald House, Wal-Mart Scholarship) creating profitable growth and positively transform- but companies that actually profit from prisons, prising lives,” and the company’s vision is, on labor, and sweatshops. “Transforming criminal justice while honoring God in all we do.” We run into issues within the first few Monii Peters is a college student at Chatham University, studying Accounting and Economics. words of the Bob Barker Company mission statement. The statement claims that The Religious Society of Friends the company is living their values and pursuing Bob’s passion for (better known as QUAKERS) customer service; if the company’s and Bob’s passion is for A Peace & Social Justice Active Spiritual Community invites customer service, then they you to join us Sundays 10:30AM for waiting worship would have no interest in the inmates, but would have interest in 4836 Ellsworth Ave their actual customers, the people Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Phone: (412) 683-2669 in charge of the prisons. The second part of the state- www.quaker.org/pghpamm/ ment talks about creating profitaA Peace & Social Justice Active ble growth and transforming Spiritual Community invites you lives; in creating profitable to visit and join us: Sundays: growth, the only lives that are 9AM & 10:30AM for silent worship. being transformed are those of www.quaker.org/pghpamm/ the people in power, NOT the prisoners. How could a company
State & Federal Legistlative Actions Pennsylvania Needs a Progressive State Budget By Neil Cosgrove
When Pennsylvania’s legislature and governor agreed this past July to 2016-17 spending and revenue plans, a collective sigh of relief was audible throughout the state. After suffering through nearly nine months without a 2015-16 budget, school districts and social agencies that survived last fall and winter using stop-gap devices like lines of credit and short-term loans now knew within two weeks of the June 30 fiscal deadline what their state funding would be, and could make personnel and property tax decisions accordingly. Moreover, for the first time since federal stimulus money dried up in 2011, budget allocations for education increased across-the board. Basic education funding went up 3.5% from the previous budget, and funding for community colleges, stateowned universities and state-supported universities increased 2.5%. Unfortunately, chronic prioritizing of punishment over learning was still evident in the new budget, as Corrections and Rehabilitation got a 6.8% increase, while Probations and Parole went up 5.3%. And the legislature’s regressive tax policies remain firmly in place, with the revenue package passed July 13 doing nothing to address either the state’s structural deficit or income inequality. After the legislature sent a spending plan to the governor, the Republican-controlled General Assembly and Senate still needed to come up with $1.3 billion in additional revenue to balance the budget. They did so, says John Neurohr of the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, by agreeing to $709 million in one-time sources and only $627 million of recurring revenue. In other words, our legislators will have to address the revenue shortfall again next spring, not coincidentally when they won’t be facing a November election.
Neurohr also argues that the lawmakers are relying “too heavily on dubious sources” such as liquor privatization, taxes on internet gaming, a tax amnesty program, and a license fee for a second Philadelphia casino many suspect won’t be built. One feckless “Hail Mary” revenue source is the $12 million expected from licenses allowing casinos to sell liquor 24-hours a day. “We’re not going to pay $1 million for the privilege of selling alcohol after 2 a.m.,” said the CEO of one of the state’s 12 casinos, “and I don’t know of any other casino that will.” Other new taxes are clearly regressive, taking money from people who are usually the least likely to afford the hit. The cigarette tax has jumped from a $1.60 to $2.60 a pack, and a tax was added for electronic cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco, and smokeless tobacco. The state sales tax was extended to electronically delivered items, obtained digitally or by streaming. Could our legislature eliminate the structural deficit and considerably increase education spending with more progressive taxes, despite the state’s constitution mandating a flat income tax on wages? The answer is a resounding “yes,” and we can count the ways. In February Governor Wolf proposed taxing income from wealth (dividends, capital gains, and business profits) at a 4% rate (the current wage income tax rate is 3.07%). This increase would yield an additional estimated $788 million in revenue. Eliminating the so-called “Delaware Loophole” would bring in another $493 million, Eric Epstein of Rock the Capital estimates. Under this loophole, Epstein reports that “local outlets of large national chain stores pay royalties to sister companies in other states, claiming the payments as business expenses,” which are then deducted from our state’s
Zika Funding Denied, Mosquitos Winning! By James McCarville
Zika is the latest of a string of strange new diseases to fill our headlines and feed our fears. The problem, of course, is what to do about it. The answer from Congress, so far, is to protect it. Zika is a mosquito-borne virus which can also be sexually transmitted. It is usually the case that no symptoms are noticed or may result in only a fever or rash. However, it can cause microcephaly in infants born to mothers infected with it. The fact that it is frequently unnoticed makes it particularly insidious for a carrier who may unknowingly transmit it to an unsuspecting partner. These babies may have small heads and severe brain damage. It may also cause Gullain-Barre neurological disorders in adults. The virus is widespread in South and Central America and just beginning to arrive in the south of the US. As of this writing over 380 cases have been reported in Florida and over 10,000 in Puerto Rico. While the Aedis aegypti mosquito is not native to Pennsylvania, this region is not immune from person to person transmission. Male sperm has remained contaminated for as much as six months after infection. There has been one case of female to male sexual transmission and one documented case of nonsexual transmission from patient to caregiver. Southern cities and states have begun campaigns to spray targeted neighborhoods and to educate people to remove standing water from old tires or
other water traps. Pregnant women and men and women risking pregnancy have been advised to avoid areas or, if not possible, to take precautions with bug spray, contraceptives or absence from sex. Even blood banks are taking precautions as this virus mutates. Scientists, including those at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, are working on a cure. They have seeded their own research with $200,000 and created a website for researchers, Curazika. But federal funding, the real money, has been slow in coming. Last Spring President Obama asked Congress for $1.9 billion to fight Zika. Congressional Republicans turned this down. Later Congressional Democrats voted down a $1.1 billion plan because it would have prevented Planned Parenthood from distributing contraceptives to prevent the disease. Then Congress left town. Obama recently diverted $81 million from biomedical research and antipoverty programs. His Health and Human Services Secretary Burwell is pleading for $380 million more. Congress may take it up again when they return, but the national cynicism cited in a Tweet (quoted in a Forbes.com article on winners and losers on this issue) was summed up like this: “If you are a mosquito or a virus, congratulations.” James McCarville is a member of the Thomas Merton Center Board and Editorial Collective.
income taxes. Delaware is notorious for sheltering “brass plate” headquarters for hundreds of large corporations, including 500 that are reportedly located on one floor of Rodney Square in Wilmington, DE. Raising the state minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $10.10 would bolster the budget anywhere from $60 million (Governor Wolf’s conservative estimate of new revenues) to $225 million. The latter number is attributed, says Stephen Herzenberg of Third and State, to a consequent increase in the incomes of current Medicaid recipients to the range covered by “’Medicaid expansion,’ within which the federal government pays more of the cost.” Counting on the higher number would certainly be in keeping with the accounting approach taken by the legislature in the July revenue bill. Finally, let us not forget the 6.5% severance tax on Marcellus Shale gas production proposed by Governor Wolf in February, which would yield $217.8 million, even with the drop in extraction caused by a slump in commodity prices. Taken all together, the above package adds up to over $1.7 billion in recurring revenue, without gouging citizens addicted to nicotine or gambling, or imagining income from alcohol licensing and sales that may or may not occur. Our legislators should be regularly reminded that Pennsylvania’s citizens deserve well-funded schools and sustainable state budgets, and that both goals are obtainable through greater equity in our tax structure. Neil Cosgrove is a member of the NewPeople editorial collective and the Merton Center Board.
Congress and President Align to Strengthen U.S. Development Assistance By Joyce Rothermel
At the end of July, President World, Obama signed two important bills “The pasinto law: the Foreign Aid and Trans- sage of the parency Accountability Act (H.R. Global 3766) and the Global Food Security Food SecuAct (S. 1252). All PA Representatives rity Act voted yea for the final passage of the shows that Global Food Security Act in its House ending hunger is not a partisan issue. vote on July 6th, 2016, a law that the This bill will help strengthen commulocal Bread for the World chapter had nities and develop stronger trading advocated for over the past three partners for our country. It will create years. Sen. Casey was a co-sponsor of a more stable and secure world.” the bill, which was unanimously All Pennsylvanians are encourpassed in the Senate. aged to write a note of thanks to our The Foreign Aid and Transpar- members of Congress and President ency Accountability Act requires U.S. Obama for their work in support of government agencies to consistently these important bills that are now law. and rigorously monitor and evaluate Work remaining to be done by assistance programs. The Global Food Congress this year is the reauthorizaSecurity Act is a global food security tion of the Child Nutrition Programs: strategy that fights hunger and malnu- school breakfast, lunch, after school, trition. It strengthens food production summer food and Women, Infants by focusing assistance on small farm- and Children (WIC) child nutrition ers, and emphasizes improved nutri- programs. Authorization for these tion for mothers and children in the programs is due every five years and 1,000 days of children’s lives from expired in 2015. They have been tempregnancy to age two. It will benefit porarily extended awaiting the new many of the more than 795 million reauthorization. The recent House chronically malnourished people, in- version, which is regressive, has yet cluding nearly 160 million children. It to be voted on in the House. To join will give more flexibility in disaster local Bread for the World efforts, assistance around the world. It has contact me at 412-780-5118 or by already enabled emergency food as- email at rothermeljoyce@gmail.com sistance to reach Syrian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey. Joyce Rothermel is Co-Convener of According to Rev. David Beck- the SW PA Bread for the World man, President of Bread for the September 2016 NEWPEOPLE - 7
8 - NEWPEOPLE
September 2016
I Am Will I Am Project
By Kate Koenig
The mission of the “I am ____” Project is to open a window into the lives of trans individuals to promote awareness and compassion through the medium of photography. Photography has often been used as a tool for education and awareness. While debates in politics and social matters don’t always change hearts or encourage the “other side” to reconsider their position, art can sometimes transcend those beliefs and bring about a new understanding. This project is my attempt to bridge the gap and open more hearts to transgender individuals. The project is ongoing and I would love to continue expanding upon it. If you would like information about participating in the project or sponsoring project travel to more cities, please contact me at katekoenigphotography@gmail.com. Website: http://www.katekoenigphotography.com Link to the Project: http://www.katekoenigphotography.com/ iamproject/
How do you imagine your future? “Ideally, I would like to become an endocrinologist and work with other trans people. I know going to the doctor for gender-related things can be uncomfortable, and I think that it would make my patients much more comfortable to know that I went through the same or similar things. If becoming an endocrinologist doesn’t work out, I plan on becoming a psychologist and helping other trans people in that way.” What was your childhood like? Happy, sad, good, bad? “I honestly have no complaints with my childhood. My parents were great. They always tried to make sure I was as happy as possible. They also tried to make sure I was well educated. They had me doing multiplication flashcards and reading before I was even in kindergarten. They also made sure I was placed into classes that matched my intelligence level once I got into middle school.”
What were your middle school years like? “The middle school years were probably the worst years of my life. Before going into first grade, my family had moved. First through fifth grade I refer to as the silent years because I pretty much didn’t talk to anyone and I felt very isolated. This lead to me not having many friends when middle school started. During middle school I was very angry. Puberty had hit me very quickly and I felt uncomfortable immediately. It was also when I figured out that I was attracted to girls, which lead to even more turmoil within myself.” What was high school like for you? “High school was much better than middle school for me. I spent first through eighth grade with the same people, so I was pretty tired of most of them by the time it was over. High school provided me with a great oppor-
tunity to reinvent myself. I joined the GSA at my school and felt like I fit in much better. Halfway through junior year I figured out that I was transgender. Thankfully, I had built up a good friend group and everyone was very accepting. I honestly don’t think I had a single person in high school harass me about it, at least to my face. I also had a lot of wonderful teachers who were supportive, so when I publicly transitioned my senior year it was much easier for me.”
me as one of the guys. None of my family members have treated me poorly for it at all. I’m very thankful every day for how Have you used Ace Bandages to bind? What was it wonderful like? What did you use after it, if you used something they’ve all else? been.” “I used Ace Bandages to bind during the beginning of my transition. It was terrible. I could barely get through a Did anyone school day because of the pain. I had to readjust the wrap negatively halfway through the school day to make it a little more impact you, comfortable. I invested in a binder from Underworks very treat you, or quickly and it was much better. I didn’t have to adjust it make you feel about and it wasn’t nearly as painful. Unfortunately, due to bad wearing binders too much, my ribs ended up warping and yourself before / during becoming bruised. They were very painful for a while.” your transiIf you weren’t able to have access to hormones and tion? “One of trans-related care, what do you think you would be the first people doing? “I would probably be too depressed to do anything I came out to told me that I was confused and just felt the way I did because of the media. I was really hurt by that productive.” because up until that point, I was fairly close with this person. I also had no idea what they were talking about What was the hardest part of your transition? “The hardest part of my transition was between when I because up until that point, the only trans person in the came out and when I started hormones. It was really hard media was Chaz Bono. I don’t think he’s a bad guy, but I for my parents to understand and it took them a while to didn’t really look to him as a role model back then. I come around. Thankfully we found a therapist who was guess in the end, that person was half right. I am still conwilling to work with us through it and they eventually fused about their reaction.” came to accept it.” To Read the whole interview, How were your emotions and general well-being be- visit newpeoplenewspaper.com fore Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and after Kate Koenig is a writer studying History, English, and HRT? “Before I started T I was very angry and depressed. I German at the University of Pittsburgh. Besides writing, felt like even when I was happy, I still wasn’t truly happy. Kate is actively involved in photography. Her writing After I started T, my emotions leveled out in a way that I has previously been published in The Original Magazine thought was impossible without anti-depressants. My de- and her photography has been published in TeenInk pression eased up a lot. It was surprising to me that my and Hot Metal Bridge Magazine. anger went away too. I feel like it’s always emphasized that guys are angry because of their testosterone, but I’ve felt so much calmer since I started T.” What is one thing (or several things) you want someone to understand about your identity? “The only thing I want someone to understand about my identity is that it is not my only characteristic. It is a part of me, but it is not all of me. I consider myself a person first.” What is your relationship with your family? “It’s great. Since I’m an only child, I’ve always considered my cousins to be like siblings to me. I always used to play more with my guy cousins, and they recently told me that they’d always thought of
September 2016
NEWPEOPLE - 9
Summer Activism
Top Right, Top Left: Movement For Black Lives National Day of Action, July 21st, Downtown Pittsburgh. Hundreds of people showed up dressed in black to mourn the lives lost at the hands of the police, demanding racial justice and criminal justice reform. Photos by Ray Gerard.
Over 40 activist organizations and more than 2,000 people gathered for the “Still We Rise” march to kick off the People’s Convention on July 8-9, 2016. Photo by Rianna Lee
TMC board member Neil Cosgrove and TMC intern Christina Castillo hold signs to protest the arrest of Martín Esquivel-Hernandez and fight for immigration reform. Photo by Rianna Lee
The Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) participated in the Pittsburgh Anniversary Parade joined by other women’s groups. We carried the banners of WILPF, Pittsburgh Raging Grannies and Pittsburgh for CEDAW. Photo By Edith Bell
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September 2016
Fighting Racism Anti-Racism Film Showing and Nuclear Free Future Speaking By Edith Bell Tour
Systematic Depression By Tana Cambrelen
Mirrors of Privilege, Making Whiteness for information 412-661-7149. Visible Film showing, discussion and potluck supper 2016 WILPF Nuclear Free Future Tour Wednesday , September. 7, 6 pm Ellen Thomas and Carol Urner, coat Thomas Merton Center, 5129 Penn Avenue chairs of the US WILPF Disarm/End Nuclear Free Future Tour presented by Ellen Thomas and Carol Urner Wednesday September 28, 7 pm at Friends Meeting House, 4836 Ellsworth Avenue in Oakland.
Wars committee are on a 2016 WILPF Nuclear Free Future speaking tour. They will appraise us of the dangers of the world’s current nuclear arsenal and bring us up to date on the possibilities of, and the progress towards a world without nukes, as well as how we can do our part in this work. Carol and Ellen are long time peace activists, with an emphasis on nuclear weapons. Carol will talk about her many years of diplomacy overseas and about current progress toward nuclear weapons abolition. Ellen also has a long history of anti-nuclear activism since 1984, when she started an 18 year protest in front of the White House. She managed the Peace House in Washington, and was on the Board of Directors of the Washington Peace Center for 4 years. This discussion is more urgent than ever at this time, when President Obama proposes a $1.5 trillion update for US nuclear weapons in the next 30 years, making them more “usable”. The US just added another country to bomb and the US military budget keeps growing at the expense of domestic needs, like education, housing, infrastructure etc. All that is necessary for the triumph of evil, is for enough good men to do nothing. . For more information, call 412-6617149 or contact wilpf.pgh@gmail.com Both events are free to the public.
The Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) is sponsoring two events to educate ourselves and take action in this absurd time of upheaval at home and permanent wars abroad. WILPF has been working for peace, justice and equality for more than 100 years, ever since our founders gathered in The Hague in 1915 trying to stop WWI . : Mirrors of Privilege: As attacks and killings of African Americans go unpunished, and hatred and prejudice is preached, including from candidates for high office, it is necessary for us to assess and come to grips with our own part in this untenable situation. To that end WILPF will sponsor the showing of the documentary Mirrors of Privilege, Making Whiteness Visible, with discussion to follow. The documentary features the experiences of white women and men, who have worked to gain insight into what it means to challenge the notion of racism and white privilege in the US. We will start with a potluck, so there will be good food to enjoy and good company. (Potluck 6:00 pm, film 6:40, discussion 7:30) Bring a friend, a dish to share and join the conversation Edith Bell is the coordinator of the Pittson this most urgent topic of racism and burgh branch of the Women's Internawhite privilege. To RSVP and tional League for Peace and Freedom.
Movement For Black Lives The summer of 2016 has been a hard one to endure; constant inundation of videos of innocent people losing their lives at the hands of the police. It has been terrifying, eye-opening and numbing for many. As of August 12th, the day I am writing this, 654 people have died at the hands of police in 2016; Native American and Black Americans bear most of the brutality. (I recommend visiting the “The Counted: people killed by police in the US” page via theguardian.com). Police brutality targeting People of Color (POC) is an epidemic in our country. Until Michael Brown’s murder and the police’s display of blatant disregard for his body in Ferguson, MO (evident by the abandonment of his body in the street for hours) it was easy for white people, liberals and conservatives alike, to pretend that instances of police brutality were one-off incidents, or that there must be a justification for the actions of the police. Black Lives Matter (BLM) formed, challenging these sentiments. With the growing strength of a movement asserting that black lives and communities matter, people began narrating their trauma into the mainstream. Two years later in 2016, it is no longer hidden from white America. In light of the series of killings this summer, including Philando Castile, Alton Sterling and Korryn Gaines, mobilization efforts have been strengthening. While mainstream media outlets and opinionated white bloggers were claiming the BLM movement wasn’t organized enough, or offered advice as to how to be “most effective,” the coalition of people that make up BLM took on an extensive research project to express their demands, with the statistical data to back it up. BLM published “A Vision For Black Lives,” containing six demands and 40 policy recommendations on August 1st. The vision is a non- partisan document focusing explicitly on the root issues of oppression POC people face in the U.S.
They killed my ancestors for being black. They killed my ancestors for slavery. They killed my ancestors for speaking back. They killed my ancestors for trying to be free. Yet they called us the problem. I hope they don’t kill me. They killed my grandparents over protests. They killed my grandparents because they wanted equal rights. They killed my grandparents because they wanted the same restrooms. They killed my grandparents because they put up a fight. Yet we’re a problem. I hope they don’t kill me. They killed my daddy over cigarettes. They killed my brother over skittles and iced tea. They killed my sister for sleeping on the sofa. They killed my uncle for CDs. They killed my aunt for “driving recklessly.” They’re still calling us the problem. They’ve stripped me of my family. If I call them the problem, they will probably kill me. I’ll be another hashtag on Twitter. My sister will lose a sister, while my murderer walks free as I’m buried six feet under simply for being me. Tana is a Creative Writing major at Lehman College in the Bronx, New York. Being a product of an interracial marriage, she is determined to bring forth the issues that still plague our country. Using her love for writing and social justice, she creates poems based on her personal experience and hopes to touch the lives of others.
By Marni Fritz
regardless of their occupation, gender, orientation, class, home-status and race, with the respect and dignity all humans deserve. Locally, we saw support for Black Lives Matter. Hundreds gathered downtown on July 21st, wearing all black, answering a call for the Movement for Black Lives National Day of Action. Bekezela Mguni read the names of lives lost in 2016 at the hands of police, locally mourning the death of Bruce Kelley Jr., a man murdered by the Port Authority Police on January 31st. New Voices Pittsburgh, in collaboration with other groups, organized events such as Defend Black Women and 100 Black Women #SayHerName, honoring black women who lost their lives in 2016 and noting the contributions of black women to society as a celebration of life. As you see protests, rallies, conversations and events pop up related to racism, Black Lives Matter and justice for People of Color, I urge you to show Take the time to visit policy.m4bl.org to dive up. For our white readership, it is up to you to do the deeper into these topics, review the policy recomlifelong individual work necessary to confront racmendations and take advantage of the extensive re- ism within yourself and within your networks. It is sources provided by this coalition of organizations. the inherited duty of white people to dismantle racThese demands might seem radical to some, but pale ism and to stand alongside people of color who are in comparison to the generations of physical, emoputting their safety on the line for justice and equity. tional, economic, and inherited trauma inflicted on For local resources regarding the individual work black people since they were forced to come to this toward dismantling racism, or if you are just curious country as slaves. as to what that might mean, check out What’s Up!? Another reaction to note this summer is the se- Pittsburgh, Just Collaboration, or Youth Undoing ries of “good cop” videos pouring into the internet: Institutional Racism (YUIR) for more information! cops pull people over and instead of giving them a ticket (or murdering them), the cops hand people ice https://wwhatsup.wordpress.com/ cream. Instead of good cop videos, we need implicit https://justcollaboration.org/ bias training for all police forces and to de-militarize Find YUIR Pittsburgh on Facebook! our police force. We need to hold murderers accountable, not give them leave, and to have deMarni Fritz is the NewPeople Coordinator and Diescalation methods employed to prevent violence. rector of Communications for the Thomas Merton We must welcome civilian input and review, and to Center. demand that cops treat all people in the community, September 2016 NEWPEOPLE - 11 The (simplified) demands are: 1. End the war on black people 2. Reparations for past and continuing harm 3. Investments in the education, health and safety of Black people, instead of investments in the criminalizing, caging, and harming of Black people. Divestment from exploitative forces including prisons, fossil fuels, police, surveillance and exploitative corporations. 4. Economic justice for all and a reconstruction of the economy to ensure Black communities have collective ownership, not merely access. 5. That the most impacted in communities control the laws, institutions, and policies, while recognizing that the rights and histories of our Indigenous family must also be respected. 6. Independent Black political power and Black self-determination in all areas of society.
Resisting Imperialist Violence Stop Deportation, Keep the Esquivel Family Together in Pittsburgh Cont’d By Gabriel McMorand
Martín Esquivel Hernandez is a thirty-five-year -old father of three who volunteers at his children’s elementary school in Lawrenceville. Along with his wife and mother, he attends St. Catherine’s of Siena in Beechview and also East Liberty Presbyterian Church. Martín is also a leader in Pittsburgh’s growing Latino community. The campaign focuses on two specific government officials with the power to drop Martín’s case and reunite the family, US Attorney David Hickton and ICE Field Office Director Thomas Decker. Hickton’s office is charging Martín with “illegal reentry after deportation,” a felony allowing the US government to impose federal prison time if they arrest someone who has previously been deported. If Hickton’s office succeeds in their effort to brand Martín a felon for crossing the border, it is far more likely that ICE will decide to deport him. Both David Hickton and Thomas Decker can choose to drop the federal prosecution and subsequent deportation proceedings. In 2014, a community campaign moved the Department of Justice to
drop their charge of “illegal reentry” against an El Salvadoran immigrant in Oregon. ICE’s own policies allow for prosecutorial discretion and specify that ICE should focus on threats to national security and public safety instead of people with strong ties and contributions to the community. The Esquivel family can stay together if David Hickton drops the “illegal re-entry” charge and Thomas Decker exercises his prosecutorial discretion to stop the deportation proceedings. Our elected officials also have a choice to make. Local, state, and national politicians can all support the Esquivel family by signing on to a letter addressed to US Attorney Hickton. As this article was going to print, Pittsburgh City Council members Natalia Rudiak and Dan Gilman have already signed the letter of support and Martin’s supporters are continuing to contact officials at all levels of government. Elected officials send a clear message when they sign on to the letter or refuse to do so. To find out what your own elected officials decided, contact the Thomas Merton Center at 412.719.3424 or Gabe
at gabriel@thomasmertoncenter.org. Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto also arranged for an immigration attorney to represent Martin pro bono in his hearings with Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. His family and friends are grateful for this support. Martin currently relies on a public defender in his federal case. The community campaign has been gathering petition signatures at public events, holding weekly prayer vigils outside of the US Federal courthouse, and asking elected officials, faith leaders, and community groups to sign on to a letter of support. Activists are planning a large march for Martín in September. A community campaign could win Martin his freedom, but only if the community acts quickly. Gabriel McMorland is an organizer with the Thomas Merton Center. He is legally blind and his Mum is an immigrant from Scotland. Contact him to get involved with this campaign at gabriel@thomasmertoncenter.org
School of the Americas Watch Convergence: October 7 – 10 By Joyce Rothermel
On August 3, the film, “The Empire’s War on the Border” was viewed at the Thomas Merton Center. This compelling documentary presents very clearly the current shameless U.S. policies and their heartless deadly enforcement occurring daily on the Mexico-US border. These realities demonstrate clearly, the importance of the upcoming Convergence in Nogales, Arizona and Nogales, Mexico being organized by the School of the Americas Watch for Oct. 7 – 10. Organizations like the W. PA School of the Americas Watch based at the Thomas Merton Center are recruiting participants to travel to the Convergence. As we go to press for this September publication, 16 people, motivated by the situation on the border and the plight of many Latin Americans living under great oppression, are committed to go to Nogales. Several of them are involved with Casa
San Jose here in Pittsburgh and know the importance of the Convergence. Several generous donors have already provided support for scholarships to help cover the expenses of the trip for those who need it. In addition to airfare, expenses include ground transportation in Arizona and housing in Nogales. Participants will travel to Phoenix by plane and then from there to Nogales by car. We invite all NewPeople readers to go to http:// SOAW.org/border and click on “The Empire’s War on the Border” and watch the 58 minute documentary. You, like those of us going to the Convergence, will understand the urgency in taking action. Consider joining us for the witness at Nogales, or
Non-Violent Resistance in Palestine During the weekend of July 31 to August 1, Pittsburgh was host to a Palestinian activist named Iyad Burnat, his wife Tasaheel and their young son. Iyad comes from the village of Bil’in in the West Bank, situated right on the green line border and wall between Israel and the West Bank. It is approximately 25 kilometers from Jerusalem but it may as well be thousands of miles away because access to the city is nearly impossible because of checkpoints, permits and Jewish-only roads. The tragedy of Bil’in is that the separation wall took 2,200 dunams* of Palestinian land belonging to the poor villagers, uprooted 1,000 or more olive trees which were thousands of years old and separated the villagers from their livelihood. Israeli settlers have moved into the confiscated lands. In response to this situation, Iyad and the other villagers have organized non-violent protests and marches every Friday in the village. The protests are joined by Israelis and internationals of all religions and backgrounds. These protests have been going on since 2005, during which time the protestors have met with all kinds of violence and brutality from the Israeli army and the settler community. Tear gas is liberally used to disperse the protestors, the kicker being that the tear gas canisters are manufactured here in Jamestown, Pa. The protests, however, have paid off in that part of the wall has been removed as a result of the protests. In addition, the non-violent strategy has moved to many other villages suffering from similar situations. In his presentations, Iyad insisted that the US was part of the occupation; if you like, we are the enablers in so many ways. The US gives $3 billion annually to Israel in military aid, which is used to 12 - NEWPEOPLE
September 2016
send in a donation to help others participate. You may want to organize a showing of the documentary for others in your community. For more information on the Convergence or the SOA Watch of W. PA, contact Josh Sturman, an intern for the School of the America Watch of W. PA at josh@thomasmertoncenter.org Joyce Rothermel is a member of the SOA Watch of Western Pennsylvania.
By Michael Drohan
purchase Caterpillar bulldozers, tear gas canisters, states, which is continued as the facts on the ground rubber bullets and other military hardware used make it more and more impossible. In the meantime, against the villagers. Iyad’s advice to us was that we the villagers of Bil’in and many other villages in convince our government to stop this aid and use it Palestine continue the struggle. Iyad estimated that for civil purposes here in the US such as education the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement here and infrastructure. “You need the money more,” he in the US and elsewhere in the West is extremely said. important. It is one of the few ways we here in the In response to a question posed to Iyad about US have of exerting influence on the situation in his choice of non-violent resistance to the occupa- Bil’in and the rest of Palestine. tion and confiscation of lands, he replied in enigmat*Note: 1 dunam = approximately 0.25 acre ic words “non-violence chose me, I did not choose non-violence.” Through their strategy/tactic of non- Michael Drohan is a member of the Editorial Collective and the Board of the Merton Center. violence, the villagers have succeeded in recovering 1,200 dunams of their ancestral land. Over the 11 years of their struggle, 40 people have lost their lives and many more people have been injured. Much of the story of their heroic battle has been recorded in the video “Five Broken Cameras,” a film made by Iyad’s brother Emad Burnat. Iyad was asked about the bigger picture and political situation. He maintained that the time for a twostate solution has passed. The West Bank Palestinian community has been split up into disparate cantons where passage from one to the other is all but impossible, divided by settler roads and settler communities. Consequently, there is no contiguous territory out of which to form a state. It would, therefore, seem to be just Iyad Burnat speaking to TMC members. Photo by Joyce Rothermel rhetoric when one speaks of two
Kicking the War Habit Intervening in Uncle Sam’s Addiction to War Over twenty years ago I took my last drink. I didn’t do it on my own. There was an intervention. I’m grateful today to be sober. Nevertheless, each day I have to humble myself and admit that I am an addict, and engage in specific behaviors (steps) that help me stay free from my addiction; I also meet regularly with a recovery group. As a recovering addict I can easily recognize the signs and symptoms of addictions in others. And as I look at the U.S., I have come to the conclusion that Uncle Sam is severely addicted to war. Just as I had to first admit my addiction to drugs and alcohol to become free, so too, the U.S. has to admit its addiction to war. And just as I had to cease from my addictive behaviors, take a personal moral inventory, and make amends to all I had wronged, the U.S. has to take these steps as well. Signs of the U.S.’s Addiction To War So, what are the signs I recognize in the U.S.’s habit? First, I see that the country cannot go long without falling back into its addiction. The latest war binge has been going on now for over 15 years. But the real sign of the acute nature of America’s war addiction is that it has been at war for 222 out of its 239 years of its existence. The U.S. has been at war for 93% of its life! Another sign of the U.S.’s addiction to war is the amount of money it spends on its habit. Every hour of every day the U.S. spends $8,360,000 on
war. Over the last 15 years, U.S. taxpayers have spent more than $1,700,000,000,000 on Uncle Sam’s addiction to war. The percentage of discretionary tax dollars spent on war in 2015 was 54% of the total budget or $598.5 billion dollars. And because Americans enable their government to spend so much of their hard earned money on war, there is precious little left for the basic needs of food, housing, education, transportation, and healthcare for its most atrisk citizens. The cost of this addiction is not just money. Since 1945 more than 160,000 Americans and more than 20 million people from other countries have died in over seventy-five U.S. wars or military interventions. We need to make amends to all those we have wronged, to the vets who fought in these wars, and to the millions of innocent civilians who were immorally killed by our country. Today, the U.S. has military troops stationed in more than 150 foreign countries -- the most in its history. Worse yet, the U.S. is not just a war addict, the U.S. is also the leading pusher of the drugs (weapons) of war. Last year the U.S. sold $30,000,000,000 in weapons to over 75 countries. Recovery Steps from War Addiction What steps can we take to intervene? First, we will each admit that we enabled this addiction. Maybe you are in denial; you don’t want to admit you have a problem. I know you are afraid;
Living With the Nuclear Legacy
By Paul Dordal
so was I. Taking my first step in actual sobriety was hard, and so was my first step in becoming a peacemaker. Second, we will humbly seek repentance and forgiveness. This includes making amends and reparations to all those we have harmed. Third, we will reach out to other peacemakers and get involved. We can begin our own recovery process from our addiction to war by joining a local peace group. Fourth, we can engage our elected leaders and tell them that we will not be supporting war anymore and holding them accountable. Fifth, we can tell our family and friends that we are in a “violence recovery program.” We will use social media and other means to carry the message of nonviolence. Hopefully, others will join us in our new freedom from addiction to war. Finally, we will pray daily for courage to bring peace to our world, and wisdom to work smart -- not growing weary in being peacemakers. We can pray to our higher power, saying, “Thy will be done, thy peace come on earth as it is in heaven.” Fr. Paul Dordal is an active member of the Thomas Merton Center's Anti-War Committee, Veterans for Peace, and Iraq Veterans Against the War. He served in the U.S. Army as a chaplain in Iraq (0910), but is now committed to being a peacemaker.
By Remembering Hiroshima, Imagining Peace
ated with using nuclear power as an interim technology." On the eve of the anniversary of the dropping of the bomb, we partnered with the Pittsburgh Filmmakers to show the film "Containment". It is a sobering documentary about the issue of storage of nuclear waste for tens of thousands of years to come. How can we be sure that the nuclear waste we store will be safe from leakage for tens of thousands of years? How do we show people many years from now that what is buried under the ground could be lethal to populations in the future? Will English even be understood that far into the future? The film was followed by a skype conversation with peace activists in both Bike Around the Bomb participants plus Raging Grannies. Japan and Guam, where it was Photo by Scilla Wahrhaftig already the morning of August 6. Seventy-one years ago the US dropped the They made us aware of the impact of the US milifirst nuclear bomb on Hiroshima, destroying the tary presence in both areas. (See sidebar). city and its people. This was the beginning of the The next day, the actual anniversary for us, nuclear age, and Remembering Hiroshima, Imagin- Remembering Hiroshima, Imagining Peace coning Peace recognized this year’s anniversary with ducted our second annual Bike Around the Bomb. three events. A group of bikers rode 13 miles around Pittsburgh The Pittsburgh City Council issued a Procla- in recognition of the perimeter of the initial blast mation supporting our advocacy for "a world free and to illustrate the extent of the destruction that of nuclear weapons and for raising awareness of would occur if even a small nuclear bomb were the value of renewable energy and the perils associ- dropped on our city. At the halfway point the bikers were able to enjoy refreshments and a chance to hear from the Raging Grannies. At all these events we displayed part of our “Strange Beauty” exhibit. These are photos taken by photojournalist Takashi Morizumi of everyday objects from Fukushima that were exposed to radiation. The images glitter and draw the viewer in with their extraordinary beauty, then lead us to reflect on the effects of radiation. This year, the fifth anniversary of the meltdown of the Fukushima Daiichi plant, we focused on the dangers associated with the use of nuclear power and the lack of a solution for the storage or disposal of nuclear waste. We are increasingly hearing arguments that nuclear power is needed as a transition technology. We hope that our events this year have caused many Pittsburghers to conclude that The Bike Around the Bomb team assembles. Photo by Robin Alexander. the devastating impact on people and on our planet in the event of an accident, and the ab-
sence of meaningful solutions for clean up or the disposal of nuclear waste, mean that the large amounts of money required to build nuclear power plants would be much better spent on renewable alternatives.
Remembering Hiroshima , Imagining Peace is a diverse group of organizations and individuals who work together to raise awareness of the dangers of nuclear weapons and nuclear power.
US Presence on Okinawa, Guam The continued US presence on Okinawa has long been a major concern for the people of the Island of Okinawa. The recent proposal to move the US Marine base from the center of the island to the pristine Northern coast is a major contention point. Over 100,000 people demonstrated when the moving of the base was first proposed and there have been continued demonstrations since, so that the Mayor of Okinawa has revoked a work order for the base. Meanwhile in Guam they are looking at the biggest peacetime buildup of US forces on the island. The US is proposing eventually to bring together all branches of the armed forces– the army, the navy, the airforce- on Guam and some of the other Mariana islands. Because Guam is a federally administered U.S. Territory, its people have very limited means of preventing further military takeover. The people of Guam are very concerned. Already a firing range close to the Ritidian National Wildlife Refuge has restricted access to the park. This park is a sanctuary for a number of endangered species and a sacred site for the indigenous people. Two of the other islands, Tinian and Pagan, are being looked at as practice grounds. On Tinian the constant firing of mortar and rockets would disrupt the tourist trade of the island. The people of Pagan have been displaced by a volcanic eruption, but are hoping to return to the island soon. However, if it is made into a major military training ground, this will not be possible. The peoples of Guam and the Mariana Islands are fighting back. Earthjustice and several of the Mariana conservation groups have sued the US Navy & Department of Defense over their plans for the islands. September 2016
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Activist Accomplishments Bringing It All Home – The Black Urban Gardeners and Farmers Cooperative of Pittsburgh By Ron Gaydos
I have sat with Raqueeba Bey and Ayanna Jones, the founders of the Black Urban Gardeners (BUGS) and Farmers Cooperative of Pittsburgh, at one of East End Brewing’s game nights to play the game “Co-opoly” (they had ginger ale) and learn about cooperative business. I’ve met with them and a lawyer helping them to organize their new venture into the right legal entity. They have a good lawyer, and she’s determined to mentor new cooperatives, especially in the black community. Pittsburgh needs a lawyer well-versed in cooperatives. I’ve waited, like they all did, for the weather to break so they could finally see lush produce growing in their community gardens. And I’ve been greeted warmly, along with all of the other customers, to the first of many Black Urban Gardeners and Farmers Cooperative farmers markets. Where did all of this determination come from? A lot of it was always there, and a lot of it is responding to urgent community needs. As Raqueeb put it, BUGS, which members affectionately BUGS members show off their call the cooperative, lush garden. Photo by BUGS “revives and continues the tradition of black farmers begun after Emancipation in the 1860’s. It imparts the gardening and agricultural skills many people in the community have to others
to keep that tradition alive.” It addresses the dire food desert problem in many majority-black communities by making fresh food available to people who have limited transportation options. It does this with the biweekly BUGS farmers market and monthly free food distribution in partnership with 412 Food Rescue. The market is in Homewood for now, but BUGS is planning a second market in Uptown/Soho next year. The farmers markets include cooking demonstrations so people can learn new ways to prepare the food they buy, whether they are beginners or experienced cooks. The markets also hold talks on various social justice themes, such as the impacts of gentrification and increasing economic opportunity in the black community. In this way, the cooperative can keep tabs on developments and issues in the community. I should mention that they have a good time doing all of this, too. Music, dance, and art are a part of every farmers market. The BUGS founders are Raqueeba Bey and Ayanna Jones. There are 25 members now and the organization is growing. BUGS has partnerships with the Black Permaculture Network, Grow Pittsburgh, the Penn State Cooperative Extension’s Pittsburgh Food Policy Council, Landslide Community Farm, the Homewood YMCA, and many other groups in several majority-black neighborhoods. Several members of the community, like Celeste Taylor, Rhonda Sears, and Ayanna Jones, have become certified master gardeners. Others, such as Ashley Cox and Isaiah Bey, are graduates of Bidwell Training Center’s well-respected horticulture program. BUGS is a proud member of the Pittsburgh Chamber of Cooperatives, benefits from its services, and is helping to advance the cooperative business scene in the Pittsburgh region. BUGS, designed as a cooperative, has in its
requirements most of the cooperative principles, including member participation both financially and with efforts of continuing education, cooperation with other cooperatives, and mutual assistance and respect. Where is this happening? At the Sankofa Village garden on N. Braddock Avenue and Monticello Street in Homewood, at the Harry and Theresa Orlando Garden in Uptown, at the Paulson Street Mosque and Maroon Children’s Garden in LincolnLemington, at Mary Savage’s flower garden in Larimer, and Muffy Menendez’s Mom’s Garden on the North Side. BUGS brings fresh food, fresh knowledge, and fresh leadership around food and spreads it around these neighborhoods.. The BUGS Farmers Markets are at the House of Manna Worship Center at 7240 Frankstown Avenue in Homewood 15208 on these dates: •September 10th and 24th •October 8th and 22nd •November 13th , and yes, on •December 10th At the September 10th BUGS Farmers Market the Pittsburgh Chamber of Cooperatives will hold an informational workshop on starting and running a cooperative business at no charge to attendees. For more information and to join the Black Urban Gardeners and Farmers of Pittsburgh, email blackfarmerscoop@gmail.com or call (412) 2061597. Ron Gaydos is a consultant in inclusive economic development, entrepreneurship, and organizational strategy. He is a member of the Thomas Merton Center’s New Economy Campaign, and CoFounder of the Pittsburgh Chamber of Cooperatives. (www.PittsburghChamber.coop)
Mike Stout: Blue and Green in Black & White By Casandra Armour
Mike Stout debuted on stage in New York City in 1968, in the midst of a cultural revolution. But in the late seventies, the musician made Pittsburgh his home and quickly became the union's top grievance man at the Homestead steel mill where he toiled. Now retired, this dedicated community leader has enjoyed a music career spanning over two decades and performed all across the United States and Europe with "the message of human solidarity and peace." On his upcoming release, Blue and Green in Black & White, Mike’s true blue-collar rock anthems tell the many trials and triumphs of the working class, while his greener tunes highlight the turbulent turn our environment has taken at the hands of capitalism and corporate greed. A rallying cry for organized labor and a staple slogan on picket lines, Mike salutes the struggles of organized labor with “One Day Longer.” “It’s my basic strategy for life,” he said of the title, “no matter what you are up against, no matter how bad the odds, outlast them! Pick yourself up and fight the good fight.” The solidarity sing-along “One Big Union” borrows from the philosophy and slogan of the IWW, Industrial Workers of the World. Mike explained, “The fingers of our many movements and struggles – from the fight for a living wage and real economic justice and equality, to ‘Black Lives Matter,’ to the fight for a clean and safe environment – these struggles must be joined together into one mighty fist, from the bottom up.” His plea “Keep ‘Em Safe and Alive” is a labor theme he’s touched on more than a dozen times in his songwriting, the importance of on-the-job safety. Here, in the stadium rock style of influences like Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp, Mike hashes out the harsh and dangerous elements many laborers face working outside. Similarly, “First Responders” salutes EMTs, firefighters, and “all those whose job is saving lives and keeping the rest of us safe.” With the somber “Under the Table,” he sheds 14 - NEWPEOPLE
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light on those desperate, underserved workers scraping by in the underground economy, in the apt style of melancholy acoustic blues. “Health Care Is a Human Right” laments that the U.S. is the only industrialized country that does not guarantee universal, affordable health care. Mike penned a powerful profile of his friend and former SEIU Local Union President, Rosemary Trump, in “Rosie the New Riveter.” He tells how Rosemary brought more than 10,000 workers into her union, and gave a home and support to numerous social causes. “With this song, I make sure she doesn’t get lost in the cracks of history,” he proudly proclaimed. But his tribute to Rosemary isn’t the only story he wanted preserved in song. The haunting “For Terry Greenwood” shares the struggle of a Western Pennsylvania truck driver turned farmer, whose land and livestock were sacrificed to the ills of fracking. After the loss of his livelihood, the poisoned water on his property eventually took his life. Mike explained, “Till he could talk and walk no more, he told his story across the country, and fought the good fight. Another ‘hero of history.’” He continues to crusade against climate change in “Stand Up – the Water’s Running Out.” “The future is inescapable: mounting water shortages, and resource wars for our most precious of all commodities: water,” he grieved. Mike also delves into the light and dark of his personal life, including the tough topic of aging. In the bittersweet, “I’m So Happy Just to See You Alive,” he delights in not finding any acquaintances or loved ones in the obituary pages. In that same spirit of celebration, “There Will Always Be (You and Me)” honors the heroes he’s fought alongside and those he’s never met. He called it, “My personal prayer and anthem to all those who stand up and fight for what’s right: peace, justice, social and economic equal-
ity, and the health of our planet.” His Delta blues-style burner “Kidney Stone Blues” is precisely what it sounds like, a painful peek into the searing pain of the condition. “You’re Never Gonna Fall, As Long as You’re Holding On to Me” is a dedication of devotion to his wife. “For me, love and solidarity are interchangeable and the sustenance for our personal and social survival,” he said. The album is an unforgettable memoir, delivered with clarity and conscience, in Mike’s gripping, signature storytelling style. Blue and Green in Black & White will be released this fall, with another special performance by Mike Stout, including opening act Abafasi, an African-American women's percussion ensemble will take place on Saturday, October 8 at 8pm, at the Letter Carrier’s Union, presented by The Union Edge. Tickets are on sale now at www.theunionedge.com/ events. Casandra Armour Capri is a long time activist, focusing on LGBTQIA+ equality and women's rights, and a member of Pittsburgh Socialist Alternative.
Women Rising Tammy Ryan Talks Molly’s Hammer In a society that expects women to give up their work for their family, Molly Rush did the unthinkable – she left her family behind to pursue peace and justice for humanity. In doing so, she and seven antinuclear activists – known as the Plowshares Eight – started an international movement of peace that still thrives today. Now, Tammy Ryan’s play “Molly’s Hammer” – based on Liane Ellison Norman’s book Hammer of Justice – is coming to Pittsburgh to tell the story about her life-changing decision to leave everything she loves behind in the name of peace and justice. Before September 1980, Molly was just an ordinary wife and mother of six. At the time, she was the director of the Thomas Merton Center, which she co-founded eight years prior. In the late summer of 1980, the Plowshares Eight were born. Eight pacifist activists, including Molly, Fr. Daniel Berrigan and his brother, Philip, and several others, appalled by the careless losses of life following the Vietnam War and the rising threat of nuclear destruction. Molly suggested the name, after a verse in the Book of Isaiah which reads, “…and they shall beat their swords into plowshares…” On September 9th, 1980, the group made their first plowshares out of swords – albeit 20th century swords on an exponentially higher level of potential destruction than actual swords. Tammy says, “We are psychically numb… we can’t comprehend the danger and power of these weapons, and think we can’t make a difference. Molly chose to hope that we can take action, because if someone did not, she
thought we would blow ourselves up by the turn of the century.” So on that autumn day, they entered the General Electric nuclear plant in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, hammered on two nuclear warhead cones, and poured their own blood on warhead documents. Like all Plowshares Movements that would follow, there was no harm to any individual and all eight members stayed on the scene until police arrived, taking full responsibility for their actions. The group did some time in prison for their actions, and after ten years of appeals, they were resentenced. But Tammy highlights the unfairness of the sentences, “As citizens, we have a right to break the law to protect the greater good. And these weapons were viewed by the Plowshares Eight as a threat to society – and to Molly especially, her family,” says Ryan. Still, prison could not stop the anti-war protests from spreading like wildfire. The Plowshares Eight turned into the Plowshares Movement, an international anti-nuclear weapons and mostly Christian pacifist movement. It is unknown just how many protests have taken place around the world under this movement since the beginning in 1980, but it is likely somewhere in the hundreds. The protests usually involve the literal destruction of military weapons or property, and/or more symbolic actions like the pouring of blood to symbolize the blood spilled during war. Inspired by Molly’s dedication to peace and justice, Tammy Ryan penned the play entitled “Molly’s Hammer”, which premiered worldwide at the Repertory Theater of St. Louis on March 9-27,
By Rianna Lee
2016. The play focuses specifically on Molly’s relationship with her husband and her decision to leave everything behind to protect not only her family, but the greater good of society. Tammy, who comes from a large Irish-Catholic family in Queens, NY, writes her plays about global social issues through the lens of family, so it’s easy to see how this aspect of Molly’s life and her work comes alive in Tammy’s play. She says, “Molly and her husband Bill ran on two separate paths – Molly was passionate about peace and justice work and Bill was passionate about baseball. So the play follows how their paths eventually converge. Bill tried to protect her and stop her from doing it, but in the end, he comes to realize why it is so important that she does it.” On the 36th anniversary of the protest, a reading of “Molly’s Hammer” will be held at Eddiy Theater at Chatham University to benefit the Thomas Merton Center. The reading will be held on September 9th, 2016 at 7:30PM. Molly will be played by Kimberly Parker Green, Bill will be played by Jason McCune, and all other parts – including fellow Plowshares Eight member Dan Berrigan – will be played by Don DiGuilo. Tickets are $20 online or at the door, or $5 for those on a low-income. Rianna Lee is a NewPeople intern at the Thomas Merton Center and a senior at Duquesne University. Her interests include feminism and women's rights, LGBT rights, and economic justice.
A Special Place in the Strip By Nijah Glenn and Bette McDevitt
On a recent afternoon, we visited a long time friend of the Merton Center. Twenty years ago, Christine Haas was the development coordinator/ director of the Thomas Merton Center. She left to give birth to her first child at The Midwife Center for Birth & Women’s Health, the first and only licensed, free-standing birth center in Pittsburgh. Now, she is the co-director of another “TMC”: The Midwife Center on Penn Avenue. Their highly visible mural of a joyful woman on the outside wall caught our eyes as we reached the building. The Center provides women-centered health care during pregnancy and birth, and well-woman care to all women, puberty through menopause. While the Center does have certain medications on hand, “most women who choose The Midwife Center are planning for a birth with limited or no medical interventions, unless they are needed.” Choosing the Midwife Center allows the mother to be involved, along with her family members and friends, in planning for the birth. At her first meeting, an hour long intake appointment with the certified nurse midwife, she will devise a birth plan, record her personal and family history, and have a full physical exam. She will set up further appointments and be offered opportunities to learn about breast feeding, prenatal care, and how to secure financial help if needed. She will see, as we did, the three beautiful birthing suites in the Center. The suites are decorated in soft colors, with a comfortable bed, a cradle, rocking chair and a Jacuzzi. All of the suites were decorated by the women who work there; the entire experience is much different from the more formal exam rooms and paper robes that most women are presented with in hospitals. On future visits, her appointments will be with one of the seven certified nurse midwives. Patients are also free to call the Center at any time for consultation. When the birth draws near, she will come to the Center with the family member she has chosen and give birth in a natural way, with the support of a midwife and nurse. If complications arise,
women can choose to have an epidural and other interventions at the hospital, where TMC midwives have admitting privileges and collaboration agreements with physicians. This year, an estimated 4340 women will give birth at the Midwife Center. In addition to births, The Midwife Center also provides standard women's healthcare. This year alone, around 1500 women will receive their annual gynecological exam at the Center, as well as other gynecological services including STI testing, birth control and family planning. Christine, and Ann McCarthy, the clinical director, are pleased with the response to their “walkin Fridays” when women can come in without an appointment. To appeal to diverse audiences, the first Friday of the month is especially directed towards Spanish-speaking women at the Center, “Our Latino population is growing, rapidly, and we need to provide more services for them," said Christine. While resources for women who speak English as a second language are still developing in much of the region, “Walk-in Fridays... seeks to break down barriers between cultures. It encourages more trust between communities which are often ignored and medical professionals.” As part of the outreach, all employees are trained in cultural competency. The Center broke ground in July for an expansion, using the vacant lot beside it to become the largest freestanding birth center in the country. The location is in a high-traffic part of the city and is accessible by public transit. The expansion will not only provide more space, but will also allow the Center to provide more services. “We have always wanted to reach out to women in communities that are vulnerable to poor health outcomes,” said Christine. “A lot of the spaces in the new building will be for that kind of support. We are part of a federal program called Strong Start, for women who are in Medicaid, to provide more support during pregnancy and postpartum and to help them sign up for WIC, locate food banks, and en-
the HMO of Western PA, Julian will be remembered for his social activism. His support of the Merton Center paralleled his active involvement against the war in Vietnam, local chapter of the Dr. Julian Eligator, a long time member of the Physicians for Social Responsibility, and the Merton Center, passed away on August 18, International Physicians for the Prevention of 2016 at age 83. In addition to his career in medNuclear War. He shared his strong social conicine, most notably at the Miners’ Clinic in New Kensington, the Russellton Medical Group and cerns and ethical values with his family, members of his congregation at Temple Sinai, and
We Remember
Mural at The Midwife Center. Photo credit: Nijah Glenn gage in other health programs such as smoking cessation. This program has shown much better outcomes than national averages. “Better outcomes mean better health in the future,” said Christine. “More healthcare dollars are spent on pregnancy, especially because of Csections and premature births, which lead to higher health costs down the road. With a little more investment, we can save money and have better outcomes. American outcomes for birth are some of the worst in the industrialized world.” Before finishing our visit, Christine told us of a new connection established with the Merton Center: Thrifty is going to start providing vouchers to Midwife Center patients in need of maternity and baby clothes. Thrifty is always seeking more donations, so now you know where to take those outgrown baby items. Bette McDevitt and Nijah Glenn are members of the Editorial Collective.
the people he associated with through his engagement in civic and community work. He will be missed and remembered by many for his life well lived. Donations in Julian’s memory can be made to the Gr. Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, 1 N. Linden St., Duquesne, PA 15110 where he volunteered or to an organization that works for the abolition of nuclear weapons. September 2016
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Pittsburgh’s Housing Crisis Profit Over People: Whole Foods Replaces Affordable Housing Cont’d By Angelica Walker
dents, this meant no longer being able to walk to work or school. For older, limited-mobility residents, some of whom had lived in Penn Plaza for over a decade, it meant being isolated from friends, family, church, and other lifelong activities that had anchored them to the neighborhood. In a city of over 21,000 homeless and housing insecure families, Penn Plaza is being torn down to build what will be known as East Liberty Marketplace. The highlight of this “marketplace” will be a brand new 50,000 square feet Whole Foods. Yes, *that* Whole Foods. The store that was investigated and sued for “systematically overcharging” people. The store that sold $8 bottles of “asparagus water.” The store has been condemned across the country as a shining symbol of gentrification. The new location will stand less than half a mile away from the old Whole Foods, which will remain open. Obviously, the Penn Plaza/Whole Foods situation is one small symptom of a much larger problem. Gentrification has been reshaping the East Liberty area for decades, slowly leading up to the crisis we have today. Local governments and community development associations championed development as a way to get crime out of the neighborhood. Residents celebrated new stores like Target that provided close shopping and jobs, without knowing how they would affect rent prices down the line.
After the first Whole Foods was built in 2002, tech companies moved in and exploded demand for nearby high-end stores and luxury housing. Just two years after Google opened up their East Liberty office in 2010, a public middle school across the street was demolished to build Bakery Living, a new luxury apartment complex known for its heated pools, “meditative garden courtyard,” “doggie mudroom and shower,” and $1,300-$3,600 rent. We don’t have to “stop” development. We wouldn’t be able to if we tried. The real question is, what are we going to do to protect the families that call East Liberty home as it happens? How can we ensure that, despite all these changes, publiclyfunded affordable housing still exists across the City of Pittsburgh? To combat gentrification, Pittsburgh UNITED just led a widespread campaign to “help keep Pittsburgh home.” Their plan is to create a Housing Opportunity Fund funded by a one percent real estate transfer tax. The tax would raise an estimated $10 million per year. According to Pittsburgh UNITED, this would provide enough funding to rehabilitate 270 units of rental housing, create 234 units of new housing, and provide rental assistance to 180 families every year. The funding will be especially targeted to help seniors, young families starting out, people with disabilities, and veterans. Decisions on how to spend
the money would go through two Affordable Housing Task Force boards comprised of elected officials, city staff, developers, and local community members. For once, actual community members would have a guaranteed say in what happens to their community. The Pittsburgh UNITED coalition managed in less than two months to get 13,000 signatures on their petition to put a Housing Opportunity Fund referendum question on November’s election ballot. TMC volunteers, led by Gabriel McMorland, obtained over 900 of those signatures. With this strong showing of public support, Pittsburgh UNITED decided to work directly with City Council to pass legislation instead. Pittsburgh UNITED is still seeking volunteers for the Housing Opportunity Fund and other antigentrification efforts. If you’d like to help keep Pittsburgh home, sign the pledge on the bottom of www.opportunitypgh.org and you will be contacted with more information on how to help. Angelica Walker is an intern for The New People covering LGBTQIA+ rights and criminal justice reform. She is a junior at the University of Pittsburgh studying social work, legal studies, writing, and political science.
Urban Housing Crisis Summit to bring University and Community Together By Jackie Smith
Pittsburgh’s economic re-development has earned it the reputation as a “most livable city.” But growing numbers of residents ask, “livable for whom?” It is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the reality of a growing divide between two Pittsburghs—one affluent, professional, and largely white, and the other low-income people with longterm roots in the region, largely people of color. Despite the links between economic growth and urban diversity, Pittsburgh continues to have the whitest metro area among large U.S. cities. It also has higher than national average rates of racial disparities in poverty, unemployment, and educational outcomes. Gentrification has displaced more than 20,000 African Americans from Pittsburgh over recent years, and the city’s development plans have failed to provide adequate affordable housing. There is currently a deficit of roughly 20,000 affordable housing units. For many, this constitutes a “housing crisis.” What is happening in Pittsburgh, however, is not unique to this city. Nor are the responses that are emerging. Patterns of growth, rising inequality, increased economic and racial segregation, and displacement of poor and especially African American residents are, according to many analysts, the direct result of global processes that have turned cities into “growth machines.” The growing commodification of urban spaces privileges external investors and markets over the needs of residents for whom the city is primarily a place to live and work, exacerbating inequalities and conflict in cities around the world. The Housing Summit will provide space for participants to learn more about the solutions that have emerged, not just in Pittsburgh but also around the world, to address the lack of affordable housing. The University-Community Housing Summit will take place at the University of Pittsburgh November 1012th. It is being co-sponsored by Pitt’s Global Studies Center, Northside Coalition for Fair Housing, Hill District Consensus Group, Human Rights City Alliance, University Human Rights Network, Pittsburgh Homes for All Coalition, United Steelworkers, Casa San 16 - NEWPEOPLE
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Jose, and the Department of Sociology at the University of Pittsburgh. It will provide a space for residents to come together with organizers and experts from around the world to learn about and discuss the global and local forces affecting people’s access to affordable housing and the efforts to redress them. A series of public lectures, panels, workshops and cultural events will facilitate learning and networking aimed at highlighting the human right to housing on the public and policy agenda while advancing new thinking and community organization that can help Pittsburgh residents realize this basic human right. A neighborhood tour is planned for Friday, November 11th, with visits to Pittsburgh’s most impacted neighborhoods. Keynote speaker Mindy Fullilove, author of Root Shock: How Tearing Up City Neighborhoods Hurts America and What We Can Do About It, will kick off the event on Thursday, November 10th. Fullilove’s book profiles stories from Pittsburgh’s Hill District residents during earlier waves of dis-
placement and community disruption, which Fullilove argues has caused long-lasting trauma— “root shock”—for both individuals and communities. As part of the Summit, organizers are facilitating book discussions of Root Shock and other selected books addressing themes of globalization, displacement/immigration, and human rights. Plans for synergistic activities to complement the Summit and highlight its themes are being encouraged, and the Summit website will provide resources, such as book discussion guides and an annotated film list, for community groups to host such activities. Volunteers are needed to help with outreach and other tasks. (Send email to pghrights@riseup.net). Learn more at: www.housingsummit.wikispaces.com. Jackie Smith is a professor of Sociology at the University of Pittsburgh and co-coordinator of the Human Rights City Alliance (www.pghrights.org). Her research and activism focuses on global economic and social justice and human rights.
Going Green Let the Sun Shine In We often have guests at the Wednesday breakfast gathering of the Battle of Homestead Foundation (BHF). In the last few months, we have had a young woman researching the Jewish community in Homestead’s past; Thorsten Gresser, a school teacher who comes here every summer, from the former steelmaking area of Germany; Paul Laxton, a British labor historian who knows more about the Homestead Strike than anyone, except Charlie McCollester; and Mark Rylance, the Tony and Oscar awardwinning actor who is writing a play about Carnegie and Frick. Where else would he go but to eat bacon and eggs with the BHF people? Last week, we met Gregory Winks, the local representative for SolarCity, a sister company to Tesla, owned by cousins of Elon Musk, Tesla’s owner. Their business is solar panels - with a new twist. The company does offer the traditional installation; the owner buys the panels from SolarCity, who will then install them. The outlay in that case is pretty steep, although you do get a 30% tax credit that comes right off your income tax payment. But SolarCity is the only company currently in our area to offer another way with no upfront costs; the company will install, own and maintain the solar panels on
By Bette McDevitt
your roof, and they will insure your roof. You then will pay SolarCity for the energy generated from the solar system. In this case, SolarCity as the owner will receive the tax credit. Greg said the homeowner will still be connected to the utility, as SolarCity is not installing battery storage at this moment. When solar energy cannot be generated, the homeowner will pull from the grid for their electrical consumption. Homeowners will receive two bills for their electricity, one from SolarCity and one from their utility. The objective is to replace as much of their utility’s fossil fuel-based, more expensive energy with SolarCity’s clean, less expensive solar energy. The benefits of solar energy for the homeowner only increases over time. The installation, said Greg, takes one day, but the process will take longer; “The typical timeline from start to finish is approximately three to four months, but that can vary depending in which municipality and utility company the solar system is situated. Initially a homeowner will see a flurry of activity, with consultations, technical evaluations, system design, and customer approval. Then a period of what seems like inactivity happens, as we all wait for the municipality to approve the building permit and the utility company to approve the elec-
trical grid interconnection application. SolarCity’s installations are almost always a one-day event, another unique feature in this market. After the system is installed there are final inspections before the system is turned on. “ SolarCity has been in Pittsburgh since April and installations are in progress. Greg Winks estimates that there are approximately 700 solar panel installations in the area now, and that SolarCity should expect to double that number within a year. If our cloudy, gray weather makes you doubt the efficacy of solar panels, remember that Germany, with the same weather as we have, gets 50 percent of its energy from solar panels. Joyce Rothermel and Michael Drohan, both active in the Merton Center, have solar panels on their house and at this time, they have a credit with the utility company; their solar panels are producing more energy than they use. Just what we want, isn’t it? Power to the people! You can reach Greg Winks at 412-901-6766 or gwinks@solarcity.com Bette McDevitt is a member of the Editorial collective
Environmentalists and Human Rights Activists Visit Pittsburgh By Josh Ellison
On July 22, a group of more than 50 Pittsburghers, including many Merton Center members, gathered at Salem's Cafe and Event Center in the Strip District to welcome a group of activists on caravan from the Republican National Convention in Cleveland to the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia convened by Grassroots Global Justice Alliance. The activists came from a variety of different organizations across the country, including the Asian Pacific Environmental Network (APEN) and the Vermont Worker's Center. APEN is a West Coast organization organizing for clean water and a healthy environment, especially within Asian and Pacific Islander communities. The Vermont Worker's Center is a democratic, memberrun organization organizing for human rights for all Vermonters. Notably, the United State's activists were joined by members of the Council of Popular and Indigenous Organizations of Honduras (COPINH), an organization made up of members of 200 indigenous Lenca communities in Honduras who have engaged in a struggle against environmental destruction, sexism, and the repression of indigenous Honduran communities for over 20 years. COPINH has faced
repression throughout its existence,finding increased repression since a US-backed coup in 2009. Over the last year, numerous COPINH leaders have been murdered in their homes by forces believed to be taking orders from the coup government. The evening Pittsburghers spent with the caravan participants was fun and productive. After talking to each other and eating dinner, four speakers addressed the audience: one from APEN, one from the Maine Worker's Center, and two from COPINH. Laura Caceres, daughter of COPINH cofounder and internationally noted environmentalist Berta Caceres was one of the COPINH speakers. Laura delivered a moving address, speaking of the struggles of COPINH against those who would destroy them, the life and legacy of her mother Berta, recently murdered, , and the future of the movement in Honduras. Berta Caceres' death has sparked international grassroots and legislative action, including the Berta Caceres Human Rights in Honduras Act (H.R. 5474) which was recently introduced in the House by Rep. Hank Johnson. The Berta Act would stop all US aid to Honduras until the restoration of the citizenry's human and civil rights. One grass-
roots organization advocating for the pas- Panelists from the Caravan speak at the sage of July 22 event. Laura Caceres is is on the this bill (far) right. is School of the Americas Watch. Congressman Mike Doyle has agreed to be a co-sponsor of the bill. More information on COPINH can be found at copinh.org (Spanish) or copinhenglish.blogspot.com (English). More information on the Asian Pacific Environmental Organization can be found at apen4ej.org. To get involved with School of the Americas Watch - Pittsburgh, please email josh@thomasmertoncenter.org. Josh Ellison is an intern for the School of the Americas Watch of SW PA at the Thomas Merton Center.
Butler Group Sponsoring Go Green Festival & Car Show By Lou Hancherick
Marcellus Outreach Butler (MOB), a non-profit group from Butler County committed to educating the public to the health and safety risks of unconventional natural gas development, is sponsoring the fourth annual Go Green Festival on September 10. The festival presents alternatives to fossil fuel and fracking by showcasing the economic and climate benefits of alternate forms of energy, as well as the benefits of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid cars. The Electric Car Show and Cruise is part of the National Drive Electric Week, sponsored nationally by the Sierra Club, Plug In America, Electric Auto Association, and Nissan. The theme of the festival is “Driving to a New Energy Future,” featuring an Electric Car cruise where owners of electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles can show their cars, answer questions, and offer rides to festival goers. Manufacturers such as BMW, Ford, Tesla, and Nissan are expected be on hand displaying their latest
offerings. There is free admission for everyone at the family friendly Go Green Festival, which also features unique children activities. Free snow cones made with solar power are a special benefit. The Go Green Festival, which will be held held outdoors in the lower parking lot at Kohl's department store in nearby Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, will go on rain or shine. Zero Fossil, a portable power provider, will supply solar generated power for the event. Vendors, such as solar installers, energy choice suppliers and others will will be on hand to talk about and display their products. Grassroots activist groups will be among other exhibitors. The Fair kicks off at 11:00 AM and runs until 5:00 PM. Lou Hancherick is the coordinator for the Go Green Festival and core member of Marcellus Outreach Butler. September 2016
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Building a Peace Culture International Day of Peace The International Day of Peace, observed globally every year on September 21st, has a history of peaceful gatherings throughout the world. This year, the Pittsburgh observances will highlight the need to curb violence in our neighborhoods, especially among youth. The day will focus on the United Nations’ theme of “Sustainable Development Goals: Building Blocks for Peace,” and the UN’s call for a global ceasefire. Leading up to Peace Day, on Sunday, September 18th, from 3-5 p.m., a Peace Festival will be held at Point Grove, Lakeshore Drive, North Park. The festival will feature family activities, ethnic foods and an international flag ceremony with 193 national flags. On Wednesday, September, 21st, at 12:00 noon there will be a rally against violence at the City
By George D’Angelo
County Building Portico, 414 Grant St. The 12 Noon Minute of Silence that is recognized worldwide will be observed. There will be comments by the Mayor and other City and County officials. Additionally, victims will give an impact statement of how violence has affected their lives. The observance will end with a reading of names, and lighting of a candle for each of the over 100 victims killed in our City and County during this past year. Prayers will be offered by those coming together in these especially turbulent times. On the evening of Wednesday, September 21st, beginning at 7:00 p.m., at St. Mary of the Mount Church, 403 Grandview Avenue in Mt. Washington, the Peace Day will culminate with an Interfaith Prayer Service featuring several religious traditions, a Peace Pole Blessing, a Flag ceremony and the ren-
dering of Dona Nobis Pacem by an interfaith choir. The evening celebration will be followed by a dessert social. All are invited to attend. Please join us as we recognize and celebrate a Day devoted to Personal, Communal and International Peace. For more information on the International Day of Peace, please call Sr. Barbara Finch at 412-716-9750 or Theresa Orlando 412-496-7461 or visit the IDP websites at http:// www.internationaldayofpeace.org/ and https:// www.facebook.com/peaceday George D'Angelo is a member of the Thomas Merton Center and serves on the planning committee for the International Day of Peace in Pittsburgh.
Tony Norman to Speak on Faith, Fear and Politics By Joyce Rothermel
presentation will be just in time to share his incisive To register for the complete series, send $65 to and informed views on how to approach this year’s the Association of Pittsburgh Priests. For more inpresidential election from a faith perspective. formation and questions, contact Fr. John Oesterle The fee for the upcoming talk is $20. Preat 412-232-7512 or johnoesterle2@gmail.com registrations can be made by sending $20 to the Association of Pittsburgh Priests at P.O. Box 2106, Joyce Rothermel is Pittsburgh, PA 15230. Participants can also register the Chair of the at the door the evening of the talk. Church Renewal Other speakers in the series are Jame Schafer, Committee of the AsPhD who will speak on “Ecological Conversion, sociation of PittsDeveloping Virtuous Communities” on Thursday, burgh Priests. Oct. 27; Robert Mickens whose topic is “The Impact of Pope Francis on the Church in Rome, the Bishops around the World, and the People in the Pews” on Monday, Nov. 7; and finally, Tina Whitehead will By Kathleen Gerace address “Seeing the Other” on Monday, Dec. 5. There is a new consciousness berg's book to be "one of the most rising, inspired by the famous Gandhi practical books you'll ever read." quote, "Be the change you wish to On a more personal note I've Free and Local: Compassionate Communication Email Newsletter see in the world." This consciousness been able to benefit enormously from and Upcoming Events of our thoughts and words, contrib- these principles and practices with utes to fostering peace in our heart, my own family as well as in my prosign up for brief bi-monthly emails through the Compassionate Pittsburgh webour family, our community and our fessional life. Rather than responding site: compassionatepittsburgh.org world. It is outlined by Marshall Ros- defensively to criticisms I've been this website includes additional resources for exploring Compassionate Commu- enberg, Ph.D, in his landmark book able to use those occasions as opporNonviolent Communication, A Lan- tunities to explore more deeply what nication and provides registration links for all local events guage of Life, which offers ways to unmet feelings and needs lay under navigate through our lives by choos- the criticism in the first place. This Introductory Compassionate Communication Workshops ing to make life-giving connections, kind of dialogue has turned a potenfour Saturdays, October 1 - October 15 - October 29 - November 12, 1:30-3:30 pm rather than falling back upon the snap tially damaging exchange into one of Meeting Room 2, Homewood Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh judgements, pet peeves, implicit bias- renewed intimacy and trust. 7101 Hamilton Avenue Pittsburgh PA 15208 es, and other negative habits of To sign up for a brief bi-monthly - through a series of exercises, participants will experience Nonviolent Commuthought that our families and cultures email, learn more, and connect with nication concepts of observations, feelings, needs, and requests; building a have conditioned us in, disconnecting additional resources, please visit the framework for empathic conversation and authentic expression us from others. Compassionate Pittsburgh website: - each Saturday afternoon session will be unique, so do sign up for all Rosenberg promotes the im- https://compassionatepittsburgh.org/. portance of having a positive, upliftCompassionate Pittsburgh has Building a Compassionate Communication Network ing intention in all we do, to promote several upcoming happenings this fall Thursday, September 29th, 6:00-9:00 pm peace and justice, rather than a nega- for initial introduction to Nonviolent Sweitzer Room, First Unitarian Church tive intention that seeks to condemn Communication and building local 605 Morewood Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (East End) and judge others. This is not Pollyan- connections with others who are stud--OR-naish. We seek to make alliances ying and practicing this consciousSaturday, October 8th, 10:00 am -12:00 pm with everyone involved, to work to- ness. Register through the upcoming Community Room, The Allegheny gether to meet all our needs, rather events links on our website, https:// 401 W. Commons Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 (North Side) than emphasizing harms done to oth- compassionatepittsburgh.org/, or by - join us to contribute your voice in developing more local opportunities for Noners, the environment, or the economy. leaving a message at 412-223-7729. violent Communication practice and learning throughout Pittsburgh We move away from demonizing Compassionate Communication - both sessions will have the same content of networking and planning, please others, from refusing to acknowledge follows the practices introduced by participate in whichever is more convenient their humanity. Instead, a good faith Marshall Rosenberg in his seminal effort is made towards a positive ap- book Nonviolent Communication: A email: compassionatepittsburgh@gmail.com, office: (412) 223-7729 proach for meeting the needs of eve- Language of Life. ryone involved; a way is opened that Compassionate Communication follows the practices introduced by Marshall avoids the usual self defeating battle Kathleen Gerace has been a ChapRosenberg in his seminal book Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life. of wills. Rosenberg has mediated lain at UPMC Mercy for the past 28 contentious issues in Palestine and years and has been involved in soRwanda, as well as with school cial justice work for the same boards and prison populations with amount of time, including a year in great success. There is even a group Bolivia. She has written this article of his trainers currently working with for the Compassionate Pittsburgh the government of Syria. Far from planning team. being idealistic, William Ury, who wrote Getting to Y es, deemed Rosen18 - NEWPEOPLE September 2016
Tony Norman, Associate Editor of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, is set to kick off the 2016 Fall Speakers’ Series of the Association of Pittsburgh Priests on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016 at 7 PM at the Kearns Spirituality Center, 9000 Babcock Blvd. in Allison Park (beside LaRoche College and behind the Motherhouse of the Sisters of Divine Providence). Norman will speak on “Faith, Fear and Politics: How to Keep a Clear Conscience on Election Day.” He is an award winning columnist and journalism professor at Chatham University. Norman is well known for forthright opinion pieces on timely issues regarding race, culture, peace and justice. His
A New Approach to Building a Culture of Peace
Coming & Past Events In Memory of John Zingaro In July, the Merton Center lost one of the newest members of the Editorial Collective, John Zingaro. While new to the Collective, John was not new to the Merton Center. Molly Rush remembers his work as a free-lance journalist early in his career, reporting on many of the activities and issues in which the Merton Center was involved. He showed both understanding and sympathy to the TMC mission and actions. Some may remember John’s work as the Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Neighborhood Alliance in 1978. When John became a Presbyterian Minister and Missionary in 1994, he left the Pittsburgh area, worked in Tanzania, East Africa, and then in several Presbyterian churches throughout the US before returning to Pittsburgh after successfully battling cancer. John renewed his membership in the Merton Center and began participating actively in the Editorial Collective when his cancer reoccurred at stage four. He courageously continued his volunteer work until he was no longer able. We are grateful for the well-lived life of service of John Zingaro.
2016 Shalom Conference on Peacemaking and Advocacy By Wanda Guthrie
The Pennsylvania Council of Churches is hosting its first ever “Shalom Conference” on September 24-25 at the Hartman Center (a United Church of Christ camp, conference, and retreat facility) in Milroy, PA. The Council’s goal is to launch a statewide network of peacemakers that will promote communication and sharing to make peacemaking less lonely. Our theme, “Creating a Culture of Peace,” focuses on shalom—a holistic sense of peace that seeks wholeness and wellness for all creation. This broad understanding of peace suggests that a broad representation of organizations and individuals is necessary to ensure that our vision for peace is more than the absence of war. Organizations and peacemakers that focus on a range of issues, including, but not limited to, domestic violence, systemic racism, drone warfare, environmental justice, torture, gun violence, and interfaith understanding, will all be invited to participate in this exciting conference. The conference will consist of panel discussions, large group gatherings, two engaging speakers and numerous opportunities for people to network with one another. The agenda will be available soon.. Please join us and hear from two prophetic voices in the peacemaking community: On Saturday evening: Shane Claiborne, a Christian activist, author, speaker and a founding member of the Simple Way Community in Philadelphia will speak. Among his many books are The Irresistable Revolution, Jesus for President, and his most recent (released in June 2016) Executing Grace. His message of peace is one that he spreads well to audiences all across the world. We are ex-
cited to have Shane joining us! On Sunday afternoon: Saadia Ahmad, current McCormack Scholar and Master’s student in Conflict Resolution at the University of Massachusetts, Boston will address religious conflict and interfaith dialogue. Her writings have appeared in The Boston Globe, Huffington Post and other media outlets. Saadia’s message of the need for community in interfaith peacemaking is timely and much needed. Two Pittsburgh activists will be participating in panel discussions. Scilla Wahrhaftig will be discussing the intercession of peace and militarism and Wanda Guthrie will discuss peace and ecojustice. As noted, it is our hope that this conference will launch a statewide network of peacemakers that serves as a resource and inspiration for all organizations and individuals who engage in peacemaking work in Pennsylvania and beyond. We are stronger when we work together! Please join us at the Hartman Center on September 24-25. Registration is available online at pachurches.org or by calling 717545-4761. Event registration must be completed at least six (6) days prior to the event. The $100 registration fee may be sent to: Pennsylvania Council of Churches 900 S. Arlington Avenue, Suite 211A Harrisburg, PA 17109-5024 If you wish to pay by Visa, Mastercard or Discover, call 717-5454761. Wanda Guthrie is Chair of the EcoJustice Working Group, an activity of the Thomas Merton Center.
Can Our Communities Live Peace with Compassion? By Joyce Rothermel
The Greater Pittsburgh Interfaith Coalition is hosting its third interfaith panel on compassion on Sunday, Sept. 25 from 2 – 4 PM at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (616 N. Highland Avenue in East Liberty) in the cafeteria. The event will conclude this year's week long commemoration of the International Day of Peace in the Pittsburgh area. The panel will focus on Peace and Compassion: Can Our Communities Live Peace with Compassion? Representatives from the Christian, Hindu, Islamic and Jewish traditions will serve as panelists. Their presentations will be followed by a question and answer period, break-out sessions and report backs. Refreshments will be provided by the Turkish Cultural Center. The afternoon will conclude with prayer. To register for this event: free and open to the public, go to http://gpicpeace.eventbrite.com. For more information or with questions, call Christian Associates at 412-688-9070 . Joyce Rothermel serves on the Greater Pittsburgh Interfaith Coalition.
TMC Plans 2016 Retreat for Nov. 4-5 By Joyce Rothermel
Periodically over its 44 year history, the Thomas Merton Center has held retreats to gather its members and friends for reflection and inspiration in continuing to pursue its mission of building a more peaceful and just world. This year, Art McDonald has again agreed to serve as our retreat leader when we gather on Friday night, Nov. 4 at 7:30 PM at the Epiphany Center, 820 Crane Avenue in the Beechview community of Pittsburgh. Art was a staff member of the Merton Center in the 1980’s before becoming a full time minister in the Unitarian Universalist Church, first here in Pittsburgh and currently in Essex, MA. Art has helped us celebrate our 40th anniversary in 2012 and served as one of our retreat leaders in 2014. The retreat will focus on the theme of mysticism and social/political transformation, and the importance of an inner life to do politics and community work. In Art’s presentations, he will draw on the wisdom of Meister Eckhart, Thich Nhat Hanh, and others. Following his presentation on Friday night there will be time for socializing with those gathered before concluding the evening. The retreat will continue the following day for those able to attend. (One need not have been at the Friday night presentation to participate.) It will begin at 8:30 AM with another presentation by Art, followed by sharing and quiet time for reflection before lunch. The afternoon will provide opportunities for participants to choose from several topics of interest (racism, the environment, and more) and will conclude with an interfaith prayer service. If this retreat interests you, please put the dates on your calendar and watch for more details in the October issue of the NewPeople and on the TMC website, eblasts, and Facebook. Also, please help spread the word to others who may want to participate. Joyce Rothermel is a TMC volunteer and serves on the TMC Retreat Planning Committee.
Women's Contingent in the Pittsburgh Anniversary Parade By Edith Bell & Mary King
The Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) participated in the Pittsburgh 200th Anniversary Parade, joined by other women’s groups. We carried the banners of WILPF, Pittsburgh Raging Grannies and Pittsburgh for CEDAW, (the UN Convention for the Elimination of all Discrimination Against Women). We were also joined by members of NOW (National Organization for Women). Carrying sandwich board signs with pictures, name and identity of famous women of Pittsburgh’s past, some of the figures included environmental activist Rachel Carson and Jane Swisshelm, educators, labor leaders, and abolitionists. Behind us in the parade was a group of the League of Women Voters, which together made for a sizable women’s contingent.
Edith Bell is the coordinator of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom/Pittsburgh. Mary King is a member of WILPF.
September 2016
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First Friday at TMC Featuring Art from Just Seeds, 6-9 PM TMC Annex
September 2016 Regular Meetings Sundays: Book’Em: Books to Prisoners Project First three Sundays of the month at TMC, 46pm Contact: bookempgh@gmail.com
Mondays:
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Mirrors of Privilege. Making Whiteness Visible Film Showing, Thomas Merton Center, 6:00 PM
Labor Day TMC Closed
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“Molly’s Hammer” Professional Reading, Eddie Theatre, Chatham University 7:30 PM
BUGS (Black Urban Gardeners) Farmers Market, 7290 Frankstown Ave
Prison Work Stoppage National Day of Action– Info TBA– contact fightforlifers@g mail.com
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Go Green Festival 11-5, Kohl’s Lower Lot, Cranberry 16066
17 Panel -Workers in the 2016 Election: Campaigning, Voting and Working for change– 1:30 PM, Pump House
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Int’l Day of Peace Rally, City/County Bldg. 12 noon
Tony Norma, APP Speaker Series, 7:00 PM Kearns Spirituality Center
Interfaith Prayer Service, 7:00 PM St Mary of the Mount Church
Pittsburgh’s Annual Day of Giving! Don’t Forget to support TMC!!
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BUGS Farmers Market Shalom Conference on Peacemaking, Hartman Center, Milroy PA pachurches.org
Fix It: Healthcare at the Tipping Point Film Screening– 7:30 PM, Pump House
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Nuclear Free Future Tour, 7 PM, Friends Meeting House, 4826 Ellsworth Ave
Panel on Compassion, 2-4 PM, Theological Seminary
Just(ice) on the Rocks Activist Meet & Greet Happy Hour w/ TMC. 5-8 PM Mixtape
Building a Compassionate Communicatio n Network– 6-9 PM, Sweitzer Room, First Unitarian Church 605 Morewood Ave
(You)nity Zine Release Party to benefit the NewPeople, 7– 10 PM, Irma Freeman Center 5006 Penn Ave
Introductory Compassionate Communication Workshop 1:30 – 3:30 PM Meeting Room 2 Homewood Carnegie Library 7101 Hamilton Ave
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Shalom Conference on Peacemaking, Hartman Center, Milroy PA Cont’d
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BATTLE OF HOMESTEAD FOUNDATION – SUMMER 2016 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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SW Healthcare 4 All PA /PUSH Meeting 3rd Monday, 6:30 —8 pm Squirrel Hill Library Contact: bmason@gmail.com Association of Pittsburgh Priests 2nd Monday, 7—9 pm, Prince of Peace Rectory 162 South 15th, Southside, Pgh. PA 15203 Amnesty International #39 2nd Monday, 7—9 pm First Unitarian Church, Morewood Ave. 15219
Wednesdays: Human Rights Coalition: Fed-Up! Every Wednesday at 7p.m. Write letters for prisoners’ rights at the Thomas Merton Center Darfur Coalition Meeting 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 5:30 – 7:00 pm, Meeting Room C Carnegie Library, Squirrel Hill 412-784-0256 Pennsylvanians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (PADP) 1st Wednesdays, 7-8pm, First Unitarian Church, Ellsworth & Morewood Avenues, Shadyside Pittsburghers for Public Transit 2nd Wednesday, 7pm, 1 Smithfield St., lower level
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International Socialist Organization Every Thursday, 7:30-9:30 pm at the Thomas Merton Center Global Pittsburgh Happy Hour 1st Thursday, 5:30 to 8 pm, Roland's Seafood Grill, 1904 Penn Ave, Strip District Green Party Meeting 1st Thursday, 7 to 9 pm, 2121 Murray, 2nd floor, Squirrel Hill Black Political Empowerment Project 2nd Thursday, 6 pm: Planning Council Meeting, Hill House, Conference Room B
Fridays: Unblurred Gallery Crawl 1st Friday after 6 pm, Penn Avenue Arts District, 4800-5500 Penn Ave., Friendship and Garfield 15224 Hill District Consensus Group 2nd Friday, 10 am — 12 pm, Elsie Hillman Auditorium, Kaufmann Center 1825 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 People of Prisoners in Need of Support 3rd Friday, 7:00pm New Hope Methodist Church, 114 W. North Ave, Pittsburgh 15212
Saturdays: Project to End Human Trafficking 2nd Sat., Carlow University, Antonian Room #502 Fight for Lifers West 1st & 3rd Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12:30 pm, Thomas Merton Center Anti-War and Anti-Drone Warfare Coalition 4th Saturday at 11:00 am at TMC, 5129 Penn Ave., Garfield, PA 15224
Please note: If you were a financial contributor to the Thomas Merton Center in 2015, and you would like to claim your donation for tax purposes, please call (412) 361-3022 and let us know so that we can process an acknowledgement letter for you.
ing, what issues they’re talking about and how labor can work to advance workers’ demands in 2017 and beyond. Erin Kramer, Executive Director of One Pittsnurgh will facilitate. Panel will include Arlena Hill, member of SEIU Healthcare at Allegheny General Hospital; members of United Steelworkers, United Food and Commercial Workers and others. Refreshments will be available.
The Battle of Homestead Foundation(BHF) offers a summer lecture and film series, free and open to the public, at the Pump House, 880 East Waterfront Dr., Munhall, 15120. The BHF is a diverse organization of citizens, workers, educators and historians which aims to preserve, interpret and promote a peoples history focused on the significance of the dra- Thursday, Sept. 22- 7:30 pm – Film- Fix-It, Healthcare at the Tipmatic labor conflict at the Homestead Works in 1892. ping Point (58 minutes)- A documentary about the incredible drain in time and money that our multi-payer healthcare insurance causes on our system, this new film is a vital addition to our tools for reform of the Saturday -Sept. 17- 1:30pm -Panel -Workers in the 2016 Election: US healthcare system. Communicated in a non-partisan way. Members Campaigning, Voting and Working for change. A panel of leader s of Health Care For All will respond to the film and discussion will foland activists from Pgh unions and worker organizations will discuss low. Refreshments will be available. what’s at stake in the elections, how workers are mobilizing and engag20 - NEWPEOPLE
September 2016