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WHRTF BOOK CLUB MEETING
March29, Monday - 7:00 pm
The book club continues reading Walkin' The Talk by local authors Damani
Johnson and Bill Lyne - WWU faculty.
info: 671-0631

GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION AGAINST WAR AND OCCUPATIONS
March 20, Saturday - noon to 2:30
Join with millions around the world for Whatcom County's participation in the one-year anniversary commemoration of the Iraq war. Come to Maritime Heritage Park around noon with your bag lunch.

12:30 - "Another World is Possible" rally with singer Robert Blake, Robert Eagle Bear, the Raging Grannies, Veterans for Peace and many others.
1:30 - A one-mile" March against Fear" through downtown Bellingham.
Info: 734-0217 or 715-9197.

If you want to make a sign for the march, go by Terra Organica on State Street and visit the sign-making room in the back. Materials supplied.

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The Peace Resource Center presents: "Building a Movement, Step-by-Step"
March 11, Thursday - 4:00pm-7:00pm
FREE but you gotta register - see below for details..
A workshop on basic organizing skills.
Making real, effective and positive social change is no easy task. Just like a carpenter or doctor, building a movement for social justice and curing the ills of this society takes more than just an urge to "do good" (though of course that is essential!) It takes a lot of energy - physical, mental and spiritual - the support of your community as well as practical skills that can only be learned from hard work and experience.

Fortunately, you can get off on a better start by learning from people with some real experience!
Join Matt Remle and Dustin Washington, two community organizers working in the Seattle area for a three hour presentation and discussion on the practical skills and theory necessary to build a movement for true racial, economic and social justice!
Dustin Washington is the director of the Community Justice Program with the Seattle American Friends Service Committee. His work focuses on the issues of militarism, racism and systemic poverty. He has been a leader in the fight to end police brutality and racial profiling in the city of Seattle. Dustin was awarded the Fellowship of Reconciliation's MLK Jr. Award for his commitment to social justice. Dustin is a powerful speaker who has spoken at the World Social Forum in Porto Allegre, Brazil; Temple University in Philadelphia and countless other rallies, universities and community events. -
Matt Remle (Hunkpapa Lakota) is one of the coordinators of Native Youth Action, a Seattle based Native organization that seeks to empower young natives and bring together the native community. Through his organizing efforts he has shut down a major source of pollution in South Seattle, coordinated the Northwest Environmental Justice Alliance, started Environmental Justice Youth Advocates (for low income and youth of color), helped draft and pass HB 1411, Washington State's Environmental Justice Act and has played a role in many grassroots victories in the Seattle area.

TO REGISTER:
Please email davidcahn@riseup.net or call 650-6125. For more info or disability accommodation, do the same!
LOCATION:
Western Washington University
VU 462A

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CONFERENCE AND PLAY - Focus on Hate Crimes
SALEM, OREGON
CONFERENCE: March 5-6, 2004
PLAY: "God's Country, " runs March 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13.

Chemeketa Community College http://www.chemek.cc.or.us/ will present a conference March 5 and 6 about white supremacist groups in the United States.

The conference, "When Hate Happens Here," will be held in conjunction with the presentation of the play "God's Country" by Steven Dietz, which is about the formation of The Order, a white supremacist group active in the Pacific Northwest in the 1980s.

Guest speakers for the conference include:

·Elinor Langer, the author of "Josephine Herbst" and "A Hundred Little Hitlers," the story of the murder of Mulugeta Seraw in Portland by a group of skinheads.

·Randy Blazak, an associate professor of sociology at Portland State University and director of the Hate Crime Research Network.

·Kenneth S. Stern, an attorney and program specialist on anti-semitism and extremism for the American Jewish Committee.

·Eric Ward, an organizer for the Center for New Community's Building Democracy Initiative.

·Steven Stroud, co-founder of Oregon Spotlight, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the spread of hate throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Some of the topics that will be covered at the conference include Oregon hate groups, how children learn bias, free speech vs. hate speech, hate on the Internet, and hate and extreme music.

Conference costs: $50 per day or $90 for the entire conference. The price includes lunch and a ticket to see "God's Country." Special student rates will be available.
To register for the conference, call (503) 399-5101.

Play: "God's Country" runs March 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13 in the Chemeketa Auditorium, Building 6. Tickets are $8 for the general public and $5 for students and seniors.
Tickets can be purchased through the Chemeketa Bookstore, (503) 399-5131.

 

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WHRTF BOOK CLUB
February24, 2004 - Tuesday, 7:00 pm
BOOK: "Walkin The Talk"
We're reading any section from Walkin' The Talk that particularly interests us and talking about it at the meeting.
The book is organized sequentially, around periods in African American history... Slavery, Jim Crow, Civil Rights Movement, etc... I'd suggest that people read the introduction to see what we're doing with the collection, and then do readings according to your own interests.

The anthology is authored by Vernon (Damani) Johnson and Bill Lyne of the Political Science and English Depts. of WWU. Both authors of the book will be joining us at our meeting. Everyone welcome.
Meet at Belles, call the office for directions.

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Black History Month Celebration: Film Showing "The Murder of Fred Hampton"
February 21 - Saturday,dinner 6:00pm, film: 7:30pm
A succulent baked ham dinner, with vegetarian option, will be served at 6:00pm for a $8.50 donation.

This powerful film records the courageous life of Black Panther Party leader, Fred Hampton, who organized breakfast programs and spoke passionately against police brutality only to be murdered by Chicago cops at the age of 21. Using original footage, the documentary recaptures the revolutionary militancy of the Panthers and the FBI's nationwide campaign to silence them.

PRICE:
For film: $3.00 door donation
With Dinner: 8.50 donation (sliding scale and work exchanges available)
LOCATION:
New Freeway Hall,
5018 Rainier AVenue South, Seattle, WA (4 blocks south of S. Alaska St. on the #7 & # 9 bus lines).
INFORMATION:
For rides or childcare, call 3 days in advance at 206-722-2453 or email FSPseattle@mindspring.com

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THE SOJOURNER TRUTH STORY at WHATCOM MUSUEM
Feb. 22 Sunday -2:00 p.m.
Sojourner Truth was an eloquent speaker on human equality and a champion of civil rights. Dale Gottlieb’s portrait of Truth displays her famous words, “Ain’t I a Woman?” Dr. Violet Marie Malone uses Gottlieb’s rug as a background to talk about Truth and her action-oriented speeches that moved a nation to promote the rights of women and people of color. The narrative presentation is based, in part, on the words of Truth’s autobiography and other collected works.
Dr. Malone is widely recognized for her work in adult education and recently retired from her position as professor of Adult and Higher Education in the Woodring College of Education at Western Washington University in Bellingham.
information: please call (360) 676-6981.
Location: Whatcom Museum, Rotunda Room

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NATIONAL DAY OF SOLIDARITY WITH MUSLIM, ARAB AND SOUTH ASIAN IMMIGRANTS
Feb. 20 Friday, 7-9pm
Candlelight Vigil in Seattle
Co-sponsored by Not In Our Name-Seattle and Hate Free Zone Campaign of Washington
In solidarity with the national Blue Triangle Network
Events are also happening in Chicago, IL; Cleveland, OH; Dearborn/Detroit,
MI; Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego, CA; New York City, and San
Antonio, TX.

FROM BLUE TRIANGLE NETWORK STATEMENT:
"February 20th is an opportunity to open the eyes of many more people to the reality of this repression and mobilize many more into this movement to stop it. On this day, communities of Muslim, Arab and South Asian immigrants can see that there are many others who will stand with them and act fearlessly to stop this repression.
Standing together on the National Day of Solidarity sends an important message to the government that they will face a growing multi-national and inter-religious movement of citizens and non-citizens who are organizing an unstoppable fight to end this kind of repression!"
INFORMATION:
HFZ Campaign of WA: info@hatefreezone.org, 206-723-2203
NION Seattle: seattle@notinourname.net, 206-322-3813
Blue Triangle Network (national): nationaloffice@bluetriangle.org,
313-942-7187, www.bluetriangle.org
LOCATION:
Outside the Immigration Services and Detention Center
815 Airport Way South (corner of Dearborn & Airport Way in the International District near Uwajimaya grocery store)

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Black History Celebration and Video Showing
" Ida B. Wells: A Passion for Justice"
February 5, 2004 - Thursday, 7:30 pm
All are welcome.
[Dinner, with vegetarian option, offered at 6:30 pm for a $6.50 donation.]
This documentary details the remarkable life of Black feminist and investigative journalist Ida B. Wells. Born during the Civil War, Wells' writing career began after she was forced to leave an all-white passenger car on a train. She sued the government and wrote extensively to publicize her case. Wells quickly became known across the country as an eloquent champion for the rights of the poor and downtrodden.

She drew international attention for her bold essays which helped expose the mass lynchings of southern Blacks. Wells covered the key struggles of her day, from the movement for women's suffrage to the protests against segregation in the U.S. Army during WWI. Her stirring story is told by contemporary writers Toni Morrison and Paula Giddings.

The event is hosted by Radical Women

Location: New Freeway Hall
5018 Rainier Ave. S.
Seattle (four blocks south of S. Alaska St. at the Hudson stop on the #7 bus line).
The building is wheelchair accessible. .
For more information, rides or childcare:
call 206-722-6057 or 722-2453,
email: RWseattle@mindspring.com

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WHRTF BOOK GROUP MEETING
January 27, 2004 - Tuesday, 7pm
Angela Davis - Pieces
"Pieces" refers to bits and pieces that anyone can find of Davis' before the Jan 27th meeting. Folks attending can read any writing by Angela Davis and we'll bring it all together at the meeting.
Guest: Katherine Dalen. Come and meet her and talk about Angela.

For more information, please contact Belle at 671-0631

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Bellingham YMCA, Community Food Co-Op, WHRTF, Northwest Washington Central Labor Council, Kulshan Chorus, Stratton Kehl Publications, City of Bellingham, and Whatcom Community Foundation ....PRESENT
A Celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
BEYOND THE DREAM: A CALL TO ACTION
January 19, Monday, noon to 1pm
Bellingham City Hall -

Speakers:
• Darrell Hillaire: President Lummi Business Council
• Rosalinda Guillen: Executive Director of La Union del Pueblo Entero
• Elizabeth Johnson: Bellingham High School Student
• Azure Burrell: Bellingham High School Student
• Doug Bestle: Viet Nam Veteran
• Gale Smedley: Storyteller
• Terry Bornemann: Bellingham City Council
• Damani Johnson: Professor, Political Science, WWU
• Clyde Ford: Author and organizer of the 1st MLK event in Bellingham
• Kulshan Chorus

This one hour event is "Standing Room Only" and well attended. Please arrive early and bring a small chair if you cannot stand for the full hour.
Photos of the event - Click here
Location:
Bellingham City Hall
210 Lottie

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WHRTF's 6th ANNUAL MLK CONFERENCE
Saturday, January 17 - all day
Please click through to our Conference Page for full details

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Meloy & Company Gallery MEET THE ARTISTS' RECEPTION
Friday, January 16 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Exhibition: January 15 through March 14, 2004

"COLOR & LIGHT: A Group Exhibition", will help to benefit the WHRTF. This event is presented by Meloy & Company Gallery/Studio which is locally owned and dedicated to bringing quality, affordable art and artistic experiences to our town.
Gallery owner Rebecca Meloy has joined the "Think Local, Buy Local, Be Local" business group and made the solid commitment to donate 10% of the gallery's proceeds from the 'COLOR & LIGHT' exhibition to the Whatcom Human Rights Task Force which promotes diversity and honors commonalities in Whatcom County since 1994.

Since the Iraq war began, at which time an artist friend's son was nearly killed by another local teen's deliberate violent use of a baseball bat, I have been trying to find ways to help and to speak out against hatred and violence in our community. Thank you and thank Joe Deeny for allowing Meloy & Company Gallery the opportunity to host an art exhibition that we hope will assist in your efforts. It is with pleasure that we present this exhibition.

We, those affiliated with Meloy & Company Gallery, look forward to the exhibition.
We would love to meet WHRTF members at the reception on January 16th

Regards,
Rebecca Meloy, Gallery owner
Meloy & Company Gallery

The COLOR & LIGHT art exhibition is bringing visual images and experiences of joy to our community during this time of winter darkness and world conflict. It features new paintings and quilts made with hope and joy by Northwest artists.

Participates include Marian Raney Oman, Long Beach Washington; Jay Marron, Camano Island; and Judy Ross, Anne Berman, Lesley Long, Melinda Meeker, and Rebecca Meloy -- all from Whatcom County.
"Cat's Window" -->
oil on canvas, copyright by Marian Raney Oman.
Marian is a graduate from Sehome High School in 1973. She lives at Endless Sea Studio in Long Beach, Washington.
She has studied painting at Western Washington University, Washington State University, Portland State University, Pacific Northwest College of Art, and at Clatsop Community College.

Location:
Meloy & Company Gallery
1208 Harris Avenue Bellingham, WA 98225
360-671-2668
email: meloyco@nas.com
web: www.nas.com/meloyco
Business hours are Thursdays through Saturdays, 10 to 8 p.m., and Sundays and Mondays, 12 to 5 p.m.

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MLK CELELBRATION AT WESTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
Thursday, 7 - 9 pm
Music, presentations, and information tables.
Sponsored by the Associated Students of WWU.
Info: 650-7613
Location: Viking Union's multipurpose room

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DALE GOTTLIEB EXHIBITS IN BELLINGHAM
Whatcom Museum - Nov 16 - Mar 7, 2004

as taken from the Museum's site:
Dale Gottlieb: Story Rugs - Tales of Freedom
Whatcom Museum, ARCO Exhibits Building

Dale Gottlieb, Tuskegee Airmen, 7'x5'

Drawing from a broad range of literature, multicultural folklore, history, and her own personal experiences as inspiration, Dale Gottlieb creates colorful, dramatic works that focus on people's struggles to escape injustice and oppression. Gottlieb, whose medium is woolen, hand-knotted, limited edition rugs, collaborates with a Tibetan family of weavers in Kathmandu, Nepal to produce her Story Rugs.

Gottlieb's most significant theme is the pursuit of freedom.
Location:
Whatcom County Museum
Downtown Bellingham

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