Weekly Newsletter - November 4, 2019

Tuesday, November 5 • 6:00 — 9:00 pm
The North Pole screening and fall mailing party with Catalyst Project
Come out and watch the political comedy web series The North Pole, a satire chronicling the lives of three North Oakland best friends — Nina (Reyna Amaya), Marcus (Donte Clark) and Benny (Santiago Rosas) — as they navigate their rapidly changing neighborhood. The first season sees the trio navigate gentrification, a rent hike, the impacts of climate change and slick-talking tech leaders who co-opt progressive values. This second season deals with deportation, the first undocumented immigrant to run for public office in America, wildfires in Northern California, racist family members, and ridiculously escalating Twitter wars. After the film we'll discuss gentrification, climate, immigration and how they intersect with white supremacy, and guests will be invited to help address and stamp Catalyst Project's fall mailing.
Location: 1721 Broadway, Oakland - Telegraph room (second floor)

Tuesday, November 5  •  6:30 PM — 7:30
Ian Haney López and Alicia Garza: How the Left Can Win Again
Law professor Ian Haney López is one of the world’s pioneers of critical race theory. In his newest book, Merge Left: Fusing Race and Class, Winning Elections, and Saving America, López gives progressives the tools to fight politicized racism and build a multicultural future. López describes his last two years of research with union activists, racial justice leaders and statisticians, concluding that the “middle ground” of Americans can be persuaded Right or Left depending on the narrative of America that they are given. Join Ian Haney Lopez and Alicia Garza for an important conversation on the tools to rebuild a better, racially equitable future.
Location: Commonwealth Club, 110 The Embarcadero, San Francisco.

Wednesday, November 6 • 6:00 — 9:00 pm
How Racism Shaped the Housing Crisis & What We Can Do About It
Shareable and SPUR are hosting this event exploring how racism shaped the housing crisis, why this history is relevant today, and solutions that take this history into account. The evening will feature a keynote speech by Richard Rothstein based on his acclaimed book, “The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America.” This will be followed by a panel discussion exploring solutions moderated by Noni Session, Executive Director of East Bay Permanent Real Estate Cooperative with Chris Iglesias, Executive Director of Unity Council; Sarah Jo Szambelan, leader of SPUR’s place types research; and Richard Rothstein. Come at 6pm sharp to enjoy drinks, appetizers, and an exhibition before the program starts. The exhibition will showcase SPUR’s place types research and a timeline of key housing policy decisions that have shaped today’s housing crisis.
Location: SPUR San Francisco, 654 Mission St., San Francisco

Friday, November 8 • 7:00 - 9 pm
Tim Wise on Not Giving Up: Maintaining Our Commitment to Justice in Unjust Times
Noted among the most prominent anti-racist writers and educators in the U.S., Tim Wise has been speaking to audiences nationally and internationally for 25 years and hosts the podcast, "Speak Out with Tim Wise." He is the author of seven books, including his latest, Under the Affluence: Shaming the Poor, Praising the Rich and Sacrificing the Future of
America, and his highly-acclaimed memoir, White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son. There will be a Q&A session after Tim's lecture, and he will be available to sign books at the end of the program. Tickets are $10-$20. Doors open at 6 pm.
Location: Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Road, Kensington

Tuesday, November 12 • 7:00 pm
Noura Erakat Book Talk and Celebration: Justice for Some
Palestinian-American activist, professor, and human rights lawyer Noura Erakat celebrates the release of her new book Justice for Some: Law & the Question of Palestine in conversation with Lara Kiswani of the Arab Resource & Organizing Center. This event is a benefit for the Middle East Children's Alliance. For info call 510-548-0542, or purchase tickets online here (sliding scale $15-$100.)
Location: Berkeley City College Auditorium, 2050 Center Street, Berkeley

Tuesday, November 12 • 3:30 — 6:00 pm
Anti-Bias Curriculum Training Series
The Anti-Bias curriculum training is designed for teachers, administrators and others in the Early Childhood Education field that supports early learning. Creating inclusive classrooms requires that we understand and acknowledge our own biases and recognize verbal and non-verbal messages conveyed by other adults and children. The Anti-Bias Practicum Training is a series of interactive sessions designed to support teachers to integrate the Anti-Bias Goals into their curriculum. Series continues 12/17, 1/28, 2/18, 3/24, 4/14, and 5/19
Location: 1390 Market Street, Room: 1125, San Francisco

Wednesday, November 13 • 6:45 — 9:00 pm
Intro to SURJ Meeting
Want to get involved with SURJ Bay Area? Come learn about our current work and activities. SURJ moves white people to act for justice, with passion and accountability, as part of a multi-racial majority. You will hear about SURJ's pathways for entering the work, including committee work, upcoming workshops, and events. We'll answer your questions and share how you can get involved in the movement for racial justice. Register today!
Location: Movement Strategy Center, 436 14th Street, Suite 500, Oakland

Thursday, November 14 • 10 am
Day of Action for Justice
The Ella Baker Center is organizing a day of action aimed at winning an audit of Alameda County Sheriff Ahern, closing youth prisons, and keeping schools open.
We have an incredible opportunity to win an audit of the Alameda County Sheriff. Sheriff Greg Ahern’s budget continues to increase as the number of deaths in the jail rise. After much pressure from the community, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors will finally discuss an audit during the next Public Protection Committee on November 14. We need to be at that meeting to ensure that the Supervisors take the next step and move forward with a full and transparent audit of Alameda County Sheriff’s Office. Actions begin at 10 am at the Board of Supervisors and continue throughout the afternoon. Sign up to receive more details.
Location: 1221 Oak Street, Oakland

Saturday, November 16 • 1:00 — 5:00 pm
Access-Centered Dance Party Fundraiser
Access-Centered Movement is teaming up with Mask Oakland, Fat Rose, and the Disability Justice Culture Club to offer resources for access-centered emergency planning and supplies. We will have earthquake kits, masks, and resources for how to survive as sick and disabled people during climate change and disaster. Please bring supplies for making earthquake kits if you are able. The event will also feature dance classes, performances, a raffle, food, and nonalcoholic drinks. This is a benefit for India Harville, beloved community member, Access-Centered Movement cofounder, dancer, and Disability Justice activist.  
Location: 1931 87th Ave., Oakland

Support Asylum Seekers at the Border
Next week seven SURJ-BA members and friends will travel to Tijuana in solidarity with the organization Al Otro Lado and the migrant community in Tijuana. Our delegation will work with Al Otro Lado staff to provide direct services to asylum seekers and support their everyday work. You can help us deliver much needed cash and material aid to Al Otro Lado by donating here.
SURJ delegates are self-funded, so 100% of your donation goes directly to Al Otro Lado.

Donate to Support Undocumented Kincade Fire Victims
The UndocuFund for Fire Relief in Sonoma County is currently raising funds to assist the victims of the Kincade Fire, which has grown to more than 25,000 acres. An estimated 38,500 undocumented immigrants live in Sonoma County; unlike other victims, undocumented immigrants do not qualify for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
In the wake of the 2017 Tubbs Fires, UndocuFund distributed $6 million to nearly 2,000 families who lost homes, possessions, and earnings in the fires. With the 2019 Kincade fires, UndocuFund calls on you to help again. Donate here.

In SURJ Blogs – Racial Justice Books for White People
In recent months, some thirty members of SURJ Bay Area suggested and voted on books for white people about racial justice, indicating those they recommend, as well as those they want to read. See the non-fiction list here. You can see the list of fiction recommendations here. In addition to the SURJ lists, the blogs also include recommended reading lists from other organizations and individuals.

Demand the University of Alabama Re-Hire Dr. James Riley
The University of Alabama has seemingly pushed for the resignation of its Dean of Students and Assistant Vice President — a Black man who had been in the job just seven months — for past tweets that made honest, straightforward statements about racism in America. The University of Alabama needs to rehire Dr. Riley immediately and make clear it will stand up for the rights of Black students, faculty, and employees. Learn more and sign the Color of Change petition to reinstate Dr. Riley.

Fire LAPD Officers Lee and Robles for the Murder of Grechario Mack
Sign and share the petition to fire the Los Angeles police officers who murdered 30-year-old Grechario Mack, father of two daughters. On April 10, 2018, Mack was in the midst of a mental health challenge inside the the Crenshaw-Baldwin Hills Mall when LAPD Officers Ryan Lee and Martin Robles shot him and then stood over him – he was still alive – and fired two more rounds into his body, killing him. Black Lives Matter Los Angeles is calling on LAPD Police Chief Michel Moore to fire the two police. Learn more about the case and sign the petition here.

SURJ Bay Area Chapter - Join us! Through community organizing, mobilizing, and education, SURJ moves white people to act as part of a multi-racial majority for justice with passion and accountability. Learn more at www.surjbayarea.org. SURJ Bay Area is one of 150 chapters and affiliates nationwide. Learn about SURJ National and our mission, vision, and values HERE.
Want to support our work? You can make a donation for SURJ's organizing and educational efforts with over half of what we raise going to Black and people of color-led partner organizations. Make a one-time donation or become a monthly sustainer HERE. Contributions are tax-deductible.

Follow SURJ Bay Area on Social Media: Facebook • Twitter • Instagram

Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) Bay Area c/o PO Box 22748, Oakland CA 94609