Weekly Newsletter - September 9, 2019

Wednesday, September 11 • 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Jewish Voice for Peace: Conversation with Rebecca Vilkomerson
Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) Bay Area is excited to host a conversation between Penny Rosenwasser and Rebecca Vilkomerson, JVP's outgoing Executive Director. Rebecca will reflect on her ten years building JVP into a national grassroots powerhouse, touching on the evolution of our approach to being accountable and effective allies, working in broader coalitions, fighting the conflation of antisemitism and antizionism, and our ongoing work to strengthen the organization's anti-racist framework.
Location: Greenlining Institute, 360 14th St., Oakland

Thursday, September 12 • 3:30 – 6:00 pm
Scholar and Author Ibram X. Kendi - How to be an Anti-Racist
Hear Ibram X. Kendi, one of America’s foremost historians and leading anti-racist voices. In his new book, How to Be an Anti-Racist, Kendi holds up both a magnifying glass and a mirror to examine how to uproot racism from society — starting with ourselves. Followed by his talk, Kendi will be joined in conversation by john a. powell of the Haas Institute for a Fair and Inclusive Society, Lateefah Simon of the Akonadi Foundation, and Alice Y. Hom of Northern California Grantmakers. Event is free but please register.
Location: 101 Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley, Berkeley

Friday, September 13 • 6:30 – 8:30 pm
The Town Talks with Dr. Joy DeGruy
Join Dr. Joy DeGruy, author of Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome as she takes us through a healing journey from the intersections of anti-Black bias, trauma, violence, and the enslavement of Black people in America to the amazing resiliency and strengths of the Black community and the lessons we all can learn to stand in solidarity and heal racism. Event is free but you must register. Sponsored by Oakland’s Department of Race and Equity.
Location: First Congregational Church, 2501 Harrison St., Oakland

Sunday, September 15 • 2:00 – 6:00 pm
Alternatives to Policing 5: Verbal De-Escalation
Community security and safety strategies are a critical component to building alternatives to policing and the prison industrial complex. This training will offer folks a chance to learn about the history of community security and safety and dig into some practical verbal de-escalation skills, with an emphasis on intervening in emotional crisis. They'll also practice scenarios they might face in their day to day. Let's build the alternatives we so desperately need together! Please wear comfortable clothing! Sliding scale donations support the work of the Alternatives to Policing Coalition. No one turned away for lack of funds.
Location: First Congregational Church, 2501 Harrison St., Oakland

Monday, September 16 • 11 am – 8:00 pm
Free The Children, Close the Camps: A Day Of Action
Join this Day of Action to protest the caging of children and migrant families. Protest the crisis at the border and the detention of young children and adults in a inhumane conditions! Close the Camps! Free the Children! Amnesty Now! The day kicks off with an 11:00 am rally, a noon march to S.F. City Hall, a 3:00 pm protest at ICE, then back to 24th & Mission for a closing celebration and protest. Sponsors include A Day Without Immigrants San Francisco and other Mission organizations.
Location: 24th Street BART Station, City Hall, ICE building, San Francisco

September 20 – 27
Strike for Climate Justice Week of Action
Join young people across the U.S. and the world as they demand transformative action to address our climate crisis. Their call for a global strike and a week of action will include hundreds of events globally and across the United States. Millions of children, Indigenous people, people of color, rural and urban frontline communities, and citizens are rising up around the world to ensure a safe, healthy, and sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come. Bay Area activities include:
September 20 • 10:00 am – 1:00 pm • SF Bay Area Youth And Allies Climate Strike March Starts at the San Francisco Federal Building, 90 7th St. San Francisco and goes to different government, finance, and energy targets that are contributing to climate breakdown.
September 25 • 7:00 am – 5:00 pm • Strike for Climate Justice Meet at Market and Montgomery, San Francisco. Organized by Extinction Rebellion, Idle No More, Diablo Rising Tide, among others.

Monday, September 23 • 7:00 – 9:00 pm
An Evening with Land & Water Protectors
Join Climate Justice SF and Intertribal Friendship House for an evening of conversation with Anne White Hat, Cherri Foytlin, and Mark Tilsen to hear firsthand accounts from years of Indigenous led resistance to pipelines. Come hear from three of the most effective organizers on Turtle Island about ongoing work fighting back against Energy Transfer Partners, community resiliency in the Gulf South and visions and plans for how to fight back. We will be touring with Mutual Aid Media’s film “L’eau Est La Vie From Standing Rock to the Swamp.” There is no charge for this event. Donations for the speakers are appreciated.
Location: Intertribal Friendship House, 523 International Blvd, Oakland

Wednesday, September 25 • 5:00 – 6:30 pm
SURJ National Webinar: 10 Years of Racial Justice
Join SURJ National for a webinar with Patrisse Cullors, Makani Themba, Carla Wallace, and Pam McMichael to discuss the past, present, and future of SURJ as it relates to the broader movement for racial, economic, social, and environmental justice. Pam McMichael and Carla Wallace are long time movement organizers and co-founders of SURJ. Patrisse Cullors and Makani Themba are revered movement leaders who will share their perspective of how SURJ's work fits in a broader context and what is needed moving forward. This is a public call, open to all. Register today.
Location: Online webinar

Saturday, September 28 • 3:00 – 5:00 pm
Stop Massacres in Haiti! Stand with Lasalin!
Join Haiti Action Committee and the National Lawyers Guild SF-Bay Area for the release of a new report, The Lasalin Massacre and the Human Rights Crisis in Haiti. The event kicks off a week of action to support the call by Haiti’s grassroots movement to terminate the presidency of US-imposed kleptocrat Jovenel Moise. The event also commemorates the 1991 coup against the democratically-elected president, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, as well as the September 11, 1988 massacre at Father Aristide's church, located in Lasalin, a Port-au-Prince neighborhood with a centuries-long history of resistance to enslavement and empire. Donations $10 - 20 - no one turned away for lack of funds.
Location: Eastside Arts Alliance, 2277 International Blvd., Oakland

September 16 – October 31 • Weekly Meetings • Choice of Days
SURJ Study & Action 6-Week Series
Are you looking for a learning community to challenge racism? Do you want to learn more so that you can become a resource for your community? Would you like to find out how to take action locally and be accountable? Join us as we examine white supremacy and resistance movements to build skills to challenge racism and take action in our communities. Through weekly reading and facilitated groups, we study the histories and systems of that which we resist, we deepen our understanding of injustice, and learn to take strategic, effective action to dismantle white supremacy and support Black and people of color-led organizations fighting for racial justice. Study & Action is free, but you must RSVP for your choice of 1 of 4 days.
Location: Provided upon registration

Saturday, October 5 • 10:00 am – 1:30 pm
SURJ Workshop - What White People Don't See: Applying the Lens of Privilege
You believe in making a difference, but when it comes to racial justice, are your actions aligned with your beliefs? The work begins with looking in the mirror. Without intentional learning and reflection, white people may uphold beliefs and systems that perpetuate injustice. Join SURJ for an intimate and interactive workshop in which we will unpack how whiteness has shaped our lives and discuss how white people who care can take action for racial justice. Sliding Scale $15-$65. No one turned away for lack of funds. Space is limited so pre-registration is required. Learn more and get tickets.
Location: Movement Strategy Center, 436 14th Street, Suite 500, Oakland

Wednesday, October 9 • 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

Read the Latest Blogs on SURJ’s Medium Page
SURJ members Christina Robinson and Elizabeth Humphries penned a blog, "Mass Shootings Cannot Become the Accepted Norm," and Sandy Bredt, former Executive Director of Kehilla Community Synagogue, has written a piece, “Our founding ideals of liberty and equality were false when they were written” that looks at the New York Times’ “1619 Project,” an exploration of slavery and racism in commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the first African slave ship landing on our shores.

AUON Organizer Ali Birts Needs Your Help!
All of Us or None Organizer Willard "Ali" Birts is facing serious legal trouble. After dismissing old charges on the grounds of "insufficient evidence," the San Mateo County District Attorney decided to refile. The case will be going to trial mid-September. Learn more and support Ali by signing the petition, which will be delivered to the District Attorney and to the judge presiding over the case, calling on them to drop all charges and allow Ali to continue to enrich our community unfettered from the criminal justice system.

Support SFSU Professor Rabab Abdulhadi
For nearly a decade, San Francisco State University has worked to undermine its own Arab and Muslim Ethnicities and Diasporas (AMED) Studies program and its director, Dr. Rabab Abdulhadi. A long chain of harassment and punitive actions has focused on Dr. Abdulhadi’s research and advocacy for justice for and in Palestine. Based on the false premise that teaching and advocacy on Palestine and Palestinian human rights constitutes antisemitism, these actions reflect the concerted campaign of right-wing, pro-Israel groups to silence this kind of work on college and university campuses everywhere. Please read and sign the petition to support Dr. Abdulahdi and AMED.
​
Support Eric Garner's Family and those fighting for police accountability in NYC
While the the firing of Officer Daniel Pantaleo, the NYPD cop who killed Eric Garner in July 2014, is a small victory for the Garner family and those working to hold NYPD accountable, there is still much work to be done. You can help by reading and signing this letter of support for Ramsey Orta, the person who filmed the incident and has been imprisoned since 2016; calling Mayor de Blasio (212-639-9675) and demanding that all officers involved in misconduct and the ensuing cover-up be fired; making a donation to Justice Committee and/or Communities United for Police Reform who will continue supporting the Garner family and demanding transparency; reporting the Pantaleo GoFundMe to support Pantaleo post-firing by calling GoFundMe and/or signing Color for Change's petition.

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.

Support Central Maine SURJ's Know Your Rights Working Group
Central Maine SURJ has started a new Know Your Rights working group focusing on getting Know Your Rights education in the community. Their first training, in partnership with Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project, drew a record turnout of 40 people. Translations in French, Portuguese, Somali, Lingala, and Swahili were provided given that many refugees and asylum seekers there are from African countries. Central Maine SURJ is raising funds to support their efforts. Learn more about their plans and make a donation here.

Help Mauna Kea Protesters: Donate to the Aloha ‘Āina Support Fund
In Hawai‘i on July 10th, Governor Ige announced that the transport of earth moving machines for the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea would begin on Monday, July 15. Your support is needed now; KAHEA is announcing a new fund, the Aloha ‘Āina Support Fund, which prioritizes frontline logistical support for non-violent direct actions taken to protect Mauna Kea from further industrial development.

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