Category: Events and Happenings

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GUESS WHAT?

Communique 009 airs tomorrow, MAY DAY, at 5 p.m. ET on Boston Free Radio. Tune in to hear about recent events, May Day celebrations in and around Boston, and a little bit about the history of May Day. Below are some happenings to consider:

Un Dia Sin Inmigrantes – ALL DAY
Everywhere
“Unéte al Dia Sin Inmigrantes/Join the Day Without An Immigrant: www.lahuelga.com

El primero de mayo, Cosecha invita a los trabajadores que dejen los campos, la maquilas, los restaurantes y los hoteles para paralizar la economía y demostrar los millones de dólares que los inmigrantes contribuyen a este país cada día.

No vamos a trabajar. No vamos a la escuela. No vamos a comprar. Te uniras?
——————————————–
On May 1st, Cosecha invites workers to leave the fields, the factories, the restaurants, and hotels to paralyze the economy and demonstrate the millions of dollars that immigrants contribute daily.
We will not go to work. We will not go to school. We will not buy.

Will you join us? http://www.lahuelga.com/home“

People’s School – 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Arlington Street Church, Boston, MA 02117
Led by the Boston Educators Circle in coordination with Dia Sin Inmigrantes, for youth ages 5-18 and their families. Click HERE for the program.

Festival de Cosecha – Harvest Festival – 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Maverick Sq, Boston, MA 02128
“Join us May 1st to commemorate International Workers Day and participate in the 1st Cosecha/Harvest Festival! We need to continue to demonstrate our power with “A Day Without Immigrants” – by NOT going to work, NOT going to school, and NOT buying anything. INSTEAD come and learn about Cosecha, and participate as a community with music, dance, art and many other fun activities. We have to show this country that it cannot function without immigrants. This is just the beginning of our fight for permanent protection, dignity, and respect!

——————————–lahuelga.com——————————

¡Únete al 1ro de mayo para conmemorar el Día Internacional de los Trabajadores y participar en el Primer Festival de Cosecha Boston! Vamos a seguir demonstrando nuestro poder con “Un Día Sin Inmigrantes” NO iyendo a trabajar, NO iyendo a la escuela y NO comprando nada. PERO vengan y participen en el FESTIVAL para conocer más sobre Movimiento Cosecha y compartir en comunidad con musica, baile, arte, y muchas mas actividades divertidas. Tenemos que demostrarle a este país que no puede funcionar sin inmigrantes. ¡Esto es sólo el comienzo de la lucha para obtener protección permanente, dignidad, y respeto!”

#HereToStay Rally in Support of the Safe Communities Act – 11:45 a.m.
Steps of the MA State House, Downtown Boston, MA 02117

Workers and Students United for Sanctuary – Harvard Rally – 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Widener Library, Harvard Yard, Cambridge, MA

On May 1st, International Workers’ Day, we will stand together to call for clear commitments from Harvard to protect marginalized members of our community. This rally brings together labor organizations and student groups from across campus in Harvard Yard at 4 pm. The list of speakers is TBA. We will then head over together to the 5 pm city-wide rally at Boston Common to show our solidarity with the broader Boston labor, immigrant, and people of color community in our fight to protect those vulnerable among us and to protect our ability to organize. We have a long fight ahead to continue to build solidarity around these issues, and we will have a follow-up meeting in early May to discuss goals for the summer and for the next year.

Boston May Day Mass Mobilization – Resist the Racist Deportations! – 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Boston Common, Boston, MA 02108

Followed by March to Copley Square…

The government in Washington has launched a generalized assault on our lives, rights, and living conditions. From the racist attacks on Muslims, Migrants, and African Americans to attacks on our healthcare, women, and LBGTQ folks, to our environment and education — working and oppressed people are under fire. The inauguration of the Trump presidency has sharpened the already deplorable situation for undocumented people and migrants of color.

On International Workers Day, “May Day” we call on all progressives, defenders and extenders of democratic rights, anti-racists, anti-fascists, and everyone willing and able to take this struggle to the centers of power. Our oppressions and exploitations are connected, so too must be our liberation! An injury to one is an injury to all!

Seguido por Desfile a Copley Square…

El gobierno de Washington ha lanzado un asalto generalizado contra nuestras vidas, derechos y condiciones de vida. Desde los ataques racistas contra los musulmanes, los migrantes y los afroamericanos, hasta los ataques contra nuestra salud, las mujeres y la gente LBGTQ, e incluyendo nuestro medio ambiente y nuestra educación — los trabajadores y los oprimidos están bajo fuego. La inauguración de la presidencia de Trump ha agudizado la ya deplorable situación para los indocumentados y los migrantes de color.

En el Día Internacional de los Trabajadores, “Día de Mayo” hacemos un llamamiento a todos los progresistas, defensores y extensionistas de los derechos democráticos, a los anti-racistas, a los anti-fascistas, y a todos los que quieran y puedan llevar esta lucha a los centros de poder. ¡Nuestras opresiones y explotaciones están conectadas, así también debe ser nuestra liberación! ¡Una herida para uno es una herida para todos!

Many, many more Massachusetts May Day events are listed here, as well. Happy May Day!

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Events & Actions: Monday 4/3-Sunday 4/9

Monday, April 3rd

Tuesday, April 4th

  • 3:00-4:30 p.m. – We March On: Continuing the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr at the Parkman Bandstand (50 Chestnut Street) in Boston. I”n 1965, Dr. Martin Luther King led a march that ended at the Boston Common Parkman Bandstand. We will carry his legacy for social justice forward by hearing from movement leaders and workers demanding a livable wage at 3:00PM at the bandstand. At 4:00 PM, we will march to the State House to call on elected officials to support our movement.”
  • 4:00 p.m. – Next CBA subcommittee meeting (to discuss CBA proposal w/ USNC working group) at Community Action Agency of Somerville (66 Union Square)
  • 6:00-7:15 p.m. – A public address by Dr. Moncef Marzouki (Former President of Tunisia, 2011-2014) at the John F. Kennedy, Jr. forum (79 JFK Street) in Cambridge. Moderated by Tarek Masoud, Sultan of Oman Professor of International Relations. Middle East Initiative Faculty Affiliate, Harvard Kennedy School
  • 7:00-9:00 p.m. – 350 (Boston Node) Meeting at First Church on Eliot Street in Jamaica Plain.

Wednesday, April 5th

  • 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. – Immigrants Advocacy day at the Statehouse. The day will start with a speaking program from 10:00-11:00 a.m., followed by the lobbying visits to legislators. “We (DSA’s contingent) will meet at 10:00 at the bottom of the steps opposite the State House in Boston Common (corner of Beacon St. and Park St.), marked on the map below. We will be there from 10:00-11:00 a.m. for the speaking program, and then move into the State House to visit legislators.)
  • 6:00-8:00 p.m. – Help welcome new Bikes Not Bombs Executive Director, Elijah Evans, at 5 Alveston Street in Jamaica Plain
  • 7:00-8:30 p.m. – Commission on Energy use and Sustainability at 167 Holland St in Somerville.
  • 7:00-9:00 p.m. – Boston Food Not Bombs has its weekly planning meeting during this time at Encuentro 5 (9 Hamilton Pl Suite 2a) in Boston. This is, of course, the long-running, non-sectarian, but definitely radical free food organizations that’s been serving in MA for decades now.
  • 7:00-9:00 p.m. Black & Pink has weekly volunteer drop-in hours on Wednesdays, as well. They’re at First Baptist Church (633 Centre St) in Jamaica Plain. “Bring a laptop, if you can. If not, you can help write birthday cards!”

Thursday, April 6th

  • 5:30-8:30 p.m. – Union United Monthly Meeting at 246 Washington Street in Somerville. “Union United is a coalition of stakeholders in Somerville…working together to create a community benefits agreement – a contract we can sign with the master developer and the City that will create a diverse, sustainable, and equitable Union Square.”
  • 6:00-7:00 p.m. – Zoning meeting at Somerville City Hall where folks will be protesting the waiver of affordability inclusion at Assembly Square.
  • 6:30-8:00 p.m. – Unheard Voices of Immigration in Jamaica Plain at 361 Centre Street Join JPNDC and Hyde Square Task Force for an evening of storytelling, testimonials and knowledge building that center the experiences of immigrant people. Free and open to all (snacks provided). For more information please contact Samantha
  • 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Cambridge Democratic City Committee meeting at Attles Auditorium (85 Bishop Allen Drive)
  • 7:00-9:00 p.m. YUM: A Taste of Immigrant City presented by the Welcome Project at the Somerville Armory. “Mayor Curtatone will be the keynote speaker and speak to the 30-year history of Somerville’s status as a Sanctuary City.”

Friday, April 7th

  • 10:00 a.m.-Saturday, April 8th at 10:00 a.m. – The 24-Hour Boston Hassle Telethon at SCATV to benefit the Boston Hassle and BRAIN Arts Org. BRAIN is a local org dedicated to bringing news about art and culture events to folks in the Greater Boston Area. They have a monthly paper (The Compass), they book shows (as The Hassle), they co-produce Black Market, etc etc. Show your support–tune in and donate!
  • 6:00-9:30 p.m. – Feminist Fiber Art Craft Fair at the Democracy Center (45 Mount Auburn Street) in Cambridge. Come check out some spooky art, make some art, and drink some tea with us! This small exhibit focuses on witchcraft. There will be spooky art on display, witchy pins, patches, and stickers for sale, and tables set up for you to make art with us!

Saturday, April 8th

  • 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – Food Not Bombs cooks for its Saturday Central Square Meal in Cambridge. E-mail us for details.
  • 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. – City Live/Vida Urbana volunteer canvassing. http://www.clvu.org/volunteer?page=26
  • 12:00-3:00 p.m. – Black & Pink holds drop-in volunteer hours at this time each week at Swissbakers (168 Western Ave) in Allston.
  • 12:30-4:00 p.m. – Food Not Bombs’ Central Square Meal is served at this time each week.
  • 5:00-8:00 p.m. – A Night of Music and Solidarity: Show Up for the ACLU at Aeronaut Brewing (14 Tyler Street) in Somerville. Show Up invites you to an evening of music, beer, and unity to help raise money to support the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The event will feature: live music provided by: Erica Leigh, Nwasoul, and Miss Fairchild, hourly raffles of items donated by local businesses, a mailbox and postcard table to write to your local officials about what’s important to you, an art sale featuring the donated work of local artists, a Solidarity Photo and Video Project sharing with the world what you Show Up for, and booths featuring local organizations where you can get more information about how to get involved in making change in your own community.
  • 6:00-11:00 p.m. – Food Not Bombs’ Haymarket Produce Rescue happens during these hours each Saturday. Volunteers meet up near Faneuil Hall at Haymarket (corner of Blackstone and North, across the street from a Hard Rock Cafe) to rescue and sort produce destined for the compost heap or landfill and deliver it, by car, to shelters in the Boston/Cambridge area to stock them with food. Volunteers with cars are especially needed.
  • 9:00 p.m.-Sunday, April 9th at 1:00 a.m. – Persisting – Songs Written By Women at the Midway Cafe (3496 Washington Street) in Jamaica Plain. People are gathering to play their favorite songs written by women, and there are still slots left to fill: https://goo.gl/SzwIxF. 21+, $10. All proceeds to benefit Jamaica Plain Music Festival. There will be a raffle & food (more details to follow).

Sunday, April 9th

  • 12:00-1:30 p.m – Boston Homeless Solidarity Committee weekly meeting at Encuentro 5 (9A Hamilton Pl in Boston). All are welcome, including people who are currently experiencing or have experienced homelessness. For an idea of what will be discussed, including the proposed agenda, or to be added to their mailing list, please contact massbhsc@gmail.com.
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Events & Actions: Monday 3/27-Sunday 4/2

Monday, March 27th

Tuesday, March 28th

  • 7:00-8:30 p.m. – Let’s Talk About It: Social Action in Boston hosted by Boston University at Room 545, 100 Bay State Road in Boston. “Come join us for a conversation with local organizers from ACLU Massachusetts (American Civil Liberties Union), Mass Trans Political Coalition (MTPC), Empowering People for Inclusive Communities (EPIC), Boston Knapsack Anti-Racism Group, and Resource Generation.” Food from Haley House Bakery Cafe will be served.
  • 7:00-9:00 p.m. – 350 (Boston Node) Meeting at First Church on Eliot Street in Jamaica Plain.
  • 9:00 a.m.-2:45 p.m. –  Arts Matter Advocacy Day at the Paramount Center, Boston. 9:00: Registration, breakfast, socializing / 10:00: Welcome / 10:30-12:30 “How to be an effective arts advocate, how to tell your story for social change,” policy briefings, performance: Conservatory Lab Charter School String Orchestra, sample role-play with legislator, prep for meeting with your legislators / 12:30: Arts Matter March from the Paramount Center to the MA State House (with street bands!) / 1:30: Meet with your legislators in the MA State House / 2:45: Debrief with Representative Chris Walsh (D-Framingham)

Wednesday, March 29th

  • 6:00-9:00 p.m. – Boston’s Herstory: Queer Feminist Movement at Fenway Health (1340 Boylston Street) in Boston. In commemoration of Women’s History Month, Fenway Health’s Women’s Health Team, The L.O.C.S. Collective, Flashback Sunday: Elders of Color, Older Lesbians Organizing for Change, and Rally present a screening of “A Moment in Her Story: Stories from the Boston Women’s Movement.” Light refreshments provided. The location is wheelchair accessible and has gender neutral bathrooms. Contact: Tanekwah Hinds.
  • 6:00-10:00 p.m. – Beers for BARCC at Night Shift Brewing (87 Santilli Highway) in Everett. Come learn more about Boston Area Rape Crisis Center, join a fundraising team for the Annual BARCC Walk for Change, or just have a few beers to support the cause! All funds from your ticket purchase go directly to BARCC. Tickets available here: https://night-shift-brewing.myshopify.com/collections/events/products/beers-for-barcc.
  • 7:00-8:30 p.m. – Women for Stephanie Hirsch event at Brass Union in Somerville supporting Emerge alumna Stephanie Hirsch in her run for Somerville Alderman at Large. Lynda Tocci of the Dewey Square Group will be speaking.
  • 7:00-8:30 p.m. – The City Talks: Coexistence at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston for a free discussion inspired by themes in the exhibition “Political Intent,” with moderator Laura Weinstein, the MFA’s Ananda Coomaraswamy Curator of South Asian and Islamic Art and panelists Michael Dwan Singh, co-organizer, SubDrift Boston; Maryam Eskandari, principal, MIIM Designs; and Robb Johnson, associate vice president, Fenway Health.
  • 7:00-9:00 p.m. – Grassroots Challenges to the Savior Mentality at Lucy Parsons Center (358A Centre Street) in Jamaica Plain. A conversation with Black & Pink founder Rev. Jason M. Lydon and journalist and organizer Jordan Flaherty, author of the new AK Press book “No More Heroes: Grassroots Challenges to the Savior Mentality”.
  • 7:00-9:00 p.m. – Boston Food Not Bombs has its weekly planning meeting during this time at Encuentro 5 (9 Hamilton Pl Suite 2a) in Boston. This is, of course, the long-running, non-sectarian, but definitely radical free food organizations that’s been serving in MA for decades now.
  • 7:00-9:00 p.m. – Black & Pink has weekly volunteer drop-in hours on Wednesdays, as well. They’re at First Baptist Church (633 Centre St) in Jamaica Plain. “Bring a laptop, if you can. If not, you can help write birthday cards!”
  • 8:00-11:00 p.m. – Feminist Art Wednesday March at Koto in Salem featuring vendors Anna Ramm, Oliver with Ollie’s Lockets, RawleYoni Creations, Grace Ulrich’s Needlepoint; musicians Julie Cira, Joey Phoenix, Mantis Tobogan M.D.; and poets Shannon Murphy, Melissa Gilbert, Brenda Lee. They will be collecting donations for HAWC (Healing Abuse Working for Change).

Thursday, March 30th

  • 4:00-6:00 p.m. – Undocumented Knowledge: A Transnational Immigration Conversation at Emerson Hall (19 Quincy Street) in Cambridge. Join moderator Lorgia Garcia-Peña, professor at Harvard University, and a panel of scholars, activists, artists, attorneys, and educators including Keish Kim, Prerna Lal, Lisa Lowe, Medhin Paolos, and Maurice Stierl for a transnational, interdisciplinary, and intersectional conversation about immigration. Co-sponsored by the Charles Warren Center for Studies in American History, Weatherhead Center for International Affiars, Harvard University Ethnicity, Migration, and Rights, Deparment of History and Literature, and Department of Romance Languages and Literatures.
  • 5:30 p.m. – Benefit for the Mass Bail Fund at Gallery X (169 Williams Street) in New Bedford
  • 6:00-7:00 p.m. – Art and the Making of “Citizen”: An Evening with Claudia Rankine at the Northeastern University Office of Undergraduate Research (450 Dodge Hall, 360 Huntington Ave) in Boston. MacArthur “Genius” and one of our finest living poets, Claudia Rankine will join Northeastern to discuss her poetry, as well as her provocative new “Racial Imaginary Institute.” The event is free and open to the public. Seating is first-come, first-served, please plan to arrive early.
  • 6:00-8:00 p.m. – Women for Tito event for Tito Jackson at Harborside Lounge (185 State Street) in Boston
  • 6:30-9:00 p.m. – Ovarian Psychos film screening at Design Studio for Social Intervention (1946 Washington Street, 2nd floor) in Roxbury. Ovarian Psycos is a radical bicycle brigade for women of color started in East LA with the a social justice, community-centric and celebratory mission. IT IS AMAZING. The screening will begin at 7 PM! Light snacks will be provided, but feel free to bring dinner! You can enter the building at the door on Thorndike Street.

Friday, March 31st

Saturday, April 1st

  • 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. – BESJ 2017 at Fenway High School in Boston. Teacher Activist Group-Boston invites you to join us for the 7th annual Boston-area Education for Social Justice Conference! Our theme for 2017 is Unafraid and Rising: Student Voice, Youth Power. More info at besj.weebly.com.
  • 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – Food Not Bombs cooks for its Saturday Central Square Meal in Cambridge. E-mail us for details.
  • 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. – City Live/Vida Urbana volunteer canvassing.
  • 12:00-3:00 p.m. – Black & Pink holds drop-in volunteer hours at this time each week at Swissbakers (168 Western Ave) in Allston.
  • 12:00-3:00 p.m. – Strike, Resist, Win – Organizing Training at UNITE HERE Local 26 (33 Harrison Ave, Fl 4) in Boston with Workers from Harvard University and Northeastern University are former strikers and protesters. Email for more info!
  • 12:30-4:00 p.m. – Food Not Bombs’ Central Square Meal is served at this time each week.
  • 5:00 p.m.-Midnight – Deadline for entries for #Resist, a show featuring art in all mediums that addresses the current political climate in the so-called United States, curated by Susan Berstler and Greg Cook. #Resist will be exhibited from 4/27-5/27 at the Nave Gallery Annex in Somerville.
  • 6:00-11:00 p.m. – Food Not Bombs’ Haymarket Produce Rescue happens during these hours each Saturday. Volunteers meet up near Faneuil Hall at Haymarket (corner of Blackstone and North, across the street from a Hard Rock Cafe) to rescue and sort produce destined for the compost heap or landfill and deliver it, by car, to shelters in the Boston/Cambridge area to stock them with food. Volunteers with cars are especially needed.
  • 7:30-10:30 p.m. – Women’s Short Films, hosted by Wicked Queer: The Boston LGBT Film Festival at the Bright Family Screening Room, The Paramount Center (Emerson College) in Boston

Sunday, April 2nd

  • 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. – The Boston Hassle and Ignore Rock’n’Roll Heroes present Black Market, their joint effort, one-day flea market featuring handmade artwork, prints, patches, records, tees, pins, ceramics, jewelry, zines, body care, tea, macrame; vintage clothing, accessories, books, as well as tarot readings, haircuts, live drawings, and more at the Cambridge Elks Lodge. All Ages, $1 for entry.
  • 12:00-1:30 p.m – Boston Homeless Solidarity Committee weekly meeting at Encuentro 5 (9A Hamilton Pl in Boston). All are welcome, including people who are currently experiencing or have experienced homelessness. For an idea of what will be discussed, including the proposed agenda, or to be added to their mailing list, please contact massbhsc@gmail.com.
  • 3:00-5:00 p.m. – Our Revolution kickoff at East Somerville Community School (50 Cross Street)
  • 8:00-10:00 p.m. – More Than This at the Democracy Center (45 Mount Auburn Street) in Cambridge. “Come join a community of survivors dedicated to taking healing into their own hands. More Than This is an evening of solidarity, healing and creative expression. We are inviting you to be a part of a safe environment which, we hope, will spark an open conversation addressing the problem of domestic and sexual violence in our community, as well as support its survivors. This event is open to featuring live music, poetry, prose, photography, art and other creative expressions of healing from trauma.”
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Events & Actions: Monday 3/20-Sunday 3/26


(Photo credit: FANG Collective)

Monday, March 20th

  • 5:30-7:00 p.m. – City Council meeting for Cambridge at City Hall–there will be a vote on including more affordable housing in future development plans.
  • 6:00-7:00 p.m. – Know Your Rights Training for Immigrants at The Parenting Journey (366 Somerville Ave). The Political Asylum/ Immigration Representation Project – PAIR is co-hosting this event for immigrants and supporters. There will be interpretation in Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole. RSVP to info@parentingjourney.org
  • 6:30 p.m. – Community meeting with Rep. Jeffrey Sanchez on the 6th floor of MCPHS University (670 Huntington Ave.) in Boston
  • 7:00 p.m. – The Community Church of Boston (565 Boylston Street, Boston) is showing “Thirty Seconds to Midnight,” a movie which covers three threats to all life on this planet: nuclear weapons, nuclear war, and the ongoing climate catastrophe. It features interviews with activists and authors as Dr. Helen Caldicott; Ray McGovern; Chris Hedges; Ann Wright; Peter Kuznick; and David Vine.  Regis Tremblay, the director, will be at the showing.

Tuesday, March 21st

Wednesday, March 22nd

  • 6:00 p.m. – Future City Building Projects & Net Zero Goals at Somerville High School (tentative)
  • 6:00-9:30 p.m. – Intro to NVDA for POC, presented by the FANG Collective at their office in Pawtucket, RI (545 Pawtucket Ave – Park in the lot and enter building through lots entrance and follow the wolf signs!). This is a brief workshop for People of Color ONLY that offers an introduction to the history of Nonviolent Direct Action and its implementation as well as examples of intersectionality within our community/movements, affinity groups and their formation, consensus decision making, and a discussion on self-care and community care. Register here: https://goo.gl/forms/QuTsyfLkPG5q3S4U2 and contact Sherrie for any childcare/accessibility needs.
  • 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Boston CosechAllies monthly meeting at 120 Boylston St, 10th Floor. If you’d like to join or start a circle but don’t know where to start, this is the meeting for you! IMPORTANT: For this location, we’ll need an RSVP list for the building, so definitely let them know if you can make it & they’ll add you!
  • 7:00-8:00 p.m. – DSA electoral group meeting at 1370 Cambridge Street in Cambridge w/ Mike Sylvester, DSA member and Maine State Senator, speaking about his experience running for office.
  • 7:00-8:30 p.m. – Commission on Energy Use and Sustainability meeting (every two weeks on Wednesday) at 167 Holland St, Somerville
  • 7:00-9:00 p.m. – Boston Food Not Bombs has its weekly planning meeting during this time at Encuentro 5 (9 Hamilton Pl Suite 2a) in Boston. This is, of course, the long-running, non-sectarian, but definitely radical free food organizations that’s been serving in MA for decades now.
  • 7:00-9:00 p.m. Black & Pink has weekly volunteer drop-in hours on Wednesdays, as well. They’re at First Baptist Church (633 Centre St) in Jamaica Plain. “Bring a laptop, if you can. If not, you can help write birthday cards!”

Thursday, March 23rd

  • 12:00 p.m. – Boston City Councilor Andrea J. Campbell & Prisoners’ Legal Services Present: Mariposa & the Saint, a play about ending prolonged solitary confinement written by longtime friends and current collaborators, Sara (Mariposa) Fonseca and Julia Steele Allen, through the prison wall, crafted only by letter over the course of three years. The play will be presented in the Ianella Chamber on the 5th Floor of City Hall (1 City Hall Square, Boston).
  • 6:30 p.m. – Community meeting with Rep. Jeffrey Sanchez at First Baptist Church (633 Centre St.) in Jamaica Plain.
  • 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Healthcare 101 – Teach-In for Single Payer and how to make a difference presented by Mass-Care at their office (9A Hamilton St) in Boston. Learn about  the History of Single Payer, Republican health reform plans, Speaker training, Questions to ask at Town Halls, Volunteer opportunities with Mass-Care.
  • 7:00 p.m. – Educational Forum on Immigration at Greater Framingham Community Church (44 Franklin St.): a forum on the issues faced by immigrants and refugees in our community and how we can advocate for them. Several community resource partners, including MetroWest Legal Services and MetroWest Workers Center and a representative from Cosecha, will be presenting.
  • 7:00-9:00 p.m. – Somerville Alderman’s Regular Meeting (every 2nd and 4th Thursday) at Somerville City Hall (93 Highland Ave).

Friday, March 24th

  • 5:30-7:00 p.m. – Rally at the State House in Boston to demand that the United States government recognize the Democratic Federation of Northern Syria as a legitimate political unit, and to end all support for the Turkish government and its war on the Kurds. Supported by members of the local Turkish and Kurdish communities and sponsored by the New England Kurdish Association, HDP Boston, and Boston Friends of Rojava and Syria. This is part of the International Michael Israel Week of Action, during which friends remember Michael Israel, a volunteer from the United States fighting alongside the SDF, who was killed in a Turkish airstrike conducted from a warplane provided by the United States.

Saturday, March 25th

  • 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – Food Not Bombs cooks for its Saturday Central Square Meal in Cambridge. E-mail us for details.
  • 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. – MassAlliance Grasroots Campaign Training (day one of intensive two-day training). Location TBA (in Greater Boston).
  • 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. – City Life/Vida Urbana volunteer canvassing.
  • 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. – Anti-Trump Rally to Counter-Protest a MAGA Event at 193 Salem St in Boston. Few details have been provided, and while there is a MAGA event listed on Facebook and elsewhere on the internet as happening that day, it is unclear if there are any organizations backing this. While we have no reason to believe the folks who created this event are not sincere in their intentions, please keep your wits about you and scope the scene before joining in.
  • 12:00-3:00 p.m. – Black & Pink holds drop-in volunteer hours at this time each week at Swissbakers (168 Western Ave) in Allston.
  • 12:30-4:00 p.m. – Food Not Bombs’ Central Square Meal is served at this time each week.
  • 6:00-10:00 p.m. – Break the Chains: the semi-monthly, all-ages, all-gender radical dance party hosted by queer riot-folker Evan Greer is happening at Make Shift Boston (549 Columbus Ave). This installment will feature Amor Prohibida, DJ Lady Spindrift, Lady Mariposa, and Absinthe Rose. $10 – 20 sliding scale suggested donation to support touring queer artists. No one turned away. Wheelchair accessible.
  • 6:00-11:00 p.m. – Food Not Bombs’ Haymarket Produce Rescue happens during these hours each Saturday. Volunteers meet up near Faneuil Hall at Haymarket (corner of Blackstone and North, across the street from a Hard Rock Cafe) to rescue and sort produce destined for the compost heap or landfill and deliver it, by car, to shelters in the Boston/Cambridge area to stock them with food. Volunteers with cars are especially needed.

Sunday, March 26th

  • 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. – MassAlliance Grasroots Campaign Training (day two of intensive two-day training). Location TBA (in Greater Boston).
  • 12:00-1:30 p.m – Boston Homeless Solidarity Committee weekly meeting at Encuentro 5 (9A Hamilton Pl in Boston). All are welcome, including people who are currently experiencing or have experienced homelessness. For an idea of what will be discussed, including the proposed agenda, or to be added to their mailing list, please email them.
  • 5:00-6:00 p.m. – Black & Pink Family Dinner at Encuentro 5 (9a Hamilton Pl, Suite 2a) in Boston. Food provided by Food Not Bombs. A monthly dinner (last Sunday of each month) during which volunteers and everyone involved with Black & Pink can meet, talk, and share joys and struggles.
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Events & Actions: Monday, 3/13-Sunday, 3/19

Monday, March 13th

Tuesday, March 14th

  • 350 Boston Node Meeting for climate action at First Church in JP (Eliot Street).

Wednesday, March 15th

  • 6:00-8:00 p.m. – Somerville Ward 2 Committee Meeting at NU Cafe and Juice Bar in Somerville (195 Washington Street)
  • 6:00-9:30 p.m. – Intro to NVDA for POC, presented by the FANG Collective at their office in Pawtucket, RI (545 Pawtucket Ave – Park in the lot and enter building through lots entrance and follow the wolf signs!). This is a brief workshop for People of Color ONLY that offers an introduction to the history of Nonviolent Direct Action and its implementation as well as examples of intersectionality within our community/movements, affinity groups and their formation, consensus decision making, and a discussion on self-care and community care. Register online and contact Sherrie by email for any childcare/accessibility needs. 
  • 6:30-9:00 p.m. – Matty’s St. Paddy’s at American Fresh, Assembly Row (301 Canal Street) in Somerville. This is Ward 1 Alderman Matt McLaughlin’s annual fundraiser. Food will be served. Donations gratefully accepted. If you cannot attend please consider making a donation online.
  • 7:00-9:00 p.m. – Boston Food Not Bombs has its weekly planning meeting during this time at Encuentro 5 (9 Hamilton Pl Suite 2a) in Boston. This is, of course, the long-running, non-sectarian, but definitely radical free food organizations that’s been serving in MA for decades now.
  • 7:00-9:00 p.m. Black & Pink has weekly volunteer drop-in hours on Wednesdays, as well. They’re at First Baptist Church (633 Centre St) in Jamaica Plain. “Bring a laptop, if you can. If not, you can help write birthday cards!”

Thursday, March 16th

Friday, March 17th

Saturday, March 18th

  • 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – Food Not Bombs cooks for its Saturday Central Square Meal in Cambridge. E-mail us for details.
  • 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. – Movimiento Cosecha’s allies group is holding its first CosechAllies day-long retreat in Boston! Trainings will clarify the role of allies within the movement to provide permanent protection, dignity, and respect for the 11 million undocumented workers in the US. Participants will also learn about and join working groups that will support Cosecha’s national expansion. Please register here.
  • 12:00-3:00 p.m. – Black & Pink holds drop-in volunteer hours at this time each week at Swissbakers (168 Western Ave) in Allston.
  • 12:30-4:00 p.m. – Food Not Bombs’ Central Square Meal is served at this time each week.
  • 2:00-4:00 p.m. (tentatively) – Boston DSA Annual Meeting and Local Elections at the 32BJ SEIU 615 office (26 West Street) in Boston.
  • 6:00-11:00 p.m. – Food Not Bombs’ Haymarket Produce Rescue happens during these hours each Saturday. Volunteers meet up near Faneuil Hall at Haymarket (corner of Blackstone and North, across the street from a Hard Rock Cafe) to rescue and sort produce destined for the compost heap or landfill and deliver it, by car, to shelters in the Boston/Cambridge area to stock them with food. Volunteers with cars are especially needed.

Sunday, March 19th

  • 12:00-1:30 p.m – Boston Homeless Solidarity Committee weekly meeting at Encuentro 5 (9A Hamilton Pl in Boston). All are welcome, including people who are currently experiencing or have experienced homelessness. For an idea of what will be discussed, including the proposed agenda, or to be added to their mailing list, please contact them by email.
  • 1:00-5:00 p.m. – “Buy Art. Support Resistance.” Activist Art Pop Up Market at Aeronaut Brewing Company in Somerville (14 Tyler Street). Activist artists, groovy tunes, delicious beer – all for a good cause! Vendors are donating to: Planned Parenthood, ACLU, Flint Water Crisis, Standing Rock, Black and Pink, and more!
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Events & Actions: Monday 3/6-Sunday 3/12

Monday, March 6th

  • 6:00-7:00 p.m. – The Democratic Socialists of America have a Coalition Working Group that is meeting at Encuentro 5 (9 Hamilton Pl Suite 2a) in Boston during this time. This is not an intro-to-DSA, but may be of interest for individuals or groups that want to find out more about this working group, and how to link up with DSA.
  • 7:00-9:00 p.m. – Maura Healey, Attorney General of MA, is speaking in a Cambridge/Somerville Town Hall at Somerville High School (81 Highland Avenue). Space is limited, and registration is required.
  • 7:00-9:00 p.m. – Jewish Resistance : Harvard Community Action Meeting organized by IfNotNow Boston. “Learn more about our upcoming action at AIPAC’s policy conference in March. We will talk about IfNotNow’s strategy for the next three months, our plans for our Resistance at AIPAC and how we’re mobilizing our community for our largest action of the #JewishResistance.” Bring a dish for the veggie potluck!

Tuesday, March 7th

  • 6:00-7:00 p.m. – A Union Square Re-Zoning Meeting is happening at Somerville City Hall (93 Highland Ave) which may be of interest to folks in the area. Union Square Neighbors has put together notes on the proposal/issues to be discussed.
  • 6:00-8:00 p.m. – The MA chapter of Our Revolution, which seems largely to be a group of socialists and self-described “Berniecrats” attempting to push the Democratic party in a more progressive direction from the inside, will be having an organizing meeting during this time. Details TBA.
  • 7:30-8:30 p.m. – Emergency Rally Against Muslim Ban 2.0 at Harvard Square T station. Organized by the Anti-Islamophobia Network; co-sponsored by the Harvard Islamic Society, Act on a Dream, the Harvard African Students Association, the Society of Arab Students, and HGSU-UAW International Students’ Working Group. Interested in speaking? Email anwaromeish at college dot harvard dot edu.

Wednesday, March 8th

  • 4:00-5:30 p.m. – A Day Without Women Rally at Downtown Crossing (at the Staircase on Washington St. between TJ Maxx and Old Navy). Sponsored by: Chinese Progressive Association, Community Labor United, Matahari Women Workers’ Center, SEIU 32BJ District 615, Right to the City Boston, New England United for Justice, Alternatives for Community and Environment, City Life/Vida Urbana, Brookview House, Building Pathways, Boston Teachers Union, Massachusetts Jobs with Justice, Massachusetts AFL-CIO, SEIU Local 509, the Women’s Institute for Leadership Development (WILD), Brazilian Women’s Group, Brazilian Worker Center, Chelsea Collaborative, Immigrant Worker Center Collaborative, MassCOSH.
  • 5:00-7:00 p.m. – Women Marching for Undocumented Immigrants in Copley Square (560 Boylston St, Boston) organized by The Activist. OPEN MIC: ANYONE who wants to speak their truth is more than welcome!
  • 5:00-8:30 p.m. – The Somerville Community Corporation, a nearly-50-year-old CDC that works to keep affordable housing in the neighborhood, is having their 47th Annual Meeting and Dinner during this time at Arts at the Armory. While standard tickets are $35 for this fundraiser, there is a low-income rate of $5, and sponsorships are available.
  • 5:30-6:30 p.m. – Albert Woodfox and Robert King of the Angola 3 speak at the Ames Courtroom at Harvard Law School.
  • 6:00-9:00 p.m. – DSA Boston’s Socializing with Socialists at The Tam (222 Tremont St) in Boston. This event is aimed at folks attempting to see if/how they fit into the DSA as an org and talk about “radical democracy” and socialism. Note: From what I can tell, the DSA is not a specifically revolutionary group, and seeks to work within the current representative democracy and its electoral process to bring about a form of economic socialism. Personally, I (Elias) support many of their individual aims and efforts, but do not agree completely with the ideological underpinnings.
  • 7:00-8:30 p.m. – The Somerville Commission on Energy Use and Climate Change is meeting at 167 Holland St during this time.
  • 7:00-9:00 p.m. – Boston Food Not Bombs has its weekly planning meeting during this time at Encuentro 5 (9 Hamilton Pl Suite 2a) in Boston. This is, of course, the long-running, non-sectarian, but definitely radical free food organizations that’s been serving in MA for decades now.
  • 7:00-9:00 p.m. Black & Pink has weekly volunteer drop-in hours on Wednesdays, as well. They’re at First Baptist Church (633 Centre St) in Jamaica Plain. “Bring a laptop, if you can. If not, you can help write birthday cards!”
  • 7:00-9:00 p.m. – Fuck Solitary Working Group (Black & Pink) meeting at the Democracy Center (45 Mount Auburn St, Cambridge – note, this venue is not wheelchair accessible at the moment).

Thursday, March 9th

  • 7:00-9:00 p.m. – Every 2nd and 4th Thursday there is a meeting of Somerville’s Aldermen at Somerville City Hall (93 Highland Ave)
  • 7:00-9:30 p.m. – Scenes from a Bethlehem Refugee Camp film screening and remarks at  the Boylston Hall Tichnor Lounge on Mass Ave. (enter via Harvard Yard). Refreshments served, donations voluntary.  From the Cambridge Bethlehem People to People Project. Powerful current film screenings from Palestinian film-maker and photographer, Mohammad al-Azza.
  • 7:30-9:30 p.m. – Union Organizing as a Template for Resistance, a talk by local organizer Maddie Howard, will be happening in Cambridge. Email us for details.

Friday, March 10th

  • 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. – MIT Reuse and Repair Fair at the MIT Student Center (84 Mass Ave). Come learn skills to repair clothes and electronics, and bring clothes to swap.
  • 12:00-3:00 p.m. – Boston RISE with Standing Rock – opening prayers, speakers, and a march by the Massachusetts State House (24 Beacon St, Boston, Massachusetts 02108). A list of demands and more can be found on the event page.

Saturday, March 11th

  • 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – Food Not Bombs cooks for its Saturday Central Square Meal in Cambridge. E-mail us for details.
  • 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. – Getting Ready to Run is an introductory workshop presented at the Boston Teachers Union (180 Mount Vernon Street) by Mass Alliance and intended to prepare “prospective candidates” for local elections. While the NEU does not have faith in the electoral system, this might be of use for understanding how candidates campaign, and building one’s organizing skill set. Of course, unlike the radical events we tend to post, this costs money and you must register for it in advance.
  • 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. – No Disability Justice, No Peace! at the Roxbury Innovation Center (2300 Washington St, 2nd Floor Learn Lab). Join Mickey Valentine for a workshop on the imperative to include disability justice and an analysis of ableism in radical and organizing spaces. Co-organized and moderated by Alexis Toliver, of the Harriet Tubman Collective (founder) and Black Disability Studies for National Black Disability Coalition. Suggested donation at the door. Room capacity is 49 people.
  • 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. – MassCare is holding a rally at the bandstand on Boston Common to protest proposed funding cuts to Planned Parenthood.
  • 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. – Greater Boston Cosecha Village at First Church in Jamaica Plain (Unitarian Universalist) (6 Eliot St) is made up of circles in and around the city that are using Cosecha’s organizing model for local community outreach or related projects. (Cosecha is a nationwide immigrant-led network organizing actions to demand permanent protection, dignity, and respect for all immigrants.)
  • 12:00-3:00 p.m. – Black & Pink holds drop-in  volunteer hours at this time each week at Swissbakers (168 Western Ave) in Allston.
  • 12:30-4:00 p.m. – Food Not Bombs’ Central Square Meal is served at this time each week.
  • 3:00-5:00 p.m. – For those interested in local electoral politics, Boston City Councilor Josh Zakim, Ward 1 Alderman Matt McLaughlin, Ward 4 Alderman Tony Lafuente, and members of the Welcome Project will be featured guests at a joint meeting of Wards 1 & 4 Democratic Ward Committees during this time at 165 Broadway.
  • 3:00-6:00 p.m. – Black & Pink is having a card party at the Democracy Center (45 Mount Auburn Street) in Cambridge) at this time.
  • 6:00-11:00 p.m. – Food Not Bombs’ Haymarket Produce Rescue happens during these hours each Saturday. Volunteers meet up near Faneuil Hall at Haymarket (corner of Blackstone and North, across the street from a Hard Rock Cafe) to rescue and sort produce destined for the compost heap or landfill and deliver it, by car, to shelters in the Boston/Cambridge area to stock them with food. Volunteers with cars are especially needed.

Sunday, March 12th

  • 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. – The Art + Feminism Wikipedia Edit-a-Thon at the Institute of Contemporary Art (25 Harbor Shore Drive in Boston) is back! Join for a communal updating of Wikipedia entries on subjects related to art and feminism in this international event. Participants can drop-in anytime between the hours of 11AM and 4PM to help update current Wikipedia entries for artists and to expand the number of Wikipedia editors that identify as female. People of all gender identities and experiences with Wikipedia are welcomed and encouraged to attend! Free admission if you RSVP by email.
  • 12:00-1:30 p.m – Boston Homeless Solidarity Committee weekly meeting at Encuentro 5 (9A Hamilton Pl in Boston). All are welcome, including people who are currently experiencing or have experienced homelessness. For an idea of what will be discussed, including the proposed agenda, or to be added to their mailing list, please contact massbhsc@gmail.com.
  • 12:30-4:30 p.m. – Meet Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz, happening at Northeastern Crossing (1175 Tremont St, Roxbury)
  • 4:00-5:00 p.m. – Black & Pink’s monthly Pen Pal Match Night at Encuentro 5 (9 Hamilton Pl, Suite 2a) in Boston.
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Events & Actions: Monday 2/27 & Tuesday 2/1

Here’s some of what we talked about tonight. More event listings to come!

Monday, February 27th – TODAY!

  • Trans Task Force of Harvard University is Rallying RIGHT NOW (5-6) at the John Harvard Statue, 378 Harvard St, Cambridge, MA
  • SURJ (Showing Up for Racial Justice)’s Boston Chapter holds their Open Meeting tonight at 6:30 at 26 West Street in Boston (the SEIU – Service Employees International Union). SURJ Boston is a volunteer run project of Community Change Inc. and a group organizing white people for racial justice, while centering organizations and events lead by an organized by black folks. There will be childcare and some snacks, and donations will be taken. Please track SURJ down on Facebook to sign up for this event beforehand–go go! It’s soon!
  • There’s a Documentary Screening and Discussion of SOUTHWEST OF SALEM: THE STORY OF THE SAN ANTONIO FOUR at 7pm at the Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA. This film tells the story of Elizabeth Ramirez, Cassandra Rivera, Kristie Mayhugh, and Anna Vasquez, four Latina lesbians wrongfully convicted of gang-raping two young girls in San Antonio, Texas. The then-19-and-20-yr-olds spent nearly a decade in prison before being exonerated recently–partly due to this film! The film also won the Critics Choice Documentary Award for Best First Documentary Film at the Tribeca Film Festival and TONIGHT you can talk to Director Deborah Esquenazi, who will be at the Brattle for a Q&A with Sabrina Aviles, Festival Director of the Boston Latino International Film Festival. Co-presented by the DocYard and the UMassBoston Film Series. BONUS: Prior to this feature screening, the DocYard will present the short film NOT ONE STEP BACK documenting five days of protest at the North Carolina General Assembly in December 2016.
  • Bad Jazz, a band consisting of artists Tania Chen, Ben Salomon, and Bryan Day will be playing an unpredictable mix of invented instruments, rudimentary electronics, repurposed toys and found objects w/ Chris Strunk (solo) & an ensemble consisting of local heavy-hitters Victoria Shen of TRIM, Forbes Graham, Shareen Salem, and Stephanie Germaine from 8:00-10:00 p.m. at Washington Street Arts

Tuesday, February 28th

  • CANCELED (TENTATIVELY RESCHEDULED FOR 3/8) Black & Pink Boston, which is the local chapter of the national radical- and queer-centered prison abolition group is holding a meeting of their Fuck Solitary Working Group tomorrow from 6-8 p.m. at the Congregational Library at 14 Beacon St, Boston in the 2nd floor conference room. You’re gonna wanna RSVP at the link on our blog so they know how much food to order, as folks discuss how to move toward abolishing solitary confinement in Massachusetts. CANCELED.
  • South Shore Town Hall with Senators Keenan, O’Connor, Ross, Rush and Timilty from 6:45pm – 8:30pm (doors open at 6:30pm) at the Hansen Elementary School (25 Pecunit Street, Canton, MA 02021). Tips on how to successfully speak at these at aclum.org.
  • Jewish Voice for Peace is holding their monthly open meeting (which is always the last Tuesday of the month and alternates location between Cambridge and Jamaica Plain) from 7-9. This month is at Reservoir Church, 15 Notre Dame Ave in Cambridge. New and old Jewish Voice for Peace-Boston activists and allies are welcome. Pizza will be served (let them know if that doesn’t fit your diet). This month they’ll be joined by Dr. John Robbins of CAIR Massachusetts, to talk about the role of non-Muslim allies in the fight against Islamophobia.