Category: General

Posted on

LIVE at 5 p.m. ET tonight with Raechel from Feminist Killjoys, PhD

Communique 003 airs tonight on Boston Free Radio at 5 p.m. ET. Listen in!

Our guest/accomplice tonight is Raechel, one half of a favorite podcast of ours; Feminist Killjoys, PhD. We’ll (probably) be talking about International Women’s Day, the upcoming National Day of Action for Trans Women of Color, capitalist co-opting of the social/cultural zeitgeist, Marxism, the utility of think pieces, and more.

If you miss the show, be sure to check back here for the archived version.

Posted on

Communique 002: All Beverly Hills Cops Are Bastards

Communique 002 is up for streaming/downloading!

Elias interviews Matt, Kathryn, and Maddie, three local activists who have organized their friends into groups working toward positive change in their community and beyond. We touch on theory vs praxis, unionizing, the division of labor, public services, and more.

Talking points: the frozen Grapes Leap Forward of Wrath, ABHCAB, Semi-Aquatic Tent Theory, pizza de resistance, remember remember, public helipads for all!, 3 lbs of rigatoni, riding in your zeppelin.

Posted on

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.
Posted on

Events: Wednesday 3/1-Monday 3/6

Wednesday, March 1st

  • 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 2nd

  • 5:30-6:30 p.m. – Black Lives Matter vigil (with speakers from Cosecha who will be talking about immigrant organizing under the current administration) at First Baptist Church (633 Centre Street) in Jamaica Plain.
  • 5:30-8:30 p.m. – Union United, which is a coalition of Somerville stakeholders based in the Union Square area, is meeting. I’ll find out whether that’s a public meeting, or if there’s a better time for interested folks to wade into the discussion and post that info ASAP.
  • 6:00-8:00 p.m. – Meeting for a marijuana dispensary on Broadway at Somerville City Hall (93 Highland Ave).
  • 6:00-8:00 p.m. – Opening for Palestinians in Cambridge: Stories from the Diaspora at the Gutman Library at Harvard (6 Appian Way, about 2 blocks from Harvard Square). The photo portrait exhibit will be up through March 28th. Check out the Gutman’s hours.
  • 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Join the Cambridge Forum for the Feminist Discussion of Masculinities to discuss the ways masculinities affect the body image of men and people of other genders. This discussion will take place at the YMCA in Cambridge, in the library on the 2nd floor. This location is accessible for folks with mobility concerns, and the event is free and open to people of all genders. You can find more info in their Facebook group.
  • 7:00-9:00 p.m. – An Impeach Trump! Event, featuring speaker John Bonifaz, the co-founder and President of Free Speech For People is happening directly after the BLM vigil mentioned above. I don’t know FSFP, and can’t speak to their politics, so you’ll have to do your own homework on that.

Friday, March 3rd

  • XFest Begins! This is three days of improvisational sound, movement and video, including both workshops and performance. Kind of a DIY weirdo’s dream. Friday-Sunday at Holyoke City Hall (in the ballroom)- 536 Dwight Street Holyoke Massachusetts. Times, lineups, more info on workshops is at http://www.xfestma.com

Saturday, March 4th

  • 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. – MassCare is holding a rally at the bandstand on Boston Common to protest proposed funding cuts to Planned Parenthood.
  • 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.
  • 4:00-5:00 p.m. – For those interested in local elections, Jesse Clingan, a progressive candidate for Somerville’s Ward 4 Alderman seat, has a campaign kickoff at Casey’s Grille (173 Broadway in Somerville). He is an activist for prevention and treatment of addiction, paid sick leave, and the use of union labor in local construction projects. If he is able to help push Mayor Curtatone on some important development issues, helping him get elected might be a good strategic move.
  • 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 5th

  • 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. – Local Environmental Action Conference at the Curry Student Center of Northeastern (360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115), hosted by MCAN and Toxics Action Center. Community leaders, environmental advocates and activists from across New England will be on hand for skills training, networking, and inspiration at this annual event. Newcomers welcome. (Note: while it appears to be organized by progressive orgs, it is unclear as to whether this conference will address radical direct action as a tactic in environmental defense.)
  • 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.
  • 12:00-3:00 p.m. – RISE UP! With Trans and Queer Students rally and march, starting at Boston Common. This is organized by Mass Trans Political Coalition and will feature speakers from across MA. These are the same folks that organized the last-minute rally in response to 45’s revoking of federal protections for trans and queer students.

Monday, March 6th (Early Warning!)

  • 9:00 a.m. – SURJ Boston is requesting that folks PACK the hearing to PASS the Jim Brooks Community Stabilization Act at Boston City Hall on the 5th Floor. Ahead of time, they need folks to make calls to City Councilors to support the Act and vote YES for affordable housing and for reigning in developers looking to flip buildings in neighborhoods with vulnerable low-income populations. Arrive right at 9 to be sure that you get seats and help to fill the chamber and the rest of City Hall. Phone numbers, etc, are on their Facebook event page.
Posted on

Communique 001: Throwing Our Hat in the Chex Mix

Stream or download from Soundcloud.

In this episode: A reading from Two Cheers for Anarchism by James C. Scott, introducing Elias and Athena, Athena recites Robert’s Rules of Order backwards, 311 was an inside job (by paid protesters), stop police-stating yourself, throwing our hat in the chex (and balances) mix, I think that means something else, please don’t call in using this number, 45 revokes federal protections for trans students, we incept you, EVENTS, promo requests, MORE EVENTS, feel free to call us out, check out Feminist Killjoys, PhD, just a reminder that you’ve been incepted.

Referenced graphics, stories, etc:


(Graphic by Vice. See also: National Equality Maps from Transgender Law Center.)

Music:
Intro (Styles of Beyond – Survival Tactics [NEU Edit])

John Zorn – The Sicilian Clan
Wu-Tang Clan – Preservation
El-P – Drones Over Brooklyn

Against Me! – True Trans Soul Rebel

Run the Jewels – Banana Clipper
KRS-One – 1-2-3 Here’s What We Gonna Do
Deltron 3030 – Battlesong
J Dilla – Fuck the Police
Ice Cube – It Was a Good Day (Remix)

G.L.O.S.S – Lined Lips and Spiked Bats
The Spook School – Binary

Little Shalimar – The Revolution Might Be Televised
Deltron 3030 – Memory Loss
Dan the Automator – Bang the Ball

Outro (Run the Jewels – Kill Yr Masters [NEU Edit])

Posted on

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.

 

Posted on

The New England Unsettler: Mondays, 17:00-18:00 ET, on Boston Free Radio

Starting a week from tomorrow, you can catch The New England Unsettler: An Audio Journal of Minor Sabotage on Boston Free Radio LIVE from 5:00-6:00 p.m. ET.

The NEU will cover current events and politics through a radical (largely anarchist) lens, with some of each show dedicated to actions and events in and around the Greater Boston (Massachusetts, so-called USA) Area. Each show will be archived in mp3 format following the live broadcast.