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Featured Item:
CALL FOR A MARCH 20, 2004 MIDWEST REGIONAL ANTI-WAR PROTEST IN CHICAGO!
First planning meeting will be at 6:30 pm, Thursday, January 8 at the First Methodist Temple, 77 W. Washington, lower level, Chicago. Hosted by the Chicago Coalition Against War & Racism. For more information, visit chicago.indymedia.org/newswire/display/34560/index.php, e-mail CCAWR (at) aol.com, or call 888.471.0874

Jan. 10-20 - Brian Avery tour in Chicago. See below for details.

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Wed, December 17 & ongoing – 24/7 Union Picket – Support the Congress Hotel Strikers! Congress Hotel, 520 S. Michigan. Sponsor: HERE Local 1. Info: www.congresshotelstrike.info

Wed, December 17 – Women of Iraq Tour at UIC. Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear two prominent Iraqi women share their experiences in wartime Iraq and speak about Iraq's culture, history, and people. The tour features two women from Baghdad, art center director Amal Al-Khederi and journalist Nermin Al-Mufti who are currently traveling the United States to dispel American assumptions about Iraq by sharing their personal experiences and extensive knowledge of Iraq's culture and people. The tour aims to provide an opportunity for Nermin and Amal to speak their truth as a path to dialogue, forgiveness, and understanding - necessary steps to rebuilding and sustaining a peaceful world. The event is free but donations are appreciated and will go towards covering the costs of the women's travels and contribute to the rehabilitation and preservation of museums, schools, and other cultural institutions in war-devastated Iraq. 7-8:30 pm, Rafel Cintron-Ortiz Latino Cultural Center, Lecture Center B2, 803 S. Morgan St., University of Illinois-Chicago. Sponsors: UIC Students for Social Justice, Free Society, and Campus Antiwar Network. Info: Eric at s4sj (at) hotmail.com or 312.491.9092.

Wed, December 17 – Justice Coalition of Greater Chicago general meeting. 8-9:30 am, Chicago Temple, 77 W. Washington
In Pierce Hall (Lower Level).

Wed, December 17 – The Peoria Chapter of Global Renaissance Alliance hosts the documentary “Uncovered: The Whole Truth About the Iraq War." The documentary is built around interviews with over 20 intelligence and military experts describing how President Bush and his administration manipulated evidence to take our country to war. It also reconstructs the way senior White House officials--notably Vice-President Dick Cheney--leaned on the CIA to find evidence that would fit a preordained set of conclusions. The interviewees include a former director of the CIA, two former assistant secretaries of defense, a former ambassador to Saudi Arabia, and even the man who served as President Bush's Secretary of the Army until just a few months ago. The hour-long film was put together by Robert Greenwald, a veteran TV producer in the forefront of Hollywood's anti-war movement. 6:30 pm, main downtown branch Peoria Public Library, 107 Monroe, basement auditorium, Peoria, IL.

Thur, December 18 - Women of Iraq Tour Event. Listen to three informed Iraqi women who have come to the U.S. to dispel American assumptions about Iraq by sharing their personal experiences and knowledge of Iraq¹s culture and people. A holiday bazaar starting at 6 pm will precede the event in the basement of the Temple. 7 pm, Chicago Temple, 77 W. Washington (at Clark St). Sponsors: American Friends Service Committee, Students for Social Justice, and Voices in the Wilderness. Info: 312.427.2533, Ekaster (at) afsc.org or visit www.peacechicago.org

Thur, December 18 - “Confronting Empire: How to respond?”—a Debate. Carl Davidson of Chicagoans Against War & Injustice (CAWI) and Andy Thayer of the Chicago Anti-Bashing Network debate how we can best respond to the imperialist designs of the current US administration. Should our efforts focus on an electoral strategy aimed at “regime change at home?” Or is direct action in opposition to imperialist military and police state activities more likely to effect meaningful change? The final session of The Open University of the Left fall 2003 series on American Empire. Whether or not you have attended any of the previous sessions, join us for this important and special final OUL event of our Fall 2003 season.
7-9 pm, New World Resource Center, 1300 N. Western Avenue (one block north of Division). Sponsored by The Open University of the Left and Democratic Socialists of America Chicago Chapter. Info: oulchicago (at) yahoo.com or 312.909.0127.

Thur, December 18 – Chicago IMC PhotoGroup, First meeting and Chili GetTogether-7 pm, Contact Garth at garthliebhaber (at) care2.com or 773.583.7533

Thur, December 18 – Michael Eric Dyson and Cornel West. 7 pm, Chicago Theatre. Pass The Mike tour

Sat, December 20 - The Peoria Chapter of Global Renaissance Alliance hosts the documentary “Uncovered: The Whole Truth About the Iraq War." The documentary is built around interviews with over 20 intelligence and military experts describing how President Bush and his administration manipulated evidence to take our country to war. It also reconstructs the way senior White House officials--notably Vice-President Dick Cheney--leaned on the CIA to find evidence that would fit a preordained set of conclusions. The interviewees include a former director of the CIA, two former assistant secretaries of defense, a former ambassador to Saudi Arabia, and even the man who served as President Bush's Secretary of the Army until just a few months ago. The hour-long film was put together by Robert Greenwald, a veteran TV producer in the forefront of Hollywood's anti-war movement. 2 pm, Lakeview branch, Peoria Public Library, 1137 W. Lake, north meeting room

Sat, December 20 – “Tierra Adentro” Festival, a fundraiser for the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, 6 pm, St. Marks Church, Campbell & Haddon.

Sat, December 20 – Join a special program with the Latino Union, leaders of the struggle to defend day laborers in Chicago! In order to devote more time to his parish, Rev. Landaverde, current executive director of the Latino Union, will be stepping down from his position and joining the Latino Union’s board of directors as of January 1st, 2004. In order to honor Rev. Landaverde’s many contributions, the Latino Union will be sponsoring a farewell event with a variety of activities, including a date auction and raffle. Join the celebration at Nite Cap, 5007 W. Irving Park Rd. Tickets will be $20 at the door or $15 in advance. For more information or to RSVP, call 312.491.9044. Please come show your support for the Latino Union and Chicago’s immigrant worker struggle!

Sun, December 21 – “The Roots of American Empire,” with Bill Minneman. 10 am, Third Unitarian Church, 301 N Mayfield, Oak Park. Info: 773.626.9385

Tues, December 23 – Chicago Coalition Against War & Racism general meeting. All who want to organize against war and racism are welcome! 6:30 pm, 1st Methodist Temple, 77 W. Washington (at Clark), lower level. Call 888.471.0874 or e-mail CCAWR (at) aol.com for information.

Sat, December 27 – Chicago Anti-Bashing Network holiday party. Amnesty International’s new film, “Less Than Human,” featuring a pair of cases of gay-bashing by Chicago police, played to a packed, sold-out crowd during this year’s Reeling 2003 LGBT film festival. Gay-bashing survivors Kentin Waits and Jeffrey Lyons, who had the courage to organize against their police attackers, received a standing ovation from the audience. For those who missed the film, or who want to see it again, we’re happy to say we’ll be screening it again at this year’s CABN holiday party. 7 pm, film showing at 9 pm. At the home of CABN Coordinating Committee member Bob Schwartz, 5445 N. Kenmore, Apt. 2S. Info: www.CABN.org, CABNstopthehate (at) aol.com or 888.471.0874

Tuesday, January 6 – Chicago Coalition Against War & Racism general meeting. All who want to organize against war and racism are welcome! 6:30 pm, 1st Methodist Temple, 77 W. Washington (at Clark), lower level. Call 888.471.0874 or e-mail CCAWR (at) aol.com for information.

Thursday, January 8 - PLANNING MEETING FOR A MARCH 20, 2004 MIDWEST REGIONAL ANTI-WAR DEMONSTRATION IN CHICAGO. 6:30 pm, First Methodist Temple, 77 W. Washington, lower level, Chicago. Hosted by the Chicago Coalition Against War & Racism. For more information, visit chicago.indymedia.org/newswire/display/34560/index.php, e-mail CCAWR (at) aol.com, or call 888.471.0874

Friday, January 10-Tuesday, January 20 – Tour of Chicago by Brian Avery, sponsored by the International Solidarity Movement, Chicago chapter. Brian is the ISM volunteer that was shot in the face on April 5, 2003, by Israeli Occupation Forces in Jenin. He and a Palestinian medical worker stood with their hands up as soon as they heard the Israeli armored personnel carrier approaching around the bend in occupied Jenin. When the vehicle turned the corner it started firing at the two, without any provocation. Brian was shot in the face and fell down. He was conscious, but when he raised himself from the ground, witnesses saw that his left cheek had almost been totally shot off. A doctor wanted him transferred to a hospital inside Israel, but his departure was delayed because the Israeli military refused to grant his ambulance safe passage for more than an hour. The Israeli Occupation Forces claimed they were under attack and suggested that a Palestinian gunman had shot Brian although the streets were empty. Brian was in Jenin as a volunteer with the International Solidarity Movement. The ISM is a Palestinian-led movement of Palestinian and international activists working to raise awareness of the struggle for Palestinian freedom and an end to the Israeli occupation. The ISM utilizes nonviolent direct action to confront and challenge the illegal Israeli Occupation Forces and policies. One of the goals of the tour is to raise donations for the "Brian Avery Medical Fund." Brian has already undergone three facial reconstruction operations and faces at least two more in the near future. Please join us for at least one of the appearances listed below. We urge you to stand in solidarity with Brian as he stood in solidarity with the Palestinian people. Info: ISMinChicago (at) aol.com or 312.491.1789 or www.palsolidarity.org

Sunday, January 11 - Women of All Colors/Cultures Together (WACT) Brunch at a member¹s home on the south side. Info: 773.268.4438, WACTlist (at) gay.com

Monday, January 12 - Jury trial for Boeing protesters. Info: anicoter (at) depaul.edu

Tuesday, January 13 – “War & the Economy,” a forum sponsored by Committee for New Priorities/Jobs With Justice. 7 pm, UNITE Hall, 333 S. Ashland (parking available). Info: 312.666.3037.

Thursday, January 15 – What’s at Stake in the Marriage Debate? In an attempt to roll back this summer’s Supreme Court decision and the recent Massachusetts court decision, the religious right once again has ramped up its slander campaign against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered people, and impose a viciously anti-gay amendment to the Constitution. Please attend this Town Hall meeting sponsored by the Chicago Anti-Bashing Network, The Advocacy Committee of Chicago's Advisory Council of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Issues, and DontAmend.com. 6:30 pm, 1st Methodist Temple, Pierce Hall, 77 W. Washington Street (at Clark, across the street from Daley Plaza). Info: CABNstopthehate (at) aol.com, 888.471.0874, www.CABN.org

Monday, January 19 - Chicago Black Lesbians and Gays The 9th Annual Free Breakfast Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., has a new location this year; this year¹s breakfast will also be a champagne brunch to celebrate CBLG¹s 10th anniversary. 10 a.m., Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox, (312) 409-4917

Tuesday, January 20 - Chicago Coalition Against War & Racism general meeting. All who want to organize against war and racism are welcome! 6:30 pm, 1st Methodist Temple, 77 W. Washington (at Clark), lower level. Call 888.471.0874 or e-mail CCAWR (at) aol.com for information.

Saturday, February 7 - Lesbian Community Cancer Project Coming Out Against Cancer Ball, South Shore Cultural Center, (773) 561-4662

Saturday, February 14, 2004 - National day of protest for the Equal Right to Marriage! Sponsored nationally by www.DontAmend.com, locally by the Chicago Anti-Bashing Network. Here in Chicago the protest will take place at 12 noon, in front of Cardinal George’s residence on North Avenue & Dearborn in Chicago. Cardinal George has been an outspoken opponent of same-sex marriage on the national scene. Info: CABNstopthehate (at) aol.com or 888.471.0874

Wednesday-Thursday, February 18-19 – "Are Settlements an Obstacle to Peace?," with Georffrey Aronson, Director of Research and Publications at the Foundation for Middle East Peace in Washington, DC and editor of the Foundation's bi-monthly "Report on Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Territories." He is author of "From Sideshow to Center Statge: U.S. Policy towards Eguyt" and "Israel, Palestinians and the Occupied Territories: Creating Facts in the West Bank." Sponsor: Committee for a Just Peace in Israel and Palestine. Info: JustPeace1 (at) aol.com or 312.427.2533, x18

Saturday, February 21 - A screening of the documentary Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin, followed by a reception, panel discussion and break-out groups. 1-5 p.m., Ida Noyes Hall, University of Chicago, 1212 E. 59th. Info: 773.549.4151, www.rustin.org

Saturday, February 28 - Back to the Future: Generations of Feminism. Feminism is "assumed" out of existence; and that the relationship between second wave feminists and later generations needs to be rethought. This event aims to confront the ways in which feminism - as an academic disciple, a politics, or an economic, legislative and cultural issue - has changed. Has the coalition aspect of contemporary feminist discourse - the conjoining of feminism with other political and/or epistemological projects - fundamentally altered the discipline. Do globalization studies, race studies, queer studies, even "gender" studies need to be reinfused with feminism? Is there a value to calling out feminism again on its own terms? Or not? Panelists include Dorothy Allison, Sabrina Craig, Judith Halberstam, Sharon Holland, Nancy Miller, Kate Millet, Aihwa Ong, Lynn Speigel, Gayatri Spivak and Michelle Wallace. University of Chicago, Ida Noyes Hall, Max Palevsky Theater

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On-Going Events:

Daily, 7-9 am - Democracy Now! is now in Chicago! Amy Goodman, Juan Gonzalez, and their guests are a daily independent source of news on matters like the occupation of Iraq. WZRD, 88.3 FM

Mondays thru Fridays, 3:45 pm – Hear Pacifica's Free Speech Radio News on WZRD 88.3 FM

Mondays thru Fridays, 6 pm – Hear Pacifica's Free Speech Radio News on WLUW 88.7 FM.

Mondays, 6:30 pm - Not In Our Name Youth and Student Meeting. DePaul Campus, Student Center Lobby, corner of Belden and Kenmore..

Mondays, 6 pm - Peace Pledge Chicago meetings, 2502 W. Division.

Mondays, 7-9 pm - Weekly meeting of Andersonville Neighbors for Peace, at North Shore Baptist Church, 5242 N. Lakewood, room 131 (Lakewood is three blocks east of Clark, and the church is one block north of Foster.).

Mondays – First Mondays of each month. Department of Peace Coalition meetings. 7 pm, Thomas Ford Library, 800 Chestnut, Western Springs. (MarjorieZ (at) DOPC.us)

Tuesdays, 11 am-12 noon - Informational picket to stop support for Israel because of its oppression of Palestinians. In front of the office of AIPAC, 120 W. Madison. Info: Kent Jones, 773.271.8673

Tuesdays, 7 pm - South Siders for Peace at the Beverly Unitarian Church, 10244 S. Longwood Dr, Chicago. Info: lswolf (at) imaxx.net

Tuesdays, 7 pm - Hyde Park Committee Against War and Racism weekly meeting at University Church, 57th and University, Chicago. Info: www.chicagoantiwar.org/hydepark/hpcawr.html

Tuesdays, 8 am - Silent Presence for Peace at the Federal Building - Peace Vigil, Federal Plaza, Dearborn & Jackson. 8th Day Center for Justice: 312.641.5151

Tuesdays, 10 am-8 pm - Multimedia exhibit, "What is war good for?" Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art (Chicago Ave. east of Michigan Ave.). Closed Mondays. Tuesdays have free admission. Info: 312-280-2660

Wednesdays, 3 pm - Food Not Bombs: Meals for the Hungry. Loyola El Station.

Thursdays, 4-6 pm - Vigil at arms manufacturer Boeing. Washington Boulevard at the Chicago River.

Thursdays, 7:30-9:30 pm - Neighbors for Peace weekly meeting. St. Nicholas Church, 806 Ridge Ave. Evanston (3 blocks west of the Main St. 'L' station).

Every last Saturday of the month - Waukegan Food-not-Bombs will be serving vegetarian and vegan food to all those who wish to eat at Jack Benny Plaza in downtown Waukegan. People who can bring or donate food are highly appreciated, but the most important thing is your stomach and your sense of social justice. Please contact the RedAlert Collective for more info. www.redalertcollective.cjb.net or redalertcollective36 (at) hotmail.com

Saturdays, 9 am - "This Is Hell" irreverent radio show. WNUR 89.3-FM. Info: www.thisishell.net

Saturdays, 9 am - "Live from the Heartland" progressive radio show. WLUW 88.7-FM. Info: www.heartlandcafe.com

Sundays, 1:00-2:45 pm - Food Not Bombs serving free vegetarian meals to the hungry @ corner of Lincoln and Fullerton.

Sundays, Noon-1 pm - Not In My Name weekly vigil: End Israel's occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip & East Jerusalem. Water Tower Place, 830 N. Michigan. For more info, go to www.nimn.org

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Emergency Response Plan to War & Racism
Sponsored by the Chicago Coalition Against War & Racism

1. If the U.S. starts another full scale war on another country besides Iraq, a protest will take place at 5 pm+ at the Federal Plaza, Adams & Dearborn Streets, Chicago, the day the bombing begins. There will be a larger follow up protest at the same time & place the day after.

2. In the event of a provocative attack on community leaders or organizations in the Chicago area, CCAWR has constructed a phone tree to mobilize the community to quickly protest the attack, whether at a police station, federal government office, or other appropriate place. To get on the Emergency Response phone tree / e-mail list and receive regular calendar updates such as this one, send your contact information to CCAWR (at) aol.com