DON'T see your item listed?!? Don't let us make that mistake again! Please send your calendar listing to CCAWR (at) aol.com with the subject heading "CALENDAR."

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FEATURED ITEMS

Anyone who personally witnessed the arrests during the March 19th anti-war protest and/or have video tape or still pictures of the arrests are asked to contact the defendants and their attorneys by sending an email to CCAWR (at) aol.com. Thank you.

Friday, April 22 – Important court date for Aaron Patterson! He has asked all of his supporters to attend. 2 pm, Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer’s courtroom, 219 S. Dearborn, Room 2119. You need to bring picture id to go through the metal detector.

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ONGOING - 24/7 Union Picket - Support the Congress Hotel Strikers! Congress Hotel, 520 S. Michigan. Sponsor: HERE Local 1. Info: www.congresshotelstrike.info

THRU Tuesday, May 3 - 4th Annual Chicago Palestine Film Festival, the world's only annual festival of Palestinian films and Palestine related film, beginning April 15 at the Gene Siskel Film Center and continuing April 29 to May 3 at St. Xavier University in Chicago. The 23 film selections for this year include films from Palestine, Israel, Europe, and North America, truly reflecting the diversity of perspectives of Palestinians in exile and diaspora as well as non-Palestinian filmmakers who have made excellent films about the country and its people. Invited guests include Columbia University professor Joseph Massad, Lebanese author Elias Khoury, documentary filmmaker Buthaina Canaan Khoury, and emerging filmmaker Shady Srour from Nazareth. Also appearing will be world-class Latino filmmaker Miguel Littin from Chile, who will present his two recent films about Palestine and his connection to the land of his grandparents. The Chicago Palestine Film Festival (CPFF) is an independent, not-for-profit, non-sectarian project based in Chicago that exhibits and promotes films by Palestinian directors and films about Palestine. CPFF is dedicated to presenting a film festival that is open, critical, and reflective of the culture, experience and vision of the filmmakers. Visit their web site for detailed information about the schedule, venues, and films: www.PalestineFilmFest.com

Thursday, April 21 - Dr. Cornel West in Chicago. “Justice or Just Us? The Importance of Building Coalitions When Envisioning Social & Economic Justice." 7 pm, Loyola University Chicago, Mundelein Auditorium, 1020 W. Sheridan Road (at Kenmore). Hear the author of “Race Matters, Democracy Matters” and “The Cornel West Reader,” and one of the most important public intellectuals in the U.S. today. Dr. West's talk is sponsored by Loyola Campus Greens, Black World Studies, Minority Women United, Loyola University African-American Student Association, Beta Rho, Department of Sociology, Graduate Association of Sociologists, and Loyola's Amnesty International. Free and open to the public. Info: campus-greens (at) luc.edu

Thursday, April 21 – Author and activist J. Quinn Brisben discusses Sinclair Lewis’s novel, “It Can’t Happen Here,” about an American fascist dictatorship. 7 pm, Acme ArtWorks, 1741 N. Western. Info: OULChicago (at) yahoo.com or 773.384.5797

Thursday, April 21 - "When the Magnificent Mile Was Fairytown and Bronzeville Was Lavender," a lively account of 1930s gay life in Chicago when lesbians and gay men played prominent roles in the then-bohemian neighborhood centered around the Water Tower and in the bustling black neighborhood of Bronzeville. Presented by Chad Heap, Assistant Professor of American Studies at George Wasington University, takes us on a journey through the unexplored history of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Transgendered community in 1930s Chicago from the North Side to the South Side, featuring period photographs. Part of the "Out at CHS: Exploring the LGBT Past" series at the Chicago Historical Society, Clark Street at North Avenue. 5:30 pm, cocktail reception. 6:30 pm, lecture. Admission, $10 general/$5 for students and CHS members. RSVP to reserve your place: www.chicagohistory.org/reservations or 312.642.4600

Thursday, April 21 - Justice for Police Torture Victim Robert Ornelas! Rally and press conference in front of the Cook County Court House, 26th & California at 9 am. Court date before Cook County Judge Nicholas Ford at 10 am. Ford will decide whether or not to give police torture victim Robert Ornelas get a hearing. We need as many people in court as possible to show Judge Ford and Attorney General Lisa Madigan, who is trying to get his petition denied, that Robert and his mother and father, Mary and Fransisco Ornelas, have support. HIs case will set a precedent for all the other 118 police torture victims who Lisa Madigan is trying to shut down. Sponsored by Enough is Enough! Info: 773.488.4238

Thursday, April 21 - Transit Day Rally, 3 pm, 547 W. Lake Street. Students are leading a Call for Action that same day along with host of other organizations. Info: ncbg_chicago (at) yahoo.com

Friday, April 22 – Important court date for Aaron Patterson! He has asked all of his supporters to attend. 2 pm, Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer’s courtroom, 219 S. Dearborn, Room 2119. You need to bring picture id to go through the metal detector.

Friday, April 22 – Crossroads Fund Benefit – “Seeds of Change.” Celebrate innovative organizing and raise funds for social change. “Seeds of Change” brings together activists, supporters, and community members from across the city of Chicago to celebrate innovative organizing and to raise funds for social change. A fantastic silent auction, live Brazilian and American jazz, Korean percussion, delicious food and drink, music, and maverick crowd will characterize the event. Ron Sable Awards will be given to Illinois Senate President Emil Jones, Jr, State Senator Carol Ronen, and State Representative Larry McKeon for their success in passing new language in the Illinois Human Rights amendment to protect individuals from discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation, and to Beyondmedia Education for their incredible work giving a voice to members of some of the most marginalized groups, including women in prison, young women, and women with disabilities. 6:30-9:30 pm, Illinois Institute of Technology Student Center (Tribune Campus Center), 3201 S. State Street. Info: www.crossroadsfund.org/, 773.227.7676, or www.crossroadsfund.org/2005Benefit.html

Friday, April 22 – Join the South Asian Progressive Coalition as it presents “Voices of Resistance,” an evening of exploration and affirmation of the South Asian dispora through art, music and spoken word. 8 pm, United Church of Rogers Park, 1545 W. Morse. Info: www.sapacchicago.org/sapacwebpage_files/Page1481.htm

Friday, April 22 – Teach-in/workshop on Divestment Strategy in Israel. 11 am -1 pm, Caaelii's Civitas, 4300 N. Hermitage. Learn about the Presbyterian Church's divestment strategy with Rev. Magdalena Garcia of Ravenswood Presbyterian Church, Rev. Don Wagner of North Park University, and Suzanne Adely of the Arab American Action Network. Sponsors: Coalition of African, Asian, European, & Latino Immigrants of Illinois, and the Arab American Action Network. Info: 773.248.1019 or jose (at) caaelii.org

Friday, April 22 - Gay Liberation Network live call-in show on CAN-TV, 6:30-6:55 pm on Cable Channel 21 in Chicago.

Friday, April 22 - Chicago Filmmakers presents its "GQQ: Gentlemen's (Queer) Quarterly" Series, 8 pm at Chicago Filmmakers, 5243 N. Clark Street. Co-Presented by Center on Halsted. GQQ is a companion to our Dyke Delicious series - but for the guys! Tonight's program features several works by local artist H.D. Motyl, who has been working in the Chicago film and video community for almost twenty years and will appear at tonight's screenings. His short film, "Token of Love," has the dubious distinction of being banned in Japan. His newest film, "Oh Michael/Oh Jesus" (2005, work-in-progress), is an experimental narrative about one man¹s obsessions and fantasies about sex, murder, prayer, the Crucified Christ, and redemption. A man brings himself face-to-face with his inner demons - and deities - and emerges a better man. Also screening are "Token of Love" (1993), "Why I Can¹t Get Rid of You" (1987), and "Messages from Jeanne" (1989).

Friday, April 22 and Saturday, April 23 – Hear independent journalist Dahr Jamail, who reported from Fallujah, Iraq, on the Chicago leg of his tour sponsored by Voices in the Wilderness. 6 pm, Friday, April 22 at the Chicago Peace Museum, 100 N. Central Park, and 6-9:30 pm, Saturday, April 23 at Sonotheque, 1444 W. Chicago Avenue. Info: www.vitw.org

Friday, April 22 thru Thursday, April 28 – “The Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till,” Keith Beauchamp’s film documentary about the famous civil rights case. Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State Street. Info: www.siskelfilmcenter.org

Friday, April 22 thru Sunday, May 1 - Version>05 Festival. The fourth annual convergence is going to blow you away with over 350 artists, performers, media makers, cultural workers and community activists participating in over over 200 different projects, performances, presentations, talks and interventions. Check out the program at: www.lumpen.com/version/version05.pdf Version design: www.lumpen.com/version/versiongraphic.html Version site: www.versionfest.org

Friday, April 22 thru Saturday, May 14 – Come to the Speaking Ring Theatre Company’s production of Bertolt Brecht’s “Caucasian Chalk Circle,” an anti-war folktale of a mother and child during wartime. 8 pm, Holy Covenant United Methodist Church, 925 W. Diversey. Info: 312.458.9374

Saturday, April 23 - The University of Illinois at Chicago's Middle Eastern Student Society and Students for Justice in Palestine present "Voices for a Free Palestine," 7-10 pm, 750 S. Halsted. Free admission and free Middle Eastern food. Contact uic_mess (at) yahoo.com for parking information. Visit tigger.uic.edu/~jsalam5/ for more info.

Saturday, April 23 – Film: “The End of Suburbia,” followed by an Earth Day discussion with Rael Bassen of Chicagoland Urban Permaculture Group, Erica Allen of Growing Power, Jesse Elam and Sarah Rothschild of Urban Planning & Policy at UIC, Laura Weathered of NNWAC and Wicker Park Food Coop. 1 pm, Acme ArtWorks, 1741 N. Western Avenue. Info: 773.278.7677

Saturday, April 23 - Chicago Filmmakers presents "Esophagus" by Chicago's own James Fotopoulos, with the filmmaker attending the screening. 8 pm at Chicago Filmmakers, 5243 N. Clark Street. Amazingly prolific local film and video provocateur Fotopoulos' film begins with a pulsating strobe of celluloid flesh-color, dives through primordial celluloid orgy and paleozoic bio-formation, then shifts abruptly to brutal terrorist-holding-cell images in harsh monochrome video, and later a sickly-rust-colored Fotopoulean tribe-unit in dingy low-grade 8mm, each scenario overlaid with deadpan robotic one-liners emerging from the ether, which become increasingly threatening in their ruthless repetition. "We need to gather some food and weapon," one voice drones. "I have useful powers" says another. Soon the camera hovers through lime-black night-visions of unreal cities and desert raids. "If this vision seems inhuman, then so too, today, is our existence. In 'Esophagus' as in our own world, global evolution has taken on the morphology of war." (New York Underground Film Festival).

Saturday, April 23 - Have you ever experienced prejudice or bigotry in the medical establishment due to race, class, gender identity, size, sexual orientation, or for any other reason? Do you have health concerns related to the environment in your community? Are you sick of abstinence-only education? Are you a feminist concerned with healthcare? Have you ever hoped for an alternative to Cook County Hospital? Are you scared to get sick? Are you looking for alternatives to mainstream physical, mental, reproductive and sexual health practices? Join the Pomegranate Radical Health Collective at its first open meeting, noon to 3 pm at Video Machete, 1180 N. Milwaukee, 2nd floor (wheelchair accessible, near the Ashland, Division and Milwaukee buses and the “Division” stop on the Blue Line “el”). Info: www.pomegranatecollective.org, www.geocities.org/rebelgurlgerms, or 312.924.1820

Sunday, April 24 – “How 9/11 Has Negatively Impacted Arab, Muslim, Mid Eastern & Immigrant Communities in the USA,” a talk by author and journalist Aladdin Elaasar. 11 am - 1 pm, Islamic Cultural Center, 1810 Phingston, Northbrook, IL. Info: 847.310.0342

Sunday, April 24 – Benefit for the Pilsen Environmental Rights & Reform Organization. 8 pm, Skylark, 2149 S. Halsted. Music by The Idle Hours, Headlights, and Melodic Scribes. Info: pilsenperro.org

Monday, April 25 - "Cuba and Southern African Liberation,” the third in a series of four talks and DVD presentations by Isaac Saney, author of "Cuba: A Revolution in Motion.” Includes a showing of the film, “African Stalingrad.” Saney is on the faculty of the College of Continuing Education, Dalhousie University. He is also an adjunct professor of International Development Studies at Saint Mary's University in Halifax, Canada. He has advanced degrees in International Development Studies and Law, with research interests in Cuba, international political economy, race and racism, and Black Nova Scotian history, areas on which he regularly lectures and publishes. His teaching has encompassed courses on Cuba, Caribbean political economy, law and human rights and African Canadian history. He has published articles in several journals and magazines, including Race & Class, Socialism & Democracy, Global Research and Peace In Perspective. 7 pm, Trinity United Church of Christ, 400 W. 95th Street. Info: chicago.indymedia.org/newswire/display/55558/index.php, or call the Chicago Cuba Coalition at 312.663.0527 or the Chicago Committee to Free the Cuban 5 at 773.376.7521 (Stan Smith).

Tuesday, April 26 – Ann Varghese will speak on “The One Campaign on Global Poverty, Millennium Goals, & AIDS.” Roosevelt University’s Schaumburg Campus, 1400 Roosevelt Road, Schaumburg, IL. Sponsors: Roosevelt University Department of Economics, the Mansfield Institute for Social Justice, the St. Claire Drake Center for African American Studies, and Bread for the World. Info: www.bread.org/ONE or sbalkin (at) roosevelt.edu

Wednesday, April 27 – “Deadly Serious Campaign to Eliminate The Nuclear Threat,” presented by Tadatoshi Akiba, Mayor of Hiroshima. 5:30-6:30 pm Meeting with activists of the local peace groups/organizations, at DePaul University’s Student Center Reception Hall, Room 102, 2250 N. Sheffield. All subsequent events are at the Schmidt Academic Center, 154 Auditorium, 2320 N. Kenmore Avenue. 7 - 7:20 pm, documentary film showing of “Hiroshima Nagasaki August 1945.” 7:20 - 9 pm, Mayor's Akiba’s talk, with Q & A to follow. Free and open to the public. Info: ymiyamot (at) depaul.edu or the Department of Religious Studies at 773.325.7385, or 4547, or fotgp (at) worldnet.att.net, 630.860.6792, or 847.670.7826. Co-sponsored by: The office of the President, DePaul University: College of Liberal Arts and Science, DePaul University; Japanese Studies Program, DePaul University; Department of Religious Studies, DePaul University; Friends of the Green Planet; and Stephen Trace Productions.

Wednesday, April 27 - Open Door Repertory Company presents “Leopard Woman,” a new play by company member and playwright/screenwriter ("Beat Street") David Gilbert. Before Ashcroft, there was Joe McCarthy. Before the Dixie Chicks and Michael Moore, there was prison for actors, writers and filmmakers who dared to dissent. In 1950, the studios were grooming Charlotte Hackett for stardom when she refused to sign a loyalty oath. “Leopard Woman” explores her life over the next half-century, through Cuba, Vietnam and federal prison to a shared apartment with her slacker grandson. It’s a story of principle in a welter of chaos, repression and unintended consequences. “Leopard Woman” previews April 27 and 28 (8 pm), and opens April 29, with more performances on April 30, May 6, 7, 13 and 14 (8 pm), and May 15 (2 pm). At Hatch Auditorium, 1000 Ridgeland, Oak Park, IL (6400 W., between North Avenue and Division), entrance on Harvey (just east of Ridgeland). Ample street parking. Handicapped accessible. Tickets at 708.802.1723 or the door. $15 ($12 seniors & students).

Wednesday, April 27 – “Compassion, Diversity, and Social Justice: Religious and Secular Balance in the U.S.” Panel discussion with q&a afterwards. We’re told “Values Voters” came out in droves last November. What does “religious values” mean in American politics? Have progressive religious values been overlooked in the dialogue? What is the role of the church in matters of state? Confirmed speakers are: Christine Cegelis, Congressional Candidate, IL-6; Gloria Andersen, Former Congressional Candidate, IL-13; Bob Mueller, West Suburban Gay Rights Activist; Rev. Gene Birmingham, Retired United Church of Christ Minister; Tim Yeager, Member of the National Executive Committee, Episcopal Peace Fellowship; and, Ali Mirkiani, Muslim Member of the West Suburban Faith-Based Peace Coalition. All are welcome! 7 pm at the Citizen Advocacy Center, 238 N. York Road, Elmhurst, IL. Sponsored by Illinois Progressives United

Wednesday, April 27 – “The Revolutionary Politics of Che Guevara.” Join the International Socialist Organization for a discussion of Che’s politics – and how we can rebuild the fight for a better world today! 7 pm, Northeastern Illinois University, Student Union, 5500 N. St. Louis Ave (at Bryn Mawr). Millions of people across the globe today look to the figure of Ernesto Che Guevara as a heroic revolutionary--admiring his key role in the 1959 Cuban Revolution that toppled the U.S.-backed Batista dictatorship, and his work with guerrilla armies seeking to overthrow corrupt regimes in the Congo and Bolivia in the 1960s. The left of the 1960s embraced the image of Che Guevara as a self-sacrificing revolutionary martyred in the struggle. Today, when millions around the globe are being slaughtered or thrown into poverty in the name of "progress," and many traditional left political parties have accepted that "there is no alternative" to capitalism, many are again gravitating to Che as a symbol of revolutionary defiance. How can we separate the romantic vision of Che from reality? Is Che’s political vision one that we should take up as a blueprint for today? Info: RPsocialists (at) yahoo.com, 312.458.9380 or www.socialistworker.org

Wednesday, April 27 – Films: “World Population: A Graphic Simulation of the History of Human Population Growth” and “Another World is Possible: North American Voices at the World Social Forum.” 7 pm, Healing Earth, 3111 N. Ashland Avenue.

Wednesday, April 27 - In the wake of the victory of police torture victim Robert Ornelas, who just won a new hearing on his case, please come to a meeting to discuss the next steps for winning justice for all Chicago Police torture victims. On April 21st, Cook County Judge Nicholas Ford dismissed Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's petition to deny Ornelas a hearing. Madigan has been true to her hackish, Chicago machine roots by attempting to deny justice to the dozens of African American men tortured by former Police Commander Jon Burge and his associates. The meeting will be at 7 pm at Enough is ENough headquarters, 751 E. 75th Street (between Cottage Grove and St. Lawrence). Info: 773.488.4238.

Wednesday, April 27 – Author Isaac Saney read from his “Cuba: A Revolution in Motion” and a showing of the film, “African Stalingrad.” Saney is on the faculty of the College of Continuing Education, Dalhousie University. He is also an adjunct professor of International Development Studies at Saint Mary's University in Halifax, Canada. He has advanced degrees in International Development Studies and Law, with research interests in Cuba, international political economy, race and racism, and Black Nova Scotian history, areas on which he regularly lectures and publishes. His teaching has encompassed courses on Cuba, Caribbean political economy, law and human rights and African Canadian history. He has published articles in several journals and magazines, including Race & Class, Socialism & Democracy, Global Research and Peace In Perspective. 7 pm, Oak Park Public Library, Veteran's Room - Level 2, 834 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL (for directions visit www.oppl.org/mainlibrary/index.htm). Info: chicago.indymedia.org/newswire/display/55558/index.php, or call the Chicago Cuba Coalition at 312.663.0527 or the Chicago Committee to Free the Cuban 5 at 773.376.7521 (Stan Smith).

Friday, April 29 - Chicago Filmmakers presents "Hypnotic Teen Media," the first program in what will be a regular quarterly series of short films and videos curated by a committee of teens - with an eye on works that are of interest to them and to a wider audience as well. 7 pm at Chicago Filmmakers, 5243 N. Clark Street.

Friday, April 29 – Human Chain for Immigrants. Noon thru 6 pm, corner of Clark & Washington. Sponsors: Centro Sin Fronteras, Coalition of African Asian European & Latino Immigrants of Illinois. Info: 773.836.8383

Friday, April 29 - Dance to the music and support a Chicago peace activist traveling with the International Women’s Peace Service to Palestine (IWPS). 9:30 pm, Heartland Cafe, 7000 N. Glenwood Avenue. $7 suggested donation. The Heartland is a longtime supporter of activism in Chicago and a great place to relax with friends or get out to dance. The bands will include The Dirty Blue, Eshu, and Bird Names. Silent auction with such homemade goodies such as knitted arm-warmers. IWPS-Palestine documents human rights abuses, nonviolently intervenes in abuses, and works with the media. They work closely with grassroots movements in Palestine and Israel, includes joining demonstrations and opposition to the Apartheid Wall, helping remove roadblocks, and accompanying ambulances and Palestinians while they farm.. Info: circle (at) riseup.net or 773.465.8005

Friday, April 29 - Critical Mass Bike Ride, 5:30 pm, Daley Plaza. Info: www.critical-mass.org

Friday, April 29 – The Alternative Schools Network, The Chicago Community Trust and The Woods Fund of Chicago present “Youth on the Streets: Lost in the Wilderness,” a report and program about the growing crisis for Illinois youth who are jobless and out of school. What we can do to help them finish school and find work? Panel discussion with breakout sessions. Noon to 4 pm, Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Van Buren Street. RSVP by calling 773.728.4030, x179 or email jneis (at) asnchicago.org. Complementary luncheon. Cosponsors include ACORN, Chicago Project on Violence Prevention, Community Coalition on the Dropout Crisis, Designs for Change, Latinos United, Organization of the NorthEast (ONE), Target Area Development Corp;, The Greater West Town Project, Youth Connections Charter School, and United Neighborhood Organization of Chicago (UNO).

Friday, April 29 thru Thursday, May 5 – Film: “The Smartest Guys in the Room” Alex Gibney’s documentary on the Enron crimes - Landmark Century Cinema, Clark & Division

Saturday, April 30 – Please join the Urban Life Center for a fabulous affair at Bailiwick Repertory Theatre’s presentation of “Two Grooms and a Mohel” – not your typical wedding comedy! Also featured will be the presentation of the annual First Voices Award to David Zak, Artistic Director of Bailiwick Theatre, for his progressive artistic vision and educational contributions. “Two Grooms and a Mohel” is a zany, politcally incorrect comedy designed to provoke more than just your sense of humor. It also challenges society’s mores surrounding marriage and its customs, as welll as expectations about having the “correct” life. This will be the play’s world premiere, with playwright Jay Paul Deratany in the audience. The event benefits the Urban Life Center, a non-profit multicultural educational organization which focuses on diversity appreciation and internship placement in Chicago. 5 pm, Bailiwick Theatre, 1229 W. Belmont Avenue. Tickets: $40. To reserve tickets, call 773.363.1312. Info: www.urbanlifecenter.org

Saturday, April 30 - Peace Fest Benefit at Headquarters, 6313 W. Roosevelt in Berwyn. Take 290 or Blue Line train to Austin south to 1st light Roosevelt than west. we ask for donation of $5 bands are Roadcrew, New Clear Threat, GP, Mattithias and more TBA, FREE food, BYOB. Info: gnrlpatt (at) ameritech.net

Saturday, April 30 – “Fighting For Our Lives: The Health Care Crisis in Illinois.” Chicago area activists concerned with the health care crisis in Illinois will meet to review the responses to the crisis by various organizations and coalitions and to discuss ways to coordinate activities in the future. Sponsored by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and UNITE HERE, the meeting will provide a unique forum that will offer a timely overview of a number of the important current and upcoming campaigns focused on the urgent problems of tens of thousands of people in Illinois who have little or no access to quality health care at affordable costs. 2-5 pm at the headquarters of the Chicago and Midwest Regional Joint Board of UNITE HERE, 333 S. Ashland Avenue. The keynote speaker will be Tom Balanoff, the Illinois state director of SEIU and the president of its Local One in Chicago. Among the groups participating in the presentations and discussion of the health care crisis will be the Campaign for Better Health Care, the Hospital Accountability Project, the Chicago Interfaith Committee on Worker Issues, Illinois for Health Care and Jobs with Justice. A featured guest speaker will be Susan Martinez, a writer and activist based in Berkeley, California, who was a founding member of the Folk Alliance and founding director of Libros para Ninos, who will discuss the impact of the health care crisis on cultural workers such as musicians and poets. $25 per person registration fee for the conference which will include a ticket (with a value of $10) for the 9th Annual Chicago Labor and Arts festival, which will follow on the same date and location from 6 pm until 2 am. Info: Jo-Ellen Schlademan at UNITE HERE 312.738.6215

Saturday, April 30 - The Peace Agenda Forum will be hosting Venezuela's Consul General to the midwest, Martin Sanchez, at its third Forum in DuPage County to be held April 30th at the College of Dupage. The forum will be in room SRC 1450A from 1 pm to 5 pm. Mr. Sanchez’s will speak on “Is Venezuela the next Iraq?” The spokesperson for the Peace Agenda Forum, Michael Thorburn, will address the topic “Support the Liberation Struggles of the Peoples of Venezuela and Latin America.” Substantial amount of time will be reserved for not only questions but for discussion as well. Info: Mike Ross at sports480 (at) aol.com.

Saturday, April 30 - Oak Park Coalition for Truth & Justice presents "Your Ballot - Your Future: An Open Forum on Elections." 10 am - 1 pm, Dole Branch Library, 255 Augusta Oak Park, Illinois (just a few blocks west of Austin Blvd). Free. Info: Ted, 708.524.0415 or Beverley, 708.447.1547

Sunday, May 1 - Participate in the 2005 Chicago Social Forum! The 2005 CSF, a network of local social-movement organizations, peace and justice groups, NGOs, representatives of civil society, activists and interested citizens, will be held at Jones High School, 660 S. State Street. The Chicago Social Forum (CSF) is based on the principles of the World Social Forum, which began in Porto Alegre, Brazil in 2001. Politicians and business interests are pushing Chicago to become a "Global City." The Chicago Social Forum aims toward building a different kind of globalization, one that is rooted in solidarity, equity, and environmental protection and human rights. Of particular importance to this process is the linking of local struggles with global concerns. Schedule: 8-9 am, registration; 9-9:30 am, opening session; 9:45-11:15 am, 1st set of workshops; 11:30 am-1 pm, 2nd set of workshops; 1-2:30 pm, lunch; 2:45-4:15 pm, 3rd set of workshops; 4:30-6 pm, closing plenary. Info: www.chicagosocialforum.org, chicagosocialforum (at) yahoo.com or call Stephanie Dernek at 312.641.5151 during business hours.

Sunday, May 1 - Attention Working Families! Celebrate the great May Day celebration reclaiming the original Labor Day in Chicago! 2 pm at the site of the new Haymarket memorial, Des Plaines Avenue between Randolph and Lake Streets. Workers all over the world recognize May 1st (May Day) as Labor Day because of the tragic events that occurred right here in Chicago at Haymarket Square in 1886 that have come to symbolize the struggle to uphold workers' rights to organize and to exercise their constitutional right to free speech and assembly. Now 119 years later, the Chicago labor community is gathering for the first time on May Day to honor its past, pay tribute to its fallen heroes, and continue to promote and fight for many of the same workplace issues that the Haymarket Martyrs defended with their own lives. Join your fellow workers at this event, which will include speeches by a distinguished group of union leaders, religious clergy and labor historians. Union musicians will provide entertainment as well. And a delegation of Colombian trade unionists will be on hand to install the first international plaque on the new Haymarket Memorial. This event is being called by the Illinois Labor History Society, the Chicago Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, the Illinois AFL-CIO, Jobs with Justice and the Chicago Religious Leadership Network on Latin America.

Monday, May 2 – Celebrate May Day with Chicago Day Laborers. Celebrate International Workers' Day and Chicago Day Laborers' Victories of 2005. 6 pm potluck and dance at the Albany Park Workers' Center, 4174 N. Elston Ave. (Near the Irving Park blue line stop and the Irving Park/Pulaski highway exit). Sponsored by the Latino Union. Info: latinounionofchicago (at) yahoo.com or 312.491.9044.

Wednesday, May 4 – Benefit concert for The Primary School of Hope in Kabul, Afghanistan on Wednesday May 4 at Logan Square Auditorium. I am attaching a flyer for more information on the show. The school was founded in 1998 by the International Foundation of Hope (www.ifhope.org) and there are 550 girls currently enrolled in the school. Since I am organizing this myself, however, I had to sponsor it myself. Info: jgarton (at) luc.edu or 816.682.9322

Thursday, May 5 – “Missing Peace,” a benefit for refugees and landmine survivors. Nobel Peace Laureate Jody Williams is the keynote speaker. Renowned Author Loung Ung will release “Lucky Child,” the sequel to her first book. Book Signing, The Killing Fields Memorial, Cocktail Reception, Silent Auction sponsored by Bannockburn Travel. Tickets are $25. Proceeds benefit refugees and landmine survivors. To purchase tickets online go to www.landminesblow.com/News.html. Info: info (at) landminesblow.org and 630.308.0131

Friday, May 6 - Please join Chicago Legal Advocacy for Incarcerated Mothers (CLAIM) for their annual rally, “Mothers in Prison, Children in Crisis,” 12 noon, Thompson Center at Randolph and Clark. This rally is part of a national campaign to promote community-based sentencing alternatives for women and children. Enjoy some music and hear from formerly incarcerated mothers, children of incarcerated mothers, service providers, advocates, children's caregivers. Info: 312.675.0911 or www.claim-il.org

Friday, May 6 – 47th Annual Eugene V. Debs – Norman Thomas – Michael Harrington Dinner, honoring Linda Rae Murray and Hal Gullett. Murray is President of the Health & Medicine Policy Research Group and Chief Medical Officer, Primary Care, of the Ambulatory Community Health Network. Gullett is President of the Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans, a board member of AFSCME Retirees Chapter 31, and a board member of the Campaign for Better Health Care. Featured speaker is William McNary, Director of USAction and Co-Director of Citizen Action/Illinois, who will speak about “A Perfect Storm Rising: The Crisis in Health Care, Defending Social Security.” Sponsored by the Chicago Democratic Socialists of America. Holiday Inn Mart Plaza, 350 N. Orleans. Cocktails at 6 pm, dinner at 7 pm. Tickets, $50 per person. Must be reserved no later than Tuesday, May 3 (a limited number of tickets may be availabe at the door at $60 per person). Make check or money order payable to “Debs-Thomas-Harrington Dinner Committee” and mail to 1608 N. Milwaukee, Room 403, Chicago, IL 60647. Info: 773.384.0327 or chiildsa (at) chicagodsa.org

Friday, May 6 - Silk Road Theatre Project's Al Kasida Staged Reading Series and Columbia College's Center for Asian Arts and Media presents “Calling Aphrodite” by Velina Hasu Houston and directed by Patrizia Acerra. In "Calling Aphrodite," the exquisite and distinctive Keiko Kimura's life is critically altered when war arrives in Japan. At ground zero in Hiroshima when the atomic bomb falls, she is horribly disfigured. An American philanthropist engages a New York surgeon to take on the case of Keiko and other women scarred in the bombing - "the Hiroshima Maidens" of legend. As Keiko's crisis crosses borders, her life becomes a quest for enlightenment that can restore her faith in humanity's integrity and grace. The staged reading will be followed by a Q & A session with playwright Velina Hasu Houston. Free and open to the public. 7 pm, Ferguson Theatre of Columbia College, 600 S. Michigan Avenue. "Calling Aphrodite" is being presented in partnership with Columbia College's Center for Asian Arts and Media (www.asianartsandmedia.org) as part of the Woman Warrior Festival 2005 (www.asianartsandmedia.org/womanwarrior2005). The Center for Asian Arts and Media is a multidisciplinary arts center dedicated to supporting, promoting and presenting arts and media programs by and about Asians and Asian Americans. Info: jamil.khoury (at) gilloury.com, 312.236.6881, or www.srtp.org

Saturday, May 7 - May Day Chicago Labor History Tour. Info: hworthen (at) uic.edu

Saturday, May 7 - Manning Marable will speak at a Human Rights Awards Dinner. Info: 312.939.2750

Sunday, May 8 – The Chicago Committee to Free the Cuban 5 presents “Waiting List,” Juan Carlos Tabio’s agical comic hit which is almost a Cuban-socialist-humanist “Waiting for Godot.” A run-down bus station in rural Cuba is the setting, a disparate group of passengers are the characters, and it’s the bus for which they wait and which never arrives. Nonetheless, the “passengers” make do with what they have, carrying a larger message about life during Cuba’s “special period” following the cut-off of aid from the Soviet Union and the tightening of the U.S. blockade. In English, with Spanish subtitles, at 2 pm, DePaul University’s Lincoln Park Campus, Schmitt Academic Center, 2320 N. Kenmore, Room 254 (near the “Fullerton” stop on the Red Line “el”). Info: 773.376.7521, 773.465.0177, or uscubachi (at) hotmail.com

Sunday, May 8 - The Chicago chapter of the International Solidarity Movement will hold our monthly potluck dinner meeting at the ISM apartment. The potluck meetings normally begin at 5 pm, however, if the weather looks like it will be warm enough without rain in the forecast--it may begin at 4 pm with a BBQ in the back patio. Please contact us directly at ISMinChicago (at) aol.com or 773.489.3505 for location and further details.

Monday, May 9 – Justice for Mohammad Azam Hussain! Members of the Pakistani community and others working in solidarity ask you to attend his second trial. Mr. Hussain, 36, was arrested in September 2004 and is charged with failing to tell U.S. immigration officials about his role as an active and founding member of Mohajir Quami Movement-Haqiqi, a Pakistani political party. He has been held since then without bond, based upon his membership in a political party which is opposed to the rule of the U.S.-backed dictator of Pakistan, General Perwaiz Musharaff. On Jan. 6, 2005, the Chicago Police Department fired his wife, Patricia Eng-Hussain, upon learning that her husband was accused in Federal court. At his first trial, the jury deadlocked on the charges against Hussain, and U.S. District Judge James Zagel declared a mistrial. But then, despite the fact that Hussain had lived peaceably in the United States for 10 years with his wife and daughter, Zagel denied a motion to release Hussain on bail. Please attend the trial beginning at 10 am in Room 2503, 219 S. Dearborn.

Wednesday, May 11 - "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised," part of the Progressive Film Series of the Wellington Avenue United Church of Christ's Outreach Committee, 615 W. Wellington Avenue (call the church at 773.935.0642 for screen time). On April 12th 2002 the world awoke to the news that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez had been removed from office and had been replaced by a new interim government. What had in fact taken place was the first Latin American coup of the 21st century, and the world's first coup ever caught live on film! Directed and photographed by Kim Bartley and Donnacha O'Briain. (Ireland, 2003, 74 minutes).

Wednesday, May 11 and Thursday, May 12 – “Gang Of Four” at the Cabaret Metro

Wednesday, May 11 thru Saturday, May 14 - Regina V. Polk Women's Labor Leadership Conference in St. Charles, IL.

Thursday, May 12 thru Saturday, May 14 - 5th Annual Chicago Anarchist Film Festival in Wicker Park. The Chicago Anarchist Film Festival celebrates 5 years of radical cinema in the city that is the birthplace of May Day and where Emma Goldman is buried. Selections for the three nights of screenings come from mainstream, mass-released features, rediscovered classics, and the efforts of filmmakers engaged in social change. Each night of the event offers a selection of videos and clips that are grouped according to theme. The organizers of the three-day Festival welcome anarchists, the anarcho-curious, anarcho-friendly, and others to enjoy the program. Schedule of events: May 12 - “The Struggle: Life and Debt – Globalization's impact on Jamaica,” narrated by author Jamaica Kincaid. Libertarias – Escaped nun joins a women's militia during the Spanish Civil War. Carlo Giuliani, A Boy – Carlo's last days as recounted by his mother and comrades. Assorted Shorts – I Thought I was seeing Convicts, Tortured by Joy; May 13 – “Community Despite Capitalism” and “Catching Out” – A peek inside the culture(s) of train hopping. “156 Rivington” – The story of the famous ABC No Rio community space in NYC. “Apple Grown in Wind Tunnel” – Healthcare, industrial waste, cooperation and capitalism. “Wattstax” – Legendary concert in honor of the Watts Revolt and the black experience; May 14 – “No War But the Class War” and “What to Do in Case of Fire” – German radical militants reunite when evidence of a past action resurfaces to threaten them. “Wild Horses” – An anarchist and a banker take an unexpected road trip through Argentina. Assorted Shorts – 6 Minutes of Hardcore Riot Porn, a Few Young Proles. All screenings are at High School, 1542 N. Milwaukee, 3rd level from 6:30-9:30 pm. Films projected from VHS or DVD. A donation of $5 requested each night. Program subject to change.

Saturday, May 14 - Chicago Filmmakers presents its "Who Wants Short, Shorts?," part of its Dyke Delicious Series co-presented by T's Restaurant and Bar. 6-9 pm screening, 8-9 pm social hour, Chicago Filmmakers, 5243 N. Clark Street. Features local, national and international dyke film and video entertainment. We will be aiming for your funny bone, heart, mind and other parts of your anatomy. Wear your cutest, sexiest shorts to enter our Short, Shorts Contest. Prizes will be awarded!

Sunday, May 15 – “Walk for a Just Peace in Israel and Palestine.” Rally in Ridgeland Commons in Oak Park, IL, followed by the Walk, and finishing with a potluck and Advocacy Buffet. Confirmed speakes include: Ali Abunimah, co-founder of the Electronic Intifada (www.electronicintifada.net/), vice-president of the Arab-American Action Network, and regular commentator in national and international broadcast and print media such as CSPAN, BBC, CNN, NPR, and MSNBC; Eyas Alhomouz, co-founder of the Palestine Right to Return Coalition (Al-Awda) and has organized many events around the Palestinian issue; Kevin Coval, a poet and performance artist who has performed on four continents in seven countries at universities, high schools, and conferences; Avner Efendowicz, who was a soldier and an officer in the Israeli invasion into Lebanon in 1982, during which his political opinions shifted sharply to the left, and refused to serve following a tour of duty in the occupied territories; Emily Hauser, an American-Israeli writer who has covered the modern Middle East for a wide range of American and Israeli publications since the early 1990s; Jimmy Johnson, a researcher and organizer for the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions (ICAHD) who recently returned to the US after spending five months in Jerusalem and the West Bank; Mansour Aziz Mansour, who is engaged with the Popular Committee Against the Wall; and Prex Nesbitt, a Chicago-based activist and educator who was active in the movement which helped end South African apartheid.

Monday, May 16 – “A Taste for Every Palate,” a food, wine and fine art experience to benefit Women’s Services at Howard Brown Health Center, featuring Alpana Singh, master sommelier and host of WTTW Channel 11’s “Check, Please!” Howard Brown is Chicago’s low cost health center for Chicago’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered community. Activists Ellen Franks and Deborah Mell will be honored with the Cornerstone Award. Also featured will be new artwork by Chicago artists Diane Christiansen, Lora Fosberg, Jeremiah Ketner and Anna Kunz, who will denote 50% of the night’s art sales to Howard Brown. Hosted at Architectural Artifacts, 4325 N. Ravenswood. VIP Reception (tickets $125), 5:30 - 6:30 pm. General admission, 6:30 - 9:30 pm. General admission tickets: advance $75; at the door $85. Tickets available online at www.howardbrown.org/tickets.asp

Thursday, May 19 – Justice for Howard Morgan, shot 25 times by Chicago police on February 21st. Rally at 7 pm at Old St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 531 N. Kedzie Avenue. Sponsored by the Christian Council on Urban Affairs.

Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22 - Hemp Fest Montrose & the Lakefront at Cricket Hill. Bands playing so far include 9MM, Smoke, Tribal Moon, Hells Funk, Secret Agent Bill, Fashion Bomb, Frequency Below, Starrunner, and Genral Patton & His Privates. Also many acoustics, speakers and poets. Info: gnrlpatt (at) ameritech.net

Thursday, May 26 - Niles Township Democratic Meetup. Roy Parrish, the only GI counselor for Viet Nam Veterans Against the War, will talk about the plight of Iraq War veterans, as well as the benefit cuts, diminished health services, and other problems facing veterans of all wars. In addition, a representative of Chicago Youth for Conscientius Objectors will explain how young people (and their parents) can handle military recruiters, become a conscientious objector, and more. 7 pm, Edwardo's, 9300 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL. Info: visit illinoisdemnet.com or email lkyarrow (at) yahoo.com

Thursday, May 26 – Vigil for anti-police brutality activist May Molina on the one year anniversary of her death in police custody. 7:30 pm, Belmont & Western police brutality.

Friday, May 27 - Critical Mass Bike Ride, 5:30 pm, Daley Plaza. Info: www.critical-mass.org

Monday, May 30 - VVAW Memorial Day Ceremony. Info: 773.276.4189

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

Mondays, 6:30 pm - A.N.S.W.E.R. (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) coalition Chicago meeting at the No Exit Café, 6970 N Glenwood just south of Lunt. The No Exit is just north of the Morse stop on the Red Line. The first Monday of every month is an educational forum, the second Monday is a work/organizational meeting, the third Monday will be a video showing and the fourth Monday will be a work/organizational meeting. Info: 773 878-0166

Mondays, 7-9 pm - 1st Monday of the month - Monthly meetings of Andersonville Neighbors for Peace, at N. Shore Baptist Church, 5242 N. Lakewood, room 131 (Lakewood is three blocks E. of Clark, and the church is one block N. of Foster).

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

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, 9 am - noon - Progressive radio show on WZRD-FM, 88.3 FM

Tuesdays, 6-7 pm - Weekly protest against the occupation of Iraq, N.W. corner of 95th and W.ern Ave. Proceeds the weekly 7:30 pm meeting of S. Siders for Peace at the Beverly Unitarian Church, 10244 S. Longwood Dr, Chicago. Info: lswolf (at) imaxx.net

Tuesdays (second Tuesday of each month) - "Beyond Today" Peace and justice organization general planning meeting. 6:30 pm, non-violence study group, 7:30 pm, main meeting. Ravenswood Fellowship United Methodist Church, 4511 N. Hermitage (Sunnyside & Hermitage). Info: BeyondToday (at) beyondtoday.com or www.beyondtoday.com/

Tuesdays, 7 pm, 2nd & 4th of each month - Hyde Park Committee Against War and Racism weekly meeting at University Church, 57th and University, Chicago. Info: www.chicagoantiwar.org/hydepark/hpcawr.html
Wednesdays, 3 pm - Food Not Bombs: Meals for the Hungry. Loyola El Station.

Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30 pm - Women in Black silent vigils, Fountain Square, Evanston, IL, corner of Davis Street and Sheridan. Info: katiejean (at) boxobjorn.com

Thursdays, 1:30 pm - "The Ministry of Truth," a weekly haven for left-wing thought and comment with Chicago Media Action's Mitchell Szczepanczyk. WHPK 88.5-FM radio. Info: msszczep (at) midway.uchicago.edu or whpk.uchicago.edu

Thursdays, 5-6 pm - "Party from Damascus" radio program on WHPK, 88.5 FM. Politics plus Arab music - shaabi, pop, dabke, khaleeji and MORE!

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

Thursdays, 7 pm - S.side Slam. Open Mics at N'diga Coffee & Books, 3510 W. 63rd Street. List opens at 6 pm, performances begin at 7 pm. Bring a gently used book and get in free ($2 otherwise, performers free, no cookbooks please). Non-smoking, children friendly environment. Info: 773.925.2517

Thursdays, 9 pm - Homolatee, Queer Words and Music, hosted by Scott Free. No Exit Café, 6970 N. Glenwood. www.scottfree.net/homolatte.html

Fridays - Health Care Professionals Vigil for Peace and Witness Against War; an ongoing weekly Friday vigil in front of the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center at 820 S. Damen Avenue, 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

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

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

Saturdays, 2-4pm - N.side Peace Gathering. Three Cornered Island of Peace: Milwaukee, Logan & Kedzie Aves. Protesting war and empire since Sept. 2, 2003. Info: www.mundopaz3 (at) hotmail.com">hotmail.com

Saturdays, 5 pm - Food Not Bombs serving at 18th Street and Loomis.

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

Sundays, 3 pm - Come to the intersection of Fullerton, Lincoln and Halsted for a free, healthy, vegan meal brought to you by Food Not Bombs.

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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
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Chicago Coalition Against War & Racism
CCAWR (at) aol.com, 888.471.0874
Subscribe/Un-subscribe/Feedback: CCAWR (at) aol.com