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Thursday, May 19 – On Malcolm X’s birthday and the eve of an important court date, demand justice for Howard Morgan, shot 25 times by four white Chicago cops on February 21st. Morgan remains handcuffed to his hospital bed with $2 million bond, deemed a “flight risk” despite his nearly fatal injuries and his barely being able to walk. The next day, May 20th, Morgan’s lawyer, Leo Holt, will file a motion to get Morgan’s bail reduced. On May 19th, please join a community rally for justice - 7 pm at Old St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 531 N. Kedzie Avenue. Speakers include: Rev. Paul Jakes, President of the Christian Council on Urban Affairs; Bera Davis, President of the West Side NAACP; Marshall Hatch, President of the West Side Branch of Rainbow/PUSH; Luster Jackson of the Chicago Committee to Defend the Bill of Rights; Pat Hill of the African American Police League, and more. Sponsored by the Christian Council on Urban Affairs.

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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 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

Friday, May 6 – “Marx in Soho,” Howard Zinn’s play performed by Robert Weick/ Sponsors: Loyola Campus Greens, Center for Urban Research & Learning, Loyola Amnesty International, Graduate Association of Sociologists, Departments of Sociology, History, Political Science, Philosophy, College of Arts & Sciences, Dr Cornel West. 7:30 pm, Loyola University Kathleen Mullady Theatre, 1125 W. Loyola. Info: campus-greens (at) luc.edu or www.ironagetheatre.org/marx.html

Friday, May 6 – “Nagasaki Hiroshima A-Bomb Exhibition: 60 Years Later,” with guest speaker Mr. Yoshida, a survivor of the nuclear holocaust. 5 pm, Peace Museum, 100 N. Central Park. Artifacts, photos, videos plus a performance by Jazz Conspiracy. Sponsors: Nagasaki Peace Memorial Hall, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum Chicago Peace Museum, and the citizens of Japan. Info: 773.638.6450 or www.peacemuseum.org

Friday, May 6 – “The Corporation,” Mark Achbar’s film documentary explores the nature and spectacular rise of the dominant institution of our time. 7 pm, Grace Church, 3325 W. Wrightwood.

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

Friday, May 6 thru Thursday May 12 - Human Rights Watch Film Festival at Facets Cinémathèque, 1517 W. Fullerton. Info: 773.281.4114

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

Saturday, May 7 – Nuclear Energy Information Service 2005 annual members meeting and open house-buffet. 4 pm – 5 pm, meeting for NEIS members only. 5:30 pm – 9 pm, public open house/buffet with guest speakers Dr. Sandra Lindberg and Dave Kraft. 845 Chicago Avenue, NEIS Conference Room, Suite 207, Evanston, IL. Buffet optional; suggested donation $15, must RSVP. RSVP by calling 847.869.7650 or emailing neis (at) neis.org. Info: www.neis.org

Saturday, May 7 - Manning Marable will speak at a Human Rights Awards Dinner. 5:30 PM, Lutheran School, 1100 E. 55th Street. Sponsor: National Alliance Against Racist & Political Repression. Info: 312.939.2750

Saturday, May 7 – Packinghouse workers labor history bus tour, with guide Joe Berry discussing the Battle of the Viaduct, Canaryville and much more. 9:30 am - 4:30 pm, CLEP, 815 W. Van Buren. Info: 312.996.2623

Saturday, May 7 - Chicagoland Coalition Opposed to the Militarization of Youth (CCOMY) seasonal strategy and planning meeting. Anyone who's concerned with the increasing militarization of our schools and society-at-large is encouraged to attend the next citywide seasonal strategy and planning meeting of the Chicagoland Coalition Opposed to the Militarization of Youth (CCOMY). By "seasonal" we mean that this meeting will deal largely with organizing for the next 3-4 months (i.e., the summer). A meeting to get things in order for the fall and beyond will probably take place in late June or early July but that's still undecided. 11 am – 2 pm, Grace Place, 1st floor, 637 S. Dearborn. Free food and drinks!

Saturday, May 7 – Chicago Afro-Punk Network: Texas Ballroom Massacre. If you are bored and/or disgusted with social/cultural barriers in the local independent music scene as well as beyond Chicago, then bring your baad self to this diverse and vibrant Chicago Afro-Punk Network benefit. C.A.P.N. is one of several national affiliates formed around James Spooner's documentary on black punks, called Afro-Punk. Proceeds will be utilized for the local branch's social/cultural/educational/critical projects, including the publication, “Cult of Noise.” 5 pm, doors open. 6 pm, the 90-minute version of Afro-Punk will be screened. 7:30 pm, DJs start spinning: Sharkila's DJ Tapedek spinning hip hop & rock; the Soul Rebel (as seen on Chic-A-Go-Go, in the Strange Attractor and on WLUW's Reality Radio, spinning obscure/deep-cut '60s & '70s soul, ska, rocksteady, reggae, punk, glam, funk, old R&B, rockabilly, etc.). Bands every top of the hour, including: Small Change (critically-acclaimed live hip hop with diverse appeal); Condenada (four women, including Mariam from Human Order, and Megan, formerly of Reaccion, create an '80s/crust hardcore cyclone!); The Strange Attractor (Situationist-influenced sonic Molotov of punk/metal/bubble gum/jazz/soul/reggae/glam/rhumba/blues/noise & whatever else can be used to promote TOTAL REVOLUTION!); Illaziam (black & heavy like Kyuss, Tad, Sabbath, etc.); Bushoong (if you like the Bell Rays...); and Watusi Death (over-the-top industrial, punk, theatrical, therapeutic orgasm!). PLUS African and Mexican food, and tables for D.I.Y. & activist projects. $10 suggested donation, $7 with flyer, $5 with high school ID (teens only). A benefit for the Chicago Afro-Punk Network.

Saturday, May 7 – Oak Park Repertory Company presents “Leopard Woman,” David Gilbert’s play about the Hollywood blacklist, a benefit for the Oak Park Coalition for Truth & Justice. 8 pm, Hatch School, 1000 N. Ridgeland, Oak Park, IL. Info: www.opctj.org

Sunday, May 8 – Italian NGO “Emergency.” Holly Coulon and Michael Peterson discuss Emergency’s role in providing medical treatment for civilians in war-torn countries & working for peace. 10 am, Third Unitarian Church, 301 N. Mayfield.

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 its 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.

Monday, May 9 – “Revisiting Antonio Negri’s Empire in the Time of Bush’s Wars.” 6:30 pm, News & Letters, 36 S. Wabash, Room 1440. Info: arise (at) newsandletters.org or 312.236.0799

Tuesday, May 10 - Naomi Wolf discusses her new book, “The Treehouse: Eccentric Wisdom from My Father on How to Live, Love and See.” In her most personal book to date, the author of “The Beauty Myth and Misconceptions” recounts lessons learned from her father about how passion and creativity are the sources of life's truth wealth. 7:30 pm, Women & Children First Bookstore, 5233 N. Clark Street. Info: 773.769.9299 or wcfbooks (at) aol.com.

Tuesday, May 10 – Chicago area group organizing to build a demonstration at the July 24-25 AFL-CIO convention in Chicago. The focus for the demonstration will be protesting the AFL-CIO’s “American Center for International Solidarity,” an organization used by the U.S. government to organization opposition to Venezuela. The meeting will be at 7 pm, Decima Musa, 1901 S. Loomis, and is initiated by the Latin American Solidarity Committee. Info: paroots02 (at) yahoo.com

Tuesday, May 10 – Author Kevin Boyle discusses “Arc of Justice,” his book about the 1925 Detroit race riot. 7 pm, 57th Street Books, 1301 E. 57th Street.

Tuesday, May 10 and Wednesday, May 11 – “Can Freedom of the Press Survive Media Consolidation,” a conference at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign featuring Seymour Hersh, Amy Goodman, Rep Bernie Sanders, Naomi Klein, Bob McChesney, Orville Schell, Phil Donahue, Bill Fletcher and more. Info: www.iimpr.org/

Wednesday, May 11 – Local author and journalist Kari Lydersen speaks on “Out of the Sea and Into the Fire: Latin American-U.S. Immigration in the Global Age.” As the effects of free trade policies become felt throughout Latin America, journalist Kari Lydersen explores the personal stories of economic refugees forced to leave their homes to forge new lives in the cities, or in the U.S. 7:30 pm, Women & Children First Bookstore, 5233 N. Clark Street. Info: 773.769.9299 or wcfbooks (at) aol.com.

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. 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). 7 pm at Wellington Avenue United Church of Christ, 615 W. Wellington Avenue (at Broadway). Admission free. Info: 773.935.0642

Wednesday, May 11 – Rev. Milton Mejía of Presbyterian Church of Colombia speaks about “The Human Rights Crisis in Colombia.” 7 pm, Knox Presbyterian Church, 1105 Catalpa Lane, Naperville, IL. Sponsors: Chicago Religious Leadership Network on Latin America, Chicago Presbytery, Church World Service/Crop Walk, and the Knox Presbyterian Church. Info: 773.293.2964

Wednesday, May 11 – Author Suzanne Gordon speaks about “Nursing Against the Odds,” examining how cost cutting and hospital restructuring are undermining health care. 7 pm, 57th Street Books, 1301 E. 57th Street.

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 – American Friends Service Committee Annual Benefit honoring Rev Calvin Morris of the Community Renewal Society, and Charlie Richardson and Nancy Lessin of Military Families Speak Out. Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox. Info: 312.427.2533, x33 or thackett (at) afsc.org

Thursday, May 12 - Linda Scott discusses “Fresh Lipstick: Redressing Fashion and Feminism.” Does Feminism need a dressing-down, or a dressing-up? Perhaps both, says U of I professor Linda Scott, declaring that “established feminist theorists and leaders…need to experience a change in consciousness with regard to the politics of personal appearance.” 7:30 pm, Women & Children First Bookstore, 5233 N. Clark Street. Info: 773.769.9299 or wcfbooks (at) aol.com.

Thursday, May 12 – Hear Jorge Mujicam, Secretary-General of the Illinois Chapter of the Democratic Revolution Party-PRD, speak about “The Recent Mexico City Impeachment Crisis: Ramifications for the PRD and Mexican National Politics.” 7 pm, ACME ArtWorks, 1741 N. Western. Sponsors: Open University of the Left, Chicago Democratic Socialists. Info: 773.384.5797 or OULChicago (at) yahoo.com

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.

Friday, May 13 – Historian Anne M. Martinez discusses “Crossing \Over: Mexican Labor and the Color in 1920s Chicago,” examining how labor and religion shaped the Mexican experience of race in Chicago in the wake of the Mexican Revolution . 3-5 pm, Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton.

Saturday, May 14 – “Activists: Know Your Rights!” a presentation by the Chicago Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild. What can you expect at a demonstration? What are your rights to protest, march and rally? Has the USA PATRIOT Act changed these rights? What happens if you are arrested? If you are not a United States citizen, how will an arrest or conviction affect your immigration status? What is happening in other cities? Join a panel of activists and attorneys from the National Lawyers Guild who will present their understanding of current law, your rights and what to expect if you are arrested at a demonstration. Presenters will include local NLG attorneys Melinda Power, Janine Hoft and Susan Compernolle. 1 pm – 3 pm, DePaul University College of Law, 25 E. Jackson, Room 803 (wheelchair accessible).

Saturday, May 14 – “The Cost of War,” a teach-in at the UIC College of Nursing, 845 S. Damen, 10 am - 2 pm. Topics include uranium weapons, VA underfunding, the military budget impact, and more. Sponsors: UIC Students for Social Justice, American Friends’ Service Committee, Chicagoans Against War & Injustice, North Suburban Peace Initiative, Voices In The Wilderness, Vietnam Veterans Against the War, and Education Not Empire. Info: healthnotwar-chicago (at) yahoogroups.com

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!

Saturday, May 14 – Author and Haymarket historian William Adelman will host a program including visits to the Haymarket monument, Forest Home Cemetery and more. 1-5 pm, Chicago Historical Society, Clark & North Ave.

Saturday, May 14 – “Our Echoing Demands: The Legacies of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas Today.” Speakers include Jon Davidson of Lambda Legal and Gary Orfield of the Harvard Project on School Desegregation. 2 pm, Harold Washington Library, 430 S. State Street.

Saturday, May 14 – 40th Anniversary of Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians. This legendary Chicago neighborhood jazz program turns 40, with performances celebrating that fact by Roscoe Mitchell, Malachi Thompson, Kahil El'Zabar, Harrison Bankhead, and more. 8 pm, HotHouse, 31 E. Balbo.

Saturday May 14 – “Kalabush,” Adonis Florides & Theodoros Nikolaides’s film satire of a Syrian illegal immigrant in Cyprus, 8 pm, Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State Street.

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.

Sunday, May 15 – “The Impact of American Foreign Policy on Africa.” 10 am, Third Unitarian Church, 301 N. Mayfield. Speaker tba.

Sunday, May 15 - Erin Merryn discusses her new book, “Stolen Innocence: Triumphing Over a Childhood Broken by Abuse.” Now a 19-year-old college student, Erin Merryn was 11 when a trusted relative began sexually abusing her. This powerful, hopeful memoir recounts both the experience and her path toward confrontation, and then recovery. 4:30 pm, Women & Children First Bookstore, 5233 N. Clark Street. Info: 773.769.9299 or wcfbooks (at) aol.com.

Sunday, May 15 – Las Manos Gallery hosts “Ordinary Goddesses Discuss the Details,” a series of short monologues by cartoonist Nicole Hollander, Jackie Taylor, and Stephanie Shaw. 5:30 pm, Las Manos Gallery, 5220 N. Clark Street. Info: 773.728.8910.

Sunday, May 15 - Silk Road Theatre Project's Al Kasida Staged Reading Series proudly presents “Ten Acrobats in an Amazing Leap of Faith,” by Yussef El Guindi, directed by Stuart Carden. “Ten Acrobats” represents a first in American theatre, a Muslim-American family drama steeped in both Muslim identity and the American experience. An Egyptian immigrant family struggles to find their place within American society, navigating inter-generational conflict, their Islamic faith, and the values of two cultures. In evoking universal themes of faith, culture, belonging, and desire, “Ten Acrobats” adds a new chapter to the American immigrant narrative as captured on stage. The staged reading will be followed by a Q & A session with playwright Yussef El Guindi. Free and open to the public. 12:30 pm, The Chicago Temple, First United Methodist Church, 77 W. Washington Street, Chicago Lower Level. Info: jamil.khoury (at) gilloury.com, 312.236.6881, or www.srtp.org

Monday, May 16 - Young Feminist Book Group at Women & Children First Bookstore discusses “Without a Net: The Female Experience of Growing Up Working Class,” ed. by Michelle Tea. Our book group for feminists in their 20s and 30s talks about this collection of essays by writers who grew up scamming, stealing, and hustling to get food on the table during childhoods scarred by their parents' dead-end dreams and jobs. Ask for 10% off when buying for the group. 7:30 pm, Women & Children First Bookstore, 5233 N. Clark Street. Info: 773.769.9299 or wcfbooks (at) aol.com.

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

Tuesday, May 17 – Come to the only Illinois screening of “Kaya Taran,” Sashi Kumar’s film drama of the 1984 anti-Sikh massacre that followed the assassination Indira Gandhi and the anti-Muslim riots in Gujarat in 2002. A discussion with the director follows the screening. 7 pm, Saint Xavier University, Butler Reception Room. Sponsor: South Asian Progressive Action Coalition. Info: 773.298.3375

Wednesday, May 18 - “Kalabush,” Adonis Florides & Theodoros Nikolaides’s film satire of a Syrian illegal immigrant in Cyprus, 8 pm, Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State Street.

Thursday, May 19 - Maria Amparo Escandon: Gonzalez & Daughter Trucking Co. Screenwriter/director John Sayles calls this novel, whose incarcerated narrator enthralls her fellow inmates with tales of a father-daughter trucking team—”1,001 Nights in a Mexicali women’s prison.” 7:30 pm, Women & Children First Bookstore, 5233 N. Clark Street. Info: 773.769.9299 or wcfbooks (at) aol.com.

Thursday, May 19 – On Malcolm X’s birthday and the eve of an important court date, demand justice for Howard Morgan, shot 25 times by four white Chicago cops on February 21st. Morgan remains handcuffed to his hospital bed with $2 million bond, deemed a “flight risk” despite his nearly fatal injuries and his barely being able to walk. The next day, May 20th, Morgan’s lawyer, Leo Holt, will file a motion to get Morgan’s bail reduced. On May 19th, please join a community rally for justice - 7 pm at Old St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 531 N. Kedzie Avenue. Speakers include: Rev. Paul Jakes, President of the Christian Council on Urban Affairs; Bera Davis, President of the West Side NAACP; Marshall Hatch, President of the West Side Branch of Rainbow/PUSH; Luster Jackson of the Chicago Committee to Defend the Bill of Rights; Pat Hill of the African American Police League, and more. Sponsored by the Christian Council on Urban Affairs.

Friday, May 20 – Press conference for Howard Morgan just before his court date. 9 am on the steps of the courthouse, 26th and California (see details under May 19th event listed above).

Saturday, May 21 – “Not Your Average Housing Fair,” presented by Latinos United and the Near Northwest Neighborhood Network/Humboldt Park Empowerment Partnership, a free, comprehensive housing fair going above and beyond the average housing fair based on home ownership! The fair will cover everything from housing discrimination, to local affordable housing waiting lists, to tenant /landlord rights, to block clubs, to homeless services, to homeownership and more, through booths and workshops in English and Spanish. It will also serve as an organizing tool to engage residents in locally-based efforts to stabilize the community. Live artistic interpretations related to housing from the Youth Action Team members of the community and others complement the event. “Not Your Average Housing Fair!” will be geared toward the greater West Town, Humboldt Park, and Logan Square communities, but all are welcome! Sponsored by Washington Mutual and the Office of Alderman Billy Ocasio. 10 am – 1 pm, Humboldt Park Fieldhouse, 1440 N. Sacramento Avenue. For info or to host a booth, call Katie Van Tiem of Latinos United at 312.782.7500, or Rubén D. Feliciano of the Near Northwest Neighborhood Network at 773.489.0383

Saturday, May 21 - “Philippines, the ‘Second Front’ of the U.S. War Against Terror.” Through an eyewitness account, learn about Mindanao, a rich land under constant war and intervention. From the Bangsmoro Island of Mindanao, a land of 18 million Muslims, Christians, and Indigenous People hear Johneric Concordia, Chair of Kabataang maka-Bayan (Pro-People Youth) USA, who has returned from a four month integration trip in Mindanao, Philippines. Johneric will be sharing an in-depth perspective about the ongoing struggle of the Bangsamoro people and their fight for self-determination and rights to ancestral lands. As the Philippines has been declared the 2nd Front in Bush Jr.’s so-called “War on Terror,” Mindanao and its people have faced continuous hardships, exploitation, human rights violations, and oppression perpetrated by the U.S.- backed Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Regime. Sponsored by the Committee on Pilipino Issues (CPI) and the A.N.S.W.E.R. (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) Coalition. 7 pm, location to be announced. Info: cpi (at) pinoy.org or 773.878.0166

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. Many acoustics, speakers and poets. Food by the Heartland Café. Free admission - bring a blanket! Band schedule is Saturday: Hi Noon -Roadcrew; 1 pm - Tribal Moon; 2 pm - Frequency Below; 3 pm - Hell's Funk; 4 pm - Secret Agent Bill; 5 pm - Charlie Pierce; 6:30 pm - Blizzard Of Ozz; 7:30 pm - Fashion Bomb; 8:30 pm - 9MM. Sunday: Hi Noon - Electric Medicine; 1 pm - New Fuze; 2 pm - The Flock; 3 pm - Might as Well; 4 pm - Genral Patton & His Privates; 5 pm – Smoke; 6 pm - The Giving Tree; and 7:30 pm – Starrunner. We gather to change the laws, not to break them. Info: gnrlpatt (at) ameritech.net

Sunday, May 22 - Free film/discussion program showing “Peace, Propaganda and the Promised Land: U.S. Media and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict.” The program is co-sponsored by the Countryside Social Action Committee, Not In My Name (www.NIMN.org), Northwest Suburban S.U.S.T.A.I.N (www.nwsustain.org/). 1:30 pm, Countryside Unitarian Church, 1025 North Smith Road, Palatine, IL. Info: sustainnwburbs (at) yahoo.com

Monday, May 23 – “A Critical Look at Antonio Negri’s Multitude.” 6:30 pm, News & Letters, 36 S. Wabash, Room 1440. Info: arise (at) newsandletters.org or 312.236.0799

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.

Thursday, May 26 - Michael Eric Dyson at the Harold Washington Library. No other information available.

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

Friday, May 27 - Free film/discussion based on “Peace, Propaganda, and the Promised Land: U.S. Media and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict.” 7 pm at the Elmhurst Public Libary, 125 S. Prospect Avenue, Elmhurst, IL. Co-sponsored by Not In My Name (NIMN), a predominantly Jewish group that opposes the U.S. backed Israeli occupation of the Palestinian land seized in 1967, and the Committee for Justice and Peace in Israel and Palestine (CJPIP). Info: 312.409.4845.

Friday, May 27 – Homofrecuencia presents “Noche de Arco iris: Queer Prom 2005.” Students and community activists met recently in Pilsen to begin planning a ‘prom’ for youth who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and their allies. The planning committee, which is mostly Latino, feels that it is important to create visibility for the queer community that already exists in Pilsen. “Many young LGBTQQ people that attend high schools from the area don’t get to enjoy their school’s prom as other kids do” said Tania Unzueta, senior producer of Homofrecuencia, a Spanish-language LGBTQ show that broadcasts from Radio Arte. Although this is not the first time that a ‘prom’ for LGBTQ teens is planned in Chicago, it is the first time that it is done outside of the well established gay neighborhood of Boystown. Pilsen is a predominantly Mexican neighborhood. “That’s part of the point,” said Unzueta, “we want to create a safe space for us within our own communities. We want to be who we are, where we live.” Tickets are $10. Doors open at 7 pm, Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum, 1852 W. 19th Street. Homofrecuencia is a production of Radio Arte WRTF Chicago. Radio Arte is a youth initiative of the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum. For more info or tickets, call Tania at 312.455.9455, x108 or tania (at) radioarte.org. More info: www.wrte.org/homofrecuencia

Friday, May 27 and Saturday, May 28 - Concert for peace, sponsored by Amnesty International. Includes 18 punk, ska, metal, grunge, reggae, and other bands of different tastes. Location t.b.a. Info: 708.899.4313 or seanski35 (at) aol.com

Monday, May 30 – Vietnam Veterans Against the War Memorial Day ceremony. Info: 773.276.4189

Tuesday, May 31 - Local author Jeff Libman will read from his new book, “An Immigrant Class: Oral Histories from Chicago's Newest Immigrants” at an event to benefit Literacy Works, a not-for-profit group that supports more than 40 literacy programs around Chicago. Suggested donation: $10. 7:30 pm, Women & Children First Bookstore, 5233 N. Clark Street. Info: 773.769.9299 or wcfbooks (at) aol.com.

Wednesday, June 1 - Wellington Avenue UCC Progressive Film Series features “Hotel Palestine: Killing the Witness”, a powerful film documenting the US military’s killing of Spanish journalist José Couso in Iraq. The Palestine Hotel was to be a safe-space for members of the international media, including unembedded reporters who were capturing the essence of war. On April 8th, 2003 a US tank aimed and opened fire on the hotel. 7 pm, Wellington Avenue United Church of Christ, 615 W. Wellington Avenue (Broadway and Wellington). Admission Free.

Wednesday, June 1 and Thursday, June 2 – The media landscape is changing fast. Internet communications are
exploding. Daily newspaper circulation is down. Cable TV news is hot; network TV news is not. Non-profit and public interest groups need to rethink and retool their communications and media strategies. There is nowhere better to do that than at 2005 Community Media Workshop, “Making Media Connections Conference,” all day both days, Columbia College Chicago, 1104 S. Wabash Avenue. Keynote speakers are Alex Kotlowitz, investigative journalist and award-winning author speaking on “Ways to Improve Coverage of ‘Real’ Chicago Stories,” and Mary Mitchell, outstanding journalist and noted Sun-Times columnist speaking on “How the Media Can and Should Get Real.” Workshop and panel discussion topics include: SPIN 101: Media Boot Camp; Jump-Start Your Creativity: Writing For The Media And The World; Become A Better Storyteller; Power Pitching: The Phone Call Worth 1000 Words; Secrets Of Effective Powerpoint Presentations; The Art Of The Television Interview; Stop Being A Bore: Use Creativity In Your Media Communications; Reaching the Editorial Page; What’s Happening to Radio; Online Publications; Journalism for Social Change; Working with Columnists; What¹s Happening with the Chicago Sun-Times and Tribune; Going National; Accessing Public Radio; How Blogging is Transforming the Media Landscape; The Changing Weekly Newspaper; What's New with Magazines; Local Television Possibilities; Creating Media Relationships; New Thoughts on Press Kits and Media Publications; A Primer on Political Communications; How and Why to Blog; Successful Media Campaigns; Fighting for Funding; Hiring and Working with PR Agencies; Internet Marketing Tips; How Not to Give a Speech; Success Stories; Special Events That Work; and Fighting for Funding. The conference is a unique opportunity to meet with working journalists, pitch your stories to them, and improve your media communications skills. Workshops will be available. For more information and reserve your place at the conference, go to www.newstips.org.

Friday, June 3 thru Sunday, June 5 - RadFest/Midwest Social Forum, an annual weekend conference for progressive activists organized by the Havens Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The central purpose of the forum is to contribute to social movement building by providing organizers, activists, community members, and intellectuals the opportunity to come together to discuss issues, strengthen networks, and devise strategies for progressive social, economic, and political change. In recent years, the forum has grown considerably, and this year’s program is by far the biggest yet. It includes over fifty panels and workshops (including plenary sessions on “The New Voting Rights Movement” and “Building a Multi-Racial Movement”), strategy sessions designed to foster strategic coordination among participating organizations and individuals, a RadFilmFest hosted by Free Speech TV, musical performances by Taste Emcees ( www.gorillapromo.com/spot_taste.html ) and One Drum (www.onedrum.net/), visual art displays, and daytime recreational activities. Lake Geneva Campus of Aurora University in Williams Bay, WI, about 50 miles southwest of Milwaukee, 70 miles southeast of Madison, and 80 miles northwest of Chicago. Info: complete program, logistical information and to register at www.radfest.org or info (at) havenscenter.org

Saturday, June 11 – Pride Kickoff! “I Was a Teenage Feminist,” part of Chicago Filmmakers’ Dyke Delicious Series, presented in conjuction with Chicago N.O.W. 6 pm and 9 pm screening; 8 - 9 pm social hour at Chicago Filmmakers, 5243 N. Clark Street. Filmmaker and former Chicagoan Therese Shechter in person for the Chicago premiere of her new documentary, “I Was a Teenage Feminist” (2005, 67 mins.). Is feminism dead, hibernating, or trapped below the radar? Have the goals of the '70s been accomplished or has Victoria's Secret won out? “I Was a Teenage Feminist” is a first-person journey into the movement that once sparked social revolution, yet now commonly evokes discomfort, indifference and even disdain. Armed with a video camera, an inquiring mind, and an irreverent sense of humor, Shechter crisscrosses the country and her own psyche in the hope of reclaiming feminism as a source of personal and political power.

Sunday, June 12 - The Chicago Committee to Free the Cuban 5 presents “Butterflies on the Scaffold,” about how an historically poor and abandoned Afro-Cuban neighborhood of Havana is transformed by beautiful and charismatic drag queens. Cuba’s first and only “dragumentary” takes us on stage for the show, backstage for the preparation, and out to the community, where interviews with community leaders who how their attitudes changed and their insight grew. 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

Thursday, June 16 – The Irish American Heritage Center presents “Bloomsday 2005,” its sixth annual event celebrating the legacy of writer James Joyce. On June 16, 1904, writer James Joyce met his wife, Nora Barnacle, and immortalized the date in his monumental epic, “Ulysses.” Modern Joyce aficionados have denoted June 16th "Bloomsday"; a day set aside throughout the world to honor the great man and his controversial and thought-provoking works. Entertainment will include readings, music and song presented by notables from Chicago’s theater and music community. The group will perform excerpts from Joyce's “A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man,” “Dubliners,” “Ulysses” and “Finnegan's Wake,” as well as biographical detail on Joyce's life. Directed by Center member, Josephine Craven, the evening will begin with cocktails at 6:30 pm and dinner at 7:30 pm at the irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox. The cost for the celebration is $40 and includes wine and soft drinks with dinner. International Joyce, a traveling exhibit on the life of James Joyce, sponsored by the Cultural Division of the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, will be on display at the Center during the month of June. The Irish American Heritage Center fosters the practice, study and celebration of Irish, Celtic and Irish-American cultural traditions. Membership in the Center is open to anyone with an interest in these traditions. Info: 773.282.7035 or www.irishamhc.com.

Thursday, June 16 thru Sunday, June 19 - The 17th Onion City Experimental Film and Video Festival. Onion City presents a diverse selection of the best in experimental film and video from around the world over four days. Check our website or contact us in mid-May for a complete schedule. Opening Night on June 16 will be held at the Gene Siskel Film Center and will feature a specially selected program of new work by some experimental film greats.

Thursday, June 16 – The Iraq Labor Tour in Chicago. Info: lduncan (at) igc.org

Friday, June 24 - Critical Mass Bike Ride, 5:30 pm, Daley Plaza. Info: www.critical-mass.org

Saturday, June 25 - New Date of Spring Fundraiser for the Urban Life Center. The Urban Life Center Spring Fundraiser originally scheduled for Saturday, April 30, has been moved to Saturday, June 25 at 7 pm at the Bailiwick Theater, 1229 W. Belmont. If you’ve already purchased a ticket from Urban Life Center, it can be applied to the June 25 event. Refunds are also available for your donation. Info: www.urbanlifecenter or call Sarah at 773.363.1312 if you’d like a refund.

Saturday, June 25 – Annual Chicago Dyke March. Assemble at 1:30 pm at the Trumbull Elementary School's playground on the corner of Ashland and Foster.

Saturday, June 25 and Sunday, June 26 - Conference on IWW Centenary, UIC, centenary (at) iww.org

Sunday, June 26 – Join the Gay Liberation Network contingent in this year’s Gau Pride Parade!! Whether gay or not, all who agree with our slogan for this year’s contingent, “Money for Health Care, NOT for Warfare,” are welcome to participate! Meet at the corner of Halsted and Diversey at 11:30 am. Info: LGBTliberation (at) aol.com or 773.209.1187

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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, 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