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.”

So as to promote the principle of equal participation by all, please indicate whether or not your venue is wheelchair accessible.
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FEATURED ITEMS:



Friday, June 17
- The family of Howard Morgan has decided to postpone the next solidarity
rally for Mr. Morgan. Instead of June 10th, the next solidarity rally
will take place at

7 pm, Friday, June 17th at the Morgan family church, Church of the Living
God, 1738 W. Marquette Road.

Mr. Morgan, an African American policeman for the Burlington Northern
Railroad, was shot 25 times by four white Chicago cops on February 21st.
Father of two, grandfather of two, a long-time resident of Chicago and now
barely able to walk thanks to the trauma of the 25 bullets, he remains
shackled to his hospital bed, held on $2 million bail. Contributions to
Howard Morgan's bail and legal defense fund can be made by making checks
payable to the "Howard Morgan Defense Fund" and mailing them to P. O. Box
368817, Chicago, IL 60636.

* * * * *

For more than a year, workers at a grocery store in Pilsen have been trying
to form a union and have faced the most egregious union-busting tactics
>From the store's owners. The owners have tried creating a company union,
cutting down workers hours, intimidating workers and a host of other unfair
labor practices.

Recently, Alfonso Diaz's car was firebombed in front of his house in
Pilsen. Alfonso has been leading the way to organize a union at his
workplace, a grocery store called La Casa del Pueblo, located at 18th &
Blue Island. Last fall, Alfonso was featured in a story in the Chicago
interfaith Committee on Worker Issues newsletter. The article reported
that over 80% of the workers at the store had experienced wage & hour
violations or other worker rights abuses. Last week, the National Labor
Relations Board concluded a months-long investigation of Unfair Labor
Practices and reached a settlement with the store, requiring the store to
pay over $30,000 in back wages to several workers who had been laid off or
had their hours cut in retaliation for their organizing activities. The
store also had to post a sign promising not to engage in any of a
two-and-a-half page list of illegal union busting activities that workers
had reported experiencing at the store. While no evidence has been found
tying the firebombing to the owner of the store, there is wide speculation
that this crime could be a response to the settlement and the latest and
most egregious retaliation that Alfonso and his coworkers have experienced
for their union activities.

Tom Cordaro, a Legislative Advocacy Committee member of the Chicago
Interfaith Committee on Worker Issues asks people to help Alfonso Diaz and
the other workers at La Casa del Pueblo by doing the following:

1) Pray for the safety and strength of Alfonso, his family, and the rest of
the workers at La Casa del Pueblo.

2) Make a donation to help Alfonso and his family. The car that was
destroyed was his family's only vehicle. Donations of any amount will
help; please make checks out to CICWI, and put Alfonso Diaz in the memo
line. Mail them to CICWI, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr, 4th floor, Chicago, IL
60660. If you would like to enclose a note of encouragement to Alfonso
and his family, please do so and we will pass those along to him.

If you have a car in good repair that you would like to donate to Alfonso,
please contact Antonia Dempsey right away at 773-728-8400 x31 or adempsey
(at) nicwj.org to discuss this further. Info:www.chicagointerfaith.org


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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

ONGOING

- "Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room," film documentary at the Landmark
Century Cinema, 2828 N Clark (just north of Diversey). Info: 773.248.7744


Wednesday, June 15

- Attend the Illinois Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty's annual celebration, 5:30 pm - 8 pm, at the Spertus Museum, 618 S. Michigan Avenue. Keynote speaker is New York Assemblyman Joseph R. Lentol, the legislative leader of this year's successful fight to end the death penalty in New York. Joining him to receive the 2005 Legislative Leadership award will be Illinois State Senator Mattie Hunter, the chief sponsor of the Illinois abolition bill. The Coalition is also pleased to honor Joey Mogul of the Peoples Law Office with the Legal Advocacy Award for her work to eradicate homophobia and sexist bias in the criminal justice system. Retired Chicago Police Officer Frank Laverty will be honored with the Unsung Heroes Award for
courageously exposing secret police files hidden from defense lawyers in criminal cases. Info: 312.847.2279



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

- Historian and former Chicago area resident David Roediger discusses his new book, "Working Toward Whiteness," which examines how American ethnic groups "became" white. 7 pm, 57th Street Books, 1301 E. 57th Street.



Thursday, June 16

- Zsa Zsa Gershick discusses her new book, "Secret Service: Untold Stories of Lesbians in the Military," 7:30 pm at Women & Children First Bookstore, 5233 N. Clark Street. Don't ask, don't tell? Zsa Zsa Gershick served, and then became an award-winning journalist, and now she's telling: stories of scores of women who were willing to die for their country, whose main battle was the discrimination and fear of disclosure they faced every day. Info: 773.769.9299



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.



Friday, June 17

- The family of Howard Morgan has decided to postpone the next solidarity rally for Mr. Morgan. Instead of June 10th, the next solidarity rally will take place at 7 pm, Friday, June 17th at the Morgan family church, Church of the Living God, 1738 W. Marquette Road. Mr. Morgan, an African American policeman for the Burlington Northern Railroad, was shot 25 times by four white Chicago cops on February 21st. Father of two, grandfather of two, a long-time resident of Chicago and now barely able to walk thanks to the trauma of the 25 bullets that violated his body, he remains shackled to his hospital bed, held on $2 million bail. Contributions to Howard Morgan's bail and legal defense fund can be made by making checks payable to the "Howard
Morgan Defense Fund" and mailing them to P. O. Box 368817, Chicago, IL 60636.



Friday, June 17

- Iraqi Trade Unionists Speak. Hear Falah Awan, President, Federation of Workers Councils and Unions of Iraq (FWCUI), and Amjad Ali Aljawhry, Representative of the FWCUI & Union of the Unemployed in Iraq (UUI) for North America. Sponsored by Chicago Labor Against the War (CLAW) and Chicago Labor for Peace Prosperity and Justice (CLPPJ), this event is part of the Iraq Labor Tour, U.S. Labor Against the War. The tour goals are to: 1) Inform U.S. labor movement about conditions facing Iraq's labor movement, including challenges of privatization, outsourcing, attacks on workers rights; 2) Build international labor solidarity with Iraqi union movement; 3) Present U.S. audiences with seldom heard progressive, secular voices of Iraqi people;
3) Call for the AFL-CIO to demand an immediate end to the occupation, and reallocation of funds from militarism to meeting human needs. The FWCUI have led and assisted in strikes and job actions for better conditions in textile, leather, Pepsi and other industrial enterprises. Prior its formation in 2003, many of its leaders and activists had been active in the Union of Unemployed Iraqis, a network operating in several cities of Iraq that mobilized for jobs or benefits for unemployed Iraqis. The Federation's goal is to build workers' organizations in Iraq that are independent, democratic, and free of governmental control. Furthermore, they seek to build unions free of religious, political, gender, and ethnic discrimination. FWCUI representatives have campaigned internationally
for workers rights in Iraq. The FWCUI has also called for the immediate end of the occupation. 6 pm, UNITE Hall, 333 S. Ashland Avenue. Info:
www.uslaboragainstwar.org


Friday, June 17 thru Thursday, June 23

- African Diaspora Film Festival. Info:
www.Facets.org



Saturday, June 18

- "Free Palestine" Guerilla Theater. A guerilla theater company is forming for summer actions. The Chicago chapter of the International Solidarity Movement and the Stop CAT Coalition are calling on other Palestine solidarity activists interested in participating in guerilla theater actions this summer to attend our first planning meeting. All are welcome! We need actors and prop makers of all ages. No prior skills are necessary. New World Resource Center, 1300 N. Western Ave, Noon - 2 pm - Info: isminchicago (at) aol.com
or 773.489.3505



Saturday, June 18

- Help place a referendum on the 2006 statewide ballot calling for universal healthcare. Attend the Illinois Health Care Referendum 2006 Leadership Training. Time and location to be announced. Info:
michelle (at) taufmanngroup.com
or 773.489.6645


Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19

- "Mas Alla Del Mar" ("Beyond the Sea"), Lisandro PÈrez-Rey's documentary on the 1980 Mariel Boatlift from Cuba. 1 pm, Facets CinÈmathËque, 1517 W. Fullerton.


Sunday, June 19

- "Against US Intervention in Iran," a one-hour program (filmed at the May 1st Chicago Social Forum) featuring speakers from Progressive Iranian-Americans of Chicago addressing the issue of self-determination for the people of Iran and answering audience questions on the same subject. 10 pm, CAN TV, Cable Channel 21 in Chicago. Info: Sean Reynolds,
JoveIsMad (at) Juno.com
. Also airing at 10 pm, Friday, June 3 and 10:30 pm, Friday, June 24.


Sunday, June 19

- Young Feminist Book Group Potluck & Selection Night, 6 pm at Women & Children First Bookstore, 5233 N. Clark Street. The group picks its selections for the upcoming year tonight; bring food or drink to share, along with your suggestions. Past selections are listed in the Recommendations Section of the bookstore's website, www.womenandchildrenfirst.com, if you want to see what we've already covered. Info: 773.769.9299


Monday, June 20

- The Pomegranate Radical Health Collective will be having its next public meeting at 6 pm - 8 pm at Association House, 1116 N. Kedzie (near Kedzie and Division, wheelchair accessible). Please use the side entrance of the building as a receptionist can direct you to where we are meeting. Open to all genders. Pomegranate Radical Health Collective is devoted to issues of healthcare from a radical feminist, anti-authoritarian perspective. They address issues of physical, mental, reproductive, and sexual health in a women-friendly, queer-friendly and trans-friendly framework. They are dedicated to offering resources and information on the mainstream healthcare industry and alternatives to it through education and outreach, including, skill
shares, workshops, underground publications and literature and demonstrations and actions. Everyone is encouraged to take their health into their own hands. Everyone should have equal access to healthcare regardless of income, legal status, race, ethnicity, age, sex, gender or sexual preference, size, marital status, immigration status, religion, and physical and mental ability.


Tuesday, June 21

- Women's Book Group at Women & Children First Bookstore discusses "The Veil and the Male Elite: A Feminist Interpretation of Women's Rights in Islam," by Fatima Mernissi. 7:30 pm at the store, 5233 N. Clark Street. By examining the foundations of Islam, Fatima Mernissi came to a different interpretation of "Islamic fundamentalism." She argues that neither the Prophet, nor the Allah as the source of Holy Law, desired anything other than equality between the sexes.



Thursday, June 23

- Legendary folk singer Utah Phillips at the HotHouse, 31 E. Balboa. Info:
www.hothouse.net/
or 312.362.9707


Thursday, June 23 thru Sunday, June 26

- "100 Years of Workers' Struggles: Commemorating the Centenary of the Founding of IWW," featuring performances by the legendary Utah Philips and John McCutcheon and a two-day conference. In June 1905 delegates from across the United States and Canada gathered in Chicago to launch a new labor movement, the Industrial Workers of the World. In the years that followed, the IWW revolutionized the labor movement, organizing workers who the traditional craft unions had written off and creating a form of direct action, rank-and-file militant unionism that inspired workers around the world even as it led terrified employers to unleash a savage wave of repression. Today, while the mainstream labor movement seems headed to
oblivion, workers are reclaiming and reinventing earlier modes of struggle. Workers' centers, solidarity unionism, and the contemporary resurgence of the IWW demonstrate that workers continue to resist exploitation and to struggle for control over their working lives. We are commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the IWW with a number of events over the weekend of June 23-26. Thursday, June 23: Benefit Concert for the IWW, featuring Utah Philips & John McCutcheon, $25, 8:30 pm, doors open at 8 pm, at the Hot House, 31 E. Balboa Avenue (21 & over unless accompanied by a legal guardian). Friday, June 24: Centennial Dinner at Svithiod Hall, 5518 W. Lawrence Avenue, eats at 6 pm, program at 7 pm, $10 cover (seating is extremely limited, call Jenny Ohlson
at 773.505.2331 to reserve your place). Saturday, June 25 & Sunday, June 26: "IWW Centenary Conference: The Once and Future Labor Movement and Alternative Forms of Worker Organizing." The first day of the conference will focus on how the IWW and its ideas have inspired, and continue to inspire, a wide array of social movements. The second day will focus on alternative forms of worker organizing as workers grapple with globalization, contracting-out and other aspects of the new economy in the face of an increasingly hostile labor law regime. Info: 215.222.1905 or
centenary (at) iww.org. Saturday, June 25 (evening): IWW Centenary Concert featuring Mark Ross, The Citizens Band, Rebel Voices, Larry Long, Anne Feeney, Charlie King with
Len Wallace, and a special guest appearance by Utah Philips. 8 pm, Bradley Center, 941 W. Lawrence (just east of Sheridan). Tickets $20, $15 for members of any union, are available at New World Resources Center, 1300 N. Western Ave. or from Jenny Ohlson, 773.505.2331. More info:
www.iww.org/chicago


Thursday, June 23 thru Saturday, June 25

- "Souls' Fire," the second national conference of the African American Roundtable of the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry, focusing on the theme, "Re-Imagining Black Religious Identity: Race, Class, Gender & Sexuality." African American LGBT people of faith spearhead a conference in Chicago to discuss race, class and sexuality in the church. "Souls' Fire" presents a rare opportunity to hear African American lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people of faith from around the country -- along with their straight allies -- speak publicly about some of the most controversial issues in the church today -- race, faith, gender, class and sexuality. The conference also breaks new ground
by bringing together scholars, artists and faith community leaders for collaborative, cross-disciplinary discussion. Panelists will include religion scholars, artists, pastors and social service workers. Participants include Johari Jabir of the University of California, Santa Barbara; Juan Reed of St. Martins Episcopal Church, Chicago; Maurice Charles of the University of Chicago; and Irene Monroe, doctoral candidate at Harvard Divinity School and religion columnist. On Thursday, June 23rd the conference will be at the University Church, 5655 S. University Avenue; on Friday, June 24th the conference will be at the Chicago Theological Seminary, 5757 S. University Avenue; and on Saturday, June 25th, the conference will be back at the University Church. For Friday and Saturday events, register in advance through the CLGS website www.clgs.org. The advance registration fee is $25 until May 31. The fee after May 31 is $35. Tickets are available at the door. Sponsor: The Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry and The African American Roundtable of CLGS, which seeks the full inclusion of black lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in communities of faith in support of social justice for LGBT people by fostering dialogue about the intersections between faith and sexuality among black church and faith leaders (including scholars of religion), black church congregations, black LGBT persons and between each of these constituencies. Co-sponsors: Chicago Theological Seminary,Pillar of Love Fellowship Church, St. Martins Episcopal Church, MOCHA Collaborative,YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago-Loop, and SAFE Services LGBT Program. Info: www.clgs.org or contact the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry at 510.849.8206, 800.999.0528, or clgs (at) clgs.org


Friday, June 24

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


Friday, June 24

- A benefit for Room to Read, a program that promotes literacy in Southeast Asia. Enjoy cocktails, appetizers, dessert and inspiration with a cool crowd in a cool space, for the benefit of a great cause. This event will raise money to provide scholarships for girls who otherwise would not have the opportunity to go to school! A presentation by Room to Read Chapter President Tina Sciabica will give an overview of Room to Read's exciting work. Find out why Room to Read has been honored as an innovative charity by "Fast Company," and featured in "Time" and "Forbes." 7 pm - 11 pm, Chi Healing Center, 1733 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Bucktown. Donation amount is at your discretion (they are tax-deductible). RSVP by
June 23 to RNKOPP (at) aol.com. Info: www.roomtoread.org


Friday, June 24

- "Against US Intervention in Iran," a one-hour program (filmed at the May 1st Chicago Social Forum) featuring speakers from Progressive Iranian-Americans of Chicago addressing the issue of self-determination for the people of Iran and answering audience questions on the same subject. 10 pm, CAN TV, Cable Channel 21 in Chicago. Info: Sean Reynolds, JoveIsMad (at) Juno.com. Also airing 10 pm, Friday, June 3 and 5 pm, Sunday, June 19.


Friday, June 24 thru Sunday, June 26

- The U.S. Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation, an local organizer conference for national change at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Join the US Campaign and the Madison-Rafah Sister City Project, a Madison-based member organization of the US Campaign, for a weekend-long regional conference to enhance grassroots organizing efforts in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and beyond! Hear expert presentations about Israel/Palestine and U.S. policy toward the Middle East, find new individuals to participate in your local organizing efforts, jumpstart new local organizing efforts in your area, enhance your skills in media outreach, political outreach, and direct action, receive educational materials
and resources to disseminate in your home community, formulate a plan of activism that is focused on your region's needs, and plug into national organizing efforts through U.S. Campaign task forces. Location: University of Wisconsin, Madison - Grainger Hall of Business Administration. Registration is $25 and includes all conference materials and entrance into all conference forums. Included are "Understanding the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict: A Primer by Phyllis Bennis," two breakfasts and one lunch. $10 for students and low-income people. Visit
www.endtheoccupation.org/article.php
for a draft agenda of the weekend's program. For an additional $10 in advance or $15 at the door,
attend a benefit reception, dinner and panel with the family of Rachel Corrie and the Nasrallah family whose home has been rebuilt by the Rebuilding Homes Alliance. To register online visit www.endtheoccupation.org/article.php
. To register by phone, call 202.543.1778. To co-sponsor the conference, email outreach (at) endtheoccupation.org
or call Jesse Bacon, 312.622.4139


Saturday, June 25

- New Date of Spring Fundraiser for the Urban Life Center. Bailiwick Repertory Theatre presents "Marlowe," a new work by Harlan Didrickson based on the tempestuous life of Elizabethan playwright Christopher Marlowe. During his brilliant 29 years of life, Christopher Marlowe was a controversial and successful artist and activist. His play "Edward II" from 1590 is called the first gay play by many sources. The Urban Life Center will also present their annual First Voices Humanitarian Award to David Zak, Artistic Director of Bailiwick, for the role of Bailiwick Theatre as a beacon for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered community in Chicago. Wine and cheese reception and silent auction. 7 pm at the Bailiwick Theater,1229 W. Belmont. Tickets, $40. Info or tickets: 773.363.1312.


Saturday, June 25

- Queer and Trans Anarchist Feeder to Dyke March 2005, sponsored by the Queer and Trans Caucus of the Chicagoland Anarchist Network. Join us for a friendly anti-authoritarian, anti-capitalist Feeder March through Uptown. We are marching through Uptown for both radical queer & trans visibility and to protest the gentrification of Uptown which is brought on in part by middle class white gays and lesbians moving into Uptown from Boystown and Andersonville, displacing many poor and working class people (predominantly people of color), including poor and working class queers. 11:30 am, picnic at Clarendon Park (Clarendon & Wilson); 12:30 pm, feeder march steps off from Clarendon and Wlison, goes west on Wilson to Broadway, north on Broadway to Foster, west on Foster to Ashland; 1:30 pm, arrive at gathering point for Dyke March; 2 pm, Anarchist Contingent in the Dyke March (Dyke March steps off from Foster and Ashland at 2 pm). Say NO to assimilation and YES to queer liberation! Organized by the Queer and Trans Caucus of the Chicagoland Anarchist Network.


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

- "Taking It to the Streets," IMAN's most popular and well-known project is a daylong community festival held every other summer in Marquette Park on Chicago's Southwest Side. Takin' It To The Streets unites thousands of people from all over the Chicagoland area in a day of festivities, musical performances, sports tournaments and carnivals. The event also provides inner-city residents with a dynamic opportunity to break down social, religious and cultural barriers. Health and legal clinics are also provided, while prominent activists and leaders in the community conduct various engaging workshops in English, Spanish and Arabic throughout the day. While Takin' it to the Streets is only a daylong festival, it takes a good seven to nine months of
planning and involves dozens of volunteers. This process is in itself part of the goal, in that it brings people together to organize and work towards something that we plan and hope has a lasting and positive effect on the community. Featured speakers on June 25th include: Imam W.D. Mohammed, Imam Hamza Yusuf, Imam Zaid Shakir, Imam Siraj Wahhaj, Imam Umar F. Abd-Allah, Ilyasah Shabazz. Featured performers on June 25th include: Rock Steady Crew, All Natural, Jurassic 5, Brother Ali, Napoleon, MPAC, Allah Made Me Funny (National Comedy Tour), M-Team, Jamila Fidrause, Kuumba Lynx & Native Lynx. Topics include "Unity: Holding Fast to the Rope of Allah," "Muslims & Hip Hop - A Forum for Outreach and Activism," "Getting Involved with the Day Laborer Campaign" (In
Spanish and English), "Gender Issues & Islam," "The Prophetic Tradition and Working for Social Justice: An Interfaith Perspective," and "Prisoner Reentry and Public Safety Hearings." Sponsored by Inner-City Muslim Action Network. Cosponsored by the Southwest Organizing Project and the Developing Justice Coalition. Info:
www.dhs.state.il.us/reentry/Ready/PublicHearings.htm, 773.434.4626,
www.imancentral.org
, or
iman (at) imancentral.org



Sunday, June 26

- Join the "Money for Health Care, NOT for Warfare" contingent in this year's Gay Pride Parade!! The contingent, initiated by the Gay Liberation Network, is a superb opportunity to outreach with an anti-war, pro-gay message to 400,000 Lesbian, Gay, Bi and Trans people and our allies. Participating organizations in the contingent include the newly-formed Chicago chapter of Code Pink, Peace Pledge, Not In My Name, and the Queer and Trans Caucus of the Chicagoland Anarchist Network. Meet at the corner of Halsted and Diversey at 11:30 am. We strongly suggest that you do NOT drive to the parade (if you must drive, park your car near a Brown or Red line stop of the "el" and take the train to the "Diversey" stop of the Brown line el, then
walk about four blocks east on Diversey to Halsted). If you and/or your organization would like more info about joining the contingent, contact us at LGBTliberation (at) aol.com, 773.209.1187, or www.GayLiberation.org


Wednesday, June 29

- CocoBean Undergroup Open Mic Spoken Word. 7 pm - 10 pm, No Exit CafÈ, 6970 N Glenwood (west side of Red Line Morse El stop). This event supports the work of the Workers Coop for Big Change mobilizing for a public voice at the AFL-CIO National Convention at Navy Pier week of July 24 28. No Exit is an intimate space with tasty soups and breads. Original poetry or whatever in your way of speaking to the times is requested. Everyone is invited. Bilingue encouraged. Tabling space. Announcements. Say what you think, help with the next one. Info: Chicago Cinqueras
j-pendergast (at) northwestern.edu 773.973.6529


Friday, July 1

- "Uncovered, the Whole Truth about the Iraq War" and "Eyes Wide Open," 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). "Uncovered" takes you behind the walls of the U.S. government as CIA, Pentagon and Foreign Service experts address the government's reasons for launching the "preemptive" war on Iraq in 2003. Through interviews, more than 20 experts (including weapons inspectors and a former CIA ope rative) offer their views on what they claim was distortion of intelligence information by the Bush administration to purposely mislead the public. Directed by Robert Greenwald (2003, 56 minutes). "Eyes Wide Open" is a 30 minute television program produced by the Greater Chicago Broadcast Ministries for Sanctuary, ABC-TV Chicago. It documents the American Friends Service Committee's widely-acclaimed exhibition on the human cost of the Iraq War, featuring a pair of boots honoring each U.S. military casualty, a field of shoes and a Wall of Remembrance to memorialize the Iraqis killed in the conflict, and a multimedia display exploring the history, cost and consequences of the war. Wellington's own Lydia Talbot is the Executve Producer and Jackie Rivet-River is the Producer (2005, 25 minutes).


Friday, July 1 thru Monday, July 4

- "Socialism 2005: Build the Left Alternative," a conference sponsored by the International Socialist Organization. More than 100 meetings on topics ranging from Marxist theory to the politics of sports, bookfair, films, entertainment. Hyatt Regency O'Hare, 9300 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue in Rosemont, IL, near Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. Registration, $85 (lower rates for single day and single session attendees). Featured speakers include Mike Alewitz (Labor Art Mural Project*), Peter Camejo (California Green Party*), Monique Jeanne Dols and Hadas Their (Campus Antiwar Network*), Sam Farber (author of "Before Stalinism" and "Revolution and Counterrevolution in Cuba"), Joshua Frank (author of "Left Out: How the Left Helped Reelect George Bush"), Luciano Genro (of Brazil's Party of Socialism and Liberty*), Elaine Herrera (author of "Civil Rights in Peril: The Targeting of Arabs and Muslims"), Ernesto Herrera (editor of "Correspondencia de Prensa"*). Marlene Martin (Campaign to End the Death Penalty*), Camilo Mejia (the first Iraq War veteran to refuse a second tour), Ahmed Shawki (editor of "International Socialist Review"), Sharon Smith (author of "Women and Socialism"), Dave Zirin (columnist, Edge of Sports), David Meggyesy (former NFL linebacker), and Kevin Zeese (Democracy Rising*). * = organizations listed for identification purposes only. We live in a time when billions are spent on an increasingly unpopular war while politicians plot to rob retirees and the disabled of their Social Security; when the Democratic Party talks more about finding "common ground" with conservatives than of opposing them; and when the media acts as a propaganda arm of the Pentagon and the U.S. government. Clearly, the need for an alternative on the left-an alternative that speaks to the millions of ordinary people who are fed up with war, attacks on workers and threats to our civil rights-is more pressing than ever. Building that alternative is up to us-and Socialism 2005 is a great place to start. "Socialism 2005" provides a forum where activists from today's fightbacks can come together to discuss how we can rebuild the left and win a world where ordinary people will decide the priorities of our society. Online registration at www.socialismconference.org/register.html,
or by phone at 773.583.8665. More info:
www.socialismconference.org/ or
info (at) socialismconference.org


Saturday, July 2

- Staff Sgt. Camilo Mejia, the first Iraq veteran to refuse a second tour of duty, speaks out about his conscientious objection to the war on Iraq. 7 pm in the Pilsen neighborhood, Casa Juan Diego Youth Center, 2020 S. Blue Island Avenue. Pilsen welcomes Conscientious Objector Camilo Mejia, who refused to return to Iraq because he was unwilling to partake in the killing of innocent civilians, including children. Saying that this war is an "illegal" war and that no war is a just war, this young Army staff sergeant preferred to serve a 9 month prison term instead of participating in war crimes. For many he is considered a true American hero, a man with strong convictions, a man who believes that war is not the answer. Youth
are especially invited to hear Camilo's testimony (no admission charge). Sponsored by The Committee Against the Militarization of Youth. Info: 312.226.6161.


Saturday, July 9 and Sunday, July 10

- Peace Fest, the annual musical celebration/inspiration of the local peace and justice movement near Montrose Harbor (Montrose Avenue and the lakefront). Info booths, food, speakers, and more! Info: 708.212.2035 or
www.genralpatton.com/

Sunday, July 10

- The Chicago Committee to Free the Cuban 5 presents "Greening of the Revolution," about how Cuban farmers and scientists work to reinvent sustainable agriculture based on ecological principles and local knowledge, rather than imported agricultural inputs. Cuba is now the most advanced country in organic farming. Told in the voices of Cuba's campesinos, researchers, and organic gardeners, this film reminds us that First and Third World nations alike can choose a healthier life and still feed their people. 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


Monday, July 11 and Wednesday, July 13

- Hearings for Andy Thayer and Brad Lyttle (July 11 and July 13, respectively), two of the defendants from the March 19th anti-war protest on the two year anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. As important as these hearings are for defendants, they carry much wider implications. The hearings will determine whether or not the City of Chicago unconstitutionally used the "disorderly conduct" charge to disperse the protest against the war. Please attend the hearings, 9 am each day at 1340 S. Michigan (look for the defendants' names on the computer printout posted on the wall of the lobby to determine which room they will be in).


Saturday, July 16 and Sunday, July 17

- Every summer the City of Evanston hosts a two-day Ethnic Arts Festival that features a variety of arts, crafts, food, music and performances that represent scores of cultures from around the world (www.cityofevanston.org/departments/parks/ethnic.shtml). This summer it is taking place in Dawes Park next to Lake Michigan in Evanston, and will feature spoken word with readers compensated by the Evanston Arts Council. If you are interested in acquiring a spot on the line-up (readings will run from 1 pm - 5 pm on both days), and have something appropriate for spoken word/performance at this event, please contact Brent Ritzel at
brentritzel (at) yahoo.com or 847.866.3696. The minimal time slot is 15 minutes, with the maximum being 45 minutes if you have something really special to offer. We are encouraging small group or duo readings, and also are partial to performances that integrate music and/or dance. The content must be decisively ethnic in nature or representing the culture of a foreign nation.



Saturday, July 23

- "Rebuilding Labor at the AFL-CIO Convention in Chicago," a national educational conference on labor and Palestine, sponsored by Labor For Palestine. 10 am - 6 pm, DePaul University. At the same time that the national AFL-CIO supports the US war and occupation of Iraq, it also defends the "strangulation wall" and the institution of an apartheid state against the Palestinian workers and people. This conference will examine the history of the relationship of the AFL-CIO to Israel as well as the extensive investments of AFL-CIO pension funds into Israel Bonds. We will also look at the active efforts of the AFL-CIO leadership and supporters of Israel to silence critics of Israel in the labor movement. This will also include the effort to purge professors and teachers who are supporters of Palestinian rights. The conference will also look at how and why the labor movement around the world has come to the defense of Palestinian workers and unions. We invite labor activists, trade unionists and union locals to endorse and participate in this critical conference. The conference is hosted by Students for Justice in Palestine-DePaul and will include local and international speakers, and will debut two new documentaries on labor and Palestine. Conference details available at
www.laborforpalestine.org/pages/1/index.htm. Labor For Palestine is an independent, global solidarity campaign founded by Al-Awda.org Al-Awda. NY
( the Palestine Right to Return Coalition ) and New York City Labor Against the War]. Info:
www.al-awdany.org/lfp/


Saturday, July 2
3 - Amy Goodman in Chicago (no other details available at this time).

Sunday, July 24

- National working class conference in Chicago to "Stop the Union Busting - Time to Take Back Our Unions - Stop the Onslaught," 9 am - 4 pm at Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson (just west of the "Wilson" stop on the Red Line "el"; about 7 blocks east of the Wilson exit of Lake Shore Drive). The growing crisis in the AFL-CIO leadership is a reflection of their complete failure to defend and organize workers in the United States. The national Labor Action Coalition and other organizations and unionists invite you and your organization to join us at a national labor conference. We're coming together to discuss and plan common actions against the attacks we face - from privatization and cutting benefits to the destruction of our pensions, growing racism on the job and in communities, and the dismantling of our public education and healthcare systems. There is a war at home as well as abroad. This rank and file labor conference will also look at how working people have in the past, and can do so again, go on the offensive in this country. While the the AFL-CIO misleaders shuffle chairs on the sinking Titanic, promoting organizational solutions for their own career and political-alliance interests, they refuse to mobilize their own members, the families and communities, to stop the barrage of attacks coming from Corporate America, Bush and Congress. We need to build support for a national march and rally of millions of workers against this government, both for its war abroad and to defeat the war at home on working, unemployed and homeless people. Working people in this country, along with workers and soldiers overseas, have the power to defeat the union busters and shut the war machine down. We just have to exercise that power, such as ILWU longshore workers do when close the docks in San Francisco. Three workshop/discussion sessions are planned: Sessions include "Current Struggles and Lessons," "Lessons from past workers' struggles," and "AFL-CIO convention on July 25th: What we face, and what can we do?" Speakers include Rafeeq Palel (Teamster*, UPS Chicago), Tim Kaminski (UAW 110*, Chrysler member), Mike Griffin (UBC, War Zone Foundation), Kim Scipes (labor educator on AFL-CIO and international politics), Barb Ingals (CWA ITU Detroit*, invited), Alfredo Pena (AFSME 154* steward), Jeffrey Blankfort (former editor of Middle East Labor Bulletin, invited), Earl Silbar (AFSCME 3506, Chicago Community Colleges*), Steve Zeltzer (IUOE 39* Labor Action Coalition), Sue Smith (injured AFSCME District Council 31* member and employee). Larry Soloman (UAW-CAT 751 Retired Past President), David Johnson (UBC 44*). * = organizations listed for information purposes only. If you want to endorse and participate in this conference please contact us at laboraction (at) yahoo.com. The Labor Action Coalition (LAC)
www.laboraction.org was established to rebuild the trade union movement on the basis of one-member, one-vote democracy, against
labor-management collaboration and privatization, and for the political independence of workers. We need a national network of workers and unions that challenge the bosses, fights business unionism and our so-called representatives in government. Info: www.laboraction.org or laboraction (at) hotmail.com

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

Saturday, July 30

- Chicago's annual tribute to free speech, the Bughouse Square debates, 1 pm - 5 pm in front of the Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton Street.

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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 Western 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, 4-6 pm
- Northside Peace Gathering, Three Cornered Island of Peace at Milwaukee, Logan & Kedzie Avenues. Since Sept. 2, 2003, we have stood on this diverse/busy corner against this wretched war. These mini-demos are Free Forum and open to anyone opposing war, Imperialism and their root cause Capitalism. Bring a friend and a sign. Extra signs are available.


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 CafÈ, 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, 3 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

Chicago Coalition Against War & Racism
CCAWR (at) aol.com

Subscribe/Un-subscribe/Feedback: CCAWR (at) aol.com