New Haven Peoples Center

Happy New Year

2012-01-02T23:37:00.002-05:00

With wishes for a healthy and safe year filled with social progress and success as a new generation steps forward to take leadership in our community.

Video Session with Al Marder

2011-09-21T00:55:00.001-04:00

You are Invited to a special video session with

Al Marder
President PERA / New Haven Peoples Center

as he tells the history of the Peoples Center and its
outstanding contributions to labor and people's
achievements for equality and peace in our city and
state from his own experiences

Sunday, October 2, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.

37 Howe Street, New Haven CT 06511
Refreshments will be served

Reply to: 203-624-8664 e-mail: peoplescenter@pobox.com
website: peoplescenter.blogspot.com

Reed Smith, Leader for Social Justice

2011-07-29T22:13:00.001-04:00

People's World / July 29, 2011

Reed Smith, vibrant community and faith leader for social justice, died last week at home shortly after his 86th birthday. Before moving to New Haven in 1991, Reed and his family lived in Waterbury, Connecticut and briefly in Chicago, Illinois.

Reed was a staunch supporter of the People's World and the working class movement. Born and raised in Connecticut, he worked as an economist in industry for many years, and then at faith-based community agencies in Waterbury and New Haven.

A life long peace and civil rights activist, he helped form the first integrated housing development in Waterbury in the 1950's. He marched with Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. from Selma to Montgomery in 1965. During the Vietnam War he counseled draftees about conscience objection.

Reed helped found a soup kitchen in Waterbury, and continued his crusade against poverty while in New Haven as a candidate for State Representative on the Tax the Rich line. He was a founding member of the Coalition to End Child Poverty in Connecticut, assisting with economic research and advocating for a progressive tax system. As director of Interfaith Cooperative Ministries (ICM), he initiated many programs including an inter-racial dialog and an annual interfaith service on Martin Luther King's birthday.

After helping staff a peace center formed at the time of the 1991 Iraq war, Reed was appointed to the City of New Haven Peace Commission where he served for over a decade. He became a stalwart contributor to the New Haven Peoples Center where he helped organize events for social justice, peace and racial equality, and became a participant with the Alliance for Retired Americans. He was famous for his delicious baked beans and brownies, and for his signature straw hat and knickers.

When she became ill, Reed devoted himself to the well being of wife Marty, whom he married while in the service during WWII. He loved music, sang in choirs and played the piano. He made himself available for countless activities on behalf of workers' rights, human rights, civil rights and peace. He was widely known and loved for his perseverance, optimism, vision and generosity. He will be greatly missed by his large extended family, his comrades in the Alert Seniors Club and everyone whose lives he touched.

A memorial service organized by his family will be held on August 6 at 2 p.m. at St. Paul and St James Church, 67 Olive Street, New Haven.

We are One - Workers Rights are Human Rights

2011-04-11T09:42:00.000-04:00

Building on the grass roots "We are One" organizing of labor and community, public and private sector workers, employed and unemployed in solidarity with each other, this years' People's World May Day celebration will honor the public workers in Connecticut, their unions and the services they provide.

The theme, "Workers Rights are Human Rights" highlights the coming together in our state and nation against attacks on public sector workers and all workers in the name of budget deficits. No layoffs of workers or cuts in services would be needed if the super rich were taxed their fair share. Monies used to fund the wars could close all state budget gaps in the country.

Newsmaker awards will be presented on Sunday, May 1 at 4:00 pm at 37 Howe Street, New Haven.to the coalition of state worker unions, SEBAC, for leadership on behalf of the needs of Connecticut's working people; and to Communications Workers CWA Local 1298 for standing up to AT&T in last year's negotiations, and building worker solidarity.

A solidarity recognition will be presented to 1199 health care workers at Spectrum, now on strike for one year.

A panel discussion will address the attempt to turn back all gains, and project how the labor movement and working people can move forward. Videos of the huge rallies in Egypt and Wisconsin for workers rights and in New Haven on March 30 will be shown.

Puerto Rican singer Fernando Ferrer, rap group The UNION, and poet Sabir Abdussabur will perform. A home made buffet will be served. Suggested donation is $5 or what you can afford.

The event caps off a full day of May 1 activities, including an immigrant rights march and May Day program on the Green in New Haven, and a workers' rights rally by the Building Trades in Hartford.

Contributions will be accepted for the 2011 fund drive of the People's World in Connecticut. To receive headlines by e-mail sign up at peoplesworld.org. For event information call 203-624-8664.

2011-03-01T23:03:00.004-05:00

A New Generation of Dreamers

2011-02-22T11:11:00.000-05:00

People’s World 37th Annual African American History Month Celebration
A New Generation of Dreamers
Freedom Rides Yesterday - Freedom Rides Today

NEW HAVEN Sunday, February 27 at 4:00 PM at 37 Howe St
...
Our 37th Annual African American History Month Celebration takes place 50 years after the Freedom Rides by young people who traveled from the North to desegregate the South. They were beaten and jailed but they did not turn back. Their courage helped win passage of the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts. Today we face new challenges of racism and violence and a new movement for equality and social justice is coming forward. "A New Generation of Dreamers. Freedom Rides Yesterday - Freedom Rides Today" is the theme of this year's celebration hosted by the People's World.

A panel discussion will feature Lula White, a retired New Haven teacher, who participated in the Freedom Rides from Chicago while attending college; New Haven high school student Kendra Streater and Hartford high school student Vyctoria Viera, immigrant rights activist and union leader.Ricardo Heriquez and State Representative Gary Holder-Winfield.

Prizes and recognition certificates will be awarded to participants in the high school arts and writing competition, "How can we build on The Dream for ourselves and the next generation?"

Drumming will be performed by Brian Jarawa Gray.

Children's posters drawn on Martin Luther King's birthday at the Peabody Museum will be on exhibit.

The program will conclude with a light buffet.
Tickets are $5 or what you can afford.

This event marks the opening of the 2011 People's World fund drive in Connecticut. Your contribution toward the $2,000 goal for this event and your free subscription to the daily on-line format at peoplesworld.org will be an excellent way to keep up to date with the latest developments and opinions in the struggle for equality,
worker's rights and democratic rights, peace and social change.

Film Showing - Rockwell Kent, American Artist

2011-01-05T00:39:00.000-05:00

Why was America's leading illustrator and artist erased from public view?
See the documentary by Frederick Lewis
ROCKWELL KENT, American Artist
Followed by
Recollections of the times, by Al Marder

SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2011 -- 2PM-6PM
(Film is 3 hours with intermission, followed by discussion)
NEW HAVEN PEOPLE’S CENTER, 37 HOWE STREET
Light Refreshments
Free

Who was Rockwell Kent?
During the 1930s and ‘40s, Rockwell Kent was one of America’s most famous personalities. The foremost illustrator of his day, Kent was also a prolific oil painter whose work is in the collections of major museums. His haunting landscapes were inspired by his adventurous sojourns to Alaska, Tierra del Fuego, and Greenland. He was also a best-selling author and a social activist. Because of his leadership for peace and civil rights, Kent, like Paul Robeson, was forbidden to travel. Their landmark passport cases against the federal government gave all U.S. citizens the right to travel, but like Robeson, Rockwell Kent was effectively blacklisted and his name largely erased from American culture.

Peoples Center Holiday Party

2010-12-16T23:00:00.001-05:00

New Haven Peoples Center
Holiday Party

& Recognition to Celestino Cordova

Sunday, December 19 from 1 pm to 3 pm

37 Howe Street, New Haven

You are invited to the New Haven Peoples Center holiday party and recognition of Celestino Cordova for a lifetime of public service and leadership to improve the quality of life in the Puerto Rican community and for all people.

To reply, please leave a message at 203-624-8664 if you will attend
and if you can bring a food item to share.

A Gathering of Old Men / Free 2 Spit

2010-11-28T22:59:00.002-05:00

FREE 2 SPIT - A GATHERING OF OLD MEN Featuring: ANALYSIS & PROFESSOR ARTURO
Hosted by Baub Bidon on Friday, December 3rd from 7 to 10 pm at the Peoples
Center, 37 Howe St, New Haven CT. Open mic and double feature!

In the novel "A Gathering of Old Men," by celebrated Louisianan author Ernest J. Gaines, elders from the black community rally together to protect their own in the face of prevalent racism. It is in that spirit of coming together that we call all folk to another powerful poetic installment of Free 2 Spit!

Potluck Supper at the Peoples Center

2010-09-20T20:17:00.000-04:00

Friday, September 24, 2010
5:30 p.m. 37 Howe Street

Please come to a potluck supper initiated by a group
of Yale undergraduate students who would like to
collaborate with the Peoples Center.

Share a meal, get acquainted, exchange ideas and
information.

Bring a main dish, salad, veggies, or dessert if you can
Bread and beverages provided.

RSVP to this e-mail or leave a message at (203) 624-8664

Sign up Now - Oct 2 - One Nation Working Togrther

2010-08-29T20:34:00.002-04:00

Organizing has begun for the historic march on Washington on Oct 2 - One Nation Working Together, which brings together labor, civil rights, faith based, youth, peace and many others who have been part of the grand coalition for progressive change in our country. This initiative comes on the eve of the mid-term elections, at a critical time when the need for job creation is at the top of the agenda. Leave a message at the Peoples Center if you would like to reserve a seat on the buses which will leave late Friday night and return late Saturday night. The call to the rally is below. The One Nation website is: http://www.onenationworkingtogether.org/main.aspx)

"WE BELIEVE everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve the American Dream — a secure job, a safe home, and a quality education.

ONE NATION seeks to transcend our superficial differences and bring
us together in a common quest for equal opportunity and justice for all.

ONE NATION IS ABOUT REORDERING OUR NATION'S PRIORITIES TO INVEST IN OUR MOST VALUABLE RESOURCE — OUR PEOPLE.

We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve the American Dream — a secure job, a safe home, and a quality education — but banksters and corporate lobbyists have made off with trillions of public dollars while small businesses can’t get loans and cities are laying off teachers, police, and firefighters.

In this time of economic crisis, it is easy for fear-mongerers to pit groups against each other and to find convenient scapegoats for the problems that plague us.

ONE NATION seeks to transcend our superficial differences and bring us together in a common quest for equal opportunity and justice for all."

Tax Abatement Committee Hearing

2010-07-27T10:46:00.000-04:00

The turnout for the Peoples Center at the Tax Abatement Committee hearing was awsome, and the testimonies were so moving and inspiring. Pushes us forward to do even better. At the end the committee voted unanimously to recommend to the full Board of Aldermen that our tax bill be forgiven (erased). Will keep you up to date for the next steps of this journey. Thanks and congrats to all.

Celebrate the 75th Birthday of Social Security

2010-07-18T22:30:00.003-04:00

Presentation by CT Alliance for Retired Americans

-- What are the threats to Social Security's future?
-- How can we save, improve and expand Social Security?

Special Guest Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro

Birthday cake and ice cream

Date: Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Time: 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Place: New Haven Peoples Center
37 Howe Street, New Haven, CT
(203) 624-8664
e-mail: peoplescenter@pobox.com

Join the Solidarity Caravan!

2010-07-13T17:19:00.002-04:00

Support District 1199 Nursing Home workers, on strike since April 15.

Now in the fourth month of their strike, almost 400 nursing, dietary and housekeeping workers are standing strong against Spectrum Healthcare, a local company that is trying to bust their union. The workers demand a fair contract (like 40 other homes have agreed to), safe workplaces and quality care for residents. You can help them win their fight. Join the Caravan on July 24 and sign up for other activities!

Saturday, July 24 from 9 am to 1 pm
Leave from the Peoples Center, 37 Howe Street
Go to Ansonia (Hilltop Health Center and
Derby (Birmingham Care Center)

How to help:
Ride with us! Sign up at mailbox@seiu1199.org
Donate material aid: Bring non-perishable food items
Contribute: to 1199 Strike and Defense Fund
77 Huyshope Ave, Hartford 06106

Public Hearing - Save Our Peoples Center - No Taxes

2010-07-13T17:09:00.001-04:00

The Tax Assessor of the City of New Haven has changed previous policy and is charging property taxes to the Peoples Center. The Peoples Center is an all-volunteer, non-profit building whose mission is to provide social, cultural and educational opportunities to the community. It is owned by Progressive Education and Research Associates, Inc. The Assessor says taxes are being charged because other groups are located in the building. Housing grassroots and community groups is what the Peoples Center is for. This ruling jeopardizes the Peoples Center's future. The Peoples Center is a unique place that makes a big contribution to our city. Everyone should be concerned.

Come and show support at the Board of Aldermen hearing
Monday, July 26 at City Hall
Come early at 6:00 pm and bring friends
"No taxes on the Peoples Center"

Have you enjoyed activities at the Peoples Center?
-- Research Library
-- First Friday Cafe / Free 2 Spit poetry
-- Immigrant workers' center
-- Crisis Information / Action Center
-- Union solidarity
-- Meetings of peace, youth, tenants and many others
-- Family and social gatherings
-- Film showings and concerts
-- Celebrations of African American History Month
-- Census information
-- Student activities
-- Art and historical exhibits

37 Howe Street, New Haven, CT 06511 (203) 624-8664
website: peoplescenter.blogspot.com/ email: peoplescenter@pobox.com

A site on the CT African American Freedom Trail

Machinists vow fight for jobs for all workers » peoplesworld

2010-07-12T14:28:00.000-04:00

Machinists vow fight for jobs for all workers » peoplesworld

Ruth Emerson, Civil Rights Leader

2010-07-09T11:18:00.000-04:00

Judges and lawyers, professors and educators, family and friends all spoke fondly of Ruth Calvin Emerson at the celebration of her life held at the New Haven Peoples Center on June 26. Ruth's enthusiastic and principled ways came through in many stories and remembrances from her youth to her last days at Hamden Health Care and Hospice where she passed away on April 25, 2010.

Together with husband Thomas Emerson, a Yale Law School professor and Constitutional scholar, Ruth devoted her life to the defense of civil liberties and support of the movement for civil rights and workers' rights. She served on the board of the National Committee Against Repressive Legislation (now Defending Dissent) and many civil rights organizations.

Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut on March 8, 1921 Ruth was one of five Girl Scouts to represent the United States in an international meeting in Switzerland in 1938. She graduated from Oberlin College, and served in the Women's Army Corps, Signal Corps from 1944-1946, stationed in Fort Myer, Virginia and Fort Dix, New Jersey. She then attended Yale Law School, one of only six women in her class of 160 to graduate in 1950.

Ruth began work as an attorney at the National Labor Relations Board in 1950. During the McCarthy period purges of progressives, she resisted pressure to resign pending completion of a Loyalty Board investigation. The Loyalty Board exonerated her in 1953 and Ruth resigned shortly thereafter.

Ruth returned to Connecticut where she practiced law briefly and then became a teacher. She was an early practitioner of Words in Color, an innovative method of teaching reading developed by Dr. Caleb Gattegno. She taught in New York City, at the High School in the Community in New Haven and as a tutor. Ruth believed in subordinating teaching to learning and the active involvement and awareness of the student. She was a strong advocate for children and for working families.

Al Marder, president of the Peoples Center, recalled Ruth's famous whistle on many picket lines and emphasized the significance of Ruth's memorial being held at the center. Acknowledging those present from the Law School, he said, "Yale would surely have opened its doors, but it is most appropriate that Ruth, who was committed to the working class, should be celebrated here in a working class center."

Ruth was married to Thomas Emerson for 31 years until his death in 1991. He was a preeminent First Amendment scholar who combined scholarship with Supreme Court litigation in defense of civil rights, and participated in the defense of Communists during the 1950's. Marder spoke of Tom Emerson's involvement in the first court ruling declaring the Smith Act unconstitutional. "With his involvement, we in Connecticut were the first in the country to be exonerated," he said to applause, recalling the arrests of hundreds of working class and civil rights activists for their leadership in the Communist Party in the 1950s.

Speaking in appreciation of Ruth, a professor emeritus said that he made sure that Tom Emerson's portrait was hung in the most important classroom at the Yale Law School to give a message to the students.

Ruth was well known for her brief and powerful letters to the editor of the New Haven Register and was an ardent supporter of the People's World. In 2006 she co-founded, with Sherman Malone and others, the Connecticut non-profit, Haiti Marycare to support two pre-schools and a rural health care clinic in Haiti.

-- Joelle Fishman

Celebration of the Life of Ruth Emerson

2010-06-20T21:18:00.001-04:00

Family and friends invite you to the Memorial Service for Ruth Calvin Emerson to be held on Saturday June 26, 2010 at 2:00 pm at the New Haven People's Center, 37 Howe Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06511 (Phone 203-624-8664) Ruth passed away on April 25, 2010. Her staunch and enthusiastic commitment to a more just and peaceful world is a wonderful example for all time.

CT Retirees Keep Eye on Spending Panel

2010-05-04T23:54:00.001-04:00

Don’t Cut Social Security to Lower Deficit, Retiree Leaders Say.

Cal Bunnell, President of the Connecticut Alliance for Retired Americans, is encouraging Connecticut retirees to pay close attention to a new federal commission meeting for the first time today in Washington.

The panel, the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, is a bi-partisan group charged with recommending ways to lower the federal debt, a goal Bunnell and the CT Alliance fully support. But Bunnell says he is deeply concerned that some are urging the panel to recommend changes in Social Security as a major way to reduce the federal deficit.

“If the commission takes a thorough and honest look at Social Security, it will see one of our nation’s greatest success stories. Social Security has helped generations of retirees stay out of poverty. Connecticut retirees want to make sure that Social Security remains strong for our children and grandchildren,” Bunnell said. He also noted that for over 25 percent of retirees, Social Security is their only source of income. With an average monthly benefit of only $1,164, he said that Social Security is, “a tenuous lifeline for many seniors.”

Bette Marafino, Vice President of the CT Alliance, said that Social Security did not cause our large deficits. She said that since 1983, American workers have paid enough Social Security payroll taxes to accumulate a $2.5 trillion surplus in the Social Security Trust Fund. But that between 2001 and 2006, Washington gave away $2.48 trillion in tax cuts.

To help retirees better follow the panel’s work, the Alliance for Retired Americans has written the Commission to urge that its work be conducted in open, televised sessions and that it hold field hearings across the country to allow public testimony.

###

May Day March for Immigrant Rights and Jobs for All

2010-04-27T03:38:00.001-04:00

March with the Peoples Center banner on May Day for immigration reform and jobs for all. Gather at Grand Ave and Front St at 10 am. March to Federal Building for a rally. Stop the raids! Stop the profiling. Reform for legalization and equal rights. Call 203-624-8664 for more information or to sign up.

CT Allaince for Retired Americans Meets Mar 26

2010-03-11T12:05:00.004-05:00

The Peoples Center is a chapter of Alliance for Retired Americans.

Below is a notice of a special meeting of the CT ARA on Mar 26 from 10 am to 3 pm at the AFT offices in Rocky Hill. We will carpool. If you would like to attend, please leave a message at 203-624-8664.

See meeting notice below.

The CT Alliance for Retired Americans is 53,000 members strong. When this large number is mentioned at legislative hearings, public meetings and media contacts, it never fails to impress. However, this number alone is not enough to show the impact of our voice as we articulate those issues that are important to us as retired persons and to our families, including our children and grandchildren.

The key to our strength is to “organize.” Our purpose in organizing is three fold:

1.) We must organize to defend and improve the quality of our lives for ourselves and our children.

a. Right now, health care, Medicare programs and Social Security are under attack and we must be knowledgeable of and ready to speak to those issues.

2.) We must organize to recruit and develop volunteers, leaders, and activists in our local communities, and on the state level.

a. We want our members to clearly understand the issues for which we advocate and become involved in our advocacy.

3.) We must organize so that our CT Alliance is always bringing in new members.

a. The cliché “there is strength in numbers” is very true. We need to be able to communicate this to our members, so they will be encouraged to get involved and get active.

Organizing around the issues is our first goal. To that end, we are having an information and training session so that members can learn of the legislative issues that are our priorities, understand the implications if we don’t win on these issues, and plan strategies for achieving our goals.

We have planned an important meeting;

When: 10 A.M. Friday, March 26, 2010
Where: AFT CT offices at 35 Marshall Road, Rocky Hill, CT

Bob Kearney, ARA National Field Mobilization, will inform us on the national issues that effect seniors, and experts involved in the Connecticut struggle for services including falls prevention, Alzheimer Respite Care, Senior Dental services,
and Long Term Care will inform us on those issues.

The general membership meeting begins at 10 a.m. The information and training session will begin at 11 a.m. and end by 3 p.m. Lunch will be provided.

March for America - Sun Mar 21 Bus to D.C.

2010-03-04T23:06:00.004-05:00

Immigration Reform for New American Families
Economic Justice for All American Families

DEAR PEOPLES CENTER FRIENDS,

This is to invite you to participate in a bus trip and rally in Washington DC at no cost. You can be a part of the large "March FOR America" calling for immigration reform and economic justice for all families.

I attended a meeting yesterday at City Hall called by Mayor DeStefano. He is leading the New Haven mobilization to Washington DC on Sunday, March 21. Many church groups, community, youth and labor groups are involved as is Unidad Latina en Accion. The Peoples Center has been allocated one bus, and ULA has been allocated two buses.

Will you be one of the 50 people to travel with the Peoples Center? The bus will leave from Gateway Community College at Long Wharf at 6 am on Sunday, March 21 and will return to New Haven by 11 p.m. on the same day.

The election of President Barack Obama and the shift in Congress has unlocked many doors. It is up to the grass roots to push those doors open and walk through. Let's go together to the nation's capitol on Sunday March 21 and send a unity message that can get the ball rolling.

Please reply by Monday, March 8 (International Women's to reserve a seat on the Peoples Center bus. Call 203-624-8664.

Information from the March organizers is below.

In Solidarity,
Joelle

MARCH FOR AMERICA
Immigration Reform for New American Families
Economic Justice for All American Families

March 21, 2010
Interfaith Service at 1 p.m., March at 2 p.m.
National Mall
Washington, DC

Join thousands from across the country for the March for America in DC on March 21st to demand that President Obama and Congress keep their promise to enact comprehensive immigration reform for new American families and insist that
they act boldly to make the economy work for all American families.

We will give the President and Congress no choice but to act. For information on how you can participate, visit www.WeMarchForAmerica.org

Join our cell phone action network by texting “JUSTICE” to 69866 to receive the latest updates on the March for America and the fight for immigration reform.

March for America is organized by hundreds of grassroots organizations nationwide.

www.WeMarchForAmerica.org

Here are just a few of the national organizations sponsoring the March For America:

AFL-CIO
America’s Voice
Asian American Justice Center
Casa de Maryland
Center for American Progress
Campaign for Community Change
Coalition for Humane Immigration Reform of LA
Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.
Ecumenical Advocacy Days
Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
Interfaith Immigration Coalition
Fair Immigration Reform Movement
Jobs for America Now
Mexican Americans for Immigration Reform
National Council of La Raza
National Immigration Forum
National Korean American Service and Education Consortium
SEIU
UFCW
United Farm Workers
UNITE HERE
US Conference of Catholic Bishops

Intro to Marxism in Today's Economy

2010-02-23T17:15:00.003-05:00

You are Invited.....

Want a better understanding of the economic crisis and the way out? How does capitalism work? What is socialism all about?

Introduction to Marxism in Today's Economy

Discussion leader: Art Perlo

Four or five sessions each held in two sections (one on Sat and one on Thurs) every other week beginning:

Sat Mar 6
9 am to 11 am

Thurs Mar 11
7 pm to 9 pm

to be held at:
New Haven Peoples Center
37 Howe Street
New Haven, CT 06511

Please sign up by Thurs Mar 4.
Call 203-624-8664 and indicate which section you will participate in (Sat or Thurs).

Working together for Justice Competition Deadline Feb 12, 2010

2010-01-25T23:38:00.002-05:00

"Working Together for Justice" African American History Month Arts and Writing Competition for High School students deadline Feb 12. Artwork, poetry, essay or song. Requirements: Artwork paper not larger than 12"x18". Essay, poem or song not longer than 2 pages. Entries must be received by Feb 12, 2010. Include name, e-mail address, phone, school, age. Mail to: New Haven Peoples Center, 37 Howe St, New Haven, CT 06511. (203) 624-8664. Cash prizes and gifts awarded Sunday, Feb 28 at 4 pm at 36th annual African American History Month Celebration sponsored by People's World.

Haitian Poet D. Colin at Free2Spit Fri, Feb 5

2010-01-24T11:33:00.000-05:00

First Friday Cafe / Free 2 Spit
It means Freedom of Expression
Host: Baub Bidon

at the New Haven Peoples Center
37 Howe Street, New Haven
Friday, February 5th at 7 pm
Feature: D. Colin
$5 - no one turned away
Information: 203-624-8664

Baub says, "This is a show that
you don't want to miss!
D. Colin is a Haitian/Ayitian
Writer, Poet Praise Dancer/
Humanitarian who recites the
truths and rawness of life. Go
tell it to all your friends
and come through. Poetry is
relative to today's struggle."

Emergency Rally to Save health Care Reform

2010-01-24T11:24:00.000-05:00

Emergency Rally to Save Health Care Reform
Health Care for America Now (HCAN) Connecticut and MoveOn
are sponsoring anemergency rally to save health care reform.

There is no piecemeal approach to reform -- we cannot
eliminate denial of care because of pre-existing conditions
unless we mandate coverage for everybody. We can't impose
mandates unless we subsidize coverage. We cannot subsidize
coverage without taxing those who can afford to pay.
Mandating coverage and taxing low and middle income
families is a cruel joke on us and health insurance companies'
dream. Insurance companies will win and we will lose.

Our Connecticut delegation (except for Lieberman) has done
great work so far on health care reform. We cannot allow
President Obama, Majority Leader Reid & Speaker Pelosi to
cave in because it's hard. John Larson has risen to Rahm
Emanuel's leadership position within the Democratic caucus.
We need to send a message to Obama, Reid & Pelosi
to stand up for us and stand up to the health industry!

The event details are:

Emergency Rally to Save Health Care Reform
Congressman John Larson's district office
221 Main Street
Hartford, CT 06106
Tuesday, 26 Jan 2010, 5:00 PM

Better Choices for CT - What Rell's Veto Means

2009-12-29T09:22:00.002-05:00

Governor M. Jodi Rell Monday announced she has vetoed House Bill 7101, An Act Concerning the Estate and Gift Tax, and Senate Bill 2101, An Act Concerning a Deficit Mitigation Plan for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2010, calling both bills "...further examples of the Democrat-controlled Legislature’s refusal to confront the reality of the state’s financial crisis by cutting spending. Because the majority party in the Legislature is unable to make the needed cuts, Governor Rell said she is submitting legislation expanding the authority of Governors to make rescissions."

The Governor has also submitted proposed legislation to increase her rescission authority essentially signifying that if the Democrats will not resolve the deficit through cuts to bring the budget into balance, then she is willing to do so if given the authority. Under existing law, a Governor can make rescissions when a budget deficit exists that is greater than 1 percent of the General Fund. Current rescission authority is limited to up to 3 percent of the total appropriation from any fund or 5 percent of any appropriation.

Governor Rell is proposing that a Governor’s rescission authority be increased incrementally:

* Up to 6 percent of the total appropriation from any fund or 10 percent of any appropriation when a deficit of 3 percent or more exists
* Up to 10 percent of the total appropriation from any fund or 15 percent of any appropriation when a deficit of 5 percent or more exists

Unless the Democrats are able to successfully override the Governor's veto, all cuts in the Deficit Mitigation Plan previously submitted by the Governor, are back on the table.

Health Care for America Now: Finish Reform Right

2009-12-24T09:34:00.003-05:00

Dec 23, 2009

This is it.

One month ago, the House of Representatives passed an historic health care bill - one that would make great strides towards the guarantee of quality, affordable health care for everyone in America. It would tightly regulate insurance companies and give us the choice of a public health insurance option.1

The Senate has taken the first step towards passing its health care bill. While the Senate bill includes significant reforms, it looks small in comparison with the House.2 As Richard Kirsch, our National Campaign Director, said, progressives are "very, very angry and disappointed" with the Senate bill.3

The Senate bill cannot be the final bill sent to President Obama's desk for his signature. We have one last chance to fix it.

The Senate bill will shortly head into "conference" with the House bill, where Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Harry Reid and President Obama will come up with a final bill by merging the two. Conference is an opportunity to fix what's wrong with the Senate bill and stand up for what's right in the House bill. It is our last chance - we must stand up for what we believe in and demand that our leaders finish health reform right.

Click here to send a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Reid and President Obama, demanding they finish reform right.

The final bill coming out of conference must be passed by the Senate and House, but no changes are allowed, so conference is the last chance we have to make things better.

This last chance demands unprecedented effort, so we're pulling out all the stops. Today is just the start of an aggressive campaign to put a good bill on the President's desk.

We're asking organizations involved in health care reform, political and policy experts, and grassroots supporters to sign onto the same letter to Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Reid and President Obama. We must all speak with one voice and demand quality, affordable health care for all if we're going to win.

It's time to stand up - it's our last chance. Click here to read and sign the letter.

What are we asking for in conference? Two things:

Make good health care affordable:
Low and middle income families must be able to afford health insurance if they do not get it through work, and employers must be asked to provide good health coverage for their employees so health care is affordable at work. Health reform should not be paid for by taxing our health care benefits.

Hold insurance companies accountable:
If the insurance companies win, we lose. Insurance companies must be held accountable with strong regulations and consumer protections, and we must be given the choice of a national public health insurance option available on day one.

Raise your voice right now: Click here to sign and send this letter to Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Reid and President Obama.

We're nearing the end of this fight. Your efforts, in coordination with thousands around the country, will make this bill the historic health care reform we believe in.

We must finish reform right.

Happy holidays,

Levana Layendecker
Health Care for America Now

Send a letter

1. BREAKING: House passes health reform bill! - HCAN NOW! blog
2. The House Bill and the Senate Bill - HCAN NOW! blog
3. Labor Leaders Mull Strategies on Health Bill - New York Times

White House National Conference Call on Health Care

2009-11-04T13:17:00.002-05:00

From the Alliance for Retired Americans comes an invitation to

join a national conference call Thursday, November 5 at 5:30 pm.

Listen in at the Peoples Center, 37 Howe Street. Refreshments at 5 pm.

Health and Human Serivces Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and senior White House staffer Tina Tchen will be on the phone to brief you as we prepare for a final vote in the House. Representatives from the White House Office on Health Reform and the White House Office of Public Engagement will also be on hand for the discussion.

Celebrating National Hip Hop Month

2009-10-30T13:34:00.000-04:00

YO! This is also our anniversary. Thank you all!!!

Anyways, we will be holding FREE 2 SPIT, Sponsored by In The Cut Magazine; on the first Saturday for the month of November. Come help us celebrate National Hip Hop Month. We have MCs who really know Hip Hop and how to spit it well.... they will be in the house. The names will come as we confirm. We will have a dope DJ in the house. Breakers and Poppers are welcome to come through. For those that know... how many elements are there in Hip Hop, and can yah guess what the plus 1 is... yesssir; eye will definitely be doing a set.

If yah got some real hip hop pics, videos, feel free to post them... anything lil besides mamma will mysteriously get deleted. Anything that exploits women, will be purposely deleted... if yah know Hip Hop, yah hear me.

-- Baub Bidon

Call Congress for Health Care

2009-10-15T00:32:00.006-04:00

The Crisis Information Action Center at the New Haven Peoples Center is hosting a phone call event on Sat Oct 17 from 10 am to noon.

Bring cell phones and call neighbors and friends asking them to call Congress in favor of strong health care reform.

The House and Senate are now blending their committee bills. The insurance companies do not want a public option and are spending millions of dollars on tv ads and robo calls with lies that Medicare coverage will be cut and that rates will go up. Help set the record straight. Talk with your neighbors and friends to call Congress for a strong health care reform now.

This event is in coordination with a phone call campaign by Organizing for America

Saturday, Oct 17
10 am to noon
37 Howe Street, New Haven
Refreshments will be served

RSVP to 203- 624-8664

Identity of the Americas

2009-10-14T13:14:00.000-04:00

"Do You Know the Difference Between Conquering and Defending?"

A Second Festival for the Identity of the Americas

Friday October 16 at 6 pm
New Haven Peoples Center
37 Howe Street, New Haven
Free admission

Book discussion with author Robert Whitaker, "The Mapmakers Wife"
Documentary "History of American Violence"
Round Table discussion with special guests
Live Music
Latino DJs and party

URGENT! CALL CONGRESS

2009-10-07T08:36:00.001-04:00

October 7th is National Call-in Day for Health Care Reform

Call toll-free at
1-877-323-5246
Join Alliance for Retired Americans members across the country and call your member of Congress now on health care reform!

During the coming weeks, the full United States Senate and House of Representatives will debate and vote on health care reform. We must tell them we are counting on them to make Medicare, prescription drugs, and health reform work for us.

Congress needs to hear from us in loud, strong voices. We’ve seen how the big drug and insurance companies are already trying to stop health care reform.

Call today and ask your members of Congress to enact health reform that:

· Has a public plan option. It will make coverage more affordable, make private plans more competitive and drive quality improvements in the health care system.
· Does not tax health benefits. Taxing benefits could actually cause a reduction in coverage, and it would penalize retirees, active workers and employers who have coverage.
· Allows 55-64 year old retirees to buy into Medicare at affordable premiums. Five million Americans need this coverage now.
· Closes the Medicare doughnut hole. Seniors need drug coverage all year long.
· Includes the CLASS Act (S. 697 and H.R. 1721). It is an important first step in addressing long term care needs.
· Eliminates Medicare Advantage overpayments.

For more information on participation, please call: 1-888-373-6497, option #1, or email ARAorganizing@retiredamericans.org.

Enough is Enough!

2009-10-06T00:51:00.002-04:00

It’s a crime that insurance companies rack up profits by denying patients treatment even when doctors
recommend it, by discriminating against people with pre-existing conditions, and by keeping premiums and
out of pocket costs high so that care is unaffordable even for those who have insurance.
Enough is enough!
Join Health Care for America Now at these October events:

Declare UnitedHealthcare a crime scene
Thursday, Oct 8 at 4:30 pm
UnitedHealthcare
450 Columbus Boulevard
Hartford CT 06103

Join us to thank Anthem CEO Larry Glasscock
Friday, Oct 16 – National Boss Day
time and location to be determined
Expose the truth about CIGNA

Thursday, Oct 22
time and location to be determined
for more info contact: 860-995-3389 or info@ccag.net

Trick or Treat at health insurance executives’ homes
Thursday, Oct 29 – Halloween event
time and locations to be determined

Health Care Townhall

2009-09-20T03:38:00.003-04:00

On September 2, a carpool from the New Haven Peoples Center joined over 600 health care supporters at a town hall meeting in West Hartford, CT conducted by Rep. John Larson. Larson is Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and a supporter of health care.

Health care supporters far outnumbered about 150 opponents, who carried signs attacking Obama, expressed opposition to “government run” programs while ironically demanding “hands off Medicare,” the most popular government run program, and in some cases shouted racist insults at health care supporters.

While Larson answered questions from the 500-capacity audience inside the Town Hall, the overflow crowd gathered on the front steps.

Facts and myths about health care reform and how it will affect you can be found at:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/

2009-09-20T01:10:00.002-04:00

Crisis Information / Action Center
at the New Haven Peoples Center

37 Howe Street, New Haven CT 06511
(203) 624-8664 e-mail: peoplescenter@pobox.com
website: peoplescenter.blogspot.com/

The Crisis Information / Action Center is officially open to assist with your problems and urgent needs. With the country in such difficult situations the Crisis Information / Action Center has decided to reach out to different neighborhoods to offer assistance and bring people together for change.

Call for an appointment 203-624-8664
Call if you would like to get involved

The Crisis Information / Action Center is a place for workers facing unemployment, foreclosure, eviction, utility shut-off, lack of health care and other urgent needs

*Help finding resources
*Educational forums
*Legislative issues

(Copies of this flier are available for your organization or neighborhood)

Labor Songs for Today

2009-09-20T00:02:00.001-04:00

“New Hard Times”
By Bill Collins and The Rabble Rousers
2008
http://www.billcollinsguitar.com/rabblerousers-newhardtimes.html

Labor music inevitably reflects broader social trends. The ongoing interplay with church hymns and military marching songs are clear. But labor’s musical traditions grow and change as they interact with other genres as well.

Bill Collins, a veteran rocker with international roots, demonstrates these shifts in “New Hard Times.” Bill turned to labor issues in 2005 and began recording this CD two years ago. (He acknowledges the influence of his union organizer wife!) As lead singer and guitarist for The Rabble Rousers, Collins rocks labor music into a whole new format.

The 17 tunes on the CD fall into two categories. Fourteen, mostly written by Bill and including two versions of “Dirty Tricks,” are new. They address contemporary issues and situations.

For example: The title song, along with “Card Count,” are literally from today’s headlines. “Too Poor to Retire” speaks to an eternal problem of low-income workers – in the first decade of a new century. And music such as “Union Town” and “Out on Strike” -- well, the words say it all.

The remaining three cuts are totally unique; they are classics updated with a rock beat. For example, in “Union Maid” the group goes back to the original 1940 Woody Guthrie wording – which identifies the American Legion as a threat to labor!

Finally, some of the new tunes represent updates of past issues. “God Told Me To” is Collins’ contemporary commentary on religious exploitation of the working class, first explored a century ago by Joe Hill in “Preacher and the Slave.”

Alliance for Retired Americans - Get Involved

2009-07-17T12:24:00.002-04:00

YOU ARE INVITED.....

The Alliance for Retired Americans (ARA), which is part of the AFL-CIO labor federation, is organizing in Connecticut. The New Haven Peoples Center is now a chapter of ARA.

The Alliance for Retired Americans is very active to protect and expand Social Security and Medicare, achieve health care for all, and many other issues that affect retired workers such as veterans rights, voting rights and the right to organize a union.

The Connecticut ARA is holding a meeting of its outreach committee:

DATE: Monday, July 27

TIME: 1:00 pm

PLACE: New Haven Peoples Center
37 Howe St, New Haven CT 06511
(203) 624-8664

It would be great to have retired New Haven workers from different unions like IAM 609, Locals 34 and 35 at Yale, AFSCME at SCSU, Teacher Retirees, etc. Seniors who are not union members are equally welcome.

Please come, find out more, and give your ideas on building a strong and united movement that can strengthen labor's role, involve seniors, and help bring change.

Retired Teacher and Activist George Fishman Dies at 92

2009-07-09T00:22:00.001-04:00

New Haven Independent

by Staff | July 7, 2009 11:02 AM | Permalink |

20040829GeoEdie.jpg
20040829GeoEdie.jpg
George M. Fishman passed away peacefully at his Wooster Street home on Tuesday, June 30, 2009. During the 13 years that he and wife Edie lived in New Haven, he became well known for his scholarship and his activism on behalf of democratic rights, human rights and peace.

Fishman, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on January 6, 1917 to immigrant parents, was a high school social science and history teacher. He held a PhD in history from Temple University.

Since 1938 he was actively involved in African American and labor studies, as researcher, writer and teacher. A member of many professional organizations, his articles were published in academic and popular journals. A selection of his work, “For a Better World. A Miscellany: Writings 1952-2002 on the African American People’s Freedom/Equality Struggles in New Jersey History” was completed in 2002. He was a member of AFT Retirees Chapter 933R in New Haven.

From 1938 to 1941 Fishman was a staff member of a Works Projects Administration (WPA) teaching unit. It pioneered in staff development in African American life, history and culture and in conducting classes in labor unions and community organizations.

During the fight against fascism in World War II he was a radio man aboard a Landing Ship Medium (#361) in the Pacific. His service included teaching English. He was awarded four medals: American Theater, Asian-Pacific, Philippine Liberation and Victory.

Following the war, he taught social studies, history and mathematics mainly in the public secondary schools of Philadelphia but also in New Jersey until his retirement in August, 1984.

In 1952 during the McCarthy period he was forced to leave his teaching position as part of the general purge of progressives including Communists, labor activists and civil rights advocates from public life.
He went to work at Campbell’s Soup in Camden, New Jersey where he lived with his family. He was a union shop steward and leader of Local 80A United Packinghouse Workers of America, CIO for eight years.

He returned to teach in Philadelphia in 1968 until retirement when the school system repudiated past discriminatory practices and all teachers were invited back.

In 1985, while living in Highland Park, New Jersey, he was a candidate for Governor of New Jersey on the Communist Party ticket. His campaign highlighted the needs of public education, especially of multiracial urban schools.

In 1994 George and Edie Fishman received the Ida B. Wells Community Service Award from the NAACP.

Fishman, who said he lived “a life with a purpose,” participated in community, civil rights, labor and world affairs throughout his life. He took part in the great struggles for unemployment compensation and social security in the 1930’s, the civil rights movement in the 1960’s and the broad social movements for progressive change of today.

He was well-respected and loved for his forward thinking vision, dedication to building unity, commitment and courage, and his active concern for the needs and well-being of family, friends and the broader community.

George Fishman is survived by wife Edie, daughter Joelle and son-in-law Arthur Perlo in New Haven and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial celebration will be held on Sunday, September 6. Messages and memorial contributions can be sent to: New Haven Peoples Center, 37 Howe Street, New Haven CT 06511 or via e-mail to peoplescenter@pobox.com.

Overcoming Foreclosures

2009-06-20T22:59:00.003-04:00

On June 13, the Crisis Information / Action Center at the Peoples Center sponsored a workshop on Overcoming Foreclosures. Dorothy Johnson, Organizer of the Crisis Center, introduced the workshop presenters: Eva Heintzelman of the ROOF Project, a collaboration between the City of New Haven, Yale Law Clinic and community organizations in response to the growing foreclosure crisis in New Haven; Michael Haynes from Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven; and Ann Parent from Connecticut Fair Housing Center.

The workshop discussed the multitude of options and programs available to homeowners facing difficulty with their mortgage payments. The bottom line is that dealing with threatened foreclosures is a difficult and complicated process, the majority of homeowners can save their houses if they seek help and take action. We also learned that various initiatives from the Obama administration, combined with recent improvements in CT state law, provide tools that are really useful in preventing foreclosures.

People attending the workshop heard about it through a notice in the New Haven Register, through the labor movement, and through direct neighborhood outreach by the Peoples Center. Participants included homeowners and tenants with concerns about their situations, as well as Peoples Center volunteers. In addition to the information in the formal presentations, participants were able to speak with the counselors and lawyer individually.

If you anticipate problems with your mortgage, or if you are a tenant facing eviction because your landlord has been foreclosed, the sooner you take action the better the chances of success. Call Dorothy Johnson at the crisis center (624-8664) or call Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven (777-6925).

Connecticut Center for a New Economy

2009-06-16T11:07:00.001-04:00

"A Grassroots Community Agenda"
JOIN THE NEW SOCIAL CONTRACT MOVEMENT!

We, the people of New Haven, will change the course of our neighborhoods!

Wednesday June 17th

Time: 5:30 pm

First and Summerfield United Methodist Church

425 College St. New Haven, CT 06511. (Downtown)

Parking in Temple St. Lot, between Wall St. & Elm St.

(Directly across from Center Church Parish House).

We've started down the road towards a future of prosperity for all!!!

We will speak truth to power

For more info please contact Ricardo Henriquez at 203 785 9494 ext . 264

www.ctneweconomy.org

Workshop on Foreclosures and Evictions

2009-05-15T16:57:00.000-04:00

Community Workshop
Presentation by the ROOF Project
"Overcoming Foreclosures"
Saturday, June 13th 2009
10 am to noon
37 Howe Street, New Haven

Information for Tenants and homeowners
-- How can I prevent my home from being foreclosed
-- What are my rights as a tenant

ROOF is a collaboration between the City of New Haven,
Yale Law Clinic and community organizations in response
to the growing foreclosure crisis in New Haven

Presented by the Crisis Information / Action Center
at the New Haven Peoples Center in collaboration with
the New Haven Labor Council

To register call: 203-624-8664

Celebrate El Salvador Friday

2009-05-14T20:44:00.000-04:00

On March 15, 2009, FMLN candidate Mauricio Funes won the elections in El Salvador. Seventeen years after the end of the civil war, this victory brings new hope for the people of El Salvador. ARENA the right wing party of El Salvador responsible for the killing of thousands of people including the murder of Bishop Romero is no longer in power and we need to celebrate.

This Friday May 15 we are getting together at the People's Center, 37 Howe st, New Haven,at 8 pm.

Blair Bertaccini and Daniel Navas will do a short presentation about their experience as a observers of this historical elections.

Food and drinks will be available. Mojitos will be serve for a small donations to support the work of Unidad Latina en Accion.

For more information, please call 203-606-3484 or write: ulaccion@yahoo.com

Event sponsored by Unidad Latina and the People's Center.

2009-05-09T09:42:00.000-04:00

POOR PEOPLE'S RALLY

Wed. May 13 '09

Place: L.O.B. at the Capitol

(Capitol Ave/Broad Street, Hartford)

11:00 a.m.

END CHILD POVERTY.

TAX the RICH!!

For a ride from New Haven call: 203-624-8664

_________________________________________________________________

Wednesday, May 13^th – SustiNet Day at the Capitol

The healthcare4every1 Campaign is having a day of action at the Capitol to support health care this session! From 2:00 – 6:30pm
New Haven bus leaves 3 PM from the Labor Council, 267 Chapel St
__________________________________________________

Add your name to the statement to the Legislature:

NO CUTS - NO LAYOFFS - TAX THE RICH

WE PLEDGE to stand together and reach out with our unions and community organizations to co-workers, friends, family and neighbors.
WE CALL UPON THE CT STATE LEGISLATURE: The top priority in this economic crisis is to meet the needs of the people! Layoffs of public workers and cuts in basic services will make the crisis even worse, and are unacceptable. Stand firm for a truly progressive tax system. Act to eliminate the state spending cap so the people of Connecticut can receive maximum federal funding.
WE COMMIT to keep the grass roots momentum going to close the income gap and secure good jobs with union rights; health care; affordable housing; equal, quality public education, and a clean, safe and peaceful environment for everyone living in our state.
AFSCME CT Council 4
AFT CT
CT AFL-CIO, John W. Olsen President
New Growth Praise Center, Pastor Betty Marks
Vecinos Unidos
New Haven Peoples Center
and 118 individual signers
TO ADD YOUR NAME: e-mail to: peoplescenter@pobox.com

March with the Peoples Center on May Day

2009-04-27T23:36:00.000-04:00

On Friday, May 1st on the New Haven Green at the completion of a day
of information tabling and cultural activities, a state-wide unity march for
immigrant rights and the rights of all workers will be held.

This is an invitation to march with the New Haven Peoples Center banner,
a 10-foot long yellow banner headlined "labor and community united in struggle"

All organizations and individuals that hold or attend meetings, events and
cultural activities at the New Haven Peoples Center are invited to bring your
own flags and banners as well.

Please e-mail peoplescenter@pobox.com if you would like to march with the New Haven
Peoples Center on Friday May 1st at 7 pm on the New Haven Green or
call 203-624-8664

....and after the march is over, come by the Peoples Center First Friday Cafe
Free 2 Spit poetry venue hosted by Baub Bidon and J-Sun at 37 Howe Street.

2009-04-25T22:03:00.000-04:00

Better Choices for Connecticut Lobby Day – You Can Still Take Action!

The Better Choices for Connecticut Lobby Day was a great event! House Majority Leader Denise Merrill spoke about the importance that revenues play in preserving critical services, such as social services, health care, education, transportation, and public safety in the final budget solution. Today’s participants wore Better Choices for Connecticut stickers and met with their legislators or, if they were not available, wrote messages and left them with the legislators’ aide.

If you did not attend the Better Choices for Connecticut Lobby Day, you can still take action! Contact your legislators now and let them know how important it is for them to stand firm on revenues and a good budget! They need to hear from you!

Call your legislators and ask them to support revenues so that Connecticut can preserve critical services to our residents

Email or call the Governor!

To locate your House member, go to: http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/hlist.asp

To locate your Senate member, go to: http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/slist.asp

To contact the Governor: (860) 566-4840 or (800) 406-1527, or Governor.Rell@ct.gov

If you have questions, please call Better Choices for Connecticut co-chairs Maggie Adair, (860) 878-8936 and Bill Myerson, (860) 251-6052.

Immigration Forum Fosters Workers' Unity

2009-03-30T15:30:00.001-04:00

As white supremacist anti-immigrant hate groups increase their targeting of New Haven and adjacent East Haven, a dialogue was held this week addressing the need for unity of workers of all racial and national backgrounds.

The historical background presented by Dr. Kenneth Brown, diversity training consultant from Maryland, led to a lively and productive exchange with the audience.

The meeting, organized by the Center for New Community, was held in the historic African American Dixwell neighborhood at Beulah Heights First Pentecostal Church and was welcomed by Bishop Theodore Brooks.

Brown expanded on the history of racism in our nation, built on slavery and on the exploitation of immigrants, and gave examples of how unity against racism has led to social progress. Recalling how the Irish and then the Italians were victims of super exploitation and were pitted against one another and against African Americans when they first came to the United States, he said they soon discovered that they had to get together in order to improve their conditions.

Brown gave the example of the early years of the auto workers union in Detroit when Henry Ford hired African American workers from the South as strike breakers. But when African American and white workers united in the UAW, “Ford lost his juice,” said Brown.

Today, exploited Mexican immigrants are picking apples in Michigan, said Brown, pointing out that while they must pay into Social Security, they can never collect. Referring to US trade policy, he asked the audience to consider why Latin America is in poverty conditions which are driving people to this country to survive.

“Why are we talking about hard working immigrants ‘taking our jobs?’” he asked the audience.

Alan Felder, a member of the service and maintenance union at Yale University, Local 35, and an independent plumber, said immigrants have most of the jobs in construction. When asked if Black workers had those jobs before, the answer was no.

New Haven needs to talk about how to get contractors to not exploit anyone, said Brown, adding that until the entire community gets together to fight exploitation, the contractor will just enjoy himself out on his yacht. The issue, said Brown, is that there should be jobs for everyone in New Haven.

Felder has made a name for himself as an African American who joined with the anti-immigrant Community Watch Dog Project to protest the municipal ID card issued in New Haven to allow everyone who lives in the city, regardless of status, a photo ID for business and public services. While saying he learned a lot at the meeting, he continued to maintain an “enforcement first” approach to undocumented workers.

A number of Felder's co-workers from Local 35, also at the meeting, expressed appreciation for the methodical and common sense approach presented by Brown. Local 35 has been a strong voice for immigrant rights and for workers unity in New Haven.

At the end of the meeting Brown walked to a group of Latino immigrants and asked each one to tell their story. “Wouldn't you want to know such hard working fine people?” he said to everyone in the church.

The dialogue was organized by Brown's son, Ken Brown Jr., who moved to New Haven several months ago to work on building unity—among African Americans, immigrants and all segments of the community—against anti-immigrant hate. He thanked his father profusely and left the meeting with the challenge to continue the process of coming together.

-- Joelle Fishman

2009-03-26T22:54:00.000-04:00

Coalition Urges a Better Choice - Quality Services and Fair Taxation

More than 1,000 union and community activists with Better Choices for Connecticut gathered at the State Capitol on March 25 to urge the Governor and Legislature to stop budget cuts, enact fair taxes and help Connecticut overcome the economic crisis.

Rally emcee, Shawn Lang of the CT AIDS Resource Coalition said “if these cuts go through, more and more Connecticut residents will fall through a safety net already rife with holes.”

Lindsey Matthews, whose son George lives at a group home for people with developmental disabilities, thanked his 1199 union care-givers. “The people who help feed, bathe and clothe him every day do it because I can’t be there. I can’t imagine what life would be like for our family without this critical service and we’re just one family out of thousands.”

The Better Choices plan includes raising income taxes on the state’s wealthiest residents making over $200,000 per year, as well as closing corporate tax loopholes. Governor Jodi Rell has proposed a budget based almost entirely on cuts to services and layoffs of state workers. Nobel Prize economists say that reducing public spending in an economic crisis, when services are needed the most, would send the economy into a further downward spiral. Some estimate that Rell’s budget could cost the state from 30,000 to 50,000 jobs.

Peoples Center signs read: No Cuts - No Layoffs - TAX the RICH

More information at: www.betterchoicesforCT.org.

Coming Together to End Racial Profiling

2009-03-13T17:25:00.000-04:00

Community meetings and solidarity actions are being organized in support of Latino residents and immigrant owned businesses in East Haven who have become the victim of racial profiling by police and targets of an extremist anti-immigrant hate group.

A week ago Father James Manship of St. Rose Church in New Haven was arrested while photographing police harassing the owners of My Country Store on Main Street in East Haven, where some members of his predominantly Latino parish live. When the story hit the press, Latino business owners on Main Street were visited by a hate group called North East White Pride, from Haverhill, Massachusetts, which delivered fliers headlined "Immigration or Invasion?"

The immigrant rights group Unidad Latina en Accion immediately began organizing support for the Latino community and reaching out to others for solidarity.

After hearing of the situation, Edie and Joelle Fishman and Dorothy Johnson representing the New Haven Peoples Center paid a visit to four Latino owned businesses to see firsthand what they are facing. Their account follows:

Our first stop was at Guti'z Bakery to show support and solidarity and naturally to taste their delicious breads. We were welcomed and thanked very much for coming. Information about the Peoples Center was left with phone numbers to call. We promised to encourage others to come and support the bakery.

The next visit to Los Amigos Grocery was very emotional. The owner and his wife and little child were in the store. A reporter who also happened to be there did translation. When we said how sorry we were that this incident is taking place it brought him to tears. No one had ever come to his store to show support. He said he is losing business because people are afraid to come in since the police started parking in the front and back of his store. This was the first day that he made a sale in some time. He couldn't believe that people would do this horrible thing to him, he said he just wants to survive.

Dorothy Johnson related the story of what African Americans went through in the segregation days in the South. "People had hatred in their hearts and in their minds. They were not born that way, but as time went on that hatred was drilled into their heads. But it is not right when hatred groups prey on immigrants who want to start a business. this really is going backwards," said Dorothy. "When you think about what happened to African Americans in the 60s down south, how difficult it was for them to survive, what did people do? They formed support groups, community groups, they educated and mobilized people to come together and victory was won. This is a very good opportunity for people who can't understand the immigrant situation to be educated because we should be joining forces to fight these big corporations, not fighting one another. This country has been divided so long, now we have a good opportunity to make the chane that should have happened decades ago."

Across the street we left information for the owners of La Bamba restaurant to contact us since they were not there. Then we went to My Country Store. We were greeted by a friendly young woman. We explained why we were there and she was very thankful. The same performance that the police did at Los Amigos Grocery, posting cars in front and back, they did here too and now their business is also slow. We said we are here for you. Dorothy related her story and said what happened in the 60's must happen now. We must regenerate this solidarity. The owner said the only word to use to describe how the Latino community feels is "terrified....all Latinos are being profiled not just immigrants," she said. "We live in constant fear."

She showed us the fliers that the extremist anti-immigrant group brought to their store, dressed in army fatigues. The propaganda that some of the anti-immigrant groups are putting out is that the immigrants "come for welfare, or to take our jobs and ring with them drugs, crime and disease." The fliers attempt to whip up hysteria by claiming "they send their children to school without immunization and expose your children to this."

There is a need for more education on immigration. Some people do not understand and think the immigrants have come to take their jobs. In many cases they have come for a livelihood because of the difficult economic conditions in their own countries caused by corporate trade agreements.

The Peoples Center encourages our friends and family members to please go down to the Latino owned stores, support them and embrace them. They are really afraid. It is time to spread the word. Go to these stores. Help our friends out. Spread the word now. When the time comes for a community meeting we must pack the hall with supporters and create the conditions so that bigotry cannot prevail.

The Underground

2009-03-12T21:08:00.000-04:00

Host: Sharmont (Influence) Little

Every Third Sunday
at the New Haven Peoples Center
37 Howe Street, New Haven

Sunday, March 15 from 7 to 10 pm
featuring Tantra from New York
and open mic

$5 cover at the door
Information: 203-606-3232
e-mail: sharmontlittle@yahoo.com

Better Choices Statewide Rally March 25

2009-03-09T10:31:00.000-04:00

Mark Your Calendar

Better Choices for Connecticut – Rally at the State Capitol

March 25, 4:30 p.m.

Join with neighbors, friends, community groups, public service providers and consumers to support these Better Choices for our State Budget. Stop the cuts, enact fair taxes, and help Connecticut overcome this economic crisis.

Ø Increase income tax rates for those who can best afford it

Ø Close corporate tax loopholes

Ø Stop cuts in vital services when they are needed the most

Better Choices for Connecticut is a community coalition working to help Connecticut make smarter choices on ways to improve the state’s imbalanced revenue system so that it: Advances opportunity for shared prosperity for all Connecticut residents - Preserves services for children, families and the elderly - Creates and sustains good jobs - Reinvests in the middle class and our communities.

For more information contact Maggie Adair – madair@cahs.org or Bill Meyerson - bmeyerson@seiu1199ne.org

First Friday Cafe Fri April 3

2009-03-07T18:42:00.000-05:00

Feature Poet to be announced
Free 2 Spit hosted by Baub Bidon and J Sun
Friday, April 3 at 7 p.m.

First Friday Cafe Presents: "Free 2 Spit" Poetry

2009-02-26T14:00:00.000-05:00

First Friday Cafe Presents
Free 2 Spit
Hosted by Baub and J-Sun
Music DJ Flip
Friday, March 6, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
featuring
Mira & Mind Evolution
at the New Haven Peoples Center
37 Howe Street, New Haven
203-624-8664
Donation: $5 (no one is turned away)

New Haven Peoples Center 2008 Annual Report

2009-01-09T12:46:00.000-05:00

71 Years of Activism - A Site on the Connecticut African American Freedom Trail
2008 was a busy and exciting year. New Growth Praise Center found a permanent home on Dixwell Avenue in January. Unite-Here Joint Board successfully organized New England Linen and has moved out of their third floor office. The First Friday Café was revived with films about issues being discussed in the elections, and then the Free2Spit poetry venue of Baub Bidon. The second and third floors house 1199 Training and upgrading Fund; Peoples Weekly World; Marsalka Library, and a community meeting room. Regular activities in the first floor common room included music shows, Home Movie Day, cultural programs from Latin America and regular meetings of the Greater New Haven Peace Council (2nd and 4th Tues) and Unidad Latina en Accion (Tues, 4th Sats).

January
1 Open House
3 English Class
3 African American History planning meeting
4 Music Show
4 Unidad Latina en Accion special meeting
10 English Class
11 Unidad Latina en Accion gather for rally
12 Marxism class
13 Music Show
16 Bible Study
17 MoveOn Media Workshop
18 Benefit concert
20 Peace Council potluck with Buddist Monks
31 African American History planning meeting

February
4 Potluck supper and music show
6 ULA meet for trip to Danbury
8 Intro to Marxism
9 ULA event
14 Unite-Here banner making
16 Birthday party
16 ULA event
17 Music Show
24 African American History Month Celebration

March
8 Music show
9 Birthday party
15 Music show
16 Rachel Corey memorial
16 Music show
18 Trade Union Plaza tenants meeting
20 YCL workshop
29 Birthday party

April
4 Unite-Here
4 Music show
6 Music show
10 Unite-Here meeting
10 1199 membership meeting
12 Unite-Here organizing meeting
13 Music show
14 Unite-Here organizing meeting
15 Unite-Here organizing meeting
18 Unite-Here organizing meeting
19 Memorial service
20 Unite-Here organizing meeting
24 Unite-Here organizing meeting
25 Unite-Here election and victory
26 Music show
27 Music show

May
3 Birthday party
4 PWW May Day Celebration
9 Peace Council anniversary
9 Unidad Latnia en Accion
16 Music show
25 Music show
30 Music show
31 Jazz show

June
1 75th birthday party
6 First Friday Café film “Sicko”
11 YCL meeting
14 Unite-Here negotiation session
16 Music show
19 Music show
21 Tag Sale, PWW
22 Music Show
24 YCL
25 Music show
27 Music show
29 Music show

July
3 First Friday Café film “Finding Our Voices”
10 Music show
11 Music show
13 Music Show
15 YCL meeting
19 Music show
21 Music show
22 Peace Council event
24 Music show
26 Music show
29 YCL meeting
31 Music show

August
1 First Friday Café “Made in LA”
2 Music show
3 Music show
8 Music show
27 Unidad Latina en Accion
29 Music show

September
5 First Friday Café “At the River I Stand”
and Rabble Rousers
6 Music show
7 Music show
9 Peace Council
13 Unidad Latina en Accion
15 YCL meeting
17 Music show
20 Knock for Peace
20 Music show
24 Equadorian event
26 Music show
28 Music show
29 Music show

October
1 Music show
3 First Friday Café “The Great Debaters”
10 Music show
11 Music show
13 YCL meeting
17 Music show
18 Home Video Day
25 Music show
27 YCL meeting

November
1 Music show
3 YCL meeting
6 Music Show
7 First Friday Café Free2Spit
14 Music show
19 Birthday party
21 Music show
22 Colombian event
23 Music show
29 Painting Common Room
30 Painting Common Room

December
1 Painting first floor
1 YCL meeting
5 First Friday Café Free2Spit
7 89th Anniversary, CPUSA event
8 Music show
13 Retreat
20 Bolovian event

The Milada and John Marsalka Research Library

2009-01-01T15:40:00.000-05:00

The Milada and John Marsalka Research Library is a non-circulating library of books and national and international pamphlets dating back to 1900. The topics include literature, the labor movement, Marxism, civil rights and history. The volumes, pamphlets and some periodicals and archives have been donated from the personal libraries of those who participated in the Peoples Center over the decades. Volunteer assistance is needed for cataloging. For appointment, call 203-624-8664.

Catalog is full page and searchable here.

History of the New Haven Peoples Center

2009-01-01T15:39:00.000-05:00

HISTORY

Built in 1851, 37 Howe Street was purchased IN 1937 by a group of mainly Jewish immigrant workers who fervently believed that their new homeland should be a model of peace and social and economic justice. The tradesmen and artisans who had grown up speaking Polish, Yiddish, Russian, Ukranian and Polish, envisioned for their families a center of social and cultural life and reached out into the community in friendship and solidarity.

1930s: housed the Unity Players, the first Black/white integrated drama group in New Haven; and the New Haven Redwings, the first Black/white basketball team in New Haven. Provided space during the Great Depression for the unemployed to organize for jobs; housed the Connecticut CIO (Congress of Industrial Organizations) and was the initial meeting place for many of today's local unions. First celebration of International Women's Day in New Haven.

1940s: organized rallies against lynching and against segregation; initiated New Haven’s first evening college “to fulfill the need of workers to advance their education” (it became the evening division of the New Haven State Teachers College, now Southern Connecticut State University

1950s and 1960s: participated in civil rights and peace movements; struggled against the impact of McCarthyism on labor and other progressive organizations and activists. Organized a group to protect Paul Robeson at famous Peekskill, New York concert. Meeting place for Jewish and Ukrainian progressives.

1970s-1980s: provided meeting space to working men and women organizing for better wages, for health care, for weekends off, for paid vacations: machinists at Winchester; workers at Yale and Yale-New Haven Hospital; health care providers at the Jewish Home; New Haven teachers; and Harco, and Circuitwise workers. Held weekly potluck suppers which served as a place for socializing and exchange by peace and justice, civil rights and women activists. Local coordination for national marches on Washington DC. Hosted dances and other youth activities. Opened a Crisis Information / Action Center to provide assistance and organize against utility rate hikes and other economic emergencies.

1990s: housed the first in the country homeless run day time drop-in center. Solidarity work with unions on strike and organizing. Participated in labor-community coalitions to protect healthcare and pensions, and stop plant closings. Meeting place for peace organizations. Rehab of the building to upgrade. Home to 1199 Training and Upgrading Fund nursing home students. Research library developed. Designated as a site on the Connecticut African American Freedom Trail by the Connecticut Historical Commission.

2000s: original meeting place of Unidad Latina en Accion. Meeting place of New Haven Peace Council. Became a chapter of Alliance for Retired Americans. Participant in Community Organized for Responsible Development and Connecticut Center for a New Economy. Home to New Growth Praise Center until 2009 when they found a permanent location. Home to Knowing God Ministries. Home to 1199 Training and Upgrading Fund. Home to Unite Here Joint Board during New England Linen organizing drive. First Friday Cafe with music, film and in 2009 a poetry venue. Location for poetry, music shows, forums and other cultural and educational activities.