SEPT 8: Thousands of Doors for Justice - New Haven

Activists across the country know that 2018 is one election year we can't afford to sit out, with our most fundamental values of justice, equality, and dignity on the line.

That's why we're gathering together in solidarity on September 8th for Thousands of Doors for Justice (TDJ).

TDJ is a day of action for activists and volunteers across the state to step up and fight for issues of economic, racial, social, women's, environmental, and immigrant justice.

Advocates will take action in many forms, including knocking on doors, making calls, registering voters, training volunteers, recruiting new activists, and more. As a broad spectrum of volunteers and organizations, we will each contribute in the best ways we can and embrace our collective struggle.

NEW HAVEN:  New Haven Peoples Center, 37 Howe Street.  Doors open 8:45 am.
9 am Gather.  9:30 - 10 am: Livestream with Linda Sarsour and local sepakers.  10 am: Information sharing from organizations present before heading out to the streets.
Contact:  peoplescenter@pobox.com

https://www.facebook.com/events/2157442214543589/

Solidarity Film Series at the New Haven Peoples Center
THE GREAT DEBATERS
Friday, August 17, 2018 at 7:30 pm

Special Guest Speaker:
Edward Carson, Boston Club CPUSA

Denzel Washington portrays Melvin Tolson a teacher and sharecropper organizer in segregated Texas in the 1930s. His students break racist barriers and win a competition with Harvard. Based on a true story. Released 2007.

New Haven Peoples Center 37 Howe St New Haven 06511
Free admission Refreshments

Progressive Education and Research Associates, Inc. d/b/a

New Haven Peoples Center

A site on the CT African American Freedom Trail

37 Howe Street, New Haven CT 06511

peoplescenter.blogspot.com/

e-mail: peoplescenter@pobox.com

Facebook: New Haven Peoples Center

July 12, 2018

To the Family of Lois O'Connor,

With love and solidarity to the family of the wonderful Lois O'Connor, a beloved warrior for the people. She was fearless and knew how to fight for the rights of women, working people, and all disenfranchised. Her leadership improved the lives of countless people across our state and nation.

Lois always kept her family at the center of her life.

We cherish the many occasions when Lois participated in events and activities at the Peoples Center and all her support and wisdom. On a personal note I will always remember the steadfast support that she gave to me in every endeavor and the wonderful lunches we enjoyed together.

In the name of Lois O'Connor we carry on today to protect and expand the basic human rights to which she dedicated her life.

Joelle Fishman, Coordinator

New Haven Peoples Center

Support the Poor People's Campaign in Connecticut

The Peoples Center is part of the Poor People's Campaign network.  We will be participating in the weekly actions every Monday from May Day to the Summer Solstice and will be offering some livestreams of the national events.  For the latest information e-mail: peoplesworld@pobox.com  Here is what happened at the launch at the state capitol on Monday May 14:

Holding signs and banners calling for an end to poverty, over 100 union, faith and community leaders marched from the Legislative Office Building at the state capitol in Hartford down the street to Capitol Avenue on Monday, May 14.

Sixteen people carried their banners into the street and locked arms, blocking traffic, in the first of six weeks of nonviolent actions across the country organized by the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival.

The 40 days of protest reignites the poor peoples' campaign that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was organizing when he was assassinated while supporting striking sanitation workers fifty years ago.

Under the leadership of Rev. William Barber coalitions have formed in 39 states to fight systemic poverty and racism, ecological devastation and militarism and the war economy.

Fast Food workers in the Fight for 15, teachers union leaders and faith leaders were among those who took part in the civil disobedience in Hartford. As they blocked the street police arrested them one by one and loaded them into two police vehicles.

“This campaign may have been inspired by historic events fifty years ago,” said AFT Connecticut President Jan Hochadel, who previously taught in the state's technical high schools. “Yet, in 2018, we're witnessing the lessons of non-violent, civil disobedience across the country, from West Virginia to Arizona and Oklahoma to Puerto Rico. Union members are putting themselves on the line — and winning."

"They’re winning not just for themselves — they’re winning justice for their students, their patients, the residents they serve and their communities,” Hochadel concluded in a speech prior to taking arrest along with several of her union colleagues.

“Our commitment is to keep our issues front and center in the public discourse.  No more will we allow statewide elections to happen without real dialogue regarding the poor, the disenfranchised and marginalized.”  says Bishop John Selders, Tri Chair of CT Poor People’s Campaign and director of Moral Monday CT, the state's campaign coordinator.

Protests will be held each Monday through mid-June. For information visit poorpeoplescampaign.org

Celebrate May Day in the streets and by supporting the place for workers' rights during The Great Give 2018 from 8 am on May 1 to 8 pm on May 2!  Just go to our donation page: Progressive Education and Research Assoc d/b/a NEW HAVEN PEOPLES CENTER
https://www.thegreatgive.org/organizations/progressive-education-and-research-assoc-d-b-a-new-haven-peoples-center

THANK YOU FOR THE WONDERFUL SUPPROT FOR THE GREAT GIVE.  ALL TOGETHER WE RAISED $2600.  THANK YOU TO NEW HAVEN FOUNDATION FOR ORGANIZING THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SUPPORT MANY WONDERFUL ORGANIZATIONS!

End of Year Giving....and Premiere of 80th Anniversary Video

Progressive Education and Research Associates, Inc. d/b/a

New Haven Peoples Center

37 Howe Street, New Haven CT 06511

(203) 624-8664 peoplescenter.blogspot.com/ peoplescenter@pobox.com

A site on the Connecticut Freedom Trail

December 17, 2017

Dear Peoples Center Friends,

Now more than ever we ask you to invest in our future with an end-of-year gift to the New Haven Peoples Center.

The Peoples Center's 80th year has been a big one. Phase two of our restoration project was completed even as we participated in the growing resistance and organizing in our country for democratic rights, equality and peace.

The Peoples Center organized a bus to the Hartford Women's March in January, held Resistance Thursdays potlucks through the summer, sponsored a film series in the fall, and participated in public hearings and actions for many issues including immigrant rights, health care and peace.

Unions, Dreamers, educators and neighborhood groups all filled the building with meetings and events. New Elm City Dream, Free 2 Spit, the Peace Council, People's World and Unidad Latina en Accion continued to keep the building in full use.

The Peoples Center relies on the generous contributions of those who use and appreciate this vibrant, all-volunteer center for social, cultural and educational organizing.

The Peoples Center has invested its commitment and vision to countless movements and causes. Your gift to the Peoples Center restoration fund is an investment in return to this precious resource in our community. We depend solely on the contributions of friends who share our ideals.

We hope you consider an end of year gift to this important progressive institution.

Contributions are tax deductible and can be made to PERA and mailed to 37 Howe Street, New Haven Connecticut 06511.

In solidarity,

Alfred L Marder, President

William P Morico , Treasurer

Joelle Fishman, Secretary and Coordinator

Harold Person, Building Manager

PS - We are proud to announce the premiere of "Peoples Center at 80," a video created by Neal Thomassen featuring the recent activities and organizations in our extraordinary community. You are cordially invited to the video premiere fundraising reception on Friday, January 5, 2018 at 7 pm at 37 Howe Street, New Haven. For more information contact peoplescenter@pobox.com or leave a message at 203-624-8664.

LIVE Stream -- Poor People's Campaign

LIVE Stream at New Haven Peoples Center 37 Howe St Thursday October 19, 2017 at 7:00 pm Poor People's Campaign : Moral Revival Mass Meeting in Boston

Facebook Event Page:

https://www.facebook.com/events/287003168471502/

Live Stream of the New England Mass Meeting for the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival
Co-Convenors Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II and Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis will lead the New England Mass Meeting at Trinity Church in Boston starting at 7:00 pm. Hear about the inspiration, vision and strategy for the national Campaign and sign up to get involved.

Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival aims to build a broad and deep national moral fusion movement – rooted in the leadership of the poor, marginalized and moral agents and reflecting the great moral teachings – to unite our country from the bottom up. The call for a Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival has emerged from more than a decade of work by grassroots community and religious leaders, organizations and movements fighting to end systemic racism, poverty, the war economy, environmental destruction & related injustices and to build a just, sustainable and participatory society. We draw on the history, vision and unfinished work of the 1968 Poor People’s Campaign.

There is a resounding call to save the very soul of this nation: We need a Poor People’s Campaign for a Moral Revival in America. It is time to become a new and unsettling force in our complacent national life.

Solidarity Movie Nights

Solidarity Movie Nights

Solidarity Movie Nights Three Fridays: Sept 8 Salt of the Earth; Sept 15 PRIDE; Sept 22 10,000 Black Men Named George.  All at 6 pm at 37 Howe Street, New Haven.  Discussion to follow.

Free.  Refreshments

Newhallville to March for Youth Jobs and to End Violence

A neighborhood march on Saturday, September 23 will highlight the need to end gun violence and create opportunities and jobs for youth in Newhallville.

The march reflects the results of a youth survey this summer in the Newhallville neighborhood. When 14-year old Tyriek B. Keyes, a leader of Ice the Beef Youth was killed, the survey campaign was dedicated to him. 

 

Organizers of the march are New Elm City Dream / YCL, Ice the Beef and New Haven Rising.

Participants will gather at Ivy and Shelton Sts at 9:30 am and begin the march at 10:00 am following brief remarks. The march through the streets of Newhallville will end at the now vacant former state welfare building on Bassett St.. 

 

A short rally will support efforts to open the building for youth needs and job placements, working with local and state elected officials, community and clergy representing the neighborhood. 

 

Six years ago with a record number of homicides in New Haven, the New Elm City Dream/YCL launched a youth survey and campaign for "Jobs For Youth, Jobs For All." Several large marches supported the priorities of good jobs, safe communities, and youth needs. 

 

This summer's door to door youth survey and the march on September 23 continue that commitment.

Contact: Jahmal Henderson 207-440-8116 

The Metacomet Cycle Club

The Peoples Center was founded 80 years ago in 1937. We are collecting stories about the things that have taken place here. If you have recollections or memories please share them. E-mail peoplescenter@pobox.com. Below is by Martin Simon.

 

In 1975, several bicyclists in New Haven, including members of the Communist Party and the Young Workers Liberation League and friends started a unique bicycle club, the Metacomet Cycle Club. 

Metacomet was a sporting and recreational organization that took a political stance. The club was multiracial and multigenerational. Men and women were among its founders and leaders. Metacomet was both a bicycle touring and a bicycle racing club. The club advocated for the rights of cyclists.

Based in New Haven, the Club was named after native leader, Metacomet, also known as Metacom and by his adopted English name King Philip. He was chief to the Wampanoag people in what is now Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.

Metacomet, at first, sought to live in harmony with the English colonists. As a sachem, he took the lead in much of his tribes' trade with the colonies. He adopted the European name of Philip.

But the colonies continued to expand. In 1671, the colonial leaders of the Plymouth Colony forced major concessions. Metacomet surrendered much of his tribe's armament and ammunition, and agreed that they were subject to English law. Encroachment by the English, however, continued until hostilities broke out in 1675. Metacomet led the opponents of the English, with the goal of stopping the expansion in the struggle known as King Philips War.

Metacomet used tribal alliances to coordinate efforts to push European colonists out of New England. Many of the native tribes in the region wanted to push out the colonists because of conflicts over land use, diminished game as a consequence of expanding European settlement, and other tensions.

As the colonists brought their growing numbers to bear, King Philip and some of his followers took refuge in the great Assowamset Swamp in southern Massachusetts. He held out for a time, with his family and remaining followers until he was fatally shot on August 12, 1676, in the Miery Swamp near Mount Hope in Bristol, Rhode Island. After his death, his wife and nine-year-old son were captured and sold as slaves in Bermuda. Philip's head was mounted on a pike at the entrance to Fort Plymouth, where it remained for more than two decades.

The Metacomet Club jersey was red with black, brown, yellow, and white horizontal stripes.

The most notable events sponsored by the club were:

A cycle tour to the John Brown birth place in Torrington,

A weekly time trial series over two summers at Lake Quonipaug in North Guilford,

A 3-race officially sanctioned time trial on roads in Guilford, Madison, Killingworth, and West Brook, and

The Five Star Century, a combined 100 mile ride sponsored by five cycling clubs with 5 starting/ending points that met at the same half way point at Haddam Meadow State Park.

Metacomet was welcomed warmly and supported by the People's Center where it held its monthly meetings and pot-luck dinners. Although the club existed for only three years, it played a special part in the history of the Center and in the cycling culture in New Haven. Former Metacomets feel that we, with the support of the People's Center, lay a bit of the foundation for the today’s thriving cycling scene in New Haven.

We Won't Go Back!
RESISTANCE THURSDAYS
Every Thursday at the
New Haven Peoples Center
37 Howe Street
6 to 7:30 pm
Potluck, share information, action, solidarity

peoplescenter@pobox.com

Women's March January 21, 2017

To join the Peoples Center carpool to the Hartford Women's March e-mail to peoplescenter@pobox.com and indicate if you are a driver or would like to be a passenger.

Connecticut will be well represented at the Women's March in Washington DC on Saturday, January 21, the day after inauguration. Connecticut residents will also participate in three sister rallies in Connecticut, and rallies in New York and Boston.

The groundswell for the Women's March is an expression of outrage at threats to women's rights and democratic rights from the Republican Congress and incoming Trump Administration. "The rise of the woman = The rise of the nation.... Women's rights are human rights," says the national website.

Immediate concerns are Trump's nominations of billionaires and generals for cabinet appointments, the threats to repeal the Affordable Care Act, end funding for Planned Parenthood and mass deportations of immigrant residents. The Women's March is dedicated to winning a program of equality and justice for all in our country.

Over 60 buses are sold out for the trip to Washington, DC, leaving from 35 towns across the state. 

Sister rallies will be held in Hartford, Stamford and the Lower Connecticut River Valley. Nationally 269 sister marches are expected to draw 500,000 participants.

The rally in Hartford will be held at 1 pm on the North Steps of the state capitol on January 21. The rally is called in solidarity with the 200,000 plus expected in Washington DC.

"Like many cities and states around the world, we will join in calling for honoring EVERY voice that upholds dignity, justice, unity, and equality for all. Share your views and show support for the ideals and principles behind the Women's March," says the call to the event emphasizing that all are welcome.

New Haven Peoples Center Community Film Screening

        DREAM ON
Friday, August 26, 2016 at 7 pm, 37 Howe Street, New Haven
   
                  Followed by discussion and refreshments

"We will shock this nation and fight for justice for all...
We will not give up on the heart of our democracy, not now, not ever."
                                                                                        -Rev. William Barber

In an epic road trip, political comedian John Fugelsang retraces the journey of Alexis de Tocqueville, whose study of our young country in 1831 came to define America as a place where anyone could climb the ladder of economic opportunity. Following in the Frenchman's footsteps, Fugelsang speaks with fast-food workers and retirees, prisoners and entrepreneurs, undocumented immigrants and community organizers about their hopes, dreams, and daily struggles. DREAM ON explores whether the optimistic spirit of the American Dream that Tocqueville observed is alive and well in the twenty-first century, or whether George Carlin was right when he famously quipped "It's called the American Dream because you have to be asleep to believe it."

Contact:
peoplescenter@pobox.com

SAVE the DATE

Saturday, August 6, 2016

Reception and Fundraiser

Celebrating the history of the

New Haven Peoples Center

In recognition of the leadership of

AL MARDER

for peace, equality and justice

Coogan Pavilion, Edgewood Park

Enter from Whalley Ave (near West Rock Ave)

4 pm to 7 pm

Exhibit, Photos, Remarks, Refreshments

Suggested donation $25 or what you can afford

Proceeds to Peoples Center Restoration Fund

New Haven Peoples Center

37 Howe Street, New Haven CT 06511

e-mail: peoplescenter@pobox.com

web: peoplescenter.blogspot.com/

facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1787677664801872/

Labor, religious leaders say "get on board the CT Climate Train"

Labor and religious leaders were joined by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy at Union Station to urge residents to get on board the Climate Train for the People's Climate March in New York City on Sunday, September 21.

Action on climate change is a "moral and scientific and political imperative" said Blumenthal, who hopes the rally will make "an indisputable statement that the people of America, people of faith, working men and women know jobs and the environment are not in contradiction.”

"It is not often with one legislative issue that millions of jobs are created and millions of lives are saved," said Murphy. Using fuel cell production in Connecticut as an example he said, "If we create the demand for renewable energy, we will create jobs."

Lori Pelletier, executive secretary treasurer of CT AFL CIO said the 200,000 member organization is proud to be part of this historic event to raise awareness for safety, health, job security and environmental security.

Initiated by the Connecticut Roundtable on Climate and Jobs, the press conference highlighted mobilization by 13 labor organizations and several religious organizations. They are part of a large state-wide coalition of environmental, peace and community groups marching to insist the United Nations take immediate action on climate change.

Melodie Peters, president of AFT Connecticut said her members are going with the safety and future of the children they teach in mind. She thanked Governor Dannel Malloy and the senators for "advocacy and tenacity" with Metro North which won additional seats and discount fares for tickets purchased at www.CTClimateTrain.org.

The Roundtable was launched two years ago by CT AFL CIO and the Interreligious Eco-Justice Network to "address urgent concerns about climate change while creating good paying jobs in the state."

Rev. Dr. Ian Douglas, Bishop Diocesan, Episcopal Diocese of CT, Rabbi Joshua Hammerman of Stamford and Fatma Antar of the Islamic Association of Greater Hartford/Berlin Mosque also spoke at the press conference.

Other union endorsers include CT Education Association, SEIU State Council, State Council of Machinists, CSEA/SEIU Local 2100, CT Alliance for Retired Americans, Council 4 AFCME, CWA Local 1298, Unite Here CT, UAW Region 9A, UE Local 243 and 32 BJ SEIU.

BOOK TALK with Dr. Gerald Horne

Race to Revolution: The U.S. and Cuba during Slavery and Jim Crow

Friday, July 25 at 7 pm 
 New Haven Peoples Center 37 Howe Street

The histories of Cuba and the United States are tightly intertwined and have been for at least two centuries. In Race to Revolution, historian Gerald Horne examines a critical relationship between the two countries by tracing out the interconnections among slavery, Jim Crow, and revolution. Slavery was central to the economic and political trajectories of Cuba and the United States, both in terms of each nation’s internal political and economic development and in the interactions between the small Caribbean island and the Colossus of the North.

Horne draws a direct link between the black experiences in two very different countries and follows that connection through changing periods of resistance and revolutionary upheaval. Black Cubans were crucial to Cuba’s initial independence, and the relative freedom they achieved helped bring down Jim Crow in the United States, reinforcing radical politics within the black communities of both nations. This in turn helped to create the conditions that gave rise to the Cuban Revolution which, in 1959, shook the United States to its core.

Presented as a project of People's World Friday Night Film & Discussion Series Information: ct-pww@pobox.com

Immigrants' Rights are Workers Rights!

United to Win an Economy for the 99%

Celebrate International Workers Day
Sunday, May 5th at 4 pm, 37 Howe St New Haven

March on Wed May 1st at 5 pm on the New Haven Green. Celebrate on Sun May 5th at the People's World annual rally with a video of the march, May Day Around the World, and a panel of leaders in immigrant worker organizing, jobs pipeline, organizing for environmentally sustainable peacetime jobs in Connecticut, and labor-community neighborhood organizing.  

Panelists include John Harrity, director, Grow Jobs Connecticut; Scott Marks, New Haven Rising; Mary Reynolds, director of New Haven Works, and John Jairo Lugo, Unidad Latina en Accion.

Music performances, a home made buffet and a raffle will round out the family day. Tickets are $5 or what you can afford. e-mail: ct-pww@pobox.com or call 203-624-8664.  Contributions to the People's World fund drive will be accepted.

The New Haven Peoples Center 75th birthday was a beautiful occasion, the coming together of a wide array of those who care about community and social justice including elected officials, labor and community leaders and grass roots folks of all ages and backgrounds. It was a wonderful day!

Appreciation and congratulations to everyone who contributed and participated in any way as we celebrated what has come before and were inspired to continue the organizing and coalition building of today for a better world for everyone.

Enjoy the group photo (below) of those who were present at that time. Thank you to the courageous veterans who issued a letter (attached) in support of funding to restore the bricks and mortar of this remarkable resource for our state and nation.

--  Peoples Center 75th Anniversary Committee

 (Photo: Chris Randall http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152046051655015.890348.527850014&type=1)

 

NEW HAVEN PEOPLES CENTER
37 HOWE STREET, NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT 06511 
 

MEDIA RELEASE

August 25, 2012

Information: 203- 387-0370

Veterans Support Funding for New Haven Peoples Center

A group of veterans called on Governor Dannell P. Malloy today to restore the request for funding for restoration of 37 Howe Street, site of the New Haven Peoples Center. 

 

The Governor removed the item from the state bonding budget after an opposition group from outside New Haven, citing their veteran status, protested the proposed funding on the grounds that Communists are part of the building. The bonding request would restore brick work on the 1851 Italianate structure which is a site on the Connecticut Freedom Trail.

The announcement was made as the New Haven Peoples Center celebrated its 75th anniversary with a family backyard cookout and cultural event including music and children's crafts. After supporters crowded on the front lawn for a group photograph, messages of solidarity and support were delivered by elected officials, labor leaders and community activists.

Public support for the Peoples Center, an all-volunteer non profit institution, has continued to increase on the basis of the activities it hosts of benefit to the community including youth programming, and providing affordable space for unions and community groups including immigrant rights, peace and grass roots organizing.

The Peoples Center has been dedicated to social, cultural and educational activities for labor and community since it was founded in 1937 during the Great Depression. It is the site of the first inter-racial basketball team and first inter-racial theater group in the City of New Haven. The Peoples Center opened its doors to the nation's first homeless run daytime drop-in center in the 1990s. It is now the location of Unidad Latina en Accion which is organizing immigrant workers.  It is home to youth organizing and the New Elm City Dream.

The letter from the veterans reads in part: "We deplore the manipulation of a few Veterans, for narrow political purposes, who do not understand that the New Haven Peoples Center is an historic building, 1851, the active center since 1937 for organizations campaigning for jobs for youth and against violence, for immigrant’s rights, against racial profiling, decent jobs and medical treatment for Veterans, and for global peace, among others. We reject the spurious and dangerous “red baiting” charges used to deny the Peoples Center their legitimate request."

Signers include veterans from WW II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the war in Afghanistan. The letter to the Governor concludes, "We call for the restoration of the request of the New Haven Peoples Center for funding. "

The letter follows:

NEW HAVEN PEOPLES CENTER
37 HOWE STREET, NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT 06511

A PETITION FOR THE BILL OF RIGHTS
IN SUPPORT OF THE NEW HAVEN PEOPLES CENTER

Governor Dannel P. Malloy
State of Connecticut
State Capitol
Hartford, Connecticut 

 

August 25, 2012

Honorable Governor Malloy:

We are Veterans who have served in various branches of the United States Armed Forces. We were citizen-soldiers deeply committed, then and now, to the protection of the Bill of Rights and the Constitution of the United States. We support the legitimate request of the New Haven Peoples Center for State funding for essential brick and mortar repairs. 

 

We deplore the manipulation of a few Veterans, for narrow political purposes, who do not understand that the New Haven Peoples Center is an historic building, 1851, the active center since 1937 for organizations campaigning for jobs for youth and against violence, for immigrant’s rights, against racial profiling, decent jobs and medical treatment for Veterans, and for global peace, among others.

 

We reject the spurious and dangerous “red baiting” charges used to deny the Peoples Center their legitimate request. As Veterans, we know how the McCarthy period and the charge of “communism” led to the deaths of so many of our fellow soldiers and trashed the democratic rights of our people. We refuse to allow our comrades to be the instruments of intimidation and neo-fascist tactics. 

 

We call for the restoration of the request of the New Haven Peoples Center for funding.

Alfred L. Marder, Company M. 14th Infantry Regiment, 71st Division, Recipient Bronze Star

Fernando A. Ayala, U.S. Army Retired, January 1972 to March 1985

Calvin Bunnell, USS JFK U.S. Navy, USS FDR U.S. Navy

Anthony Butler (E-4), 438th MAC / 527 TAC, McGuire AFB, New Jersey, Okinawa, Japan

Bill Collins, Norwalk

Thomas Connolly, U.S. Army 2nd 68 Armor Battalion, Germany, 1962-1965

Celestino Cordova, U.S. Army Korean War 1951-52

Luis Acevedo Cortez, U. S. Army Vietnam 1968

Joseph Dimow, World War II Veteran, 29th Armored Div.

Francis E. Douglass Jr. , USMC

Stephen E. D. Fournier, 6916th Security Squadron, U.S. Air Force Security Service

Craig S. Gauthier, 82nd Airborne Div. 1962-1966

Winston Heimer, Maj (Ret) U.S. Army, Signalcorps

James D. Linn, Vietnam Veteran

Raymond Milici, USATC FA, Fourth U.S. Army

Luis A. Muniz-Rivera, U.S. Air Force Vietnam 1969

Paul Neal, U.S. Army, Vietnam 1970

James Pandaru, U.S. Navy 1962-66; Seabees, 1971-91

Rafael A. Reyes, U.S. Army Vietnam 1967

David W. P. Roy, SrA, USAF, Beale AFB, 100th Refueling Wing

Charles Ruemmelez, 1st Marine Corp Div. 1966/67, 5th Marines, Head Quarters Company

Roberto Santos, U.S. Army Afghanistan 2010

Progressive Education and Research Associates, Inc. d/b/a

New Haven Peoples Center

37 Howe Street, New Haven Connecticut 06511

June 5, 2012

Statement by Progressive Education and Research Associates, Inc.

regarding the request for state bonding funds to restore the New Haven Peoples Center

The withdrawal of funds from the state bonding budget to restore the historic New Haven Peoples Center is a blow to democracy at the expense of the people of this city. 

 

This 1851 Italianate building which is a site on the state Freedom Trail meets all criteria for bonding funds, as was attested to by the office of the Governor.  However, a group opposed to the multi-racial and multi-cultural youth, labor, civil rights and peace programs offered at the Center, sought to stop the funding by creating a charged political atmosphere, resorting to McCarthyite-style anti-communism. 

 

Initial complaints by Republicans that two officers of the building are members of the Communist Party USA were unsuccessful in stopping the funding. Next, a veterans motorcycle group and other veterans were recruited to come to New Haven for a protest at the site of the building. They opposed the funding on the grounds that the People's World, the newspaper of the Communist Party, has an office in the Peoples Center. 

 

Their purpose was to create an anti-communist media frenzy.  They ignored the fact that the bonding request was to restore an historic building.  They ignored the many veterans who participate with the Peoples Center including president Alfred Marder who was awarded a Bronze Star for heroism during WW II.  They did not have any interest in the youth, immigrant, cultural and educational activities so vital to New Haven.  They disregarded the wide array of support by elected officials, labor leaders, clergy, peace and progressive organizations representing tens of thousands of Connecticut residents. 

 

Their press conference launched a weekend campaign to pressure members of the Bond Commission to vote no.  It is a shameful and sad day in Connecticut that the request was pulled by the Governor when nothing had changed regarding the validity of the project.

 

The People's World is one of many groups who utilize the Peoples Center along with Unidad Latina en Accion, New Elm City Dream, Jobs and Unemployed Committee, the Marsalka reference library, Free 2 Spit, the Peace Council, many unions including SEIU 32 BJ, AFSCME Council 4, and many more. As a newspaper, the People's World should be treated as such without discrimination against its content.

 

Giving in to such a threat opens the door to fear and division and diminishes our state.  All those who believe in the Constitutional right to freedom of expression should be outraged at this dangerous development. If one project or group can be discriminated against, any project or group can be next.

 

We call upon all supporters of the Peoples Center, all democratic minded people in Connecticut, all those who appreciate the rich labor and anti-racism history and contributions of the Peoples Center, all those who have benefited from participating at the Peoples Center to come forward and speak out against this grave injustice. 

 

Together we can create the necessary counter pressure to restore the Peoples Center, reflecting its continuity since 1937 as a labor - community center for social, educational and cultural activities. From housing the first inter-racial theater group and basketball team in New Haven in the 30's and 40's, to the first homeless run day center in the 90s, to the youth organizing and immigrant worker organizing of today. 

 

Messages of support to Sen. Toni Harp for her unwavering stand in defense of the funding are appreciated. Messages urging Governor Malloy to reconsider his decision are in order. Comments posted on media websites covering the story are helpful.

 

###

 

Excerpts of some of the testimonials of support for funding submitted to Gov. Danell Malloy:

 

New Haven Board of Aldermen:

"As city officials we are acutely aware of entities who are committed to the public good and deserve our support. We can say without hesitation that this is one of those agencies. We have very few places like this in our city and are in desperate need of more. Until we have more we must support the ones we have. Without the state bonding funds we risk losing this facility as well."

 

Ward 7 Alderman Doug Hausladen:

"Constituents and myself very much appreciate the historic contributions to the good and welfare of the community and support funding for the Center's restoration....It makes a tremendously valuable contribution to the well-being of our community, and I am therefore committed to help the Peoples Center continue and grow its work."

 

Connecticut AFL-CIO

"This building is of great historic value as well as a vital resource for labor and community today....We are aware of some opposition from some Republicans. We want to empahsize that Connecticut and New Haven are greatly enriched by the presence and contributions of the Peoples Center. Restoring the building is an excellent investment."

 

The Amistad Committee, Inc.

"The Amistad Committee, as the mandated coordinator of the official State of Connecticut Freedom Trail endorses the proposal to fund reapirs to the historic New Haven Peoples Center, a sit on the Freedom Trail."

 

AFSCME Council 4

"Since its founding, the New Haven Peoples Center has been an anchor of forward thinking and community engagement....Today the Peoples Center carries on that tradition and continues to press for a stronger community, one free of prejudice and self-destruction. It is both a piece of our history and a part of our future. Council 4 AFSCME is a proud supporter of the Peoples Center. However it is badly in need of repair. We urge you to fulfill this request. We cannot afford to lose such a cherished landmark."

 

UNITE HERE Local 217

"The Peoples Center recognizes the human rights and dignity of all working people. It is a place that all our members can enjoy....The Peoples Center has stood firm for the rights of immigrant workers and their families, and in so doing represents the greater good of the entire community. WE appreciate all the assistance that can be given to insure the restoration of this wonderful building so that the important work taking place there can continue and grow."

 

UNITE HERE Unions at Yale

"The Peoples Center is well known to our members who hve appreciated many events and programs held each year featuring speakers and cultgural programs that have provided a forum where our members and their families can share their accomplihments and conerns and enjoy events with the broader community. The Peoples Center has been a steadfast friend and ally to the working families of New Haven and Connecticut. We are proud to support the Peoples Center as a place that makes our community strong."

 

Greater New Haven Central Labor Council

"This institution has been pro-active for the needs of working people for 75 years....The Peoples Center is vital to our community and beyond that to the state of Connecticut. Funding the restoration project is a worthy and important investment for the working people of Connecticut."

 

SEIU 32 BJ

"Our union fully supports the request for bonding funds to restore the building at 37 Howe Street in New Haven which houses the New Haven Peoples Center....Restoring the building is an excellent investment. It will benefit the historic area in which it is located, and it will benefit all of those who have used and continue to enjoy the opportunities it provides."

 

The youth of the New Elm City Dream

"Being in the Peoples' Center helps the youth stay off the streets and helping the community, and also it is training us the youth in our community to become leaders. The Peoples Center helped a lot of the youth to do much better in school and with some of their personal issues, such as their behavior and grades....The building needs repairs and needs a face lift. If it gets repaired more youth will come, and the building....can positively affect young lives for years to come. Also, right now we are making history by planning a March for Youth Jobs on June 16, 2012.

http://www.change.org/petitions/gov-dannel-malloy-we-support-funding-for-the-restoration-of-the-new-haven-peoples-center#

Add your name to the message to support funding for the restoration of the New Haven Peoples Center.  Go to the link above.

Progressive Education and Research Associates, Inc. d/b/a

New Haven Peoples Center

37 Howe Street, New Haven Connecticut 06511

April 29, 2012

Statement by Alfred L. Marder, president of Progressive Education and Research Associates, Inc.

regarding the request for state bonding funds to restore the New Haven Peoples Center

The New Haven Peoples Center is an historic brick building located at 37 Howe Street. It is admired as a rare example of Italianate architecture erected in 1851. It has become a necessity to re-point the bricks and restore the woodwork. As is standard practice for non-profit institutions in such circumstances, Sen. Toni Harp submitted a proposal for bonding funds to restore the structure.

The Peoples Center is not an empty building. It has been a vibrant, all-volunteer, community and labor center for education, cultural and social activities since 1937. This year marks the 75th anniversary of this remarkable institution that has contributed greatly to the life of New Haven and Connecticut.

Today it is the home to the youth group New Elm City Dream which has taken a lead in organizing for jobs and an end to violence in New Haven. It is the home to Unidad Latina en Accion which initiated the concept of a New Haven resident ID and is protecting the rights of immigrant workers to get paid by their employers for the work they do. It is the home to Free 2 Spit, a monthly poetry venue which has attracted hundreds of youth and area residents in the last few years. It is the home to the Greater New Haven Peace Council and many others. Today's activities at the Peoples Center continue the tradition started from its inception to open doors for working people and people in need to gather, educate, organize and socialize.

When a group of Jewish immigrant workers purchased the building in 1937, they wanted a place to enjoy their cultural heritage, but they also wanted a place that could be open to the surrounding community. They opened their doors to workers seeking to form unions, when few existed. In an era of deep segregation, the Peoples Center became the site of the first inter-racial theater group, the Unity Players, and the first inter-racial basketball team, the New Haven Redwings. Both groups distinguished themselves with many awards and trophies.

The Peoples Center was also the site of the first campaign to break down segregation in employment and open bus driver jobs to African Americans. It was the site of a successful campaign to open an evening college in New Haven, to allow local youth who were not able to attend Yale University a path to professional jobs. That college is now Southern Connecticut State University. For all these reasons and more, the Peoples Center is a proud site on the Connecticut Freedom Trail

The tradition of opening up the building to the needs of the community has continued through the decades. Some examples include: In the turbulent 1970's the Peoples Center hosted weekly potluck suppers where an exchange of information and ideas was popular. In the 1980's the Peoples Center was a center of community support for clerical workers at Yale who were organizing into Local 34. In the 1990's the Peoples Center opened its doors to the homeless organization We the People, and became the first homeless run daytime drop-in center in the country. After 9/11, when immigrants were being targeted, Unidad Latina en Accion was founded at the Peoples Center to represent the needs of the immigrant community.

The Peoples Center is truly a labor of love. The Center operates on a volunteer basis. The building has been maintained since 1937 by small contributions. Those who are involved in the Peoples Center are proud to be a part of such an outstanding institution that provides a vital service and continues to contribute to the well-being of the lives of those who live in the New Haven community and beyond.

Opposition to approval of bonding funds to restore an historic building carrying out a vital mission is disturbing. We understand that the request has been temporarily removed and will be renewed next month. It is reported that an e-mail letter was distributed, employing anti-Communist red-baiting and quoting the Yankee Institute. This diversionary scare tactic has been referred to by some in the media as a throwback to the ugly witch hunts of the 1950's which set back democracy in our country for many years. From its inception the Peoples Center has never employed discriminatory tactics or policies and gladly opens its doors in keeping with our mission statement for a better community and a better world.