Friday, July 9, 2010

Ruth Emerson, Civil Rights Leader

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

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Celebration of the Life of Ruth Emerson

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.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

CT Retirees Keep Eye on Spending Panel

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.

###

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

May Day March for Immigrant Rights and Jobs for All

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.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

CT Allaince for Retired Americans Meets Mar 26

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.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

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

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

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Intro to Marxism in Today's Economy

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).

Monday, January 25, 2010

Working together for Justice Competition Deadline Feb 12, 2010

"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.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Haitian Poet D. Colin at Free2Spit Fri, Feb 5

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

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

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Better Choices for CT - What Rell's Veto Means

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.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Health Care for America Now: Finish Reform Right

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

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

White House National Conference Call on Health Care


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.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Celebrating National Hip Hop Month

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

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Call Congress for Health Care

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

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Identity of the Americas

"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

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

URGENT! CALL CONGRESS


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.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Enough is Enough!

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

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Health Care Townhall

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/
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

“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.”

Friday, July 17, 2009

Alliance for Retired Americans - Get Involved

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.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Retired Teacher and Activist George Fishman Dies at 92

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.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Overcoming Foreclosures

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).

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Connecticut Center for a New Economy

"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

Friday, May 15, 2009

Workshop on Foreclosures and Evictions

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

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Celebrate El Salvador Friday

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.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

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 13th – 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

Monday, April 27, 2009

March with the Peoples Center on May Day

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.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

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.