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
Monday, September 20, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Sign up Now - Oct 2 - One Nation Working Togrther
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."
"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."
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Tax Abatement Committee Hearing
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.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Celebrate the 75th Birthday of Social Security
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
-- 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
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Join the Solidarity Caravan!
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
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
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
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
Monday, July 12, 2010
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
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.
###
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.
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
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).
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."
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
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.
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
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.
|
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
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
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
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/
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)
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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