Sunday, November 21, 2021

TEST December



SCHOOLS                  
Fair school funding trial updates and livestream "We are asking for sustained, substantial new investments in state funding for public education, distributed based on need, so that local wealth no longer determines whether Pennsylvania students receive a quality public education.."
STOP the hate - Armstrong County is the name of a FB group and public page focused on anti-bullying support in the Armstrong school district, especially after a trans student was left with a concussion and Armstrong students harshly harassed a female hockey team member. 
Op-Ed: PA schools need inspiring, not divisive, curricula Opinion from : Christopher T. Brooks,
professor of history at East Stroudsburg University.
PENNCREST board member opposes another conference request in which school board member David Valesky comes right out and says it's "the talk of racism" that's actually bothering him, and promotes more discipline instead. Also PENNCREST votes down CRT ban policy  

JUSTICE                     
Erie police sued in federal court over repeated punching of suspect; excessive force claimed 
JES Global Summit: The Power of Policy Reform to Address Racial Justice in Erie  Equity Coalition of Erie and Better Together Council’s Racial Justice Policy Initiative invited to panel discussion a with the night’s featured speaker, Dr. Camille Busette

ELECTIONS              
Freedom to Vote Act Caravan Covers Three Counties  Indivisible We Rise – West Central PA carried their important message through Clarion, Jefferson and  Venango counties. 
Jaime Kinder Meadville mayor and and Gretchen M Myers to Meadville City Council  What we know about the firm hired by the GOP to review Pennsylvania’s 2020 election
Putting India Walton's Campaign for Mayor of Buffalo in Context

EARTH                       
Dec 1 - There’s Money on the (Water) Table: An American Rescue Plan Discussion Virtual.ARP funds and clean water infrastructure. "If invested wisely, these funds can address issues ranging from aging infrastructure to polluted runoff and flood mitigation."
Environmental Rights Amendment Passes in New York state
Pittsburgh to host global climate and energy meeting next year "Pittsburgh will serve as the host city for the 2022 Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) and the ministerial for Mission Innovation (MI) next September. Pittsburgh was selected by the federal government ... because of its commitment to innovation and reinventing its industrial past through sustainability, technology, research and development and the City’s prioritization of renewable energies and the ambitious goals being rapidly achieved in the Climate Action Plan."
What is road brine? Townhall discussion in one Ashtabula Co. community. On page 14 

LGBTQ+                     
Dec 8 - Greater Erie Alliance for Equality Year End Celebration Room 33 Speakeasy & Cafe, 1033 State St, Erie. 6 PM - 9 PM. Appetizers, cash bar, entertainment. Proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of event. GreaterErieAlliance.com. (866) 229-1974. 
Dec 9 - "Pier Kids" Screening & Discussion Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, Erie. 6 PM - 8 PM. "explores the lives of homeless queer and trans youth of color on Christopher Street Pier in NYC. WQLN is hosting an intimate screening followed by a panel discussion. RSVP
Tea Time with the Jackson Center Interview w/ Steve Roth Executive Director of ORAM (Organization for Refuge, Asylum and Migration) is guest. "ORAM protects and empowers LGBTIQ asylum seekers and refugees globally.." The Robert H. Jackson Center   is based in Jamestown NY; their mission is "to advance public awareness and appreciation of the principles of justice and the rule of law as embodied in the achievements and legacy of Robert H. Jackson, U.S. Supreme Court Justice and Chief U.S. Prosecutor at Nuremberg."

STRAYER STRIKE   
"Thank you to everyone who donated to our #Ironworker GoFundMe for Local 851!
"As we head into the snowy, freezing Erie winter, we’re fundraising for food, supplies, and healthcare costs for striking Ironworkers at Erie Strayer Co.
"These workers have been on strike since October 4, 2021 and deserve so much more.
"If you can donate, any amount of money will help us and our families fight one day longer, one day stronger."

For GoFundMe link go to  Ironworkers Rising  Facebook page 



INSERT PHOTO+++




    














JUSTICE


Equity Coalition of Erie and Better Together Council’s Racial Justice Policy Initiative invited to panel discussion at JES Global Summit with the night’s featured speaker, Dr. Camille Busette. 
Bail funds help the poor get out of jail. Advocates say a Pa. House bill could shut them down
PG Investigation: When police shoot in PA, most don't tell FBI

SCHOOLS
PENNCREST board member opposes another conference request in which school board member David Valesky comes out and says it's "the talk of racism" that's really bothering him, and promotes more discipline instead.
Op-Ed: PA schools need inspiring, not divisive, curricula
STOP the hate - Armstrong County is the name of a FB group and public page focused on anti-bullying support in the Armstrong school district, especially after a trans student was left with a concussion and Armstrong students harshly harassed a female hockey team member. 
PA school Funding Lawsuit Backgrounder from Education Voters of PA


ELECTIONS
Freedom to Vote Act Caravan Covers Three Counties  Indivisible We Rise – West Central PA carried their important message through Clarion, Jefferson and  Venango counties. 
Group to again lobby lawmakers for people's maps over traditional PA politics
Pa. House could vote on broad election law changes as soon as next month
NY Says No To Voting Reforms, Yes To Environmental Right
Putting India Walton's Campaign for Mayor of Buffalo in Context


LGBTQ+
Dec 8 - Greater Erie Alliance for Equality Year End Celebration Room 33 Speakeasy & Cafe, 1033 State St, Erie. 6 PM - 9 PM. Appetizers,cash bar, entertainment. Proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of event. GreaterErieAlliance.com. (866) 229-1974. 
Dec 9 - "Pier Kids" Screening & Discussion Zone Dance Club, 133 W 18th St, Erie. 6 PM - 8 PM. "explores the lives of homeless queer and trans youth of color on Christopher Street Pier in NYC. WQLN is hosting an intimate screening followed by a panel discussion. RSVP
National Coalition for the Homeless Opening First-Ever Field Office in Cleveland "It will focus on grassroots organizing and civil rights protections for the poor and unhoused and will work to establish relationships with homeless organizations across the Midwest. "
'No one advocating for them': The stories of Ohioans who helped immigrants detained in Youngstown

sendoff for alex

Strayer














 

Thursday, October 28, 2021

 



ARTS
Nov 11-14 - Playshop Theatre: "Bourbon at the Border" Allegheny College Meadville PA Nov 11-14 
Film Pittsburgh Virtual Step-by-Step Guide  Three Rivers Film Fest Nov 10-17, Pgh Shorts Nov 18-21. In-person and virtual.
Dec 3-4 - Lost & Found: A Pop-up Museum TMC's 2021 Fundraiser  In-person and Virtual “celebrating the community, art, and activism that has kept TMC going for almost fifty years.” 55150 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15224
JUSTICE
Mercyhurst, Mercy Heritage Room, Sullivan Hall. Discussion follows. Free and open to the public.
County Councilman Andre Horton proposes free community college tuition for former non-violent inmates

ARTS
Nov 11-14 - Playshop Theatre: "Bourbon at the Border" Allegheny College Meadville PA Nov 11-14 
Film Pittsburgh Virtual Step-by-Step Guide  Three Rivers Film Fest Nov 10-17, Pgh Shorts Nov 18-21. In-person and virtual.
Dec 3-4 - Lost & Found: A Pop-up Museum TMC's 2021 Fundraiser  In-person and Virtual “celebrating the community, art, and activism that has kept TMC going for almost fifty years.” 55150 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15224
K-12

PENNCREST School Board votes against teacher attending language conference because "laced with aspects of critical race theory".   Video: PENNCREST School Board (Oct 14, 2021) Conference discussion begins at 14:00 
Voices: Critical Race Theory Opinion by Julia Carden in Edinboro Now 

LGBTQ+

Chautauqua Institution’s Vice President of Religion and Senior Pastor Gene Robinson Is Retiring Robinson recognized for his groundbreaking work with the LGBTQ community, youth communities and those suffering from abuse and addiction.  In 2003, he became the first openly gay and partnered priest to be elected Bishop in historic Christendom
Erie Transgender Day of Remembrance vigil  (TBD presumably on Nov 20, not sure if in person or virtual) Check TransFamily of NWPA for updates 
Youngstown Transgender Day of Remembrance Speakers & Candlelight Vigil. St. John's Episcopal Church, 323 Wick Ave, Youngstown, OH
ELECTIONS

GEMISH
Erie DSA Social November 11,  Jekyll & Hyde’s happy hour from 5-7 PM 8 E 10th St, Erie, PA
The Hidden Tab · Spotlight PA Taxpayers foot huge bill to run Pa.’s full-time legislature, but are blocked from many details. Year-long investigation.

Photo: Deb Spilko 

~~~

In non-pandemic times, this is a calendar of events for people who believe "a better world is possible." Published monthly.  Focus is local/regional. Not affiliated with any organization All upcoming event listings are nonviolent. Event submissions send to moonkat2014@gmail.com


TEST

 



ARTS          

Nov 4 - ELIES Film Screening: "Mankiller: Activist, Feminist, Cherokee Chief”  7:30 pm
Mercyhurst, Mercy Heritage Room, Sullivan Hall. Dscussion follows. Free and open to the public.
Nov 11-14 - Playshop Theatre: "Bourbon at the Border" Allegheny College Meadville PA Nov 11-14 
Film Pittsburgh Virtual Step-by-Step Guide  Three Rivers Film Fest Nov 10-17, Pgh Shorts Nov 18-21. In-person and virtual.
Lost & Found: A Pop-up Museum TMC's 2021 Fundraiser  In-person and Virtual “celebrating the community, art, and activism that has kept TMC going for almost fifty years.” Location and dates TBD.  thomasmertoncenter.org/2021  
Jamestown To Implement Cameras Following anti-Semitic and anti-African American Vandalism Of StatuesVoices: Critical Race Theory Opinion by Julia Carden in Edinboro Now 

LGBTQ+
Chautauqua Institution’s Vice President of Religion and Senior Pastor Gene Robinson Is Retiring Robinson recognized for his groundbreaking work with the LGBTQ community, youth communities and those suffering from abuse and addiction.  In 2003, he became the first openly gay and partnered priest to be elected Bishop in historic Christendom
Erie Transgender Day of Remembrance vigil  (TBD presumably on Nov 20, not sure if in person or virtual) Check TransFamily of NWPA for updates 
Youngstown Transgender Day of Remembrance Speakers & Candlelight Vigil. St. John's Episcopal Church, 323 Wick Ave, Youngstown, OH

GEMISH
Erie strayer
Erie DSA Social November 11,  Jekyll & Hyde’s happy hour from 5-7 PM 8 E 10th St, Erie, PA
The Hidden Tab · Spotlight PA Taxpayers foot huge bill to run Pa.’s full-time legislature, but are blocked from many details. Year-long investigation.
WRFA Hosts Community Conversation on Jamestown’s Marginalized/Underserved Groups Each panel discussion will feature representatives from five community groups, including the local African-American Community, the Hispanic Community, LGBTQ+ Community, those affected by Chemical Dependency, and those impacted by Generational Poverty.

Photo: Deb Spilko 

~~~

In non-pandemic times, this is a calendar of events for people who believe "a better world is possible." Published monthly.  Focus is local/regional. Not affiliated with any organization All upcoming event listings are nonviolent. Event submissions send to moonkat2014@gmail.com

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

test

 


ARTS
Nov 4 - ELIES Film Screening: "Mankiller: Activist, Feminist, Cherokee Chief”  7:30 pm
Mercyhurst, Mercy Heritage Room, Sullivan Hall. Dscussion follows. Free and open to the public.
Nov 11-14 - Playshop Theatre: "Bourbon at the Border" Allegheny College Meadville PA Nov 11-14 
Film Pittsburgh Virtual Step-by-Step Guide  Three Rivers Film Fest Nov 10-17, Pgh Shorts Nov 18-21. In-person and virtual.
Lost & Found: A Pop-up Museum TMC's 2021 Fundraiser
  In-person and Virtual “celebrating the community, art, and activism that has kept TMC going for almost fifty years.” Location and dates TBD.  thomasmertoncenter.org/2021  
Jamestown To Implement Cameras Following anti-Semitic and anti-African American Vandalism Of Statues
Chautauqua Institution’s Vice President of Religion and Senior Pastor Gene Robinson Is Retiring Robinson recognized for his groundbreaking work with the LGBTQ community, youth communities and those suffering from abuse and addiction.  In 2003, he became the first openly gay and partnered priest to be elected Bishop in historic Christendom
Erie Transgender Day of Remembrance vigil  (TBD presumably on Nov 20, not sure if in person or virtual) Check TransFamily of NWPA for updates 
Youngstown Transgender Day of Remembrance Speakers & Candlelight Vigil. St. John's Episcopal Church, 323 Wick Ave, Youngstown, OH

ETC
Erie strayer
Erie DSA Social November 11,  Jekyll & Hyde’s happy hour from 5-7 PM 8 E 10th St, Erie, PA
The Hidden Tab · Spotlight PA Taxpayers foot huge bill to run Pa.’s full-time legislature, but are blocked from many details. Year-long investigation.
WRFA Hosts Community Conversation on Jamestown’s Marginalized/Underserved Groups Each panel discussion will feature representatives from five community groups, including the local African-American Community, the Hispanic Community, LGBTQ+ Community, those affected by Chemical Dependency, and those impacted by Generational Poverty.

Photo: Deb Spilko 






Saturday, October 2, 2021

LINK CHECK

SCHOOLS
PENNCREST update: CRT policy up for first reading, though may change (9/9/)
Clarion-Limestone anti-CRT school board member arrested for DUI Board member Gary Sproul, who worked for the ban, seems to have issues with public health as well. Aside from the DUI, he has cheered on anti-mask recklessness.    
York county school district rolls back bans on books b authors of color after backlash from students 
Pa. House panel approves bill to post school curriculums online

JUSTICE 
Longtime Erie activist pushes city to embrace 'deep and meaningful' policing dialogue
Kevin Flower talks with local activist Art Leopold
PA ‘Kids for Cash’ scandal class action as hundreds testify in civil hearing


EARTH

Local advocates gather together for ‘Climate Strike’ in Perry Square Sept 24
Local students statements at Climate Strike
Unearth will screen at Eerie Horror Fest Oct. 30 at 6pm, Erie Playhouse. 
Interfaith Candlelight Vigil for the Earth Oct 4   Hosts: Gannon U. Center for Social Concerns, Cathedral of St. Paul, Benedictines for Peace, Erie Benedictines
NextGen America launches $32 million program to turn out young voters in 2022Will organize in PA, TX, AZ, NC, NH,MI,WI and NV with a goal to "register, inform and mobilize" hundreds of thousands of young voters, the group says.”
PA Dem candidates on fracking ban Pa. Dems running for Senate shun talk of fracking ban (Source: from E&E, an energy and environment publication presently owned by Politico)

ARTS
Live at the Met: Fire Shut Up in My Bones  Terence Blanchard's opera adaptation of Charles M. Blow's moving memoir. Fredonia Opera House (10/23), Tinseltown Erie (10/23 & 10/27), Lakewood 8 (10/23)
‘Al Franken to perform at Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall’: Oct. 23 Strict vax/test/ID requirements
Cauleen Smith: Pandemic Diaries Online "engaging with the intersecting crises of the pandemic and social injustice through her lens o  active care, radical imagination, and collective consciousness."
Food Justice: Growing a Healthier Community through Art Pittsburgh thru March 19, 2022
Bourbon at the Border Presented by Playshop Theatre, Allegheny College November 11–14, 2021 'Howard University students May and Charlie joined hundreds of other Americans in Mississippi in the summer of 1964 for a voter registration drive. Years later, they are still searching for a way back from the damage that was done to them during that long ago “Freedom Summer.”' 

WAR & PEACE
Peace activists protest at Niagara Falls airbase over Afghanistan drone attacks "We came to honor them, to remember them, to think about the drones that bury innocent live and to read the names and talk about the program that is killing nine people for every person they are aiming at," Victoria Ross said. 
No Drones Niagara and WNY Peace Center work to raise awareness about killer drones and prevent the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station from adding a drone operation.  No Drones Niagara is part of the Upstate Coalition to Ground the Drones and End the Wars.
George W. Bush will be in Erie November 9, hosted by Jefferson Educational Society. No vigils or protests scheduled so far... however, it is important to remind Americans that the cuddly old guy calling for decency and tolerance was responsible for some of the most horrific behavior of modern times: 

vote.pa.gov New URL for PA voter website vote.pa.gov.
Erie County Executive Live Debate Oct 12 YourErie (JET 24 TV) live at 7 p.m. 
True Quotes of an Erie Working Man and Erie Wannabe Man, Brenton Davis+++ https://www.facebook.com/eriewannabeman
Draw the Lines: The PA Citizens' Map  Combines the 1,500 congressional maps Pennsylvanians have submitted to Draw the Lines. This is the first such map that has ever been created by citizens.
Wolf creates new redistricting oversight panel ahead of fraught map-drawing process+++
AG Shapiro sues to block GOP election subpoena
PA Dems sue over GOP election "investigation"

ETC
Study: Economic impact of immigrants on Erie County A new study from the Economic Research Institute of Erie at Penn State Behrend
Food as Healing with Shane Bernardo Gannon, Palumbo Academic Center (3rd floor) Oct. 28  3PM "Shane Bernardo is co-founder of Food As Healing, a grower, facilitator and food justice organizer based in Detroit, Michigan that uses food and storytelling as mediums for healing and decolonizing." 
‘People called us heroes’: Pa. nurses sound the alarm on unsafe working conditions


PHOTOS
women's march+++



Erie Wannabe Man, Brenton Davis

https://www.facebook.com/PADepartmentofState







+++ 

Wednesday, September 1, 2021

check links

UPDATES                                   

Check here for important updates during the month

CRITICAL RACE THEORY   

"PENNCREST School Board has approved a resolution to issue a statement emphasizing that the school district does not teach critical race theory (CRT), while sending a policy aimed at banning the subject back to committee for reworking." ~ from From Meadville Tribune 8/14; detailed coverage:  Aug. 9 meeting  Aug. 12 meeting 
Mars Area school board, banned CRT and passes "Patriotism amendment" , and Clarion-Limestown school board banned CRT in the unsubstatiated theories section of their updated mission statement. A Clarion-Limestone board member also mentioned that he would be bringing up adding  "gender theory" to the banned list. 
Ask the Experts: Why is critical race theory so controversial? (City & State PA  8/17/2021)
Kimberlé Crenshaw on Teaching the Truth about Race in America (ep. 168) |  On ACLU podcast.  Crenshaw is one of the founders of CRT.
The Tea Party to the 10th power': Trumpworld bets big on critical race theory (Politico 6/23/2021) "Republicans aren’t coy about what they are trying to do. It’s not just about changing curricula. It’s about taking back Congress."
Climate activists set their sights on the PA PUC  (StateImpact 8/25/2021)"The interfaith group POWER wants Gov. Tom Wolf to appoint new members of the Public Utility Commission who are dedicated to climate justice and ending environmental racism. "
As climate change urgency grows, Pa. is still working on new standards for teaching about it (StateImpact 8/26/2021)

JUSTICE                                    

ACLU guest column: Stop harming Erie students (Erie Times-News 8/25/2021) "for more than a decade, the district has institutionalized a culture of punishment of Black children, especially those with disabilities and often without regard to the seriousness of a student’s infraction."
$262,000 settlement ends federal suit over claims of excessive force by Erie police officer     
Ground-breaking report on racial disparity in PA nursing homes 
Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of the Elderly (CARIE)
Attica Prison Uprising (September 8-13, 1971 in WNY), was the bloodiest prison uprising in US history and is one of the most important early events of the Prisoners' Rights movement.  Robert H. Jackson Center in 2018 hosted  Dr. Heather Thompson (Pulitzer Prize winning author of "Blood in the Water") and a panel  to talk about the event and its legacy. 
Activists broke into the FBI office in Media PA, also 50 years ago. The burglary explosively exposed the now-infamous COINTELPRO operation directed by FBI director J. Edgar Hoover, and illegal surveillance of peaceful citizens. The Greatest Heist You've Never Heard Of  (13 min.) is a good intro. 

ARTS                                                  

Edinboro's Bruce Gallery Features Erie Artists of Color (by Heather Amancio, Erie Reader 9/1/2021) "CHROMA Guild members highlighted at current exhibit"
"Speed of Dark" American Repertory Theater, Buffalo NY Sep 9-10/2  "centers around four-men who find themselves on the wrong end-of-the day in a Sundown Town, and, as ...they discover the integrity within themselves as well as find dignity & pride to who they are as men." In-person, strict covid rules
Movie Mondays: West Side Story Outdoor event, Perry Square Erie PA Sep 9-10/2 . Interactive trivia 8:30pm, movies start at dark. Hosts: Erie Downtown Partnership and the Film Society of NWPA". 
Lit Fridays  is "a literary-focused, virtual salon presented by the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, featuring conversations and guest performances on the last Friday of each month at 6:00pm via Facebook Live and Zoom Webinar."

ELECTIONS                               

Update on PA election "audit" (PA Capital-Star 8/29/2021) 
‘Ending gerrymandering: the redistricting fight in Pa.’: WHYY talks with Fair Districts PA chair Carol Kuniholm, state Rep. Wendi Thomas, and House Minority Leader Joanna McClinton.
How to get involved in Pa.’s pivotal redistricting process (Spotlight PA 8/20/2021)
Thompson's district lost big in 2020 census, one of six in Pennsylvania that lost population in the 2020 census (all but one of which are held by Republicans) (AP News 8/14/2021).
4 takeaways from new Pa. census data and what it means for redistricting (Spotlight PA 8/18/2021)
PA  Abolishes Prison Gerrymandering (Time 8/24/2021) will increase urban representation while reducing rural representation.

GEMISH                                    

Erie Labor Day Parade September 6 at 10am 11th & State, Erie PA. Hosted by IBEW Local 56
Little Free Pantry - Erie raffle on September 18. Check their Facebook group for details on donations and particpation.
Sisters of St Joseph Neighborhood Network is looking for mentors for young people. 

WAR & PEACE                        

Erie Peace Initiative photo album. Erie Peace Inititiative started in 2002 when local people became concerned about what was taking place in the name of "War on Terror" (It was originally called 9/11 Peace Initiative). The album features photos during some of its active period. 

Lilac Springs is a healing space for combat veterans in Meadville PA. Right now the couple that runs the space (Marsha and Anthony Pedone)  are both dealing with health issues right now and need help around the place. If you can volunteer, or donate so help can be hired, that would be very appreciated. Read more about Lilac Springs here

Michael Moore 's Fahrenheit 9/11 will show for free on September 10 at 9pm, followed by some special guests for discussion and questions. Also Free at WatchDocumentaries and probably widely available during September. Trailer 

The Erie Peace Initiative Ribbon Project at Union Station (2013) see below. Each ribbon had the name of a fallen US servicemember. (red for those who died in Iraq, blue for those who died in Afghanistan). The project was an effort to get the public to visualize the loss of servicemembers. As immense as that representation is in this photo, it doesn't show all the ribbons. The project did not represent fallen civilians, contractors, allied servicemembers, or those fighting on the other side. Some of those numbers were observed in other events. The project is currently in the custody of Travis Lindsey. an Iraq War veteran who encouraged EPI to take on the project. 

Info blurb+++

PHOTO CREDITS: Grapes - Public domain, author unknown, Ribbon Project Deb Spilko 

Sunday, August 29, 2021

CHECK LINKS SEPT 2021

JUSTICE
ACLU guest column: Stop harming Erie students (Erie Times-News 8/25/2021) "for more than a decade, the district has institutionalized a culture of punishment of Black children, especially those with disabilities and often without regard to the seriousness of a student’s infraction." https://www.goerie.com/story/opinion/2021/08/25/aclu-asks-erie-school-district-commit-not-harming-students/8254170002/ 
$262,000 settlement ends federal suit over claims of excessive force by Erie police officer     
Separate and Unconscionable: A Report on Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Pennsylvania’s Nursing Homes with Recommendations for Immediate Action +++Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of the Elderly (CARIE)
Diversity and inclusion officer could soon be a new position to serve Erie County   (YourErie 8/11/2021) 
Pa. only state that requires counties to fund public defense (Daily Item 8/8/2021)https://www.dailyitem.com/news/pa-only-state-that-requires-counties-to-fund-public-defense/article_47965d4e-f3d6-11eb-baf4-6f6cfc55bc0e.html 

Media PA and Attica
Also 50 years ago, 

ELECTIONS
Update on PA election "audit" (PA Capital-Star 8/29/2021) 
‘Ending gerrymandering: the redistricting fight in Pa.’: WHYY talks with Fair Districts PA chair Carol Kuniholm, state Rep. Wendi Thomas, and House Minority Leader Joanna McClinton.
How to get involved in Pa.’s pivotal redistricting process (Spotlight PA 8/20/2021)
Thompson's district lost big in 2020 census, one of six in Pennsylvania that lost population in the 2020 census (all but one of which are held by Republicans) (AP News 8/14/2021).
4 takeaways from new Pa. census data and what it means for redistricting (Spotlight PA 8/18/2021)
PA  Abolishes Prison Gerrymandering (Time 8/24/2021) will increase urban representation while reducing rural representation.


GEMISH
Erie Labor Day Parade details: September 6 at 10am 11th & State, Erie PA. Hosted by IBEW Local 56
Little Free Pantry - Erie will hold a raffle on September 18. Check their group for details or contact Raegin at +++

PHOTOS
+++

Info blurb+++



 +++

+++
ARTS

Sep 1 - "Summer of Soul" Reg Lenna, Jamestown NY 
Sep 9-10/2 "Speed of Dark" American Repertory Theater, Buffalo NY "centers around four-men who find themselves on the wrong end-of-the day in a Sundown Town, and, as ...they discover the integrity within themselves as well as find dignity & pride to who they are as men." Strict covid rules
Sept 27 - Movie Mondays: West Side Story Outdoor event, Perry Square Erie PA. Interactive trivia 8:30pm, movies start at dark. Hosts: Erie Downtown Partnership and the Film Society of NWPA". 
Lit Fridays  "a literary-focused, virtual salon presented by the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, featuring conversations and guest performances on the last Friday of each month at 6:00pm via Facebook Live and Zoom Webinar."



CRT
Mars Area School Board Bans Teaching Critical Race Theory, Passes ‘Patriotism Amendment’
https://www.wesa.fm/education/2021-08-17/mars-area-school-board-bans-teaching-critical-race-theory-passes-patriotism-amendment?mc_cid=9155cbe3e9&mc_eid=c7c50c0eab

CRT amendment
https://www.rawstory.com/pennsylvania-school-board-bans-critical-race-theory-by-passing-patriotism-amendment/?e=moonkat2014@gmail.com&utm_source=&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=7682
https://explorevenango.com/clarion-limestone-bans-critical-race-theory/

Penncrest update
what is crt
Ask the Experts: Why is critical race theory so controversial? City & State PA AUG 17, 2021
https://www.cityandstatepa.com/content/ask-experts-why-critical-race-theory-so-controversial \


EARTH
Investigation Uncovers Ohio Is “Illegally” Building Radioactive Mountains, Affecting 26 Waterways


Jobs or the environment? Ahead of 2022, Pa. Dems thread needle on ‘false choice’
 
EPA hits Erie Coke with $1M Superfund lien to recoup cleanup costs; amount likely to grow   

The State of Environmental Health in Pennsylvania Schools
June 2021 

public herald series
https://www.facebook.com/publicherald

ELECTIONS



‘Ending gerrymandering: the redistricting fight in Pa.’: WHYY talks with Fair Districts PA chair Carol Kuniholm, state Rep. Wendi Thomas, and House Minority Leader Joanna McClinton.
Thompson's district lost big in 2020 census, one of six in Pennsylvania that lost population in the 2020 census (all but one of which are held by Republicans) (AP News 8/14/2021).
4 takeaways from new Pa. census data and what it means for redistricting (Spotlight PA 8/18/2021)

JUSTICE

$262,000 settlement ends federal suit over claims of excessive force against Erie police officer     +
Separate and Unconscionable: A Report on Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Pennsylvania’s Nursing Homes with Recommendations for Immediate Action +++Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of the Elderly (CARIE)
Diversity and inclusion officer could soon be a new position to serve Erie County   
Media PA and Attica



LABOR

JULY

https://www.reddit.com/r/Erie/ comments/1lbd4ic/erie_turned_ up_today/   PHOTO++ ARTS AmeriMasala Creative Workshops for Teens and Adults ...