AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY
Feb 18 - Erie celebrates Black resistance yesterday and today 12-3pm ECAT 650 East Ave. Suite 120 Erie. "Food, games, community resource tables" Host: Erie Co. United
Feb 20 - Parris Baker Ph D: Dr Martin Luther King and America's self-evident truth 7pmJefferson Ed. Society 3207 State, Erie 7pm $10
Feb 23 - From Trash to Treasure: Maintaining African American History Featuring: Johnny Johnson, M.Ed7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Satellite location: ECAT)—650 East Ave. Suite 120, Erie, PA Free
Feb 25 - Project Shine feat: Preach Freedom Live at City Gallery 7:30-9:30pm City Gallery 1503 State, Erie PA
Mar 9 - Freedom Flight Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, Jametown NY 10am "revolves around the most famous incident in the history of the Underground Railroad in Ohio" Mad River Theatre Works
March 15-16, - “The Right to Dream” Robert H Jackson Center, Cappa Theatre, Jamestown NY. "Discover the struggle and sacrifice for Black civil rights, through the efforts of a young African American activist coming of age during the civil rights movement. " Registration required.
Walking in Black History "Erie's premier experiential learning initiative for teens - a five day 'freedom ride' by bus from Erie, PA to Birmingham, Selma, Montgomery and Tuskegee, Alabama."
The man who found Erie’s lost Underground Railroad station (YourErie) Kevin Johnson has discovered an Underground Railroad station at E. 12th & Parade. "Johnson also wrote a book about the first Underground Railroad station. A copy of it can be viewed in the Blasco Library’s Heritage Room."
How a Black neighborhood association in Pgh helped shaped emergency medicine (Fresh Air)
Chautauqua anti-slavery movement links
Feb 6 - History and Healing: Spotlight on African American Heroes 6pm Jefferson Ed. Society Satellite location Fairview Featuring: A Shared Heritage 6pm Free, register in advance.
Feb 11 - Till (2022) 8pm Reg Lenna Arts Center, Jamestown NY
Feb 11 - Till (2022) 8pm Reg Lenna Arts Center, Jamestown NY
Feb 18 - Erie celebrates Black resistance yesterday and today 12-3pm ECAT 650 East Ave. Suite 120 Erie. "Food, games, community resource tables" Host: Erie Co. United
Feb 20 - Parris Baker Ph D: Dr Martin Luther King and America's self-evident truth 7pmJefferson Ed. Society 3207 State, Erie 7pm $10
Feb 23 - From Trash to Treasure: Maintaining African American History Featuring: Johnny Johnson, M.Ed7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Satellite location: ECAT)—650 East Ave. Suite 120, Erie, PA Free
Feb 25 - Project Shine feat: Preach Freedom Live at City Gallery 7:30-9:30pm City Gallery 1503 State, Erie PA
Mar 9 - Freedom Flight Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, Jametown NY 10am "revolves around the most famous incident in the history of the Underground Railroad in Ohio" Mad River Theatre Works
March 15-16, - “The Right to Dream” Robert H Jackson Center, Cappa Theatre, Jamestown NY. "Discover the struggle and sacrifice for Black civil rights, through the efforts of a young African American activist coming of age during the civil rights movement. " Registration required.
The man who found Erie’s lost Underground Railroad station (YourErie) Kevin Johnson has discovered an Underground Railroad station at E. 12th & Parade. "Johnson also wrote a book about the first Underground Railroad station. A copy of it can be viewed in the Blasco Library’s Heritage Room."
How a Black neighborhood association in Pgh helped shaped emergency medicine (Fresh Air)
Chautauqua anti-slavery movement links
African American Heritage in Buffalo, NY | Visit Buffalo Niagara
ARTS
Film Society of NWP PA and Kellar's presents new film series At Keller's 14th & State
The Crucible The 1953 play about the Salem witch trials that Arthur Miller wrote as an allegory for McCarthyism will be presented at Fredonia Opera House March 11 from (National Theatre Live). and Mercyhurst University March 23-26 at Mercyhurst Little Theatre.
Feb 8 - Candidacy info night on Feb 8 at 5:30pm at Blasco Library in Erie. Learn about circulating and filing nomination petitions as well as your responsibilities with campaign finance reporting.
Feb 28 - "We Want Freedom" Election Platform Launch 6 pm Erie County United office 202 W 11th St or Zoom. "From police accountability to poverty, to safe and affordable housing Erie can’t wait for freedom. We will also honor movement leaders from Harriet Tubman, to Fred Hampton, and our own Darnell Stallworth Jr."
FAQs about PA annual mail-in ballot (vote.pa.gov)
IN MEMORIAM
PACA building's history tour With Mark Tanenbaum as your tour guide
Dance Education With a Social Conscious (Erie Reader) How Dafmark is working to bring art to everyone
Dance Education With a Social Conscious (Erie Reader) How Dafmark is working to bring art to everyone
Film Society of NWP PA and Kellar's presents new film series At Keller's 14th & State
EARTH
Erie's new Environmental Advisory Council eyes sustainability, equity (Erie Times-News) "Erie City Council recently passed an ordinance creating an Environmental Advisory Council (EAC). The EAC will build capacity and support community outreach efforts at a time when Erie's environmental ambitions continue to grow."
EPA: Erie facility emitting less cancer-causing ethylene oxide but questions remain
City Council mtg 2/1/23 Public comments on Greengarden, French St bike lanes from 9;00 to 30:28 mark and again at 1:04
Erie's new Environmental Advisory Council eyes sustainability, equity (Erie Times-News) "Erie City Council recently passed an ordinance creating an Environmental Advisory Council (EAC). The EAC will build capacity and support community outreach efforts at a time when Erie's environmental ambitions continue to grow."
EPA: Erie facility emitting less cancer-causing ethylene oxide but questions remain
City Council mtg 2/1/23 Public comments on Greengarden, French St bike lanes from 9;00 to 30:28 mark and again at 1:04
Staughton Lynd, lifelong peace and justice activist who passed away at 92 this past November in Warren OH, was an attorney in the lawsuit against US Steel's efforts to move Pittsburgh and Youngstown steel operations to lakefront property around Conneaut Ohio on the PA/Ohio line. The lawsuit plaintiffs were a coalition with labor, environmental, community and religious. (the environmental group Downwind Neighbors was based in Erie).
Feedback & comments: PA methane pollution comments, deadline Feb 13 Ethylene oxide link at bottom of article.
NY legalized human composting Dec 31 Feelings about the law are mixed, but this video segment from The Independent looks at the environmental aspects for those interested.
ELECTIONS & GOVERNANCE
ELECTIONS & GOVERNANCE
Feb 8 - Candidacy info night on Feb 8 at 5:30pm at Blasco Library in Erie. Learn about circulating and filing nomination petitions as well as your responsibilities with campaign finance reporting.
PA Election Dates 2023 (vote.pa.gov)
Spotlight PA virtual panel on Pa.’s patchwork system of local governments "discussion on Pennsylvania’s local governments, and how their oversight — or lack thereof — impacts residents and governance."
Gen Z and the evolving political landscape will be the topic of a February 23 panel at City Club of Cleveland. It will be livestreamed, in-person, and the recorded events should then be available on their Facebook page.
How a constitutional amendment gets on the ballot in PA (Spotlight PA)
How a constitutional amendment gets on the ballot in PA (Spotlight PA)
Linda Henderson A Celebration of Life gathering will be held for Linda Henderson at the Two Mile Run County Park nature lodge at 2:00 p.m. on February 11; bring covered dish and instrument, all are welcome. Linda was a catalyst for a local grassroots music movement called Front Porch Folk. She soon began teaching classes on building homemade instruments such as canjos and cigar box guitars, and she, along with the help of her partner and other friends, opened the Front Porch Music Store in Franklin.
EPD launches new juvenile crime unit (Erie News Now)
Wolf sets clemency record, granting 2,540 pardons (Penn Capital-Star)
Shapiro Pledges To Expand Marijuana Pardons (Marijuana Moment)
It’s time to put our money where our mouth is on raising the minimum wage | Opinion (Penn Capital-Star) "All of Pa.’s neighboring states have raised their wage. The commonwealth is out of excuses"
PennWest Pantry Receives Grant from Hunger-Free Campus Initiative (PennWest)
Summit Township finally getting sidewalks in car culture areas of 19 and 97 (Erie Times-News)
Rightwing billboard in Butler
JUSTICE
EPD launches new juvenile crime unit (Erie News Now)
Wolf sets clemency record, granting 2,540 pardons (Penn Capital-Star)
Shapiro Pledges To Expand Marijuana Pardons (Marijuana Moment)
East Side Renaissance, GEEDC sue Erie DEI Commission over breach of contract (AJRao/Erie Times-News)
Heinz History Center has launched a website dedicated to Tree of Life tragedy (Pgh City Paper)
Coming to Chautauqua Institute this summer are author Linda Villarosa and philosopher activist and author Cornell West
SCHOOLS
Heinz History Center has launched a website dedicated to Tree of Life tragedy (Pgh City Paper)
Coming to Chautauqua Institute this summer are author Linda Villarosa and philosopher activist and author Cornell West
SCHOOLS
Zakaria Sharif fills Erie school board vacancy (Ed Palatella/ETN)
Turning Point USA (far right student activist group) was scheduled for an event at Fairview H.S. Jan 26, but there doesn't seem to be any coverage. Anyone know what happened?
PENNCREST school board passed policy changes banning books and barring MTF trans athletes from competing with cisgender peer athletes. Curmudgucation blog provides another overview, with links. The messy Jan 12 board meeting can be viewed on YouTube. The school district's solicitor resigned over the policy changes on Jan. 20. Following resignation the board president asked a "religious liberty" group for legal help. A local attorney argues school board actions contradict legal arguments.
PENNCREST school board passed policy changes banning books and barring MTF trans athletes from competing with cisgender peer athletes. Curmudgucation blog provides another overview, with links. The messy Jan 12 board meeting can be viewed on YouTube. The school district's solicitor resigned over the policy changes on Jan. 20. Following resignation the board president asked a "religious liberty" group for legal help. A local attorney argues school board actions contradict legal arguments.
A Bucks County principal ordered librarian to take down Elie Wiesel poster just days before Holocaust Remembrance Day (Raw Story)
SPIRIT
Benedictines for Peace Alerts sign up here
Three events at Mercyhurst the intersection of religion, social justice, security, and sustainability. All are free and open to the public. Info vehret@mercyhurst.edu.
Feb 7 - “Religion and Social Justice: A Conversation with Erie Leaders,” takes place Tuesday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. in Walker Recital Hall. The Very Reverend Melinda Hall, Cathedral of St. Paul; Sheikh Mazin Alsahlani, Al-Makarim Islamic Foundation; and Sister Valerie Luckey, OSB,
Mar 21 - The Archbishop Oscar Romero Award, presented to Molly Burhans, founder and executive director of GoodLands. Walker Recital Hall beginning at 7 p.m.
Mar 30 - ELIES panel: "Religion, Politics, and Security in ‘The Holy Land’.” 7 p.m. in Zurn 114.Panelists include Mercyhurst faculty Dr. Robert von Thaden of Religious Studies, Dr. Seyma Akyol of Political Science, and Dr. Brooke Shannon of Intelligence Studies
WORKING PEOPLE
Update on misclassification of workers (PA House Democrats)
Feb 7 - “Religion and Social Justice: A Conversation with Erie Leaders,” takes place Tuesday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. in Walker Recital Hall. The Very Reverend Melinda Hall, Cathedral of St. Paul; Sheikh Mazin Alsahlani, Al-Makarim Islamic Foundation; and Sister Valerie Luckey, OSB,
Mar 21 - The Archbishop Oscar Romero Award, presented to Molly Burhans, founder and executive director of GoodLands. Walker Recital Hall beginning at 7 p.m.
Mar 30 - ELIES panel: "Religion, Politics, and Security in ‘The Holy Land’.” 7 p.m. in Zurn 114.Panelists include Mercyhurst faculty Dr. Robert von Thaden of Religious Studies, Dr. Seyma Akyol of Political Science, and Dr. Brooke Shannon of Intelligence Studies
WORKING PEOPLE
Update on misclassification of workers (PA House Democrats)
Rep Pat Harkins updates on progress of the Jake Schwab Worker Safety bill “For decades, public-sector employees – from maintenance workers to mechanics to public transportation workers and so many others– have faced unnecessary risks on the job simply because the state does not require public employers to abide by the same OSHA safety standards as private companies.
“In many cases, public workers are doing the same kinds of jobs with the same dedication and the same expectations of safety. Yet for years, they have suffered unnecessary injuries because their job sites are not as safe.
“Jake Schwab – an Erie public transit mechanic – was one of those workers. Jake died because the equipment he needed was unavailable at his workplace, leading to a fatal explosion. In nearly a decade since his death, more public workers have died or been injured unnecessarily.
“While I am hopeful that completion of this study is a step in the right direction, I hope the state will move quickly to implement these critical protections, which I call for in my legislation, the Jake Schwab Worker Safety Bill."
“In many cases, public workers are doing the same kinds of jobs with the same dedication and the same expectations of safety. Yet for years, they have suffered unnecessary injuries because their job sites are not as safe.
“Jake Schwab – an Erie public transit mechanic – was one of those workers. Jake died because the equipment he needed was unavailable at his workplace, leading to a fatal explosion. In nearly a decade since his death, more public workers have died or been injured unnecessarily.
“While I am hopeful that completion of this study is a step in the right direction, I hope the state will move quickly to implement these critical protections, which I call for in my legislation, the Jake Schwab Worker Safety Bill."
GEMISH
OpenedEyes and Culturally Conscious Growing organization promotes self-awareness, inclusion, and diversity
OpenedEyes and Culturally Conscious Growing organization promotes self-awareness, inclusion, and diversity
Meadville City Council votes for anti-retaliation ordinance for tenants (Meadville Tribune) Video: Feb 1 Meadville City Council mtg Full recorded meeting includes public comments, council discussion and vote regarding ordinance Link to ordinance
PennWest Pantry Receives Grant from Hunger-Free Campus Initiative (PennWest)
Summit Township finally getting sidewalks in car culture areas of 19 and 97 (Erie Times-News)
Feb 6 - History and Healing: Spotlight on African American Heroes 6pm Jefferson Ed. Society Satellite location Fairview Featuring: A Shared Heritage 6pm Free, register in advance.
Feb 18 - Erie celebrates Black resistance yesterday and today 12-3pm ECAT 650 East Ave. Suite 120 Erie. "Food, games, community resource tables" Host: Erie Co. United
Feb 18 - Erie celebrates Black resistance yesterday and today 12-3pm ECAT 650 East Ave. Suite 120 Erie. "Food, games, community resource tables" Host: Erie Co. United
Feb 20 - Parris Baker Ph D: Dr Martin Luther King and America's self-evident truth 7pmJefferson Ed. Society 3207 State, Erie 7pm $10
Feb 23 - From Trash to Treasure: Maintaining African American History Featuring: Johnny Johnson, M.Ed7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Satellite location: ECAT)—650 East Ave. Suite 120, Erie, PA Free
Feb 25 - Project Shine feat: Preach Freedom Live at City Gallery 7:30-9:30pm City Gallery 1503 State, Erie PA
Mar 9 - Freedom Flight Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, Jametown NY 10am "revolves around the most famous incident in the history of the Underground Railroad in Ohio" Mad River Theatre Works
March 15-16, - “The Right to Dream” Robert H Jackson Center, Cappa Theatre, Jamestown NY. "Discover the struggle and sacrifice for Black civil rights, through the efforts of a young African American activist coming of age during the civil rights movement. " Registration required.
The man who found Erie’s lost Underground Railroad station (YourErie) Kevin Johnson has discovered an Underground Railroad station at E. 12th & Parade. "Johnson also wrote a book about the first Underground Railroad station. A copy of it can be viewed in the Blasco Library’s Heritage Room."
How a Black neighborhood association in Pgh helped shaped emergency medicine (Fresh Air)
Chautauqua anti-slavery movement links
African American Heritage in Buffalo, NY | Visit Buffalo Niagara
ARTS
Film Society of NWP PA and Kellar's presents new film series At Keller's 14th & State
The Crucible The 1953 play about the Salem witch trials that Arthur Miller wrote as an allegory for McCarthyism will be presented at Fredonia Opera House March 11 from (National Theatre Live). and Mercyhurst University March 23-26 at Mercyhurst Little Theatre.
PA Election Dates 2023 (vote.pa.gov)
Candidacy info night on Feb 8 at 5:30pm at Blasco Library in Erie. Learn about circulating and filing nomination petitions as well as your responsibilities with campaign finance reporting.
FAQs about PA annual mail-in ballot (vote.pa.gov)
Erie Dems censure Erie County Council member Jim Winarski (Erie Dems)
How a constitutional amendment gets on the ballot in PA (Spotlight PA)
Spotlight PA virtual panel on Pa.’s patchwork system of local governments "discussion on Pennsylvania’s local governments, and how their oversight — or lack thereof — impacts residents and governance."
EPD launches new juvenile crime unit (Erie News Now)
Wolf sets clemency record, granting 2,540 pardons (Penn Capital-Star)
Shapiro Pledges To Expand Marijuana Pardons (Marijuana Moment)
GEMISH
OpenedEyes and Culturally Conscious Growing organization promotes self-awareness, inclusion, and diversity
PennWest Pantry Receives Grant from Hunger-Free Campus Initiative (PennWest)
Rightwing billboard in Butler
PACA building's history tour With Mark Tanenbaum as your tour guide
Dance Education With a Social Conscious (Erie Reader) How Dafmark is working to bring art to everyone
Dance Education With a Social Conscious (Erie Reader) How Dafmark is working to bring art to everyone
Film Society of NWP PA and Kellar's presents new film series At Keller's 14th & State
EARTH
Erie's new Environmental Advisory Council eyes sustainability, equity (Erie Times-News) "Erie City Council recently passed an ordinance creating an Environmental Advisory Council (EAC). The EAC will build capacity and support community outreach efforts at a time when Erie's environmental ambitions continue to grow."
EPA: Erie facility emitting less cancer-causing ethylene oxide but questions remain
Greengarden, French Street bikeways Survey Backgrounder
Erie's new Environmental Advisory Council eyes sustainability, equity (Erie Times-News) "Erie City Council recently passed an ordinance creating an Environmental Advisory Council (EAC). The EAC will build capacity and support community outreach efforts at a time when Erie's environmental ambitions continue to grow."
EPA: Erie facility emitting less cancer-causing ethylene oxide but questions remain
Greengarden, French Street bikeways Survey Backgrounder
Staughton Lynd, lifelong peace and justice activist who passed away at 92 this past November in Warren OH, was an attorney in the lawsuit against US Steel's efforts to move Pittsburgh and Youngstown steel operations to lakefront property around Conneaut Ohio on the PA/Ohio line. The lawsuit plaintiffs were a coalition with labor, environmental, community and religious. (the environmental group Downwind Neighbors was based in Erie).
Feedback & comments: PA methane pollution comments, deadline Feb 13 Ethylene oxide link at bottom of article.
ELECTIONS & GOVERNANCE
ELECTIONS & GOVERNANCE
PA Election Dates 2023 (vote.pa.gov)
Candidacy info night on Feb 8 at 5:30pm at Blasco Library in Erie. Learn about circulating and filing nomination petitions as well as your responsibilities with campaign finance reporting.
Erie Dems censure Erie County Council member Jim Winarski (Erie Dems)
How a constitutional amendment gets on the ballot in PA (Spotlight PA)
EPD launches new juvenile crime unit (Erie News Now)
Wolf sets clemency record, granting 2,540 pardons (Penn Capital-Star)
Shapiro Pledges To Expand Marijuana Pardons (Marijuana Moment)
East Side Renaissance, GEEDC sue Erie DEI Commission over breach of contract (AJRao/Erie Times-News)
Heinz History Center has launched a website dedicated to Tree of Life tragedy (Pgh City Paper)
Coming to Chautauqua Institute this summer are author Linda Villarosa and philosopher activist and author Cornell West
SCHOOLS
Heinz History Center has launched a website dedicated to Tree of Life tragedy (Pgh City Paper)
Coming to Chautauqua Institute this summer are author Linda Villarosa and philosopher activist and author Cornell West
SCHOOLS
Zakaria Sharif fills Erie school board vacancy (Ed Palatella/ETN)
Turning Point USA (far right student activist group) was scheduled for an event at Fairview H.S. Jan 26, but there doesn't seem to be any coverage. Anyone know what happened?
PENNCREST school board passed policy changes banning books and barring MTF trans athletes from competing with cisgender peer athletes. Curmudgucation blog provides another overview, with links. The messy Jan 12 board meeting can be viewed on YouTube. The school district's solicitor resigned over the policy changes on Jan. 20. Following resignation the board president asked a "religious liberty" group for legal help. A local attorney argues school board actions contradict legal arguments.
PENNCREST school board passed policy changes banning books and barring MTF trans athletes from competing with cisgender peer athletes. Curmudgucation blog provides another overview, with links. The messy Jan 12 board meeting can be viewed on YouTube. The school district's solicitor resigned over the policy changes on Jan. 20. Following resignation the board president asked a "religious liberty" group for legal help. A local attorney argues school board actions contradict legal arguments.
A Bucks County principal ordered librarian to take down Elie Wiesel poster just days before Holocaust Remembrance Day (Raw Story)
SPIRIT
Benedictines for Peace Alerts sign up here
Three events at Mercyhurst the intersection of religion, social justice, security, and sustainability. All are free and open to the public. Info vehret@mercyhurst.edu.
Feb 7 - “Religion and Social Justice: A Conversation with Erie Leaders,” takes place Tuesday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. in Walker Recital Hall. The Very Reverend Melinda Hall, Cathedral of St. Paul; Sheikh Mazin Alsahlani, Al-Makarim Islamic Foundation; and Sister Valerie Luckey, OSB,
Mar 21 - The Archbishop Oscar Romero Award, presented to Molly Burhans, founder and executive director of GoodLands. Walker Recital Hall beginning at 7 p.m.
Mar 30 - ELIES panel: "Religion, Politics, and Security in ‘The Holy Land’.” 7 p.m. in Zurn 114.Panelists include Mercyhurst faculty Dr. Robert von Thaden of Religious Studies, Dr. Seyma Akyol of Political Science, and Dr. Brooke Shannon of Intelligence Studies
WORKING PEOPLE
Rep Pat Harkins updates on progress of the Jake Schwab Worker Safety bill
Feb 7 - “Religion and Social Justice: A Conversation with Erie Leaders,” takes place Tuesday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. in Walker Recital Hall. The Very Reverend Melinda Hall, Cathedral of St. Paul; Sheikh Mazin Alsahlani, Al-Makarim Islamic Foundation; and Sister Valerie Luckey, OSB,
Mar 21 - The Archbishop Oscar Romero Award, presented to Molly Burhans, founder and executive director of GoodLands. Walker Recital Hall beginning at 7 p.m.
Mar 30 - ELIES panel: "Religion, Politics, and Security in ‘The Holy Land’.” 7 p.m. in Zurn 114.Panelists include Mercyhurst faculty Dr. Robert von Thaden of Religious Studies, Dr. Seyma Akyol of Political Science, and Dr. Brooke Shannon of Intelligence Studies
WORKING PEOPLE
Rep Pat Harkins updates on progress of the Jake Schwab Worker Safety bill
Update on misclassification of workers (PA House Democrats)
GEMISH
OpenedEyes and Culturally Conscious Growing organization promotes self-awareness, inclusion, and diversity
PennWest Pantry Receives Grant from Hunger-Free Campus Initiative (PennWest)
