6:30-8 p.m. at CCI Center on the South Side; $30/person or $40/couple. Call 412-488-7490 ext. 247 to register. More information and other events at http://www.prc.org/community_watershed.html.
May 20: Rain Barrel/Watershed Awareness workshop
May 20: Rain Barrel/Watershed Awareness workshop. Learn how to harvest rainwater from your roof and divert it for on-site usage in the landscape. Attend a rain barrel workshop and return home equipped (with everything except the 55-gal. drum) to assemble and install a retrofitted rain barrel. It’s easier than you might think.
May 20: Town Hall Meeting - Transitioning to a Green Economy
May 20: Town Hall Meeting - Transitioning to a Green Economy. Repower America will be hosting an informational town hall meeting on the transition to a Green Economy. Panelists will include representatives from labor, local business, the environmental movement and more.
7:00 PM at the Bloomfield Garfield Community Activity Center, 113 N Pacific Ave, Pittsburgh, Pa 15224
Please call Paolo at (347) 263-5967 or email paolo.cozzi@climateprotect.org for more information.
May 18: Bioneers Monday -- Legacy Arts Project
May 18: Bioneers Monday with host the Legacy Arts Project. Expect to see some amazing performances: a video screening of Bioneers' Sarah Crowell and Destiny Arts, and some phenomenal local artists live - Amir Rashidd (The Legacy Arts Project Resident Storyteller), and a crew of African drummers!
6 p.m. at the Bedford Hope Center
For questions or to RSVP, please contact Maureen at mocopeland@gmail.com or 412-334-2072
May 16: Hard to Recycle collection event
May 16: Hard to Recycle collection event in Lawrenceville. This event will offer residents the opportunity to recycle items like electronics, tires, CFLs, batteries, cell phones, and ink and toner cartridges. With CCI's new partner Global Links, they'll also be taking medical supplies such as crutches, canes, and walkers!
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Allegheny County Health Department offices in Lawrenceville (39th and Penn Avenue). Fees apply for some items. More information on this and other events at http://www.prc.org/community_collections.html .
May 11: Air, Heart, and Lungs
May 11: Air, Heart, and Lungs: Making the Connection. Did you know that while the Pittsburgh region has the same rate of asthma as the nation, use of emergency services by local children with ashtma is 300-400% above the national average... and that diesel exhaust can increase the risk of heart disease?
Join GASP, Dr. Fernando Holguin (nationally renowned asthma researcher at the Pediatric Environmental Medicine Center) and Dr. Donald Grandis (cardiologist at the Jefferson Regional Medical Center) as they examine how air pollution in the Pittsburgh area affects respiratory and cardiovascular health.
7-9 p.m. at the Imagine Environmental Charter School at 829 Milton Street in Regent Square (15218); Free and open to the public.
May 2: Trip to the Strip!
May 2: Trip to the Strip! Please Join the Southwestern Air Quality Partnership at an event featuring featuring alternative transportation options to demonstrate how you can save money and help preserve your health and the environment.
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; 23rd Street & Penn Avenue in the Strip District. Free food and entertainment.
More info is on this flyer.
May 2: Roll Beyond Coal Event
May 2: Roll Beyond Coal Event. Roll from Washington’s Landing to Point State Park to show your support for a clean energy future that will stimulate economic growth and move us beyond Dirty Coal’s harmful legacy. Join the Sierra Club for a fun event to launch the local Beyond Coal campaign! They'll be gathering on Washington’s Landing near the PA Dept. of Environmental Protection’s Offices and “Rolling” down the river trail to Point State Park for a press Conference with Mary Anne Hitt, Deputy Director of the Sierra Club’s “Beyond Coal” Campaign as well as representatives from the Center for Coalfield Justice, the Environmental Integrity Project, and some special surprise guests. Bring your roller skates, skateboard, bicycle or anything that rolls on human power to be part of the action and tell Pennsylvania’s Governor to stop new coal facilities.
Meet by 10 a.m. at the upper parking lot on Washington’s Landing; the press conference will be in Point State Park.
You can RSVP via Facebook (and join the local Sierra Club group if you haven't already) at
Meet by 10 a.m. at the upper parking lot on Washington’s Landing; the press conference will be in Point State Park.
You can RSVP via Facebook (and join the local Sierra Club group if you haven't already) at
May 2: "Making Whiteness Visible" film showing
May 2: Film showing: “Mirrors of Privilege: Making Whiteness Visible” followed by a discussion led by Dr. Avis Ellis.
The film shows by testimony and example how situations pertaining to employment, housing, social interaction, education, finance, etc. develop with different results depending on the color of the skin of those involved.
9:30 a.m. to noon at the Allegheny Unitarian Universalist Church at 11110 Resaca Place, at the corner of North Ave. and Resaca Place on the Northside; free and open to the public (donations suggested). For information, call 412-661-7149. Sponsored by the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom and the Allegheny Unitarian Universalist Church.
The film shows by testimony and example how situations pertaining to employment, housing, social interaction, education, finance, etc. develop with different results depending on the color of the skin of those involved.
9:30 a.m. to noon at the Allegheny Unitarian Universalist Church at 11110 Resaca Place, at the corner of North Ave. and Resaca Place on the Northside; free and open to the public (donations suggested). For information, call 412-661-7149. Sponsored by the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom and the Allegheny Unitarian Universalist Church.
April 27: Bioneers Monday with Wangari Maathai film
April 27: Bioneers Monday. Join the Three Rivers Bioneers and Friends of the Pittsburgh Urban Forest as we bring a special screening of Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai to the Kelly Strayhorn Theater on April 27th at 6:30pm.
Taking Root tells the dramatic story of Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize Laureate (and University of Pittsburgh alum) Wangari Maathai whose simple act of planting trees grew into a nationwide movement to safeguard the environment, protect human rights, and defend democracy.
The event is free, and open to the public, with performance by Vanessa German and reception to follow. Special thanks to the Sprout Fund for their support! For more information, contact Maureen at mocopeland@gmail.com. Check out the Three Rivers Bioneers website at www.3riversbioneers.org.
Taking Root tells the dramatic story of Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize Laureate (and University of Pittsburgh alum) Wangari Maathai whose simple act of planting trees grew into a nationwide movement to safeguard the environment, protect human rights, and defend democracy.
The event is free, and open to the public, with performance by Vanessa German and reception to follow. Special thanks to the Sprout Fund for their support! For more information, contact Maureen at mocopeland@gmail.com. Check out the Three Rivers Bioneers website at www.3riversbioneers.org.
Apr 21: A new tomorrow: talk and film
April 21: Earth Day Eve, A New Tomorrow: talk by Dr. Christian Jooss, materials physicist from Gottingen, Germany on "Climate Protection and Jobs: Technology Inspired by Nature for a Comprehensive Closed-Loop Economy." Also, a screening of The Greening of Southie.
Sponsored by Pittsburgh Green Innovators, Rachel Carson Homestead Association, USW Local 3657 Women of Steel, Blue-Green Alliance, Steel Valley Printers, and the IUP Labor Center.
Talk 5:30-7 p.m., film screening 7:30-9 at Connelley Trade School (1501 Bedford Ave., Pittsburgh), along with refreshments and fellowship. For more information, call Lauren Horne at 412-818-4075.
Apr 18-25: Green Week at the Aviary
April 18-25: Green Week at the National Aviary on the North Side -- a host of environmental topics
on tap at Pittsburgh's premier bird park. On several days, if you wear green you'll visit for half price.
More info: Aviary events
Apr 17: Green Drinks with Deno De Ciantis
April 17: Green Drinks. On the third Friday of each month, there's an informal gathering of sustainability-minded folks from 5-9 p.m. The next guest host will be Deno De Ciantis, Ed. D., director of the new Penn State Center - Engaging Pittsburgh which will act as a feedback mechanism that assesses and meets community needs using research and training resources from the entire Penn State system. University Outreach, The College of Agricultural Sciences, and Extension have partnered to support this effort. Emphasis will be in the area of Community Development and vitality.
Current work includes
- Biomass and Alternative Energies
- Entomology and Plant Pathology
- Green Roof and Rain Garden Technology
- Urban Agriculture and Food Production
- Urban/Community Greening and Vacant Lot Remediation
- Sustainability and Engineering
The Penn State Center – Engaging Pittsburgh is also using it's broad range of resources to develop partnerships with all of the colleges in the institution. The focus is to connect and engage the entire University with local partners in Teaching, Research and Outreach/Extension activities. This initiative finds stakeholders to identify regional needs and then develops key strategic relationships to connect PSU with Pittsburgh area corporations, organizations, individuals and communities as well as with public officials.
Coming soon...
In the effort to establish a central and unified location for all of Penn State’s outreach efforts through the development of the Penn State Center – Pittsburgh, Deno has been active in with the Green Innovators Project. Green Innovators is a community wide collaboration of parties brought together by Congressman Doyle and Senator Ferlo who are interested in issues of sustainability. The intent is to develop the former Pittsburgh Public Schools Connelley Vo-Tech Center into a regional and national beacon for work in the fields of sustainability and energy. Feasibility studies regarding ownership models as well as creating a conceptual design and plan are underway.
Deno serves on a variety of committees regarding issues such as sustainability, alternative and renewable energy, and workforce development and is currently on the Board of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, having recently completed a two year term as president. He also serves on the Board of the Autumn House Press, a local nonprofit publisher of poetry and fiction, serving our region and the nation while functioning as an energetic ambassador for our region’s remarkable literary scene.
Deno is looking forward to meeting fellow green innovators and brand new green drinkers alike-- so stop by and say hello!
Where: Arsenal Bowling Lanes
212 44th Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15201 (off Butler Street in Lawrenceville) Tel: (412) 683-5992 Map it.
For Port Authority Bus Routes, go here: http://www.portauthority.org
For more information call Susan Benn 412-766-7747.
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What is Green Drinks?
Every month, people who work in the environmental field or have in interest in a greener planet meet up for drinks at places all around the world at informal sessions known as Green Drinks. We have a lively mixture of people from NGOs, academia, government and business. Come along and you'll be made welcome. Just say, "are you green?" and we will look after you and introduce you to whoever is there. It's a great way of catching up with people you know and also for making new contacts. Everyone invites someone else along, so there's always a different crowd, making Green Drinks an organic, self-organizing network.
These events are very simple and unstructured. Make friends, develop new ideas, do deals and forge a new organic future. It's a force for the good and we'd like to help its spreading to other cities. Green Drinks meets on the 3rd Friday of each month from 5:00 - 9:00 PM...or later!! Put it in your calendar and count on it: Green Drinks is happening every month.
Put these on your 2009 calendar: April 17, May 15, June 19, July 17, August 21, September 18, October 16, November 20, December 18
Apr 10: Globalization lecture at CMU
April 10: Globalization, the Indian Economy, SEZs and Popular Struggles, a talk by Kunal Chattopadhyay, professor of history at Jadavpur University.
Capitalist development in India after independence (1947) had been based on a strong state sector, protectionist trade policies, and some amount of state support for peasants and unionized workers. Partly this had corresponded to the needs of a relatively weak indigenous capitalist class desiring protection from strong international capital. As Indian capital became stronger it wanted an easing of the state controls from the mid-1980s, but popular struggles of various kinds made it difficult for the state to go in for liberalization in a big way till the economic crisis of 1990, which came at the same time as the rise of Hindu communalism in India and the crisis of the Soviet bloc, thereby also disorienting the hitherto strong left forces.
India therefore turned to globalization willingly. IMF officials remarked on this, comparing it with the difficulties they faced in dealing with government officials of many other countries of the South. Privatization and state policies geared to assisting the private sector resulted in a rise in the growth rate, but it also increased social disparities, and resulted in growing social unrest.
One aspect of globalization was a new thrust on SEZs. An earlier version, the Export Promotion Zones, had been in existence for quite a while, but till the 1990s, these were few and were not seen as really good profit making zones. This changed after 1991. Then, the National Democratic Alliance, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, proposed a further change, towards SEZs in more or less the Chinese model. Though the 2004 election campaigns saw the rout of the NDA with its open advocacy of further doses of neoliberalism, its successor, the United Progressive Alliance led by the Congress, also pursued a similar policy. An all India SEZ Act was passed in 2005 and its rules were formulated by 2006. However, popular resistance proved to be quite dramatic, in a number of areas, from Kalinganagar in Orissa to Nandigram in West Bengal. But since practically all major political parties are in government in some province, and since all provincial governments have also accepted the SEZ scheme, the result is, the anti-SEZ struggles have often developed under shifting alliances, or as social movements without major parties in command, something relatively unusual in India.
India therefore turned to globalization willingly. IMF officials remarked on this, comparing it with the difficulties they faced in dealing with government officials of many other countries of the South. Privatization and state policies geared to assisting the private sector resulted in a rise in the growth rate, but it also increased social disparities, and resulted in growing social unrest.
One aspect of globalization was a new thrust on SEZs. An earlier version, the Export Promotion Zones, had been in existence for quite a while, but till the 1990s, these were few and were not seen as really good profit making zones. This changed after 1991. Then, the National Democratic Alliance, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, proposed a further change, towards SEZs in more or less the Chinese model. Though the 2004 election campaigns saw the rout of the NDA with its open advocacy of further doses of neoliberalism, its successor, the United Progressive Alliance led by the Congress, also pursued a similar policy. An all India SEZ Act was passed in 2005 and its rules were formulated by 2006. However, popular resistance proved to be quite dramatic, in a number of areas, from Kalinganagar in Orissa to Nandigram in West Bengal. But since practically all major political parties are in government in some province, and since all provincial governments have also accepted the SEZ scheme, the result is, the anti-SEZ struggles have often developed under shifting alliances, or as social movements without major parties in command, something relatively unusual in India.
4pm in Adamson Wing (Baker Hall 136A); free and open to the public.
Apr 8 & 18: Sierra Club Environmental Film Festival
April 8 & 18: Sierra Club Environmental Film Festival
During this FREE film festival, there will be two evenings of engaging and thought-provoking films with an environmental theme. The event is family-friendly, refreshments will be available for a small donation, and donations will be accepted to offset cost of films.
When: Wednesday, April 8, 2009, 6-10 pm and Saturday, April 18, 2009, 6-10 pm
Where: Imagine Environmental Charter School, 829 Milton Ave., off S. Braddock Ave. near the Frick Park tennis courts in Regent Square
Contact for more info: Sierra Club Allegheny Group, www.alleghenysc.org, Don Gibbon at dongibbon@earthlink.net
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8 FILMS:
- Dinner for Two - A funny animated look at conflict resolution - for all ages. (8 mins)
- Build Green - Exciting and up-to-date tour of green building, clever solutions to important problems. (44 mins)
- The Real Dirt on Farmer John - A touching, provocative and ultimately heart-warming look at the relationship of humans (and one particular human) to agriculture in our peculiar society. (82 mins)
- Coming Home: The Sacred Balance - Canada's David Suzuki shares a powerful and intimate look at the innate need for a close relationship with the earth. (53 mins)
- Powers of Ten - An enduring classic short, illustrating the magic of "scale," from the universal to the microscopic. (17 mins)
SATURDAY, APRIL 18 FILMS:
- Garden Song - If you want to get psyched for gardening, this should do it! (28 mins)
- Eden's Lost and Found: Philadelphia - If Philly can do it, so can we! How volunteer organizations have redeemed inner-city Philadelphia's environment on a shoe-string. (57 minutes)
- YERT (Your Environmental Road Trip) - A zany, clever, fun, interesting and totally up-to-date look at what's happening nationwide in the environment, with Mark Dixon, the filmmaker. Not to be missed! Really first class fun. Great for all ages. (about 90 mins)
- Cheat Neutral - A satirical look at carbon offsetting. Does it really work? (13 mins)
- Black Diamonds - Mountain-top removal at its worst. How it's destroying our neighbors in West Virginia and what we can do about it. (72 mins)
During this FREE film festival, there will be two evenings of engaging and thought-provoking films with an environmental theme. The event is family-friendly, refreshments will be available for a small donation, and donations will be accepted to offset cost of films.
When: Wednesday, April 8, 2009, 6-10 pm and Saturday, April 18, 2009, 6-10 pm
Where: Imagine Environmental Charter School, 829 Milton Ave., off S. Braddock Ave. near the Frick Park tennis courts in Regent Square
Contact for more info: Sierra Club Allegheny Group, www.alleghenysc.org, Don Gibbon at dongibbon@earthlink.net
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8 FILMS:
- Dinner for Two - A funny animated look at conflict resolution - for all ages. (8 mins)
- Build Green - Exciting and up-to-date tour of green building, clever solutions to important problems. (44 mins)
- The Real Dirt on Farmer John - A touching, provocative and ultimately heart-warming look at the relationship of humans (and one particular human) to agriculture in our peculiar society. (82 mins)
- Coming Home: The Sacred Balance - Canada's David Suzuki shares a powerful and intimate look at the innate need for a close relationship with the earth. (53 mins)
- Powers of Ten - An enduring classic short, illustrating the magic of "scale," from the universal to the microscopic. (17 mins)
SATURDAY, APRIL 18 FILMS:
- Garden Song - If you want to get psyched for gardening, this should do it! (28 mins)
- Eden's Lost and Found: Philadelphia - If Philly can do it, so can we! How volunteer organizations have redeemed inner-city Philadelphia's environment on a shoe-string. (57 minutes)
- YERT (Your Environmental Road Trip) - A zany, clever, fun, interesting and totally up-to-date look at what's happening nationwide in the environment, with Mark Dixon, the filmmaker. Not to be missed! Really first class fun. Great for all ages. (about 90 mins)
- Cheat Neutral - A satirical look at carbon offsetting. Does it really work? (13 mins)
- Black Diamonds - Mountain-top removal at its worst. How it's destroying our neighbors in West Virginia and what we can do about it. (72 mins)
Apr 3 & 4: Farm To Table Conference
April 3 & 4: 2009 Farm To Table Conference -- Keep it Real, Keep it Local. An educational health conference aimed at helping Western Pennsylvania consumers understand the benefits of eating locally grown food, and connect directly with local food producers. Features a local food tasting event, outdoor farmers' market, expanded health expo, live food demonstrations by chefs and dieticians, and local experts addressing health topics and local food resources.
Exhibits open 10-5 each day, and the local food tasting is Friday evening from 5-8 p.m. More details on the event schedule, information on speakers and exhibitors, map and directions to the David Lawrence Convention Center, and ticket sales are all online at 2009 Farm to Table Conference Details
Mar 30: Bioneers Monday: 'Burgh Bees
March 30: Please join us for the next Bioneers Monday, featuring Burgh Bees, a group of four local beekeepers who are teaching residents about the art of beekeeping. Check out the group in the Post Gazette: (http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08206/899003-34.stm).
The Monday event will showcase an information presentation by Dennis vonEnglesdorp, a expert in beekeeping. Other activities will include an introduction to the Three Rivers Bioneers, Q&A session with the beekeepers, light refreshments, and of course, some honey tasting!!
Join us at 6:30pm, Monday, March 30th, at the Schenley Park Visitors' Center for this month's event! And bring a friend or two!
For questions or to RSVP, contact Maureen at mocopeland@gmail.com or 412-334-2072.
Bioneers Mondays are an event of the Pittsburgh Urban Ecology Collaborative (UEC), and made possible by the Sprout Fund. The UEC is hosting a Beaming Bioneers Conference this October (16th-18th) in Pittsburgh, as part of a national network of people focusing on solutions for ecology, health, social justice, and spirit. For more information, visithttp://bioneerstopittsburgh.blogspot.com/ and www.bioneers.org, and stay tuned!
The Monday event will showcase an information presentation by Dennis vonEnglesdorp, a expert in beekeeping. Other activities will include an introduction to the Three Rivers Bioneers, Q&A session with the beekeepers, light refreshments, and of course, some honey tasting!!
Join us at 6:30pm, Monday, March 30th, at the Schenley Park Visitors' Center for this month's event! And bring a friend or two!
For questions or to RSVP, contact Maureen at mocopeland@gmail.com or 412-334-2072.
Bioneers Mondays are an event of the Pittsburgh Urban Ecology Collaborative (UEC), and made possible by the Sprout Fund. The UEC is hosting a Beaming Bioneers Conference this October (16th-18th) in Pittsburgh, as part of a national network of people focusing on solutions for ecology, health, social justice, and spirit. For more information, visithttp://bioneerstopittsburgh.blogspot.com/ and www.bioneers.org, and stay tuned!
Mar 28: Preserve Pittsburgh summit
March 28: Preserve Pittsburgh Summit -- Team up to preserve local history. The Preserve Pittsburgh Summit is an interactive, collaborative workshop on historic preservation for students, young professionals and people of all ages. Learn about the preservation planning process and develop solutions for the reuse of historic places. Excellent networking and mentoring opportunities. Lunch will be provided.
Summit: 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. in the Frick Fine Arts building at Pitt; free. Reception, 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM at the Carnegie Museum of Art ($25.00 Regular Ticket; $15.00 YPA Members; $10.00 Students, with food and cash bar). YPA announces the winners of its presentation video contest & Promise Award in the Carnegie Museum of Art Theater, followed by a networking reception in the Scaife Foyer. To register, go to www.youngpreservationists.org
Mar 20: Green Drinks
March 20: Pittsburgh Green Drinks -- 5th anniversary gathering, with host State Senator Jim Ferlo talking about the Pittsburgh Green Innovators Project -- where we're at and where we're going! (and meet Senator Ferlo's new robotic friend "Solo")
After 15 years on Pittsburgh City Council Jim Ferlo ran for the State Senate and he promised to be accessible, accountable and a strong voice for progressive change.
He has furthered this green agenda through his various leadership positions on the Urban Redevelopment Authority Board, the Port of Pittsburgh Commission, the State Historical and Museum Commission, and the Governor's Water Infrastructure Task Force. In addition to a sustainable vision, advocacy and leadership, Senator Ferlo has also brought valuable resources to his district in order to build a greener future and empower the next generation of leaders in sustainability.
(5-8 p.m. at the smoke-free Bloomfield Bridge Tavern, 4412 Liberty Ave. 15224; cash bar as well as complimentary beer and snacks provided by our host. Port Authority Bus Routes: http://www.portauthority.org)
Mar 16-20: Solar Panel workshop at CCI
March 16-20: Solar panel workshop for contractors, electricians, sales reps, entrepreneurs, and career-changing professionals new to solar business. The workshop will cover solar-electric (PV) equipment, system design, installation, estimating, solar industry economics, business models, and career paths. It includes the start for the new Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge of PV Systems. For more information and registration, check out CCI workshop or call 412-431-4449, extension 200 or 240.
Black History Month at CMU
A whole raft of events at Carnegie Mellon University in celebration of Black History Month:
Redefined: Black History Month Events
(Most events sponsored in part by the Division of Student Affairs and a grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.)
Ongoing throughout February: University Libraries Black History Month Display at Hunt Library.
February 5: Black American Music Past & Present
7p-11pm in The Underground, Morewood Gardens. Sponsored by SPIRIT Black Awareness Committee with DJ Gemz
February 6: Black History Month Featured Speaker & Black Caucus Reception. Keynote Address by Yewande Austin. Focus the Nation Concert featuring Ms. Austin immediately following keynote address.
Yewande Austin is the President and founder of the Change Rock Institute, a company dedicated to producing award-winning multicultural and empowerment programs across the nation. In the past she has been the owner of Lotus Records, a consultant at Independent Marketing, and the Marketing Manager at HBO. She has formal music studies at Howard University and the Carnegie Mellon University Conservatory of Music and is currently at the University of Sheffield in England where she is pursuing a joint M.A./Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology with a focus on the psychological impact of music. She is also a singer recognized for her unique talents and powerful message. For more information, visit http://www.yewande.com
4:30-6pm in the Rangos Ballroom, University Center. RSVP Recommended to mssmith@andrew.cmu.edu or 412.268.2075. Hosted by the Black Graduate Student Organization (BGSO), National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), SPIRIT, Black Business Association (BBA), IMPACT and the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs.
February 9: Black History Month Gallery Show
February 10, 4:30 pm: Lecture and Discussion on the History of Rap and Hip-Hop Talk by Jeff Chang; part of the University Lecture Series. Jeff Chang is an award-winning writer, specializing in culture, politics, the arts, and music. Jeff was a founding editor of ColorLines magazine, and a Senior Editor/Director at Russell Simmons' 360hiphop.com. In 1993, he co-founded and ran the influential hip-hop indie label, SoleSides, now Quannum Projects, and he has helped produce over a dozen records. He was also an organizer of the National Hip-Hop Political Convention and has served as a board member for several organizations working for change through youth and community organizing, media justice, culture, the arts, and hip-hop activism.
Hosted by the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs, Department of English, Graduate Student Assembly. For more information, visit http://www.cantstopwontstop.com/self.cfm.
February 13: Black History Month Featured Speaker: Presentation with Q & A by Panther Bior. Panther Bior is a Sudanese refugee featured in the 2006 documentary film “God Grew Tired of Us: The Story of Lost Boys of Sudan”. This documentary is about the journey of young men across the hostile African terrain with the hopes of escaping death and the memories of their murdered families that plague their minds.
February 13: SPIRIT Fashion Show
8 pm in the Weigand Gym, Univesity Center
February 15: Gospel Concert: Redefined 2.0
at 6 pm in the Rangos Ballroom in the University Center. Hosted by Impact Movement and the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs. For more information, email Sheun Ogunsunlade at sogunsun@andrew.cmu.edu.
February 15-20: Speak Truth to Power Exhibition in the University Center Art Gallery.
February 16: Workshop and Discussion on Entrepreneurship & Film featuring Tommy Oliver, who
February 17: Speak Your Mind Diversity Dinner & Discussion:
5-6:30pm, Class of 1987, University Center. Hosted by MAPS (Minority Association of Pre-Health Students) and the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs.
February 18: DRUMline Live, Presented by The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. 7:30 p.m. at the Byham Theater. For more information about the performers, visit www.drumlinecasting.com or www.pgharts.org
February 18: Special Movie Screening, HBO Documentary Film THE BLACKLIST Volume 2.
8:30 pm in McConomy Auditorium. For more information, visit http://www.hbo.com/docs/docuseries/theblacklist/index.html.
February 20: CAUSE Lecture: Racial Politics in a Racial Democracy: Afro-Brazilian Civil Rights Movements, 1945-present. Lecture by Dr. George Reid Andrews, Distinguished Professor of History, University of Pittsburgh. George Reid Andrews’ publications include Afro-Latin America, 1800-2000 (2004), Blacks and Whites in São Paulo, Brazil, 1888-1988 (1991), and The Afro-Argentines of Buenos Aires, 1800-1900 (1980). He is currently writing a history of Afro-Uruguayan political and cultural movements from the mid-1800s to the present.
4:30-6:30pm in Steinberg Auditorium: Baker Hall A53; refreshments at 4:30 pm, lecture and discussion from 5-6:30 pm.
February 20, 9pm-1am: UC Late Night Event Hosted by FORGE
February 21: The Renaissance: A Night of Expression Through the Arts Benefiting the Jubilee Soup Kitchen. 9pm-12am in The Underground, Morewood Gardens. Hosted by BGSO (Black Graduate Student Organization)
February 23: Civil Rights Pioneers: Showcase of Commemorative United States Postal Stamps
4:30 pm in Hunt Library, Maggie Murph Cafe. Dessert Reception to follow showcase presentation. Hosted by Carnegie Mellon University Libraries, Office of Dean of Student Affairs & Pittsburgh Postal Services
February 24: Speak Your Mind Diversity Dinner & Discussion with Facilitator: Dr. Edda Fields-Black on IDENTITY THEFT: “Stereotypes.” Dr. Edda Fields-Black is an Associate Professor the Department of History, Carnegie Mellon University. She is also the Faculty Director of the African and African American Studies minor. She is the author of the book Deep Roots : Rice Farmers in West Africa and the African Diaspora (2008)
5-6:30pm in Danforth Lounge, University Center. Hosted by SPICE (Speak Peace Inspire Change & Empower) Morewood Gardens Special Interest House and the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs
February 25: Islam and the African American Community. Lecture by Arif Jamal, f
6:30 pm in Doherty Hall 1112. Hosted by the Muslim Students Association and SPIRIT
February 27: Common Ground: Crossing Cultures Part 4, Experiences in Africa -- featuring Rotimi Abimbola and Zenobia Bell.
11am-1pm in the McKenna Room, University Center. Sponsored by the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs
February 27: Black History Brain Bowl
7 pm in Breed Hall, Margaret Morrison. Hosted by SPIRIT
Jan 20-Feb 25: Human rights film series at Duquesne
January 20 & 26; February 3, 11, 17 & 25: Abundance & Abuse, a series of six award-winning films about vital issues ranging from business ethics to environmental destruction. Experts will introduce each film.
Films include Mountain Top Removal (Jan 20), Fast Food Nation (Jan 26), A Killer Bargain (Feb 3), Darwin's Nightmare (Feb 11), Frozen Angels (Feb 17), and Persepolis (Feb 25).
Details on each film at http://www.duq.edu/humanrights. Screenings are all at 7 p.m. in 105 College Hall at Duquesne University. Free & open to the public. Duquesne campus map
Feb 23: Sustainable Monroeville meeting
February 23: Sustainable Monroeville brainstorming session. We will discuss what is already sustainable about Monroeville, and dialogue about what sustainability means to us and how we, as a community, will go about re-creating our community as a sustainable one. Organizer Elisa Beck is particularly interested in the overlap between social justice and environmental issues. To her, environmental issues are social justice issues, and she'll explain why.
7 p.m. at the Monroeville Public Library.
Feb 23: Bioneers Monday!
February 23: Bioneers Monday. Join GTECH Strategies and Steel City Biofuels for the first Bioneers Monday of 2009! Come be inspired by the words of Bioneer Speaker and activist Thomas Clayton-Müller. The connections between global and local environmental and social issues are real, and this young leader links them beautifully! Check out www.bioneerstopittsburgh.blogspot.com/ .
6 p.m. at the office of GTECH Strategies and Steel City Biofuels (next to Construction Junction, at 214 North Lexington Street, Point Breeze, 15208). For more info, and to RSVP, please contact Maureen at mocopeland@gtechstrategies.org or 412-241-1013 x8.
Feb 22: Steel City Stonewall Democrats Endorsement event
February 22: The Steel-City Stonewall Democrats Endorsement event, beginning with a meet and greet of candidates. Candidates for Statewide, Countywide and City offices have been invited and many are planning to attend. Light refreshments will be served and a cash bar is available. Candidates will be given an opportunity to speak, and there will be time for you to ask questions. In addition, candidate responses to our questionnaire will be available at the event. You should attend this event to find out more about the candidates before you go to the polls in May.
2:30 p.m. at the Inn on the Mexican War Streets, located at 604 West North Avenue, Pittsburgh, 15212. (The Inn is a beautifully restored Victorian Mansion: http://www.innonthemexicanwarstreet s.com/ ) Candidates speak beginning at 4 p.m. Free to members, $3 for non-members -- you can renew your membership or find out more about the organization at the event. Note that only members can vote in the Endorsement.
Feb 21: Health Fair at McGinnis Sisters
February 21: Get Healthy Health Fair at McGinnis Sisters natural food store in Monroeville (11:00AM - 3:00PM). Enjoy cooking demonstrations and samples of Dr. Dan's Spread of Life, Schneider's Dairy Super Skim Cottage Cheese. Don't miss the blood pressure and glucose screening. Sample Gluten Free desserts and Artesian Gourmet all-natural
dips. Cathy Frank will be on hand to discuss children's food allergies.
Cooking Demonstrations will take place every hour:
12:00 PM - Terrific Tofu
1:00 PM - Healthy Seafood with Annette Richardson
2:00 PM - Easy Chicken Recipes
Cooking Demonstrations will take place every hour:
12:00 PM - Terrific Tofu
1:00 PM - Healthy Seafood with Annette Richardson
2:00 PM - Easy Chicken Recipes
Feb 20-21: Global Issues, Global Solutions conference
February 20-21: Global Issues, Global Solutions inter-university conference (cosponsored by CMU, Pitt, Carlow, Duquesne, and LaRoche).
Opening event on Friday, February 20 in McConomy auditorium (at CMU): Speak Truth to Power, the play
Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Ariel Dorfman was inspired to write a theatrical presentation based on interviews with over fifty human rights activists from around the world. The resulting play, Speak Truth to Power: Voices from Beyond the Dark, was presented at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. in September 2000, and broadcast as part of PBS's The Kennedy Center Presents. Our conference will begin on Friday evening with a production of the play performed by local college students.
Keynote lectures on Saturday by Ellen Dorsey; Micheline Ishay
Workshops and panels will include
Human trafficking
Careers in Global Issues
Darfur, Hunger & Poverty Relief
Environmental justice
Media
Women's rights
Feb 9: What's Really Going On in Iraq?
February 9: What's Really Going On in Iraq? Raed Jarrar, Iraqi architect, journalist, and Iraq Consultant for American Friends Service Committee. Free and open to everyone. Raed Jarrar is an Iraqi-born architect and political analyst who moved to the US in 2005. He was the country director of the only door-to-door casualties' survey in Iraq in 2003, and then established a local Iraqi grassroots organization that carried out hundreds of reconstruction projects in ten Iraqi cities. Jarrar is currently the Iraq Consultant for the American Friends Service Committee in Washington, DC. He blogs at raedinthemiddle.blogspot.com
In this talk, Jarrar will address the US occupation of Iraq from the perspective of ordinary Iraqis. He will debunk myths about the occupation, explain why the "Sunni vs. Shiite vs. Kurd" model of conflict is problematic, provide concrete examples of how U.S. is stifling democracy in Iraq, and argue that the U.S. should completely withdraw from Iraq.
* La Roche College, Monday, Feb. 9, 12:30 p.m. in the College Center, Ryan Room
* Duquesne University, 3-4:30 PM, 609 Fisher Hall, Feb. 9, co-sponsored by CIQR and the Social Justice Group. For inquiries concerning this event, please contact Greg Barnhisel, Department of English,barnhiselg@duq.edu
* Frick Fine Arts Auditorium, University of Pittsburgh, 7:30 PM , Schenley Drive, Feb 9, sponsored by the American Friends Service Committee with co sponsorship by many groups including the Thomas Merton Center. For more info contact info@thomasmertoncenter.org<info@thomasmertoncenter.org>
In this talk, Jarrar will address the US occupation of Iraq from the perspective of ordinary Iraqis. He will debunk myths about the occupation, explain why the "Sunni vs. Shiite vs. Kurd" model of conflict is problematic, provide concrete examples of how U.S. is stifling democracy in Iraq, and argue that the U.S. should completely withdraw from Iraq.
* La Roche College, Monday, Feb. 9, 12:30 p.m. in the College Center, Ryan Room
* Duquesne University, 3-4:30 PM, 609 Fisher Hall, Feb. 9, co-sponsored by CIQR and the Social Justice Group. For inquiries concerning this event, please contact Greg Barnhisel, Department of English,barnhiselg@duq.edu
* Frick Fine Arts Auditorium, University of Pittsburgh, 7:30 PM , Schenley Drive, Feb 9, sponsored by the American Friends Service Committee with co sponsorship by many groups including the Thomas Merton Center. For more info contact info@thomasmertoncenter.org<info@thomasmertoncenter.org>
Feb 6-7: “Making Whiteness Visible”
February 6 & 7: “Making Whiteness Visible”
How often have we heard, “I’m not racist,” or “We have made so much progress, I don’t think racism is a problem any more.” At the same time, we heard questions and discussion about race all during the recent presidential campaign. Statistics also tell us that race is strong predictor of income, health, academic achievement, school suspensions, and even jail time. One factor is that white privilege pervades our culture. Do you recognize it? Would you like to be part of beginning to dismantle it?
The Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) and East Liberty Lutheran Church are sponsoring two events in February to engage in discussion and begin to take action. First, on Friday evening, February 6, 2009 from 7 – 9 p.m., everyone is invited to watch the movie “Making Whiteness Visible” and to participate in a discussion.
Then, Saturday, February 7, there will be a day-long workshop (from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.) Activities will include screening of the movie, a heart-to-heart conversation to make connections and build awareness, a game to analyze power dynamics, and development of a work plan that includes connecting and integrating racial justice. The goals are to demonstrate leadership and community building, to develop a work plan, to integrate racial justice into our advocacy, and to enhance our commitment to racial justice on a personal, organizational, and community level.
Both events will be held at East Liberty Lutheran Church, 5707 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. They are open to the public. Suggested donations for the movie Friday is $5. A donation of $15, which includes a light lunch, is suggested for the Saturday movie and workshop. Registration for this workshop is requested (so we can plan for lunch and material). For more information and to register for Saturday, contact Edith Bell (412-661-7149; edith.bell4@verizon.net) or Susan Smith (412-441-5861;smsmith99@verizon.net).
The Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) and East Liberty Lutheran Church are sponsoring two events in February to engage in discussion and begin to take action. First, on Friday evening, February 6, 2009 from 7 – 9 p.m., everyone is invited to watch the movie “Making Whiteness Visible” and to participate in a discussion.
Then, Saturday, February 7, there will be a day-long workshop (from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.) Activities will include screening of the movie, a heart-to-heart conversation to make connections and build awareness, a game to analyze power dynamics, and development of a work plan that includes connecting and integrating racial justice. The goals are to demonstrate leadership and community building, to develop a work plan, to integrate racial justice into our advocacy, and to enhance our commitment to racial justice on a personal, organizational, and community level.
Both events will be held at East Liberty Lutheran Church, 5707 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. They are open to the public. Suggested donations for the movie Friday is $5. A donation of $15, which includes a light lunch, is suggested for the Saturday movie and workshop. Registration for this workshop is requested (so we can plan for lunch and material). For more information and to register for Saturday, contact Edith Bell (412-661-7149; edith.bell4@verizon.net) or Susan Smith (412-441-5861;smsmith99@verizon.net).
Feb 5: Mark Kryder on innovation, at CMU
February 5: Mark Kryder on Pursuing Memories -- Lessons in Research, Innovation, and Leadership in Academia and Industry.
(4:30 in the Adamson Wing, 136A Baker Hall at CMU; free & open to the public).
Feb 4-6: Focus the Nation Teach-in on Global Warming
February 4-6: Focus the Nation Teach-in on Global Warming.
Keynote on Wednesday by Peter Tertzakian.
Thursday, a national webcast on Solutions for the First 100 Days (visit National Teach-In : Launch Webcast for more info).
On Friday, Mark Dixon recounts YERT, Your Environmental Road Trip (a year-long eco-expedition through all 50 states); Asa Watten talks about Biofuels and the Steel City; a panel with Lee Branstetter and Costa Samaras on Market-based Incentives for Addressing Climate Change; John Hooker on Cultural Factors Driving Societal Consumption Patterns; Bike Pittsburgh and someone from the City discuss Alternative Transportation in Pittsburgh; Volker Hartkopf and Stephen Lee of the School of Architecture on Sustainability in the Built Environment; Keith Florig and Lester Lave of EPP on Clean Power Generation (not in my backyard!); Barb Kviz and Marty Altschul on Green Practices at Carnegie Mellon; Nelson Cheung and the Pittsburgh Project on Community and Citizen Engagement for a Sustainable Future; Dale Hershey on Business, Society, and Ethics. Also on Friday are a Local Lunch (enjoy locally-grown fare for a mere $5), and from 5-8 p.m. there's a sustainability networking mixer for young professionals followed by a green dance social (9 p.m. - 1 a.m. in Kirr Commons).
Contact: Vanessa Schweizer at vjs@andrew.cmu.edu .
More details on speakers and schedule at the Focus The Nation website.
Feb 4: Peter Tertzakian talk at CMU
February 4: With keynote lecture "Beyond Boom to Bust: The Changing World of Energy," Peter Tertzakian opens Focus the Nation, a teach-in on global climate change.
(7 p.m. in McConomy Auditorium in the University Center; free and open to the public)
Feb 4: Lecture on Gaza at Pitt Law School
February 4: Lecture on Gaza at Pitt Law School
Gaza: Impressions of the current situation and the larger context of the Israel/Palestine conflict. Professor Jules Lobel will speak about his recent travels to Israel and the Occupied territories as a part of an Human Rights Delegation. Professor Shihade, here on an Endowed Visiting Professorship on Contemorary Global Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh, will speak about the violence in Gaza within the larger context of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, using a critique of cultural theories of violence.
7:30 - 9:00 in Room 113, Barco Law Building, 3900 Forbes Ave in Oakland. Sponsored by the National Lawyers Guild.
Feb 2: Joel Tarr on "Why Technology?"
February 2: Why Technology? University Lecture Series Journeys lecture with Joel Tarr, CMU's Richard S. Caliguiri University Professor of History and Policy, and 2008 Leonardo da Vinci award of the Society fo the History of Technology.
4:30 in the Adamson Wing, 136A Baker Hall at CMU.
Note that more details on all the talks in the the University Lecture Series can be found online at
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