Draft Call to Action-CALL TO ACTION -In the name of all humanity we say:Yes to Unity, Solidarity, and Justice! NO to hate and fear mongering.

National conference call: tues Jan 19 at 8pm eastern std time at 641-715-3300 access code 994310.

 

Draft Call to Action-CALL TO ACTION -In the name of all humanity we say:Yes to Unity, Solidarity, and Justice! NO to hate and fear mongering.

The corporate media and some politicians on both sides of the aisle believe their interests can be advanced by scapegoating the poor and those oppressed by racism, anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant prejudice, mass deportations, and the exclusion of refugees fleeing endless U.S.-supported wars abroad. 

Hate, fear mongering and war are increasingly publicly promoted for heinous ends and especially to divide the victims of the ever-deepening social cutbacks government austerity policies inflict.

We say no to Islamophobia and all forms of religious prejudice. We denounce the endless racist police murders of unarmed members of the nation's Black and poor communities. We reject militarily-sealed borders and mass deportations of Latino people.

We strive for the unity and solidarity of all who cherish human and democratic rights.

We will join together in a week of coordinated protests, February 13 - 21 across the country. Now is the time to organize in your community, school or place of worship. 

Stand with us against hate and persecution in all their manifestations.

Friends,

 

Last night (Jan 4) the Albany, NY city council passed a resolution against Islamophobia.  Similar resolutions were passed in the last few days by the Albany County Legislature and the Schenectady City Council.  Please see the email below.

 

Additionally, Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace (my local peace group) will be holding a vigil against Islamophobia on Monday.  We expect a big turnout.  The Mayor of Albany is also sponsoring a rally at the Albany City Hall against Islamophobia, which unions and activist groups will be joining.

 

This important work in Albany has also been inspiring to all activists in the area including those involved in Black Lives Matter, many of whom have been active in this campaign.

 

At all the meetings where resolutions have been passed, large groups of people, Muslims and non-Muslims, have attended to speak in favor of the resolutions. 

 

I think much of this has been in reaction to the statements by Trump.  I hope this is not just and Albany phenomenon and it would be great for others to try to replicate this in other areas of the country.

 

Joe Lombardo, Co-Coordinator UNAC

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From: jfin125@gmail.com
Subject: more good news: Albany Common Council unanimously passes anti-Islamophobia resolution
Date: Tue, 5 Jan 2016 14:15:35 -0500

Hello everyone,

            The good news just keeps getting better: last night the Albany Common Council unanimously passed (with 14 co-sponsors, plus vocal support from the council president) an anti-Islamophobia resolution, very similar to the one passed on January 1 by the Albany County Legislature. The resolution was introduced by Hon. Leah Golby (Ward 10). The meeting was public, and a very large number of speakers, from the interfaith, Muslim, and activist communities, spoke in support of the resolution. Leah Golby writes: "The palpable feel of a strong community was incredible...All the thanks go to you and the community!" 

            This makes the *third* such resolution passed by local governments in our area: the Schenectady City Council's on December 28, the Albany County Legislature's on January 1, and now the Albany Common Council's on January 4. In addition to bringing in the new year with solidarity, this cluster of resolutions seems to be unique in the country: only the City Councils of Portland, Oregon and Spokane and Seattle, Washington appear to have passed similar resolutions. It is pretty obvious what this says about our Capital Region community and how we support and respect our Muslim neighbors, colleagues, and friends. 

            But more important was that amazing meeting, with all the speakers. Each one spoke eloquently, precisely, and often movingly of their experiences and support. So many people signed up to speak that we'd still be there if they'd all had their chance; the council finally had to end the public comment period, with many people not getting a chance to speak. (we will try and remedy this in the future). A highlight of the meeting--and I'll bet unique to any Common Council meeting before this--was Ruth Pelham, musician and proprietor of the MusicMobile, who decided to *sing* her speech, by means of a song she'd written especially for the occasion. It was a "sight" to "hear" the entire Council, plus all attendees, sing along with her, and you will definitely be hearing more of this song in the future. 

            Here's a very good piece from Channel 9, featuring one of the most memorable speakers, Tasneem Ali: http://www.twcnews.com/nys/capital-region/news/2016/01/5/standing-ovation-given-on-decision-to-help-curb-islamophobia-albany.html

   And below is a picture of Leah Golby presenting a copy of the resolution to Dr. Shamshad Ahmad, president of the Masjid As-Salam in Albany (photo from Leah Golby's Facebook page). 

   The text of the resolution is here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/293978690/RESOLUTION-OF-THE-COMMON-COUNCIL-STATING-THAT-THE-CITY-OF-ALBANY-STANDS-WITH-MUSLIM-NEIGHBORS-AGAINST-ISLAMOPHOBIA

            Finally, if you didn't attend the meeting (or even if you did), here is another way to show your support for the Muslim community: a 

Vigil: Solidarity with Muslims!, NO to Islamophobia!

Monday, January 11 at 5 PM

Corner of Kenwood & Delaware Ave., Delmar, NY

sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace. "Stay for a few minutes or an hour. Let's stand together for peace. Please bring a sign. Other sign suggestions: "We Stand in Solidarity with Our Muslim Friends and Neighbors", Stop Islamophobia, Defend the Muslim Community" , "We say NO to Racism and anti-Islamic Bigotry". 518-466-1192 for further information. Join us!"  https://www.facebook.com/events/1490179531290904/

            And I will post news of the upcoming solidarity event (sponsored by Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan), postponed from Wednesday (tomorrow), when the rescheduled date is set.

            To Councilmember Golby: a huge thank you for all your efforts and for bringing us together as a city and community. To all speakers: thank you for sharing your hearts! To all attendees: "It takes a city...", and we were that last night.

Jeanne