Lessons from the West Virginia Teachers' Strike
Thursday, March 15, 7pm
St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 83 W. Woodruff
The successful nine-day strike of over 30,000 teachers and support staff in West Virginia proved that workers still can organize to fight for their interests. With state workers in Oklahoma, Kentucky, and Arizona potentially following West Virginia's lead and staging their own strikes, the possibility of a rank-and-file public sector union movement is closer than it's been in decades. This week, we'll discuss the lessons of the WV strike and the challenges the labor movement continues to face. Sponsored by ISO.

BQIC monthly meeting
Thursday, March 15, 6-8pm
Parsons branch library - 1113 Parsons Ave.
Since the #BP4 sentencing, we will have a lot to debrief and discuss given the unfolding of these events. We will also discuss updates on Community Pride planning and fundraisiefforts. As always, please message us or email us at blackqueercolumbus@gmail.com if you need any accommodations such as an interpreter or childcare.

Judge Cynthia Ebner, endorsed by the Stonewall Democrats, handed out sentences in the #BlackPride4 on Tuesday, March 13.  Last week word was sent from the City Attorney's Office that there would be no jail time requested from the judge. The city attorney proescuting this case made this clear for all three of the #BlackPride4.

Intense pressure put on the city of Columbus, including a National Day of Action to Free the #BlackPride4 organized by GetEqual and Black Queer Intersectional Columbus BQIC) on Monday, had an impact. Supporters of the #BlackPride4 had simple message: #Columbusisguilty -- not the #BlackPride4 who were arrested when they held a silent vigil during the 2017 Stonewall Pride march. The vigil was to call attention to the murders of black trans people and killings of black people in Columbus by the police. Immediately, when the #BlackPride4 began a vigil in the street, Columbus Police jumped on them and brutalized them.

(If a Picture is Worth a Thousand Words, the DNR and PCA Will Have no Rational Choice Other Than

Denying PolyMet’s Permit to Build an Experimental Tailings Lagoon in Water-Rich Northern Minnesota That Will Have 250 foot High, Soluble Earthen Dam Walls)

By Gary G. Kohls, MD - March 12, 2018

For Part I, go to: http://duluthreader.com/articles/2018/03/08/12656_what_entities_are_behind_the_reckless_endangerment

A group of #BlackPride4 supporters gathered in front of City Hall at 5pm Monday, March 12 to let Columbus City Council know that "Columbus is guilty!" They were calling attention to the Columbus Police Department and their treatment of the Black Pride 4 at last year's Pride parade. Three of the Black Pride 4 will hear their sentences on Tuesday, March 13 at 9am at the Franklin County Munincipal Court building, room 13A, 375 S. High St. They are  also asking for people to fill the courtroom at that time. The activists spoke about the importance of calling out the Columbus Police and city officials on their use of excessive force against black citizens in  general, and particularly the black trans people at the Pride rally. 

What the hell is going on in national politics? Nobody is doing what is in their, or anybody else’s, best interests. From congressional inactivity to party infighting and missed campaign opportunities, it has been a confounding week. America is going nowhere fast and not enough people seem to understand or care.