Etcetera
Ahmad Abdur-Rahman Freed
On Wed., Nov. 25, Ahmad Abdur-Rahman, one of the world's longest-held political prisoners, walked out of Lakeland Men's Facility at Coldwater. His sentence was commuted by Governor Engler, thus ending 21 years, 7 months and 2 weeks of imprisonment.
Abdur-Rahman, an AGENDA contributor, was convicted of a murder that he didn't commit, under a law which was declared unconstitutional in 1980. He went to prison as a young Black Panther after participating in an ill-fated raid on an alleged dope house, in which he was set up by a police agent.
Winter Clothing Give Away
Need some warm winter gear? Then come to the Bryant Community Center, on Dec. 11 from 9 am to 1 pm, at 3 West Eden Court In Ann Arbor. There will be a give-away of winter coats, sweaters, gloves and other warm apparel. Donations are also welcome! For more information call the community center at 994-2722.
Pornography vs. Censorship
On Fri., Dec. 4 and Sat, Dec. 5 at 8 pm in the U-M Nat. Sci. Auditorium, the Ann Arbor Film Cooperative will show artistCarol Jacobsen's video program, "porn'im'age'ry: Picturing Prostitutes." This program symbolizes a deep rift among feminists - and in society- over pornography and censorship.
The videos were originally included In a symposium entitled "Prostitution: From Academia to Activism," which was sponsored by the Michigan Journal of Gender and Law and the U-M Law School - but were removed when some symposium members complained that they were offensive.
The Film Co-op will present all of the symposium videos, including Jacobsen's "Sex Street," plus videos made by prostitutes in New York City and San Francisco. Admission is $2. For more information cali 769-7787.
Friendshipment Arrivés in Cuba
After confrontation and negotiation at the U.S.-Mexico border, the U.S.-Cuba Friendshipment caravan left the U.S. with aid for Cuba. The group, including Ann Arbor residents Andrea Walsh and Ken Polsky, was warmly welcomed in Mexico and Cuba. The supplies, minus confiscated medicines and computers, were delivered to Cuban churches.
The caravan visited 90 U.S. cities, collecting powdered milk, medicine, Bibles and bicycles. Some 100 drivers traveling eight routes converged in Laredo, Texas on Nov. 17.
The Friendshipment was initially stopped at the border by U.S. customs agents and Mexican police. In protest, elght caravan members walked across the bridge carrying wheelchairs, crutches and school supplies. Several were arres ted, Including Rev. Lucius Walker, Jr., Executive Director of the Interreliglous Foundation for Community OrganizationPastors for Peace, the Friendshipment's sponsor. However, those arrested were released and the caravan was allowed to proceed.
Friendshipment organizers demand an end to the U.S. embargo against Cuba and normalization of U.S. -Cuban relations. Walsh and Polsky will speak about the Friendshipment at 8 pm on Wed., Dec. 7 in the Michigan Union, at a Latin American Solidarity Committee meeting, (see CALENDAR for details.)
AIDS Quilt on Display
A portion of The Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt will be on display at two locations in early December. Six panels will be displayed Nov. 30 through Dec. 4 at EMU's McKenny Union. Sixteen panels can be seen Dec. 7 and 8 in the lobby of Washtenaw Community College's Towsley Auditorium. For more information cali 764-7544.
Alternative Holiday Fair
Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice and the First Baptist Church are sponsoring the Alternative Holiday Fair on Sun. Dec. 6 from 3-7 pm. Peruse items offered for sale by a wide range of Ann Arbor non-profit and social change groups. Support these groups while you do your holiday shopping! (For AGENDA'S holiday shopping alternative , see p. 8-9.) For more information cali 663-1870.
Needed: Civilian Observers in Haiti
Delegations will visit Haiti Dec. 10-17 and Jan. 10 as part of an ongoing effort to document human rights abuses by the military regime that overthrew President Jean Bertrand Aristide. Observers, who can sign up for shorter or longer periods, will travel in groups and receive instruction in investigating rights violations. The approximate cost is $460-$500 for air fare and $60 per day. If interested, cali Bryan Wharram at 9718582 or Cecilia Green at 662-5668. Contributions may be sent to the Haiti Solidarity Group, co Cecilia Green, 336 E. Washington Street #2, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.
Good News for News Junkies
If you happen to be a die-hard news junkie, you probably know that, until recently, the only way to catch BBC news broadcasts - some of the most in-depth coverage in the world - was with a short wave radio or by listening to it in Arabic. Well if you are sick of NPR, or want more than the hour daily Pacifica broadcast on WCBN , you can now listen to two hours of BBC news, five days a week, in English!
The Arab Network of America, which broadcasts locally through WNZK (690 AM) in Dearborn Heights, recently began carrying BBC news in English, in addition to the Arabic translation of the program. Tune into 690 AM at 8 am or 4 pm, Monday through Friday, for an hour of world news.
Homeless Families Program Begins
The Interfaith Hospitality Network of Washtenaw County has begun a new program to provide temporary shelter for homeless families. The Network consists of 12 local congregations, assisted by volunteers from other congregations. Each congregation houses up to fïve families for a week at a time, approximately four times a year. Families get an evening meal, fellowship time, a warm place to sleep, breakfast, and sack lunches for the next day. They are taken to the Ann Arbor Y each day for shower and laundry facilities, day care for young children, and a base from which to seek housing and jobs.
The Network needs volunteer drivers (chauffeur's license required), social workers and money.To volunteer, contactGinger Austin at 434-6269. Mail donations to The Interfaith Hospitality Network, P.O. Box 7538, Ann Arbor, MI 48107.