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Category Archives: Social Justice
Musical Rascals of Spokane – The P-Jammers
P-Jammers – An accompaniment for marches and protests
By Diane Lloyd
So what is P-Jammers all about? They are part of a community street band movement whose bands play not for the people but “among the people and invite them to join the fun. They are active, activist, and deeply engaged in their communities, at times alongside unions and grassroots groups in outright political protest, or in some form of community-building activity…” says the website for Honkfest (honkfest.org), an annual festival of activist bands held first in Boston then Seattle and Austin and now in many other cities. Drawing from sources as diverse as Klezmer, Afrobeat, and Hip Hop they are “outrageous and inclusive, brass and brash, percussive and persuasive — reclaiming public space with a sound that is in your face and out of this world.”
PJAMRS, the Peace and Justice Activist Musical Rascals of Spokane, or P-Jammers Community Marching Band, was founded by Greg Youmans in response to the need for a musical accompaniment for marches and protests and o
ther events where people are making themselves heard. Greg had been in Seattle’s Anti-Fascist Marching Band and participated with them in the Battle in Seattle – the enormous 1999 anti-WTO protests. After moving to Spokane and becoming active in protests here he discovered the Peace and Justice Action League. Recruiting other musicians through the PJALS newsletter he and Bill Lockwood p
ut together a band that made their debut at a September 2005 peace march. In addition they perform at events such as Earth Day and First Night.
Ready to join the fun and action? A diverse group of amateurs and professionals, young and old, P-Jammers welcomes anyone who wants to share in their musical exuberance. Practices are organized in preparation for specific events.
Contact Greg Youmans at (509) 638-7554.
Spokane in Action: How Can I Get Involved?
Click here for Opportunities to organize, protest, make your voice heard
New First Thursday Coffee and Discussion Group
There are now three First Thursday Coffee and Discussion groups meeting this Thursday March 1.
- Original Group 10:00 am Rocket Market 726 E 43rd
- First Thursday Evening at 6:30 pm Rocket Market 726 E 43rd
- Perry Street discussion usually held at The Shop at 10:00 am but this week being held at the organizer’s home so they can write letters to legislators as well as share resources and updates on what is happening. If you are interested in this group message Susan Hales on Facebook.
Possible discussion topics:
- President Trump’s State of the Union speech
- Youth Incarceration
- 13th The Movie
- Black Lunch Table
- Oscars: Moonlight/Hidden Figures/Fences
- Local Actions
- …….And anything else you have on your mind
First Thursday Coffee and Discussion March 2, 2017
There are now two First Thursday Coffee and Discussion groups:
- Original Group 10:00 am Rocket Market 726 E 43rd
- First Thursday at 6:30 pm Rocket Market 726 E 43rd
- Third discussion group to be announced
Possible discussion topics:
- Youth Incarceration
- 13th The Movie
- Black Lunch Table
- Oscars: Moonlight/Hidden Figures/Fences
- Local Actions
- …….And anything else you have on your mind
PJALS on the Forefront
Join PJALS! Sign up for notifications of what’s going on in Spokane and the world.
Our 8th Annual Peace & Justice Action Conference will be held February 24-25th at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane.Friday,
Feb. 24 6-9pm Rise Up! Opening Reception
Saturday, Feb. 25 9am-5pm All Day Action Conference Register Now!
Rave reviews about our Action Conference:
“Great variety of programs and the opportunity to meet new people!”
“It gave me inspiration and hope.”
“Surrounded by the energy of like minded people, rare in Spokane!”
“Open discussions, amazing positive energy, and equality.” Read more »
Location: Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane, 4340 W. Ft. Wright Drive
Friday, February 24th: Opening Reception
6:00-9:00 Join us for tasty nosh, wine & more, and performances from local musical & spoken word artists:
Saturday, February 25th: Conference
Join us for a full day with three workshop sessions, a fantastic keynote, breakfast, lunch, and lots of opportunities to connect with like-minded folks who are putting their values into action!
8:00-9:00 Registration and Networking Breakfast
8:45-9:00 Opening Performances
9:00-9:30 Welcome and Dedication
9:30-9:45 Mixer Break
9:45-11:15 “Education for Action” Workshop Session 1 (90 min)
Mobilizing for Justice and Community: How-To’s for Powerful Actions and Campaigns Liz Moore, Peace & Justice Action League of Spokane
Challenging Oppressive Statements Shar Lichty, Peace & Justice Action League of Spokane
No Discrimination Spokane: Defeating Spokane’s Anti-Immigrant Proposition
Erin Williams Heuter, Lutheran Community Services NW, Breean Beggs, City Council member, and John Lemus, City of Spokane Human Rights Commission
Developing Skill in Compassionate Communication: Alternatives to Judging,Shaming, and Blaming Mark Hamlin, Carol Bryan, & Susan Burns – Nonviolent Communication Facilitators
Impacts of Military Occupation on our Communities
Hollis Higgins, Ray Thorne, Mike Edwards, Larry Shook, Mary Kay McCollum, & George Taylor, Veterans for Peace, Spokane Chapter #35
Friar Tuck Faith
Liv Larson Andrews, Pastor, Salem Lutheran Church
Wake Up and Work: Anti-Racism for White People
Taylor Weech, PJALS Steering Committee
11:15-11:30Mixer Break
2:45-4:15 “Education for Action” Workshop Session 3 (90 min)
Building a Unified Movement: Power, Identity, & Solidarity Stina Janssen, Board member, Tenants Union of Washington, and Ingrid Chapman, United Auto Workers
Bystander Intervention Tara Dowd, Red Fox Consulting
A Lesson on Privilege for Progressives: Why are People of Color So Angry?
Sandy Williams, Black Lens News
How to Advocate for Justice in the State Legislature Liezl Rebugio, ACLU-WA
More than Just Malice: the Most Dangerous Law in America Gabe Meyer & Reynelle Warren, Not this Time
4:15-5:00 Closing Plenary: Going Forward Together!
Local Direct Action
What’s your burning issue? What are you doing about it? There are lots of opportunities locally and nationally to make your voice heard and be part of making positive change. Scroll down to check out some options.
Spokane Indivisible Together for Washington
PJALS Peace & Justice Action Leaque First Thursday Discussion
SURJ Showing Up for Racial Justice Black Lens News
4comculture Partners With Black Lens News
Join Us to Support Those That Support Our Community
Support the Black Lens News
Click Here:
www.blacklensnews.com/black-lens-partner/
509-795-1364
Something We Can All Do: Life Under Trump #5
When listening to politicians, distinguish certain words. Look out for the expansive use of “terrorism” and “extremism.” Be alive to the fatal notions of “exception” and “emergency.” Be angry about the treacherous use of patriotic vocabulary.
How I Saw: Spokane’s 8,000 Women March by Robert Lloyd
Protester’s sign read stand up! speak up! and these protesters did it this cold Spokane winter day. Some who were lucky made it to inside halls standing and sitting in the warmth and could hear the messages from the Ballroom. Others filled sidewalks for blocks east and west and entertained each other with songs, music, chatter. The Davenport Hotel Coffee and Bar was a hit place to keep warm.
After the March People Rose Up!
Marchers continued on to the Community Building where they shared chili, soup, music, poetry, speakers, a movie, action tables, creative activities for kids and adults, and began networking to take action.
Something You Can Do Personal Actions You Can Take