Announcements: May Day and Cuba events
Phil Wilayto
Dear friends,
Here's some information about two upcoming series of events in Richmond, one dealing with May Day celebrations, the other "Celebrating and Honoring Cuba and its Peoples." Please see the announcements below.
And don't forget to join us on Saturday, May 5, with former U.S. Army Colonel and now noted anti-war activist ANN WRIGHT for her talk on U.S. wars and occupations in the Middle East and their human and financial costs to our communities here at home. Also, reports on the community campaign to support Ashley Williams, falsely accused in the tragic death of her 2-year-old son, and recent events in the West African country of Mali. 7 pm at the William Byrd Community House, 224 So. Cherry St., Richmond, VA 23220.
Thanks,
Phil Wilayto
for the Defenders
MAY DAY
"This year in Richmond, our May Day celebration will be the biggest yet! Because this history is one that includes nearly everyone in our society, the focus this year will be on community, history and shared experience. Workshops, social events, and music will make up the majority of the weeklong festivities, and culminate in an informative and lively rally in Monroe Park on Tuesday, May 1st at 5pm sharp.
Historically, May Day has been an international day to abstain from work in protest of the long hours people faced (children and adults), sometimes up to 20 a day. While the struggle for a shorter workday could be said to have gone on as long as there have been jobs, for 100 years (1836-1937) working people in the United States asked in vain for an 8 hour day. Today, May Day commemorates their sacrifices and celebrates their victories.
"Some highlights from the schedule include a cook-out/teach-in hosted by RePHRAME (Residents of Public Housing in Richmond Against Mass Evictions), an open house at the brand-new RVA Bike Co-op space, a Children’s March and craft-making, and a reading of workers’ stories by labor lawyer Daniel Gross.
"For more information about May Day RVA, contact maydayr...@gmail.com or theflyi...@riseup.net
"For specific times, places, and descriptions of individual events affiliated with May Day, check out http://www.facebook.com/events/206142222833540/"
CUBA
Immediately Press Release
Contact Person: Lee Robinson, President
RE: Cuba's Appreciation Weekend in Richmond, VA Friday, April 27 - Sunday, April 29, 2012
The African Awareness Association will be Celebrating and Honoring Cuba and its Peoples, as it launches its First Annual Cuba's Appreciation Weekend, from Friday, April 27 to Sunday, April 29, 2012. The invited keynote speakers will be the First Secretary at the Cuban Interests Section to Washington, DC, Mrs. Patricia L. Pego Guerra and Jamar Williams, MPH, MD Acting President of ELAM/Latin America School of Medicine Alumni Association, Havana Cuba. He is a U.S. citizen, who received his medical training and education in Cuba. Mrs. Guerra will speak to the Richmond-Metro and the U.S. Mid-Atlantic Region Community on Friday, April 27 at the reception on: "U.S. - Cuban Relation" and on Saturday, April 28, she will speak on the topic: "The African Women's Role in the Cuban and World Revolution".
Other invited major participants who will be in honoring and respecting Cuba and its peoples are distinguishing diplomats and ambassadors for the various embassies such as: Venezuela, Namibia, Angola, Zimbabwe, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Along with this weekend activities, there will be local and regional cultural workers/artists, who will be sharing their musical talents and skills during these activities and programs. The whole U.S. Mid-Atlantic Region is welcome to attend and participate in the following activities:
Friday, April 27, 2012 - A Reception for Cuba - Elegba Folklore Society 'Art Gallery' - 101 East Board Street, Richmond, VA, 7:30 pm starting time, by invitation only (RSVP).
Saturday, April 28, 2012 - "Learning about Cuba & Our Relationship", at WCLM 1450 AM, Radio, 1 p.m. starting time.
Saturday, April 28, 2012 - A Tribute to Cuba & Honoring its People Program: "The African Women's Role in Cuban and World Revolution", Baptist General Convention of VA Building, 1214 West Graham Road, Richmond, VA., starting time 4pm. Open To Public. Free!
The African Awareness Association states that for over 60 years Cuba has being a beacon of hope and a shining example that another world is possible, a world where children are the priority and people represent the human capital. A world where health and education are for the development of the society, not for the profits of the 1%. Seeing is believing, come see for yourself.
The African Awareness Association has created the condition for you, to go to Cuba, with an African delegation and see Cuba's development and the reality of our people there, for yourself, by joining us on an educational travel challenge to Cuba, from June 28, 2012 to July 10, 2012, if interested, call 804-549-7492 or email: african_awaren...@yahoo.com. Cost of Trip is $1,675, and will be leaving and returning from Washington DC & Los Angeles, CA.
This program is being supported by:AAPRP(GC), WCLM 1450 AM Radio, IFCO/Pastor's for Peace, Elegba Folklore Society, U.S.- Cuba Labor Exchange & King Salim Khalfani, KPFK's Freedom Now Talk Show 90.7FM (CA)
African Awareness Association Inc. P. O. Box 4433, Richmond, VA 2322 804-549-7492 (o) / 804-321-0574 (fax) african_awareness_association @yahoo.com