In the Community February 13, 2012

 

In the Community February 13, 2012

 

 

Happy Valentine's Day

 

"What the world really needs is more love and less paper work."  … Entertainer, singer, and actress Pearl Bailey (d. 1990).  She played the title role in the all-black Broadway production of "Hello, Dolly," wrote several books, and earned her bachelor's degree in theology from Georgetown University at age 67.

 

 

"In the Community" is also on the website: www.harmonyalliance.org/Events.  The Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony (ACEH) was founded in 1999 and is committed to justice, equal opportunity, cross-cultural understanding, and appreciation for diversity.  We work together  through programs, publications, social events, and advocacy to make West Michigan a place where all are welcomed and respected.

 

Please help support ACEH.  Dues are $20 a year ($35/two years) for an individual; $30 a year ($50/two years) for a family; $40 for nonprofits; $75 for businesses. You can pay at the website www.harmonyalliance.org/Join with PayPal, or send a check to ACEH, c/o Treasurer Bin Lim, Box 3007, Holland 49422-3007, or sign up at any ACEH meeting or social event. THANKS! ¡GRACIAS!

 

TODAY, Mon, Feb 13, 5 pm: Deadline to register for Holland First.  See Community Opportunities, below.

 

TONIGHT, Mon, Feb 13, 9 pm: Documentary: "Slavery by Another Name," based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Douglas Blackmon, explores the "neo-slavery" that lasted until World War II.  The Thirteenth Amendment states that slavery was abolished, except as a punishment for a crime—but in the years after the Civil War laws were passed to criminalize everyday African American life.  On WGVU-TV.

 

Wed, Feb 15, business hours: Do you need to go to the Mexican Consulate in Detroit and don't have transportation? Staff of the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan will be available at the Immigration Assistance Program in Kalamazoo on Feb. 15 to review documents and fill out applications for passports and registrations.  A bus will go from Kalamazoo to Detroit on Thurs, Feb 23.  To make an appointment, call (616) 742-0200 immediately.  At Old EPS Building, 219 North Westnedge, Kalamazoo.

 

Wed, Feb 15, noon: "End Game: Afghanistan and Iraq," by Dr. James Goode, Middle East Studies Program, Grand Valley State University.  Part of Great Decisions Series sponsored by Herrick District Library and World Affairs Council of Western Michigan.  At Herrick District Library auditorium, 300 South River, Holland.

 

Wed, Feb 15, 4 pm: "Human Rights, Civil Rights, and Islam," by Lena F. Masri, community leader, civil rights activist, and staff attorney for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Michigan; she has been featured in several documentaries and on major media outlets.  At GVSU, Room 2250 Kirkhof Center, Allendale.

 

Tues, Feb 21, 7 pm: Community Read Film and Presentation: "Up from the Bottoms: The search for the American Dream," with Muskegon author Jim Schaub.  African American residents of Muskegon tell stories of migrating from the south to the north during the war years and beyond.  Sponsored by Herrick District Library and Grand Valley State University.  At Herrick District Library, 300 South River, Holland.

 

Wed, Feb 22, 7:30 pm: Annual A. J. Muste Lecture: "Another World Instead: Some Pacifist Poets and Poetics, from William Stafford to Occupy Wall Street," by award-winning poet Fred Marchant of Suffolk University.  The lecture series began in 1985 to commemorate the life and work of A. J. Muste, a Hope College alumnus and an activist for peace and justice.  At Winants Auditorium, Graves Hall, 263 College Ave between 10^th and 12^th Sts, Holland.

 

Fri, Feb 24, 7:30 am to 2:30 pm (includes breakfast and box lunch): Annual Community Forum of Partners for a Racism-Free Community: "Expect Equality."  Speaker is Tim Wise, one of the most prominent anti-racism writers and educators in the U.S.  $55.  Register at www.prfc-gr.org  At Kroc Center, 2500 South Division Ave, SW, Grand Rapids.

 

Sat, Feb 25, 11 am: Program for kids: "Meet Harriet Tubman," by Michigan Humanities Council re-enactor Rosie Chapman.  Part of Community Reading Project sponsored by Herrick District Library and GVSU.  At Herrick District Library, 300 South River, Holland.

 

 

 

COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES:

 Holland First,  Racial Healing Institute

           

(1) Holland First, a program of the Holland Area Chamber of Commerce: eight-week Spring 2012 sessions on Tuesdays from 6:30 pm to 8:50 pm, beginning Feb 21 and continuing through April 17 (no class April 3).  Holland First aims to help people understand the community through the eyes of diversity, including local history, business, resources, law enforcement, government, education, and art/culture; guest speakers, breakout sessions, discussions.  Facilitator is Dante Villarreal. Sponsors are Chemical Bank and Blue Cross/Blue Shield Blue Care Network of Michigan.  Holland First is free; participants must  attend all eight sessions.  Deadline to register is Feb. 13. Call the Chamber at (616) 392-2389.

 

(2) 8-week Institute for Racial Healing, Tuesdays, Feb 28 through April 24, 3 to 5 pm.  Through facilitated dialogue and activities, participants learn, share, and process within a multicultural group and examine the inheritance of our history, institutionalized racism, contemporary bias, and ways to be an ally in healing racial divides.  $100 per person; financial hardship scholarships available.  Register at (616) 846-9074 or at www.ethnicdiversity.org.  Deadline to register is February 10.  Sponsored by Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance.  At GVSU Meijer Campus, 515 South Waverly, Holland.

 

 

 

 

In the Community February 6, 2012

 

 

In the Community February 6, 2012

 

 

"I think we have to own the fears that we have of each other, and then, in some practical way, some daily way, figure out how to see people differently than the way we were brought up to."  … Alice Walker (b. Feb. 9, 1944), poet, short story writer, novelist, essayist, teacher, activist.  Her novel "The Color Purple" won a Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award.

 

In the Community is also on the website: www.harmonyalliance.org/Events

 

Please help support ACEH.  Dues are $20 a year ($35/two years) for an individual; $30 a year ($50/two years) for a family; $40 for nonprofits; $75 for businesses. You can pay at the website www.harmonyalliance.org/Join with PayPal, or send a check to ACEH, c/o Treasurer Bin Lim, Box 3007, Holland 49422-3007, or sign up at any ACEH meeting or social event. THANKS! ¡GRACIAS!

 

Thurs, Feb 9, 5 pm: "The Rising Voice of Asian Pacific Islanders in the 2012 Election," interactive presentation by Stephanie Change, president of Asian Pacific Islander American Vote-Michigan.  At Grand Valley State University, Room 2270 Kirkhof Center, Allendale.

.

ACEH Meeting on Friday:

Film, Discussion, and Tour of CAAAH

 

·          Fri, Feb 10, 7 pm: Film, discussion, and tour at monthly meeting of the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony (ACEH).  In recognition of Black History Month, ACEH will show the award-winning documentary, "A Time for Justice: The Civil Rights Movement," followed by discussion facilitated by Hope College history professor Dr. Fred L. Johnson III.  Afterwards, The Center of African American Art and History (CAAAH) will offer a tour of its facility.  A freewill donation will be collected to benefit The Center.  Everyone is welcome! www.harmonyalliance.org or 396-2201.  At The Center of African American Art and History, 21 West 16^th St, Holland (across from Family Dollar store).

 

Sat, Feb 11, 9 am until noon: Asian Health Day, free event hosted by West Michigan Asian American Association, Inc.  Health organizations will offer information on community resources; free health screenings for first 200 people to attend.  Visit the website www.wm-aaa.org or call (616) 481-6914.  At Brittney Hall, 3637 Clyde Park, Grand Rapids.

 

Mon, Feb 13, 9 pm: Documentary: "Slavery by Another Name," based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Douglas Blackmon, explores the "neo-slavery" that lasted until World War II.  The Thirteenth Amendment states that slavery was abolished, except as a punishment for a crime—but in the years after the Civil War laws were passed to criminalize everyday African American life.  On WGVU-TV.

 

Wed, Feb 15, 4 pm: "Human Rights, Civil Rights, and Islam," by Lena F. Masri, community leader, civil rights activist, and staff attorney for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Michigan; she has been featured in several documentaries and on major media outlets.  At GVSU, Room 2250 Kirkhof Center, Allendale.

 

 

 

Fri, Feb 24, 7:30 am to 2:30 pm (includes breakfast and box lunch): Annual Community Forum of Partners for a Racism-Free Community: "Expect Equality."  Speaker is Tim Wise, one of the most prominent anti-racism writers and educators in the U.S.  $55.  Register at www.prfc-gr.org  At Kroc Center, 2500 South Division Ave, SW, Grand Rapids.

 

 

COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES:

Spanish Classes, Holland First,  Racial Healing Institute

           

(1) 10-week Spanish language classes, sponsored by Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance: Level Two Feb 14-Apr 24, 6 to 8 pm, GVSU Holland Meijer campus; Level One, Feb 16-Apr 26, 6 to 8 pm, GVSU Holland Meijer campus; Level One Feb 16-Apr 26, 6 – 8 pm, Grand Haven High School.  Information and registration at www.ethnicdiversity.org

 

(2) Holland First, a program of the Holland Area Chamber of Commerce, will hold its eight-week Spring 2012 sessions on Tuesdays from 6:30 pm to 8:50 pm, beginning Feb 21 and continuing through April 17 (no class on April 3).  Holland First aims to help people understand the community through the eyes of diversity, including community history, economic development/business, community resources, law enforcement, government, education, and art/culture, with presentations by guest speakers, breakout sessions, and discussions.  Facilitator is Dante Villarreal. Sponsors are Chemical Bank and Blue Cross/Blue Shield Blue Care Network of Michigan.  Holland First is free; participants must agree to attend all eight sessions.  Deadline to register is February 13. For information and an application, call the Chamber at (616) 392-2389.

 

(3) 8-week Institute for Racial Healing, Tuesdays, Feb 28 through April 24, 3 to 5 pm.  Through facilitated dialogue and activities, participants learn, share, and process within a multicultural group and examine the inheritance of our history, institutionalized racism, contemporary bias, and ways to be an ally in healing racial divides.  $100 per person; financial hardship scholarships available.  Register by phone at (616) 846-9074 or online at www.ethnicdiversity.org.  Deadline to register is February 10.  Sponsored by Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance.  At GVSU Meijer Campus, 515 South Waverly, Holland.

 

 

 

In the Community January 30, 2012

 

 

 

In the Community January 30, 2012: Migrant Housing,

ACEH Program, Holland First, More

 

"If we do not act, we shall surely be dragged down the long, dark and shameful corridors of time reserved for those who possess power without compassion; might without morality; and strength without sight. … Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

Herb and Ann

 

 

Please help support ACEH.  Dues are $20 a year ($35/two years) for an individual; $30 a year ($50/two years) for a family; $40 for nonprofits; $75 for businesses. You can pay at the website www.harmonyalliance.org/Join with PayPal, or send a check to ACEH, c/o Treasurer Bin Lim, Box 3007, Holland 49422-3007, or sign up at any ACEH meeting or social event. THANKS! ¡GRACIAS!

 

TONIGHT, Mon, Jan 30, 7 pm: Second annual Schregardus Lecture by Gene and Sandra Fisher: "An Exciting Educational Partnership: Embracing the Challenge of Disbelief," telling the story of the Watts Learning Center, an inner-city Los Angeles charter school that provides high-quality learning to 350 children.  Sponsored by Phelps Scholars of Hope College.  At Winants Auditorium, Graves Hall, College Ave at 11^th St, Holland.

 

Tues, Jan 31, 6:30 pm jazz, 7 pm readings: Jack Ridl Visiting Writers Series, with Hope College professors David Cho and Heather Sellers.  Poet Cho, the son of Korean immigrants, is author of "Song of Our Songs" and "Night Sessions."  Sellers' best-known work is her memoir "You Don't Look Like Anyone I Know."  At Winants Auditorium, Graves Hall, College Ave at 11^th St, Holland.

 

Tues, Jan 31, 7 pm: Travel film, "It's Great! Britain," featuring England, Scotland, Wales. $7.  At Evergreen Commons, State St at Michigan Ave, Holland.

 

Wed, Feb 1, 6 pm:  Port Sheldon Township planning commission meeting.  A proposal to create housing for migrant workers—tabled at the last commission meeting—is on the agenda.  At Port Sheldon Township hall, 16201 Port Sheldon Street, West Olive.

 

Sun, Feb 5, 6 pm: Documentary film, "Papers," which outlines the challenges facing undocumented youth as they approach age 18.   Everyone is welcome to attend.  Sponsored by Hope Church. (616) 298-8171.  At Hope Church Commons, 77 West 11^th St,  Holland.

 

Sun, Feb 5, 8 pm: Documentary film, "Up from the Bottoms: The Search for the American Dream": the story of the migration of African Americans from the rural south to the north during World War II and beyond; Cicely Tyson guides viewers through the "touching, thoughtful and often funny" stories told by 15 residents of Muskegon.  Shown on WGVU-TV.

 

Fri, Feb 10, 5 pm: Deadline to register for Institute for Healing Racism (see Community Opportunities, below).

 

Fri, Feb 10, 7 pm: Film, discussion, and tour at monthly meeting of the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony (ACEH).  In recognition of Black History Month, ACEH will show the award-winning documentary, "A Time for Justice: The Civil Rights Movement," followed by discussion facilitated by Hope College history professor Dr. Fred C. Johnson III.  Afterwards, The Center of African American Art and History (CAAAH) will offer a tour of its facility.  A freewill donation will be collected to benefit The Center.  Everyone is welcome! www.harmonyalliance.org or 396-2201.  At The Center of African American Art and History,

21 West 16^th St, Holland (across from Family Dollar store).

Sat, Feb 11, 9 am until noon: Asian Health Day, free event hosted by West Michigan Asian American Association, Inc.  Health organizations will offer information on community resources; free health screenings for first 200 people to attend.  Visit the website www.wm-aaa.org or call (616) 481-6914.  At Brittney Hall, 3637 Clyde Park, Grand Rapids.

 

Mon, Feb 13, 5 pm: Deadline to register for Holland First program (see Community Opportunities, below).

 

Fri, Feb 24, 7:30 am to 2:30 pm (includes breakfast and box lunch): Annual Community Forum of Partners for a Racism-Free Community: "Expect Equality."  Speaker is Tim Wise, one of the most prominent anti-racism writers and educators in the U.S.  $55.  Register at www.prfc-gr.org  At Kroc Center, 2500 South Division Ave, SW, Grand Rapids.

 

COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES:

CLASSES, HOLLAND FIRST, RACIAL HEALING INSTITUTE

           

(1) 10-week Spanish language classes, sponsored by Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance: Level Two Feb 14-Apr 24, 6 to 8 pm, GVSU Holland Meijer campus; Level One, Feb 16-Apr 26, 6 to 8 pm, GVSU Holland Meijer campus; Level One Feb 16-Apr 26, 6 – 8 pm, Grand Haven High School.  Information and registration at www.ethnicdiversity.org

 

(2) Holland First, a program of the Holland Area Chamber of Commerce, will hold its eight-week Spring 2012 sessions on Tuesdays from 6:30 pm to 8:50 pm, beginning Feb 21 and continuing through April 17 (no class on April 3).  Holland First aims to help people understand the community through the eyes of diversity, including community history, economic development/business, community resources, law enforcement, government, education, and art/culture, with presentations by guest speakers, breakout sessions, and discussions.  Facilitator is Dante Villarreal. Sponsors are Chemical Bank and Blue Cross/Blue Shield Blue Care Network of Michigan.  Holland First is free; participants must agree to attend all eight sessions.  Deadline to register is February 13. For information and an application, call the Chamber at (616) 392-2389.

 

(3) 8-week Institute for Racial Healing, Tuesdays, Feb 28 through April 24, 3 to 5 pm.  Through facilitated dialogue and activities, participants learn, share, and process within a multicultural group and examine the inheritance of our history, institutionalized racism, contemporary bias, and ways to be an ally in healing racial divides.  $100 per person; financial hardship scholarships available.  Register by phone at (616) 846-9074 or online at www.ethnicdiversity.org.  Deadline to register is February 10.  Sponsored by Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance.  At GVSU Meijer Campus, 515 South Waverly, Holland.