Please look at this picture of Chelsea Manning, who was released from prison last month, at Pride. Again, I repeat: please look at this picture of Chelsea Manning at Pride.
Manning leaked critical information about the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and was sentenced to 35 years in prison at a maximum-security prison — she served 7 years before having her sentence commuted by President Obama. Shortly after being sentenced, she came out as transgender, but continued to be misgendered by politicians and reporters for years. And now she’s at Pride!
The point here is it’s always worth fighting for what’s right (e.g., showing the world that the U.S. government is indiscriminately bombing civilians in its “war on terror,” supporting the activist organizations rallying around Manning’s release, etc). Really!
MONDAY
- Learn how the U.S. became the country with the world’s highest incarceration rate and what needs to be done to reform the system at this panel, featuring criminal justice reform experts (GA Manhattan, 6:30pm).
- The Brooklyn Anti-Gentrification Network is planning for their borough-wide day of action against racism, gentrification, and police brutality. (Solidarity Center NYC, 7pm)
- The 10th trans person of color (that we know of) was murdered in Chelsea this April. This week, NYC Shut it Down is honoring their life at Peoples Monday. (29th Street & 7th Ave., 7pm)
________
TUESDAY
- Protesters are rallying outside City Hall to demand that the City Council hold a hearing on environmental bills and create jobs that would reduce the city’s carbon emissions. (City Hall, 10am)
- Anti-racist organizer David Billings, author of Deep Denial: The Persistence of White Supremacy in United States History and Life, is discussing the history of racism and white supremacy and its manifestations today. Refreshments will be served! (Park Slope United Methodist Church, 6:30pm)
- Rise & Resist is having their weekly meeting, where they’ll plan upcoming protest actions and other events. Everyone is encouraged to attend! (Church of the Village, 7pm)
________
WEDNESDAY
- People’s Power Assemblies is doing court outreach and support in front of the courthouse at 1 Centre Street. (100 Centre St., 1pm)
- Muslim panelists, Bim Adewumni, Moustafa Bayoumi, Ramzi Kassem, and Nzinga Knight will discuss the stereotypes surrounding Islam and what it means to be Muslim at the Brooklyn Historical Society. (Brooklyn Historical Society, 6:30pm, FREE)
- Big Time Dicks, a new podcast from Jezebel, is doing a live recording where they’ll discuss the first 6 months of Trump’s presidency with Bernie 2016’s former Press Secretary for Latino Outreach, Erika Andiola, Amy Goodman of Democracy Now!, and comedian Aparna Mancherla. (The Bell House, 6:45pm, FREE with RSVP)
- Fight the Feed is discussing the myths and realities surrounding charities and nonprofits with Larry Lieberman, the COO of Charity Navigator, and Jennifer Richey, founder of the Cause Marketing Summit. All proceeds are donated, and you get a discount on admission with the code DONATE. (Legion Bar, 8pm, $10)
- Pairs N Pears, a monthly variety show, features performances by comedians, artists, and musicians this time around. The proceeds will be donated to the Red Umbrella Project and the Sylvia Rivera Law Project. (Little Skips, 8:30pm, $5 suggested donation)
________
THURSDAY
- Writer and editor Kay Hymowitz will discuss her new book and the changes that have happened in Brooklyn, focusing on Park Slope, Williamsburg, Bed-Stuy, the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Brownsville, Sunset Park, and Canarsie. She’ll specifically be analyzing the successes of black and white middle classes, local policies, and small businesses as well as addressing the challenges that immigrants and other communities still face. (Brooklyn Historical Society, 6:30pm, $5)
- The Creators Collective is hosting an info session on the recently-passed Freelance Isn’t Free Law led by attorney Kyle Carraro of Lloyd Patel LLP. (Halyards Bar, 7:30pm, FREE)
________
FRIDAY
- El Grito Sunset Park is hosting Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez and Public Advocate Letitia James for this talk on combatting broken windows policing. (Sunset Park & Rec, 6pm)
________
SATURDAY
- Rise & Resist is leading a social media training to teach local activists how to use Facebook, Twitter, and other platforms to spread their message and recruit more volunteers. They’re asking all attendees to RSVP here. (Thoughtworks, 1pm)
________
SUNDAY
- Protesters are rallying at Trump’s hotel, then marching to demand that he be impeached. Impeachment won’t solve all our problems, but presidents have been impeached for far less. (Columbus Circle & Central Park West, 11am)
- This free-self defense class is open to women, trans people, and gender nonconforming people. You’ll learn the basics of self-defense, including stretching, conditioning, and technique. (Sunnyvale, 3pm)
- Fight Back Bay Ridge is celebrating July 4th a little early with the spirit of the ’70s (aka when Nixon was impeached) and some drinks. (Longbow Pub & Pantry, 6pm)