Busta Rhymes called Donald Trump “President Agent Orange” on stage last night at the Grammys before reminding us to #resist, and do you really want to go against what he has to say? Without further ado, here are 40+ ways to get informed, get organized, and get involved this week–with a few parties thrown in for good measure.
MONDAY (TODAY)
Putting the Heat on Pudzer
Corner of Broadway and Thomas, Manhattan
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Join fast food workers in fighting against Carl’s Jr. CEO and Trump’s pick for Labor Secretary Andrew Puzder. Pudzer has opposed minimum wage increases and paid sick leave at his own companies, and has previously said that if the minimum wage were to be raised, he’d turn to automation instead of paying workers fair wages. His companies also have an alleged record of wage theft, discrimination, and safety violations.
________
A Galentine’s Day Panel on Reproductive Justice
NYU School of Law
40 Washington Square South, Manhattan
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Free
Galentine’s Day, the unofficial holiday before/far superior holiday to Valentine’s Day, is all about showing the women in your life how much love them. This year, celebrate by listening to leaders, lawyers, and activists in intersectional feminism discuss how to defend reproductive justice in Trump’s America. Panelists include poet Stephanie Alvarado; Farah Diaz-Tello, senior counsel for the Self Induced Abortion Legal Team; and Dana Sussman from the New York City Commission on Human Rights. There will be a food and wine reception before the panel.
________
Women’s March Galentine’s Day Cuddle Huddle & Planned Parenthood
Dream Baby
162-164 Avenue B, Manhattan
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
On Galentine’s Day, the organizers of the postcard write-in at Dream Baby will be writing and decorating letters of support to Planned Parenthoods across the country. They’ll also have cards available so you can write a “Valentine” to Paul Ryan and other anti-choice politicians, and they’ll be forming huddles to discuss next steps for activism.
________
2nd Year Anniversary For #PeoplesMonday
Grand Central Terminal
87 East 42nd Street, Manhattan
7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Every week, #PeoplesMonday honors a different victim of state violence. They’re commemorating their second anniversary this week and continuing to call for an end to police terror, mass incarceration, and white supremacy.
________
Fight Training: Women, Trans, Non-Binary and Gender Nonconforming
The Base
1302 Myrtle Avenue, Bushwick
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
You can’t punch Nazis if you don’t know how to defend yourself. This self-defense class meets every other Monday and is tailored for attendees during each session. Instructors will be covering stretching, conditioning, technique, and theory with a focus on creating an inclusive space for people of all genders. They’ll have equipment on hand, but participants are encouraged to bring gloves, mitts, hand wraps, jump ropes, and any other equipment they think could be useful. Remember to wear clothing you feel comfortable sweating and stretching in!
________
Brooklyn DSA Electoral Education/Research Meeting
Mayday Space
176 St. Nicholas Avenue, Bushwick
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
The Brooklyn chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America’s “Education & Research” subcommittee is meeting to strategize on how to get socialists elected to state and local office in NYC. Come learn about local politics and get involved, but keep in mind that this is not a general meeting and not a good way to learn about DSA if you aren’t already in the loop.
________
TUESDAY
Dump Trump on V Day – NoDAPL No KKL Solidarity Rally
Trump Tower
725 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Although President Obama halted the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline in December, Trump signed executive orders last month allowing the White House to renegotiate its construction. Join protesters outside of Trump Tower on Tuesday afternoon to stand in solidarity with water protectors and against the DAPL.
________
Valentine’s Day Divestment Rally with Josh Fox
David Dinkins Municipal Building
1 Centre Street, Manhattan
12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Or if you find yourself a bit further downtown, join Fossil Free NYC’s protest and tell Comptroller Scott Stringer to divest the city’s pension funds from the banks funding the Dakota Access Pipeline. Speakers include filmmaker and activist Josh Fox, Dee Aherne from 350NYC, and Anaji Stella, a 10-year-old activist from PS 41.
________
Emergency Town Hall
The Arab-American Family Support Center
150 Court Street, Suite 3, Cobble Hill
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
If you’re worried about being affected by Trump’s executive orders targeting Muslims and Arab-Americans (or if you just want to get involved), come to the Arab-American Family Support Center’s town hall. Attorneys, activists, and local officials will be discussing next steps and how you can protect yourself and your family from the current administration.
________
Artistic UpRISING/Revolutionary Love
Garibaldi Plaza Stage, Washington Square Park
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Activists around the world are rallying against violence and in support of marginalized communities on Valentine’s Day. It’s a pretty all-encompassing rally: they’re rising against rape culture, racism, discrimination, neoliberalism, the destruction of the environment, homophobia and transphobia, imperialism, war, and militarization. Attendees are welcome to rant about issues they care about as part of the Where We Must Meet artist collective’s Ranting Box.
________
Take Action Tuesdays at Tip Top
Tip Top Bar & Grill, Bed-Stuy
432 Franklin Avenue, Brooklyn
6 p.m. – 12 a.m.
$2 suggested donation
Over the past two weeks, a group of dedicated postcard-writers have mailed more than 200 postcards, written over a drink or two, to our representatives. They have themed postcards, $5 beer and shot specials, and writing prompts for cards you can send anyone you think needs to listen–from Chuck Schumer to NASA. The event is free, but it’s recommended that you donate $2 for stamps and other supplies.
________
I Love My Preexisting Condition: Stories about the impact of the ACA
JACK
505 1/2 Waverly Avenue, Clinton Hill
7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
$5 suggested donation
People with pre-existing conditions (from cancer to acne) are among those most threatened by the repeal of the Affordable Care Act. On Tuesday, seven storytellers and artists will discuss their own pre-existing conditions and how the ACA has impacted their lives as part of Organ Recital, a storytelling festival that celebrates narratives of bodies and health. Performers include Jenice Matias, Kelly Bedwell, and Lisa Kaplan. There’s a $5 suggested donation at the door, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
________
Rise and Resist Meeting
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center, room 301
208 West 13th Street, Manhattan
7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Rise & Resist is meeting at the LGBT Center in the West Village to develop a volunteer group dedicated to direct action. They’ll be discussing working groups, organization, and strategy at this week’s meeting and are asking for people of all skills and interests to get involved. If you’d like an agenda ahead of time, you can sign up for their newsletter here. The venue is ADA accessible.
________
Fueled By Love
RSVP for address
8 p.m. – 11:55 p.m.
$15 online / $20 door
This benefit concert is raising funds for Resist Spectra, an organization fighting against Spectra Energy’s pipeline being constructed in Peekskill, NY just 105 feet from the Indian Point Nuclear Plant. Performances include Apocalypse WOW, Full Moon Party, and a DJ set by Lexi Illexxandra Ferguson. Email [email protected] for the venue address.
________
WEDNESDAY
NYCHA Is Making Me Sick!
City Hall, Manhattan
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Protesters are demanding that Mayor de Blasio fully fund all repairs in NYCHA buildings. A lack of attention to repairs and backlog of work orders has resulted in asbestos and toxic mold, families being forced to live without heat for weeks, falling elevators, and other dangerous conditions in NYCHA buildings across the city. In addition to fully funding all repairs, protesters are calling that the mayor expand resident control of the buildings and stop infill privatization.
________
Build a wall around Trump – to protest Netanyahu-Trump meeting
Trump Tower
725 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan
5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Trump is meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, and protesters will be gathering outside Trump’s old digs to build a wall of resistance around what some (hopefully very few) are calling “White House North.” They’ll be protesting racist bans on immigrants and refugees, racist violence, and walls of division in both the United States and abroad.
________
Muslim-Jewish Solidarity March – NoBanNoWall / NoTrumpNoBibi
Grand Central Terminal
87 East 42nd Street, Manhattan
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Slightly further downtown, the Muslim Jewish Anti-Fascist Front is rallying at Grand Central in protest of Trump and Netanyahu’s meeting. They’re asking everyone to bring signs, banners, noisemakers, instruments, and plenty of friends to protest.
________
February SURJ NYC Chapter Meeting
The Community Church of New York Unitarian Universalist
40 East 35th Street, Manhattan
6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
SURJ (Showing Up For Racial Justice) is an activist group that organizes white people to confront racism and dismantle white supremacy. This week, they’re having their monthly chapter meeting, beginning with an orientation at 6 p.m. (the full meeting starts at 6). The venue is wheelchair accessible and organizers are providing childcare during the meeting. If you need childcare, you can RSVP at [email protected]
________
From Fear to Focus: Race in America and the Urgency of Now
Tishman Auditorium, Vanderbilt Hall
40 Washington Square South, Manhattan
6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Free
Van Jones, Trabian Shorters, Aunjanue Ellis, Anurag Gupta and more discuss the construct of race as it continues to have a defining impact on the idea of America. Expect a candid conversation from some of the most cutting edge thinkers working tirelessly to help build a stronger and more truly United States of America.
________
Audre Lorde Birthday Celebration
YWCA Brooklyn
30 Third Avenue, Boerum Hill
6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Free
This year, the Audre Lorde Project is celebrating their namesake’s birthday with a dialogue on black feminist traditions. Panelists – Adaku Utah, Barbara Smith, Kenyon Farrow, Reina Gossett – will be discussing the historical legacy and future of black feminism. The discussion will be moderated by Cara Page, executive director of the Audre Lorde Project, and Cleopatra From The Bronx. The event is free (donations accepted at the door), but make sure to RSVP.
________
Exclusive Screening: Peristalsis through the Pipes
Daedalus Studio
20 Jay Street, Suite 318, DUMBO
6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Free
Peristalsis through the Pipes is a documentary that tackles the problem of industrial pollution and its impact on society through a proposed solution: the use of an invasive fish whose bones clean up brownfields. The entire film won’t be screened–just 22 minutes in total, introduced by the artist–and will take place at a special aquatic vermiculture installation at the Triangle Arts Association.
________
Dirty Dancing for Planned Parenthood
The Bell House
149 7th Street, Gowanus
$10
The Lady Parts Justice League is hosting a sing-a-long/watch party to celebrate Dirty Dancing‘s 30-year anniversary. After the movie, they’ll have a discussion about abortion and intersectionality moderated by Nicole Moore and featuring LPJL founder Lizz Winstead, Guardian columnist Syreeta McFadden, and more. They’ll also have stations where you can write love postcards to Planned Parenthood and call your representatives, and plenty of Valentine’s Day candy and prizes.
________
NYC War Resisters Demo Organizing Meeting
Judson Memorial Church
239 Thompson Street, Manhattan
7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Join the NYC War Resisters in planning multiple demonstrations: their March 19 demonstration on the 14th anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq; a protest from March 27th to 31st at the United Nations on banning nuclear weapons; and an April 18th demonstration at the IRS in protest of war taxes. The meeting is open to everyone.
________
Resistance Party: Queer Bloc
The Footlight
465 Seneca Avenue, Ridgewood
8 p.m. – 2 a.m.
$5 – $10 sliding scale
Queer Bloc is having their first monthly party, with all proceeds benefitting the bail funds of people who were arrested during J20 protests. The theme is anti-Valentine’s Day (and resisting the capitalist commodification of queerness) and the dress code is 60% glitter or neon. They’ll have live music, drag performances, comedy, and more. No one will be turned away for lack of funds, but it’s encouraged that you bring at least $5 to donate.
________
THURSDAY
Sunset Park Rally for Immigrant Families
Brooklyn Community Board 7
4201 4th Avenue, Sunset Park
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Rally against ICE raids and in support of immigrant New Yorkers outside of Community Board 7 to demand that Senator Jesse Hamilton protect local immigrants from deportation. Hamilton, a Democrat, is caucusing with Republicans through the Independent Democratic Conference and preventing legislation from passing that would protect the city’s immigrant families. The organizers will be hosting a town hall inside the building followed by a rally outside.
________
Tenants Under Trump – February Meeting
Metropolitan Council on Housing
168 Canal Street, 6th Floor, Manhattan
6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Learn about the tenants’ rights movement and the Met Council at their monthly meeting on Thursday. They’ll be discussing Trump’s potential impact on local housing and where tenants and Met Council members fit in the resistance. Everyone is encouraged to bring a snack to share during the meeting.
________
February 2017 New Kings Democrats Meeting
Event Space at Genius
92 3rd Street, Gowanus
6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
The New Kings Democrats are hosting their monthly meeting focused on managing their growth, voting on proposed bylaws changes, electing new leadership, and more. You can check out the proposed new leadership positions and their responsibilities here before the meeting. They’ll also be hosting a New Member Orientation beginning at 6:30 before the general meeting at 7, and new/prospective members are encouraged to attend.
________
CopWatch/HateWatch Training
Bureau of General Services – Queer Division
208 West 13th Street, Room 210, Manhattan
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
$5- $10 suggested donation
CopWatch aims to end police misconduct, unprofessional behavior, and discrimination by empowering everyday citizens to observe and record police activity in public spaces. During this meeting, you’ll learn how to safely and legally exercise your rights to do so by comedian and activist Elsa Waithe. Participants are encouraged to bring a $5 – $10 donation, but no one will be turned away due to lack of funds.
________
Marshal Training #2
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center
208 West 13th Street, Room 110, Manhattan
7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Learn to be a protest marshal at Rise and Resist’s second training session. Marshals support Rise & Resist actions and other protests and protect our right to protest by setting up their own pickets, deciding whether or not to “pen” protesters, stopping traffic during marches, and providing a buffer between protesters and the NYPD.
________
NWL NYC: Abortion Without Apology
The Brooklyn Commons
388 Atlantic Avenue, Boerum Hill
7:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
The NYC chapter of National Women’s Liberation is having their monthly meeting this week, where they’ll be discussing neighborhood consciousness raising, upcoming actions to defend abortion rights, the success of the #WomenStrike, and updates from their Women of Color Caucus. Activists who are fighting the Muslim ban will also speak about how everyone can work to defend immigrant, Muslim, and refugee members of the community. Recommended reading: “Abortion Without Apology.”
________
FRIDAY
General Strike Against Trump
Everywhere
On Friday, Feb. 17, people across the country are having a general strike and non-violent civil disobedience demonstration. Don’t go to work, don’t go to school, don’t do anything but #resist. Strike organizers are calling for an end to the Muslim ban and the border wall, healthcare for all, no more pipelines, an end to to the global gag rule, and for Trump to disclose and divest from his business interests.
________
NYC Solidarity Rally for the General Strike
Washington Square Park, Manhattan
1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
If you’re wondering what to do during the strike, this is it. Protesters are gathering at Washington Square Park in the early afternoon to stand in solidarity with the National General Strike.
________
Revolutionary Hunger Relief Program
The Base
1302 Myrtle Avenue, Bushwick
5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Free food programs often see a huge drop in volunteers and donations after the holidays are over, but the Base will be providing free food and feeding hungry New Yorkers throughout the year. In addition to food, they’ll also have feminine hygiene products and political information. The event is open to volunteers and donations will be accepted.
________
CopWatch/HateWatch Training
Bureau of General Services – Queer Division
208 West 13th Street, Room 210, Manhattan
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
$5- $10 suggested donation
CopWatch aims to end police misconduct, unprofessional behavior, and discrimination by empowering everyday citizens to observe and record police activity in public spaces. During this meeting, you’ll learn how to safely and legally exercise your rights to do. Participants are encouraged to bring a $5 – $10 donation, but no one will be turned away due to lack of funds.
________
Truly Madly Deeply – A ’90s Party Benefitting RAINN
Private Party
291 Hooper Street, Williamsburg
10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
$10 suggested donation
Dating collective It’s Not Personal is throwing an alternative, ’90s-themed V-Day party on Friday, with all proceeds benefitting RAINN, the largest anti-sexual violence nonprofit in the country. They’ll be having giveaways and a raffle benefitting RAINN, live art by artist Ashley Thompson-Yang, and DJ sets by Wamoo and Amelia Holt.
________
Activate: A Party & Fundraiser for Climate Action
Friends & Lovers
641 Classon Avenue, Crown Heights
10 p.m. – 4 a.m.
$10 suggested donation
Just about everything you do is bad for the environment, so here’s your chance to do something good for mother nature (for once). All door proceeds and a portion of the bar’s proceeds go to the NRDC Action Fund, and 4 DJs will be spinning disco, house, funk, and hip hop until 4 a.m.
________
Revolution at the Crossroads
Mayday Space
176 St. Nicholas Avenue, Bushwick
Friday, 7 p.m. – Sunday, 3 p.m.
Tickets
The Young Democratic Socialists are hosting their annual conference during President’s Day weekend. They’re calling for leftists to confront Trump and Trumpism at every opportunity and for socialism to have a major role in defeating the Trump administration. Speakers include Jacobin founder Bhaskar Sunkara, Black Lives Matter organizer Khalid Kamau, writer and Chapo Trap House co-host Amber A’lee Frost, and writer Liza Featherstone. You can check out a draft program of the weekend-long conference here, and keep in mind that you can attend just one or all days of the event. Tickets range from $25 – $65.
________
SATURDAY
Mourning the Presidency: A Mock Funeral for President’s Day
Washington Square Arch, Manhattan
12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Rise and Resist and Gag Is Watching are holding a New Orleans-style mock funeral for the U.S. on President’s Day. Join them in grieving, marching, and demanding the rebirth of a presidency dedicated to protecting all people (although, let’s be real, George Washington and co. left a lot to be desired). It’s a funeral, so wear black (or dress as one of your favorite past presidents).
________
Write Against Wrong: Postcards & Other Pathways to Influencing Government
New Women Space
188 Woodpoint Road, Williamsburg
12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
$5 – $10 suggested donation
From noon to 12:30, drop by the New Women Space and make your voice heard by writing a postcard or letter to your representatives or by creating signs for upcoming rallies and protests. Starting at 12:30, the space will be hosting a !&A with their civic engagement experts, including Issue Voter founder Maria Yuan.
________
Screening of The Great Dictator
The City Reliquary
370 Metropolitan Avenue, Williamsburg
7 p.m.
$8
The City Reliquary will be screening Charlie Chaplin’s classic film The Great Dictator, a political satire that targets anti-Semitism and European fascism under Hitler and Mussolini. The film is, as I’m sure you know, particularly timely now that neo-Nazis have deemed this the perfect political climate to be open about how they’re, well, Nazis.
________
SUNDAY
Today, I Am A Muslim Too: A Day of Solidarity
Times Square, Manhattan
12 p.m. – 4 pm.
Join Russell Simmons,Imam Shamsi Ali, Rabbi Marc Schneier, Daisy Khan, activist Linda Sarsour, and more in standing in solidarity with American Muslims. They’ll be rallying in support of equality, tolerance, and support for populations that are targeted by the Trump administration. The event is family friendly.
________
IUD Soundsystem Presents: Bellini Kill Brunch for the ACLU
Baby’s All Right
146 Broadway, Williamsburg
12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
IUD Soundsystem is performing at Baby’s All Right this Sunday, and a portion of all bar sales are benefitting the ACLU. In addition to brunch and tunes, there’s a huge vinyl raffle, with all proceeds to a good cause. Among the vinyls up for grabs: Mom + Pop, Captured Tracks, PIAS, Mexican Summer, Exploding In Sound, Luaka Bop, and much more.
________
Queer Workers Project: Brainstorming Shop Floor Strategy
AJ Muste Memorial Institute
168 Canal Street, 6th Floor, Manhattan
2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Share your organizing experience and workforce woes with the Queer Workers Project on Sunday. They’ll also be leading a discussion on successful workers’ campaigns.
________
Brooklyn Ground Support
Bearcat
150 Manhattan Avenue, East Williamsburg
5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Brooklyn Ground Support and the NYC chapters of the National Organization for Women and National Women’s liberation are co-sponsoring an educational activism workshop focusing on what to do next, how to do it, and plans to take action. They’ll have wine, beer, and coffee for sale, and a percentage of all proceeds will be donated to Emily’s List, Planned Parenthood, and Desis Rising Up and Moving.
________
What’s Next: A Fundraiser for Emily’s List
Friends & Lovers
641 Classon Avenue, Crown Heights
8:30 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Tickets: $20
What’s Next is throwing a party to raise funds for EMILY’s List, an organization that helps pro-choice Democratic women get elected to office. The party starts at 8:30 and includes performances by Shaeera & James, Roosie, Ohyung, Continental Breakfast, and Pussy Grabs Back. Starting at 11 p.m., DJ Momo will be spinning until Friends & Lovers shuts down.
________
And finally, here’s Busta Rhymes, A Tribe Called Quest, and Anderson .Paak’s full performance from last night, including a very special shoutout to the president.
Related Articles
Brace yourselves: Amazon HQ2 is coming to Long Island City
NYC residents don’t have to stand for it.
Leave a Reply