Dear Activists,
The Poor People’s Campaign kicked off 40 days of action with demonstrations at various State Capitals (including Albany). There couldn’t be a more necessary time for the revival of the Poor People’s Campaign. A new report from the United Way found that nearly half of U.S. families can’t afford basics like rent and groceries. At the same time, giant corporations and banks are posting record profits. If something sounds wrong here, it’s because there is something wrong here. We need to demand that giant corporations and the very rich start paying fair wages and fair taxes.
– Ravi
AROUND THE STATE
In Albany, the Poor People’s Campaign took to the streets with chants and chalk. Thousands participated in actions all across the country.
Down in the Southern Tier, local activists delivered over 400 Mother’s Day cards to Rep. Claudia Tenney, urging her to reject any bill that includes cuts to SNAP or health care.
Later that week, the famous Trump chicken made a stop in Binghamton. (It makes its way to Utica next week—clear your calendar.)
THIS WEEK IN ACTIVISM HISTORY
On May 18th 1972, elder rights activist Maggie Kuhn founded the Gray Panthers to confront ageism and advocate for social justice issues affecting people of all generations.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Hudson Valley – Monday, May 21st at 6 pm – Community Town Hall with Jumaane Williams – A community discussion with Lieutenant Governor candidate Jumaane Williams. RSVP on Facebook
Hudson Valley – Tuesday, May 22nd at 5:30 pm – #FREEnewyork Town Hall – Hear about the painful impact of mass incarceration on our communities. RSVP on Facebook
Rochester – Wednesday, May 23rd at 6 pm – New York Health Town Hall – Panel discussion on the NY Health Act and push for single-payer health care in New York. RSVP on Facebook
New York City – Thursday, May 24th at 7 pm – Marijuana Legalization Exploratory Meeting – Introductory meeting to discuss organizing around marijuana legalization. RSVP on Facebook
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