CURRENT EVENTS & NEWS
2.17.2013-San Antonio, Texas
LIVE BROADCAST from San Antonio…02.17. 3:00pm – 6:00pm CST! Tune in!
Feb. 6th Los Angeles, CA
January 24, 2013 in Milan, Italy
100 Thousand Poets for the International Holocaust Remembrance Day (an initiative by the 100 Thousand Poets for Change to remember the victims and heroes of the Holocaust).For January, 27th, International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
An Evening of Poetry and Memory with Performances, Readings, Spoken Word.
From 18.30 at the CAM (Literary Cafe) “Falcone e Borsellino” Corso Garibaldi 27, Milan.
During the evening the Literary Cafe will present the anthology “100 Thousand Poets for Change.”
In the photo by Steed Gamero, the International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2012 (Vercelli)
12.19.2012
Dear Friends of 100 Thousand Poets for Change,
Please find below an extremely important petition, “LIFE IN PRISON FOR A POEM”, that Terri and I and Pina Piccolo (100 Thousand Poets for Change-Bologna, Italy) have been working on with friends.
As poets and artists we have a personal stake in seeing this poet released from prison. His persecution is the persecution of all poets and we feel this is something we can’t stand by and watch without taking immediate action.
We are very excited by the broad community support we have received thus far and it would be a great honor to have you join us in support of this action by signing the petition and forwarding it to like-minded friends.
Thank you for all you do!
Peace and love,
Michael Rothenberg and Terri Carrion
100 Thousand Poets for Change
 |
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
Share this action on Facebook
Share this action on Twitter
From Egyptian Poets to the Poets of the World
From the heart of Cairo, We the Egyptian Poets send our voices to all poets and people of the world, In defending of the freedom of creation in all fields, including the freedom of the poet to write and publish, without any pressure or exaction, without any restrictions or terror ideologically, religiously, politically, and legally.
Over the many years before the great people’s revolution in January 2011, The Egyptian Poets had been always in the front of the cultural avant-garde that oppose the suppression and corruption and restriction on freedoms … and now they are still standing foe the same viewpoint in front of the new regime recently raised to the power, the regime that follow the same old ways of the defeated old one, but also adding to these ways a religious touch against the artists and intellectuals.
We see communication with the international poetic movement of today as an attempt to break the isolation, and deliver the Egyptian poetic voice out of the local sphere, particularly what concerning the new special circumstances and the real threats that we face in Egypt today… Read More
December 9, 2012- BOLOGNA, ITALY
November 18th 2012- Lagos, Nigeria
November 3rd 2012- Trinidad & Tobago-Poetic Vibes
Sunday, October 28th 2012- São Paulo – Brazil
Reading of poems by Roberto Malini w/ music and dance
A new event of 100 Thousand Poets for Change
20.00 pm
Parque Continental
São Vicente, State of São Paulo – Brazil
Organization: Petreca-Dini
In the photo, Alessandra and Adriano Petreca-Dini
Here an article on the event in São Vicente (Brasil):
Saturday, October 27th, 2012
8:00pm in UTC+01
Kuje , Abuja
For more details contact me Onimisi (+234) 08186326558, Nelsen 07026089709, Oribhabor 08100091760
Awaal 08160906866
koademoh@gmail.com
Onimsiwordsmith@twitter
http://www.onimisiwordsmith.com
On Facebook
Literature Appreciation Day Kuje
( Hosted by Onimisi & 100TPC Abuja)
A collective of Kuje indigenes and resident supporters of the 100Thousand Poets For Change are hosting a Literature appreciation day in Kuje.
A workshop for Creative writing/Performance Poetry appreciation would be hosted at DE ROMA HOTEL’s BANQUET HALL & KUJE TOWNSHIP HALL. KUJE , ABUJA
It would be open to youths and secondary school students in the area interested in the creative arts. Here they can listen to local poets, writers and artist showcase some of their works for free, and also offer advice and a rare opportunity for the kids to try their hands at creative writing/performance. Free lunch would be provided for all those taking part at the event.
As artists interested in change, we hope this event creates a platform for subsequent activities of its kind in the area… Read more
Ken Sanders Rare Books is pleased to announce 100 Thousand Poets and Musicians for Change, a reading and performance with 18 local artists
Saturday, October 20th at 7:00PM at our downtown bookstore (268 South 200 East, Salt Lake City).
Please join us to hear the voices of these amazing local artists:
Hector Ahumada, Michael McLane, Sandy Anderson, Marv Hamilton, Brian Kubarycz, Alex Caldiero, Andy Hoffmann, Sara Caldiero, Heather Hirschi, Steve Creson, Chris Leibow, Lance Newman, Tully Cathey, Shari Zollinger, Adam Love, Gray Thomas, Rebecca May, and Nate Liederbach.
Visit the bookstore event page
October 12, the day Christopher Columbus reached San Salvador (and therefore the Americas), is a day that belongs to the memory of mankind. On the Night of Poetry (which will see hundreds of artists, writers and musicians perform in Genoa’s ancient and modern buildings) the poets Roberto Malini and Daniela Malini will remember that date – a date that coincides with the extermination of the Native Americans and the destruction of their culture – through a poetry reading with poems taken from their book “Bligal of Stone and Light” (Lavinia Dickinson Editore, Genoa 2012).
Thank you to all organizers & participants for being a part of 100 TPC!
Hope all your events went well!
100 TPC Cafe Channel Scenes from the Arlene Francis Center Cafe, 100 TPC HQ Festival.
More video and photos coming soon!
Kermanshah, Iran, September 27, 2012
Islamic Republic of Iran, some poets remember Makwan Moloudzadeh a young victim of homophobia, for the “100 thousand poets for change*”. In that occasion it will be screened the video-poem “Makwan letter from Paradise”, realized by Roberto Malini and Dario Picciau. Makwan Moloudzadeh (21 years old) was executed in Kermanshah Central Prison at 5 am, December 5, 2007. He was sentenced to death for the crime of “lavat” (sodomy) according to the Iranian Criminal Code that foresees the death penalty.
Watch the video-poem Makwan-Letter from Paradise
Featured at: 
09.25.2012 Poetic Vibes-Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago
Interview on CNMG.
https://www.facebook.com/events/485941728084485/
09.25.2012
100 Thousand Mimes for Change-Egypt perform in Cairo metro station!
09.25.2012 New Video Grotte, Agrigento, Italy!
09.25.2012 Kingston, Jamaica
100 Thousand Poets & Musicians for Change – Jamaica is engaged in ongoing efforts to contribute to community development and as such, this year’s activities carry the theme ‘Tell the Children the Truth’, and will see performances and efforts focusing on the children of our nation. Street Dub Vibe, 100TPC’s main event will be held on Saturday, September 29th in locations across Kingston, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.
In contribution to the efforts, participants in open mic are invited to write on the topic “Tell the children the truth” and attendees are encouraged to partake in our Discussion/Analysis Segment. www.poetrysocietyofjamaica.com
RSVP here-http://www.facebook.com/events/104900326333798/
09.24.2012
Members of the Colectivo Contra la Violencia el Arte, workshop participants and organizers of 100TPC will be reading poetry in one of the busiest subway station in Mexico City: Pino Suárez.
Visit the blog for complete bios of participants and details on this action. http://festivalpoesiaymovimiento.blogspot.com/
09.22.2012
A report on the event of 100 TPC at Nellore,A P India
A very successful reading took place in today’s 100 Thousand Poets For Change event in Narayana Engineering College, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India to i.e on 22-09-2012 from 3.00 pm to 06.00pm…
A good gathering of students & invited poets from different places of the state & staff of College enjoyed the session…read more
09.22- 100 TPC Volos, Greece 2nd of 4 events. 09.24 20:00 & 09.29 18:00 Coming up! Bookmark this channel to watch future livestreams…
New Song for 100 TPC by Robert Priest, Toronto, Canada!
Visit Soundcloud for complete lyrics and music.
peace be upon you and peace be below
| C / / / |
peace upon the mountains and the fields of snow
| Em / D / |
peace upon the people living in the street. It’s a
| C / G / | F / C / |
it’s a peace of many pieces let it be complete
| D / / / | Em / C / |
your peace and my peace they’re good together
| D / / / | Em / C / |
your peace and my peace should get together
| D / F / | C / / / |
your peace and my peace
——————–
09.19.2012
Tullamore, Ireland-Watch the recorded event http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/25529650
——————
100 TPC Organizers Honor International Day of Peace
09.21.2012 The theme for International Day of Peace 2012 is “Sustainable Peace for a Sustainable Future.” The International Day of Peace was created by the United Nations in 1981. It is devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace within and among all nations and peoples. It is intended as a “constantly pealing bell reminding us that our permanent commitment, above all interests or differences of any kind, is to peace.”
Anyone, anywhere can celebrate the International Day of Peace. It can be as simple as lighting a candle at noon, or just sitting in silent meditation. Or it can involve getting your co-workers, organization or government engaged in a large event. International Day of Peace is also a Day of Ceasefire – personal or political. Take this opportunity to make peace in your own relationships as well as impact the larger conflicts of our time (Excerpt from a letter from Susan Lamont of the Peace & Justice Center of Sonoma County, CA).
—————-
Cairo, Egypt 100 Thousand Mimes for Change!
3rd Event-Sep. 15th at at El Sehemy House
( Mimes vs. Violence )
Lafayette, nation to be overrun by poets
Brace yourselves for poetry. Lots of poetry. That scourge of intellectual complacency will take over these United States on Saturday, Sept. 29 as 100 Thousand Poets for Change invades venues nationwide including Cité des Arts in downtown Lafayette.
Last year’s inaugural event was the largest celebration of poetry ever, folding in more than 650 events in more than 550 cities in 95 countries. This second annual Poets for Change expands to 115 countries and 700 events. Here in Lafayette, according to a Cité press release:
Jessica Bordelon of Revolution Theory and Jonathan Penton of Unlikely Stories magazine have prepared a multi-generational, multi-approach music and poetry festival hosted by Cité des Arts.
Traditional poets such as former Louisiana Poet Laureate Darrell Bourque and ULL’s Marthe Reed will come together with the spoken word troupe Revolution Theory. Musicians such as the Zigzag Wanderers and Angie Joelle will perform sets, and the band Delta Papa will perform their own music and collaborate with open-mic poets for an exciting multidisciplinary show. Poets such as Wendy Taylor Carlisle, Kim Vodicka and Michael Harold will come from Baton Rouge and Shreveport, Louisiana; Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and throughout Acadiana to participate. Project S.O.U.N.D. and the St. Martinville High School Dead Poets Society will send teen groups to participate. Local organizations will be in the foyer, discussing what they’re doing for change in Louisiana. The entire event will be Webcast and recorded for archival by UC Stanford’s LOCKSS program.
Festivities begin at 6 p.m. at Cité des Arts, 109 Vine St. Admission is $5 at the door, all of which will go to non-profit organizations (Cité des Arts and others). Cash bar. Food for purchase Provided by Brandon Broussard of Broussard’s Cajun Cook’n.
| Walter Pierce | |
| About the author: | |
09.21.2012
A night of arts hopes to affect social change in Oak Park
Part concert, part performance and part fashion show add up to a 100 percent good time.
And a good cause, as well.
“100,000 Poets, Artists and Musicians for Change,” hosted by Unity Temple in Oak Park this Saturday, is a benefit supporting four local organizations seeking social change.
“It’s going to be a unique entertainment opportunity, a celebration of art and it’s going to be fun,” said Charlie Rossiter, emcee and co-coordinator of the program. “In Oak Park, we don’t see a lot of variety show-type concepts with this many different artists at one time.” …read more
100 TPC Organizers Honor International Day of Peace
09.21.2012 The theme for International Day of Peace 2012 is “Sustainable Peace for a Sustainable Future.” The International Day of Peace was created by the United Nations in 1981. It is devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace within and among all nations and peoples. It is intended as a “constantly pealing bell reminding us that our permanent commitment, above all interests or differences of any kind, is to peace.”
Anyone, anywhere can celebrate the International Day of Peace. It can be as simple as lighting a candle at noon, or just sitting in silent meditation. Or it can involve getting your co-workers, organization or government engaged in a large event. International Day of Peace is also a Day of Ceasefire – personal or political. Take this opportunity to make peace in your own relationships as well as impact the larger conflicts of our time (Excerpt from a letter from Susan Lamont of thePeace & Justice Center of Sonoma County, CA).
Kingston, Jamaica-Poets4ChangeJA
“Tell the Children the Truth” A Reflection of Truth in our Children – Featuring Photography by Sabriya Simon and Performances by Poets, Musicians and Dancers at Bolivar Gallery- www.Bolivarjamaica.com
09.11.2012
Kingston, Jamaican on the Radio
D’Bi Young special guest in studio on Di Endz – Poetry today, Sept 11, 2012. She shares with Christopher “Johnny” Daley & Denise Antoinette her passion for this artisitic expression and how she uses it as a vehicle for change.
Tune in this Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012 at 12:30pm (Pacific Time) on the 90FM and be empowered to change within your community.
http://www.nationwideradiojm.com/listenlive.html
Wait for the livefeed to come on, it takes a few minutes to load up…
09.06.2012
Sat, 1st Sept 2012 – Poona Station
Sat, 8th Sept 2012 – Café
Sat, 15th Sept 2012- Sambhaji Park
Sat, 22nd Sept 2012 – Municipal School
Sat, 29th Sept 2012 – (Hall) Final World Event
The 1st Pune event kicked off with great enthusiasm.
Today we had a great start to the movement. 30 poets and Be-Causers showed up, people in the park joined in too. Priya Sarukkai Chabria, Max Babi (2nd photo left), Smita Sahay Karan and Myself read poems. We started with a Peace Chant by the Kurumba Shaman written by Randhir Khare. The group joined in the chorus of the chant. Firdaus Soni with Rajshree and Shrenik Mutha Sang a song…
Young Debajyoti of Times of India spoke on Behalf of the current events that occurred with Assamees students and stole the show with his heart touching poetry. Anita Dube a radio news reporter read a womans poem in Hindi. Finally Yashodhara Robin eneded with a touching poem on change needing to begin at home… Saveri and Chaitali have gathered courage to read next time and so have some others…
Here is one poem which was read by a young writer – Dibyajroti Sarma
(While the issue of illegal Bangladeshi migrants, who came to settle down in the low-lying areas of rural Assam, surrounded by rivers, lakes and bogs, continues to be a topic of emotional political debate, no one seems to consider the fate of the migrants themselves, who, displaced of their own land, by cyclone, poverty and various other disasters, have nowhere else to turn to, even against the fear of death.)
A Prayer for Water
My skin like the bed of a parched river
And a black thread around my waist
My cracked heels like the tilled earth
And, I do not have anything else.
One day, I took refuge in water
That sparkling tide was my
Mother’s doleful eyes, those brown weaves
Were my father’s trusting shoulders.
The water here, crimson, like blood spattered on
Red earth, isn’t the same which
Fashioned the grave for my grandfather
In another time, in another country.
Where, after the circling waves of the ocean
Claimed his prize, the land and everything else,
My father, not yet a man, turned himself into
A fish, and swam upstream, — looking for land.
Here, the water sheltered us; the sweet, sweet
Water of this gold, green land, and my father
Was a man again, to command the sun, and to plant
A sapling, supple and resilient, to withstand the flow….read more.
09.06.2012
(100TMC – Egy) includes more than 15 Mime show on 5 nights in Cairo :
Aug. 12 at Karma ben Hanei Cultura Center ( Mimes for Family )
Sep. 06 at Saad Zaghloul Cultural Center ( Mimes vs. violence )
Sep. 15 at Sehemi House ( Original Mime )
Sep. 21 at Rawabet Space ( Peace Day Celebration )
Sep. 29 at EL-Hanager Arts Center ( 100TMC )
From Mimes 4 Family
09.06.2012
Pune, India
Sat, 1st Sept 2012 – Poona Station
Sat, 8th Sept 2012 – Café
Sat, 15th Sept 2012- Sambhaji Park
Sat, 22nd Sept 2012 – Municipal School
Sat, 29th Sept 2012 – (Hall) Final World Event
The 1st Pune event kicked off with great enthusiasm.
Today we had a great start to the movement. 30 poets and Be-Causers showed up, people in the park joined in too. Priya Sarukkai Chabria, Max Babi (2nd photo left), Smita Sahay Karan and Myself read poems. We started with a Peace Chant by the Kurumba Shaman written by Randhir Khare. The group joined in the chorus of the chant.Firdaus Soni with Rajshree and Shrenik Mutha Sang a song… Young Debajyoti of Times of India spoke on Behalf of the current events that occurred with Assamees students and stole the show with his heart touching poetry…read more
(While the issue of illegal Bangladeshi migrants, who came to settle down in the low-lying areas of rural Assam, surrounded by rivers, lakes and bogs, continues to be a topic of emotional political debate, no one seems to consider the fate of the migrants themselves, who, displaced of their own land, by cyclone, poverty and various other disasters, have nowhere else to turn to, even against the fear of death.)
A Prayer for Water
My skin like the bed of a parched river
And a black thread around my waist
My cracked heels like the tilled earth
And, I do not have anything else.
One day, I took refuge in water
That sparkling tide was my
Mother’s doleful eyes, those brown weaves
Were my father’s trusting shoulders.
The water here, crimson, like blood spattered on
Red earth, isn’t the same which
Fashioned the grave for my grandfather
In another time, in another country…read more
09.04.2012
Louisiana Poet Laurete Darrell Bourque will be in Grand Coteau Thursday to help celebrate “100 Thousand Poets for Change.”
Bourque and spoken-word artist Alex Johnson will perform some of their original poetry from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Casa Azul, 232 Martin Luther King Drive, Grand Coteau.
The event is free and open to the public…read more
Casa Azul
09.04.2012
What it means to be an Artist for Change
Posted by soundsorceress
I’m excited and honored to be a host for the upcoming One Hundred Thousand Artists for Change in Detroit later this month. But as I start to share what this event is all about, some people may roll their eyes and go, “Oh please; not another one of these hippie music fests that’s all talk and no action. Why don’t you start a soup kitchen and do some REAL helping around this god-forsaken community?”
I know, I know. Those of us who have visions of repeating Woodstock and having an impact on mainstream culture do have a tendency to get caught up in what I call the “musical picnic” part of such events, but that’s because most of us have forgotten what it means to be a live artist, especially now that we’re living in a digital media world where you can get any kind of music any time of the day for free and not think twice about it.
So when I say One Hundred Thousand Artists for Change, I do NOT want us to fall into the trap of thinking this is just an excuse for local artists to spout off or promote themselves so their digital music will fly around the world unhindered. We as artists have to be responsible for how we present events like this…read more
09.02.2012
09.30.2012
The first 100 TPC September Event!
Teresa Mei Chuc hosts 100 TPC Free Tibet-Poetry Reading-Sept. 1st.
Sept. 1st 1:00pm Pacific Time Tune in for the Livestream Broadcast at: http://bambuser.com/channel/100tpcfreetibet
Poetry reading session by ‘Open Space’
Swati Shinde, TNN Aug 30, 2012, 04.15PM IST
PUNE: The ‘Open Space’ has organised a poetry reading session as part of the world event taking place in over 100 countries in the world at the same time and date. The event, which is named — 100 thousand poets for change 2012 will be held on every Saturday of September. Poets from across the world will read in protest, in peace, in voicing the need for change.
The first reading session in the city will take place on September 1 at Sambhaji Park followed by Barista Cafe, camp on September 8, Pune railway station on September 15, Dastur School on September 22 and the final session on September 29 at the Open Space hall. Every session will be held between 5 pm and 7 pm. Poets who will initiate the reading on each day, include Arundhathi Subramaniam, Bharati Kapadia, Deesh Mariwala, Dipalle Parmar , Hemant Divate, Jane Bhandari, Jerry Pinto, Max Babi among others.
Puneites who have a keen interest in reading their own poetry will also be given a chance. Their poems must reflect and highlight subjects of gender and identity, sexuality, women’s rights, violence against women, human rights, marginalisation, borders, child rights, casteism and receism.
The aim of the event is to bring together poets, writers and artists in order to create and perform, educate and demonstrate, simultaneously, with other communities around the world. This will change how we see our local community and the global community, said a statement issued by Open Space.
08.21.2012
Jamaica celebrates the Second Annual Worldwide Event of 100 Thousand Poets and Musicians Striving for Global Change – September 29, 2012
jamRAC – Jamaica Radical Art Collective is collaborating with Poetry Society of Jamaica, Manifesto JA, The Order of The Drum Circle, Drums for Peace, CY Evolution and Independent Voices to present Jamaica Street Dub Vibe on September 29th. This year’s theme is Tell The Children The Truth inspired by the song Winepress from Bob Marley’s Survival album. An excerpt of the song poignantly states ‘I am talking about my freedom and liberty.’
08.14.12
Imperial Valley News, California- Publishes 100 TPC Press Release!
Peace & Justice Center of Sonoma County
100 TPC Free Tibet
07.06.2012
100 Thousand Poets for Change is Back for a Second Year
Peace and sustainability are the themes of this year’s 100 Thousand Poets for Change, an event with the goal of bringing environmental, social, and political issues to the forefront of the global conversation. On September 29th, poets and artists will gather at venues around the world to read, play, dance, and flashmob in the name of change. This year’s events include an Occupy Wall Street poetry reading in the Big Apple, peace gatherings in Afghanistan and Syria, and a blues festival in New Orleans. 100 Thousand Poets for Change was co-founded by poets Michael Rothenberg and Terri Carrion, and is headquartered in California. In 2011, it was deemed the largest poetry reading in history. To get involved in the events or to stay up-to-date, go here!
More news coverage!
National Poetry Examiner-http://www.examiner.com/article/calling-all-organizers-100-thousand-poets-and-musicians-for-change
Allen Ginsberg Project http://ginsbergblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/fridays-weekly-round-up-81.html
Pasadena News http://www.topix.com/city/pasadena-ca/2012/07/calling-all-organizers-100-thousand-poets-and-musicians-for-change
Second Annual 100 Thousand Poets for Change
“This is a celebration of Poetry and the Arts as a vital and essential part of our global, cultural heritage and vibrancy,” R. Jeffreys “Jeff” says of 100 Thousand Poets for Change. 
Mr. Jeffreys’ blog, “The Write Step” is rated as one of the “Top Ten Blogs for Writing Advice” by www.NetworkedBlogs.com. As the host of the most popular radio show, The Write Step with R Jeffreys on the Red Rivers Writers network, Mr. Jeffreys is more than up to the challenge of hosting this year’s 100 Thousand Poets event in Boston. You can find out more information about this historic event at the MA chapter website, which Mr. Jeffreys has designed for the MA chapter.
How it all began
September 24, 2011 marked the very first 100 Thousand Poets for Change. The program advocates worldwide change through the arts. Founded by Michael Rothenberg, the program engages global and local communities in a simultaneous discourse that is both proactive and creative. Poets around the world participated in 650 events that took place in 550 cities in 95 countries in 2011. As of now the September 29, 2012 program has 550 events taking place in over 500 cities in 100 countries! With the day still three months away, this year is promising to be an exciting affair.
The Boston event
Last year’s event in Boston was organized by Chad Parenteau. The video below is from one of the readings at Parenteau’s event in the Out of the Blue Art Gallery.
On September 29, 2012 the “100 Thousand Poets for Change” project will be the largest, single poetry reading in the history of the world. This event will also be archived, recorded and stored at Stanford University in California and simulcast throughout the globe on that day.
Jeff will host this year’s event at the Boston Public Library where attendees will hear poets, Charles Coe (Boston co-chair of the National Writers Union), Mass Poetry’s own Executive Director, January G. O’Neil and Philip Robinson (Co-founder of the Writers of Color Workshop.) “Our goal for this event is to expand the concept of the 100 TPfC as paying it forward with the Arts and poetry, as its pure art form for global change in social consciousness,” says Mr. Jeffreys.
This historical event at the Boston Public Library will be held in the Mezzanine Conference Room and begins at 1:00 pm with a short reception and will be followed by poetry readings. The event concludes at 3:00 pm and is free and open to the public. With seating for 100 people, the reading is sure to please all.
If you’re curious about hosting your own event in MA you have plenty of time to start planning. To sign up to host your own MA event, follow this link to the MA chapter website. You can also sign up for another event for 100 Thousand Poets or Musicians for Change at the global, official signup page.
Read full article online at Mass Poetry
or download .pdf Mass Poetry – 100 TPC Massachusetts Poetry Festival
Once again, mover and shaker Susan Lamont of the Peace & Justice Center of Sonoma County has organized a reading for 100 Thousand Poets for Change. This is the 6th reading since last year’s September 24th event at Gaia’s Garden. Thank you, Susan, for all the work that you do!
Sandy Weill welcoming committee.
MAY 12th, 2012 – Sonoma County, CA
100 TPC, Occupy Santa Rosa, Peace & Justice Center of Sonoma County and Occupied Press North Bay together for “Day of Shame on Sonoma State University” to protest the honorary doctorate degree being given to former Citigroup CEO Sandy Weill–one of the chief architects of the financial crisis.
Susan Lamont P&JC and Michael Rothenberg 100 TPC
Read full article at the Day of Shame on SSU site
Messages...
Light from Tibet
Saturday, April 21, 2012 – It was a sunny day in Long Beach, California and an important day for many reasons. In the early afternoon, His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama spoke at the Tibetan-Chinese Friendship Society and 7th InterEthnic Interfaith Leadership Conference. Approximately 100 people attended the conference and many issues were discussed including the middle way, independence, and democracy. His Holiness’ words continue to resound, “…the struggle is not easy; it is long-term and difficult. Your heart is very important.”
These are challenging times economically, socially, politically, and spiritually. Following the Conference was His Holiness Dalai Lama’s talk, “Peace of Mind in Troubled Times,” at the Long Beach Convention Center which helped to spread the message of kindness and compassion as the keys of keeping a calm mental state despite problems. His Holiness says that as an individual, we must first create inner peace, then share it with family members, friends, and others. Thousands listened attentively, including families with children, for spiritual guidance.
As the strong winds of change blow around the world, His Holiness emphasized the importance of moral ethics as the guiding principle for change; otherwise, change can lead to more corruption. At the beginning of the talk, His Holiness said, “Sometimes we exaggerate reality, sometimes we underestimate reality.” He continued about the significance of looking in all directions in order to understand reality.
After His Holiness Dalai Lama’s talk at the Long Beach Convention Center, about a mile away, was Voices from Flames: The Current Situation in Tibet, an event that featured the film screening of “Leaving Fear Behind,” a heart-wrenching documentary with interviews of Tibetans living in Tibet and their views on the 2008 Olympics as well as their living conditions. The filmmaker, Dhondup Wangchen, was arrested shortly after he made the film and is currently serving a six-year prison sentence for “subversion of state power.” Amnesty International is calling for his release.
The Voices from Flames event began with a panel discussion with Ms. Tsering Lhamo from the Department of Information & International Relations of the Central Tibetan Administration and Mr. Lobsang Nyima, the Chinese Liaison Officer for the Office of Tibet, in Switzerland. Ms. Tsering Lhamo gave a talk on the importance of Chinese Outreach to raise awareness and understanding in the Chinese community about the situation inside Tibet. Books and CD’s in Chinese are available to the community. To further understanding, Mr. Lobsang Nyima spoke in depth about the history of Tibet, stressing the importance of understanding the roots of the country’s history bathed in both beauty and bloodshed.
The event culminated in the screening of “Leaving Fear Behind,” the documentary by Dhondup Wangchen, which was followed by a Q & A with Lhamo Tso, wife of the Tibetan filmmaker. She mentioned that her husband knew about the risks involved and sent her and their children to safety in India. During the documentary, Wangchen also mentioned the difficulty in making the film due to the nature of the risks involved. However, many Tibetans inside Tibet were willing to be interviewed and to risk their lives so that their voices could be heard and the truth be revealed to the world.
It was 9 p.m., the sun had already set several hours ago, the stars and the moon were shining in a dark sky. Earlier in the day, His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama, during the Tibetan-Chinese Friendship Society and InterEthnic and Interfaith Leadership Conference, said, “I think the important point is the transparency of the social mechanism, let the facts be under the sun.” This is the aspiration and work of Tibetans in exile all over the world – to create a transparency regarding their culture, their country, their people because what really happens in Tibet is often shrouded over with propaganda by the Chinese Communist Party.
During the early afternoon conference, His Holiness told a story about a friend of his: “I have a friend who, when he was 10 years old in England, got bullets blinding his eyes. He did not have any complaints, he is a very peaceful person. The inner thought is very important. No eyes, he could not see anything; his wisdom is very important. Whoever has an altruistic heart will be full of sunlight.” Through kindness, compassion, and genuine concern for others, there will be nourishment, life, and change. Just as sunlight nurtures life on earth, the sunlight in our hearts will nurture humanity.
Two days ago, on April 19, 2012, two Tibetan men in their twenties, Choepak Kyap and Sonam, self-immolated. And those rays of light from tongues of fire are reaching us from the far corners of Tibet. It is humanity’s responsibility to decipher its message.
By Teresa Mei Chuc
100 Thousand Poets for Change
Reading at The Peace & Justice Center of Sonoma County
The month of March is…”Woman’s scream” International Poetry Festival
This festival was created by the Dominican poetess Jael Uribe & is held every year during the whole month of March.
in favor of women and against violence.
Get more info at our BLOG
