Past Events 2015

 
JANUARY 2015
 
January 5 – Foreign Rights for Your Book with Charles Patterson
Author Charles Patterson has seen his book eternal treblinka bookCharlesp-330-exp
Eternal Treblinka translated into over twenty
foreign languages. Find out how his award-winning book has made its way into French, Italian, Hebrew, Japanese and other language on its journey to readers around the world.
The National Writers Union, NY Chapter
Monday, January 5, 2015, 6-8:30 PM
256 W. 38th St., 12th floor, Manhattan
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FEBRUARY 2015
 
​Feb 2 – Let’s Talks About Writing Wash_DC2
An open discussion about writing, publishingMadison_New-Member
and marketing.  Share your experience, plans and marketing issues.
A free event open to all writers.
6-9 pm, 256 W. 38th St., 12th flr.
Manhattan. 
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February 8 – Pre-release book party for Passion’s Pride – Return to the Dawning, by Cathie Wright-Lewis
Passion’s Pride is a powerful spiritual novelPageflex Persona [document: PRS0000037_00029]Cathie_Wright-Lewis_head_shot__1_ about a Brooklyn High School teacher. As she and her students witness the attack on the World Trade Center, she senses the Spirits of the African slaves buried at the foot of the tower reaching up and comforting the souls of the New Yorkers falling to their deaths. The event sends her on a journey through America’s past that opens her eyes to her own family’s role in the Civil Rights struggles in Brooklyn, and to the connection between the Twin Towers, symbols of American wealth and power, and the slave trade
that led so many African people to New York and their unmarked graves. 2-5 pm, 256 W. 38th St., 12th floor.
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​February 8 – Raymond Nat Turner and Upsurge
Nominated for an Indie Award for their debut album Raymond_UpSurege“All Hands on Deck.” Enjoy an evening of jazz and poetry with Upsurge at the Whynot Jazz Room. 7:00 – 9:30 PM
Whynot Jazz Room
14 Christopher Street
New York, New York 10014
 
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Feb. 9 – NWU-NY Steering Committee meeting 
All members are welcome to learn how we are advancing the interests of freelance writers and to offer your ideas. Volunteers welcome. 6:30-9 pm, 256 W. 38th St., 12th flr., Manhattan.
If unable to be present, members are welcome to attend by phone conferencing.
Email for the phone number: info@nwuny.org.
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MARCH 2015
 
March 2 – First Monday Program
Let’s Talk about Writing (and Publishing and Marketing)
Join the members of the National Writers Union for an open discussion. Bring your plans and issues for a free exchange of experience and knowledge. Find support and wisdom, and share your experience with other writers.  6-9 pm, 256 W. 38th St., 12th flr., Manhattan.
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March 4 – Dramatic Reading of the play Drifting by Bill Doan
ABOUT THIS SHOWBill-Doan-play_640x409
When your sister says, “I saw what you used to do in the barn,”
you listen. When she says it from deep inside a coma, you really
listen. Drifting is a play about siblings who find a way to connect
across the great divide of altered consciousness. Their
connection is the discovery of how they’ve become part of each
other, making it possible to dance, laugh, and say goodbye
somewhere beyond the mind and the senses.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at 7:30PM at Dixon Place,
161A Chrystie Street (Btwn Rivington & Delancey) New York, NY 10002.
F to 2ND AVE, B/D to GRAND, J/Z to BOWERY, 6 to SPRING, M to ESSEX
 
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March 7 – Book Launch, Aida Zilelian’s Novel, The Legacy of Lost Things
Everyone is invited to join Aida Zilelian for the launch Legacy_covers
of her award winning novel, “The Legacy of Lost Things.”
The novel is the recipient of the 2014 Tololyan Literary Award.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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March 9 – NWU-NY Steering Committee meeting
 
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​March 15 – NEC’s Year of the Woman Reading, Miss N’Victus by Je Franklin
Join the Negro Ensemble Company, Inc. 2015 Fund Raising reading series for the Year of the Woman. The evening will feature a benefit performance of Miss N’Victus by Je Franklin, directed by NWU member Jeannine Foster-McKelvia.
 
Talk-Back moderated by Woodie King Jr. Producing Director/ Founder of the New Federal Theater. Talk back will follow directly after the reception in the Griffen Lobby.
 
Tickets $20 for reading only, $30 for reception and reading.
The Alice Griffen Jewel Box Theater At the Pershing Square Signature Center
480 W. 42nd Street (between 9th and 10th Street).
7:30 PM
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​March 18 – Outreach to Members
A Phone Bank Evening. Join us in chatting with current and lapsed members and help build union friendship and solidarity. 4-8 pm (come for whatever time you can spare.)
256 W. 38th St., 12th flr., Manhattan.
 
March 19 – Herb Boyd discusses The Diary of Malcolm X: El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, 1964
Journalist Herb Boyd will be discussingHerb_Boyd_Malcolm_X_bk
The Diary of Malcolm X: El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, 1964
a newly released Third World Press publication
Thursday, March 19, 2015 at Revolution Books
146 W. 26th St. (between Sixth and Seventh Aves) at 7 p.m.
 
 
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March 20 – Metro Labor Movie Night, co-sponsored by NYCOSH
Silkwood – starring Meryl Streep and Kurt RussellSilkwood_movie_flyer
brief remarks from Charlene Obernauer, NYCOSH director
PSC Union Hall
61 Broadway, 16th Floor
Manhattan
Pizza and Wine served
The event is Free
5:30 to 8 PM
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March 21 Open Mic at Muhlenberg Library
Join the one and only Lora Tucker for the “No Slamming, Just Jamming” open mic at the Muhlenberg Library. Bring your own material to read and perform or just attend and enjoy a celebration of poetry, literature, music and community. Muhlenberg Public Library, 209 W. 23rd Street, 3rd Floor. 2-4 PM
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March 25 – Remember the Triangle Fire – We Are All Workers
SAVE THE DATE!

 

104th Triangle Factory Fire Commemoration
Workers United/SEIU (ILGWU)
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
11:30 am – 1pm
Washington Place and Greene Street, NYC
 
¡RESERVE ESTA FECHA!
Conmemoración del 104a aniversario
del Incendio de la Fábrica ‘Triangle’
Trabajadores Unidos/SEIU (ILGWU)
Miércoles, 25 de marzo del 2015
11:30am – 1pm
Washington Place y la Calle Greene
 
請記著這一天!
三角衣廠大火第104週年悼念會
國際工人工會 – 工人聯盟工會
 ( 前國際女服車衣工會 )舉辦
2015年3月25日(星期三)
上午11時30分至下午1時
紐約市曼克頓 Washington Place 夾Greene Street
 
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March 26 – OSM! 3rd Anniversary Forum/Conversation on Human Trafficking and Immigration
You are invited to attend the 3rd anniversary 
of OSM! www.justcliquit.com online magazine.
The forum and conversation will address Immigration Trends and Human Trafficking. March 26 from 6-9 PM
at the National Writers Union Conference Room,
256 West 38th Street, NY, NY 10018.(Between 7th and 8th Ave.) Cocktails will be served. 
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March 26 – Poetry Reading – Garrett Buhl Robinson at Wine and a Story Series
Wine and a Story where wine tasting and literature meet presents NWU author Garrett Buhl Robinson author of “Martha,” “Zoey,” “Nunatak,” and “Flowing Stone.”
 
Thursday, March 26, 2015, 6.30 PM
Saffron Garden, 46-11 Skillman Ave
Sunnyside, Queens 11104 
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March 28 – 2015 National Black Writers Conference Biennial Symposium (NBWC)
Voices of Liberation and Resistance A Tribute to Danny Glover
MEDGAR EVERS COLLEGE, CUNY | Brooklyn, New York
Saturday, March 28, 2015 – Symposium 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. + Reception 7:00 p.m.
FREE for Medgar Evers College Students (with ID)
General Donation: $10; Student/Senior/Faculty (with ID): $5; Evening Reception Donation: $30
 
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APRIL 2015
 
April 6 – First Monday Program – Copyrights and Contracts with Susan E. Davis
Learn about your publishing rights, how to evaluate a contract and how to negotiate with a publisher for a better deal, with Susan E. Davis co-chair, Grievance and Contract Division of the National Writers Union. 6-9 pm, 256 W. 38th St., 12th flr., Manhattan. Light refreshments served.
April 10 & 11 – Organizing 2.0 ConferenceOrganizing 2.0.4-10
​The NWU is offering a partial scholarship to attend the
Organizing 2.0 conference to a member who would like
to volunteer to help publicize our events over the next 12 months.  Send an email to info@nwuny.org to apply for the $50 scholarship.
 
Organizing 2.0 brings together hundreds of leaders, organizers, fundraisers, techies and activists to share our collective wisdom, skills, and talents. There will be workshops, trainings, discussions, consulting and networking opportunities, visionary speakers, and a provocative debate around strategy and practices. Over two days, the event brings together hundreds of people to learn from each other, share stories and strategies and build our skills, organizations and movements. Featured tracks focusing on online to offline organizing, digital strategy, member engagement and much more. To learn more, visit organizing20.org. To join the NWU, go to nwu.org.
 
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April 11 & 25 – Insights into Book Publishing with Gary Heidt of Signature Literary Agency
Do you want your book to be published? The first step is usually to find a literary agent. Gary Heidt from Signature Literary Agency is presenting a seminar series of lectures and Q&A’s to help the writer who would like to know more about how the book business really works and what concrete steps she or he could take toward getting published. This four-lecture seminar will consist of two lectures for all writers, one for writers of nonfiction (including memoir) and one for writers of fiction.
 
A subscription to the series, which takes place April 11 at 3pm, April 18 at 1pm and 4pm, and on April 25th at 3 pm, is available for $175-225 at signaturewriters.com. Mr. Heidt will be joined by Jill Schoolman of Archipelago Books and Joshua Ellison of Restless Books in a panel discussion and Q&A on April 25th.
 
Union Members receive $25 off tickets.
The Old American Can Factory
232 Third Street (corner of Third Ave & Third St)
Brooklyn, NY 11215
 
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April 12 – NEC’s Year of the Woman Reading, A Photograph: Lovers in Motion by Ntozake Shange
Join the Negro Ensemble Company, Inc. 2015 Fund Raising

 

reading series for the Year of the Woman. The evening will
feature a benefit performance of A Photograph: Lovers in Motion
by Ntozake Shange, developed and directed by Ifa Bayeza
Talk-Back will follow directly after the reception in the Griffen Lobby.
 
For more information call 212-582-5860
Tickets $20 for reading only, $30 for reception and reading.
At the Pershing Square Signature Center
480 W. 42nd Street between 9th and 10th Street
7:30 PM
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April 12 – Poetry Society of New York (PSNY) Picnic
​the Poetry Society of New York (PSNY) will have a picnic  on April 12, 2 PM at Prospect Park. Link to Information about PicnicNWU members, please email member garrettrobinson@gmail.com if you would like to attend and meet him there.
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April 13 – Reading of Lettters to Zoey, A Play with Music
Join us as Garrett Buhl Robinson conducts a private performance

 

of his new musical Zoey, which is adapted from his second novel.
Directed by Jerry James
Event begins at 6:30 PM
Reading begins at 7 PM.
The performance lasts 75 minutes.
Light Refreshments provided
256 W. 38th St., 12th flr., Manhattan.
RSVP at garrettrobinson@gmail.com
This event is Free
  
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April 16 – NWU-NY Steering Committee meeting
All members are welcome to learn how we are advancing the interests of freelance writers and to offer your ideas. Volunteers welcome. 6:30-9 pm, 256 W. 38th St., 12th flr., Manhattan.
If unable to be present, members are welcome to attend by phone conferencing. Email for the phone number: info@nwuny.org. Light refreshments served.
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April 17-18 – Advancing Worker Rights, NYC Conference
Cornell University hosts this conference marking the 80th Anniversary of the National Labor Relations Act, the 70th anniversary of the ILR and the 150th anniversary of Cornell University.  This conference offers a unique opportunity to meet with experts and scholars in the world of work through interactive panels .
All events will take place at UFT Headquarters, 52 Broadway, New York, NY 10004
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April 18 – Monthly Open Mic at Muhlenberg LibraryOpen Mic at Muhlenberg Library
Join the one and only Lora Tucker for the 
“No Slamming, Just Jamming” open mic at the Muhlenberg Library.
 
Bring your own material to read and perform or just attend and enjoy a celebration of poetry, music, and literature, Every 3rd Saturday of the monthMuhlenberg Public Library, 209 W. 23rd Street, 3rd Floor. 2-4 PM.
 
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April 19 – The DeLoache Network presents a poetry reading by Bolade Shola Akintolayo
The DeLoache Network presents The_DeLoache_Network_Poetry_Reading_April_19-page-001an afternoon of poetry by Bolade Shola Akintolayo on Sunday, April 19 from 3-5 pm in Harlem.
 
1875 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd, (Seventh Ave.)
Ste 4L between 116th and 117th Streets
Lite Refreshments Donations Accepted
 
 
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April 19 – Black Book Fair at Medgar Evers College, CUNY
Author Presentations * Children’s Corner * Refreshments * Book exhibits and sales (Cash & Credit Accepted). Skylight Cafe, 2nd FL, 1638 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225
Sunday, Apr. 19, 2 – 6 PM. FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
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April 21 – Outreach to Members
A Phone Bank Evening. Join us in chatting with current and lapsed members and help build union friendship and solidarity. 4-8 pm (come for whatever time you can spare.)
256 W. 38th St., 12th flr., Manhattan.
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April 23 – Book Launch, Valdivia Beauchamp, My MesopotaValPartyflyermia Notes of Gertrude Bell
Join us for the launch of Valdivia Beauchamp’s new book at  ​256 W. 38th St., 12th flr., Manhattan, 5:30 – 7:30 PM.
Valdivia Beauchamp, was born in Recife, Brazil, and
immigrated to America in 1964. At some point on her
carrier, she worked as a political Journalist for the
Brazilian Government. She has written: “Stigma, Saga
for a New World”, “Because of Napoleon” and “Khatun,
Gertrude Bell, mentor de Lawrence d’Arabie” ,(version in French only). Her researches about Gertrude Bell, took her to PETRA, and AQABA in Jordan. She has being researching this pioneer Iron lady Gertrude Bell since 1992 when pursuing her second Master at NYU. Just now film makers and biographers have shown interest in the life of this British spy, archeologist, and key political operative in the founding of Iraq in the early twentieth century. The author offers a riveting story with timely message, achieving a delicate balance between entertainment and cultural critique that will delight both casual and serious readers.
 
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April 27 – Reading of the play The Green Book by Calvin Ramsey
Everyone is invited to the concert reading of the play The Green book
The Green Book by Calvin Alexander Ramsey
and directed by George Ferencz
Reading will be conducted at
The Actors Temple
339 West 47th (between 8th and 9th Ave.)
7:30 PM
For information, call 678-760-9580
Admission is Free
 
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MAY 2015
 
May 1 & 2 – The American Society of Journalists and Authors Annual Conference 
“ASJA2015: Connect for Success,” a premier event for freelance writers, ASJA2015
 will be held in New York City on May 1st – 2nd, 2015 at the Roosevelt Hotel.
Jennifer Finney Boylan, author of Stuck in the Middle With You and She’s  Not There: a Life in Two Genders, the first bestselling work by a transgender  author, will give the keynote address. Through a special arrangement with ASJA, NWU members and supporters receive $10 off the registration fee.
Use the discount code – nwu10off – when registering at
 
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May 3 – Book signing with Nuria Garcia Arteaga
Everyone is invited to the book signing and reading by Nuria Garcia Arteaga.  Ms. Arteaga will be presenting her book Love Marathon and 3 Shades of Love.  
 
She will also give a reading/presentation with audios/videos from:
  • “Intercultural Neurosis” which focus on domestic violence 
  • “Nampitsi”, about the difficult situation in which native communities of the Peruvian Amazone live.  The song of this story was selected to compete at ‘Inspire Us’, LA Times Festival of Books.
  • “Oslo and thanatos” about racism and discrimination.
Several copies of books and musical cds will be given away for free. Ms. Arteaga’s publications are in Spanish, English and Dutch. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served.
256 W. 38th St., 12th flr., Manhattan. 3-5 PM
 
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May 4 – Becoming A Publisher: Updates on the Print-on-Demand Revolution in Book Production (NWU First Monday Series)

Join Tim Sheard, author, editor, publisher and founder of Hard Ball Press, for a review of the latest trends in publishing. Whether you are self-publishing or reprinting your book, or offering a book contract to an author, learn about your options for formatting, printing, selling and fulfillment. Learn how to calculate royalties and profits; how to write a book contract, and how to sell using credit card reader devices. This talk is an introduction to an upcoming four-hour workshop about publishing.
256 W. 38th St., 12th floor,  6 – 9 pm
Free and open to all writers. Refreshments will be served.
For more information, email: info@nwuny.org
 
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Presented by the National Writers Union, along with the International Federation of Journalists, the Communications Coordination Committee for the United Nations, and the Metro New York Labor Communications Council.  Panelist for the discussion will include H.E. Mrs. Bénédicte Frankinet, Ambassador, Permanent Representative Of Belgium To The United NationsHerb BoydSusan E. DavisKarin Deutsch KarlekarCharles SeifeFrank Smyth.
Moderated by Jon WilliamsRTEmagicC_endimmunity.jpg
United Nations Headquarters
46th Street and First Avenue
Conference Room 11
New York, NY, 10017
3 PM – Admission Free. Watch this event online.
 
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May 16 – Flowing River of Words: NWU Louis Reyes Rivera Annual Tribute
NWU’s Annual Tribute to Louis Reyes Rivera…Louise R Rivera
​Readings to Live Jazz to Celebrate Louis’s 70th Birthday
Featuring Emerging Talents personally identified
by Louis’s associates​.
Saturday, May 16, 2015, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
The Nuyorican Poets Cafe – 236 East 3rd Street, NYC
Call 212-780-9386 or visit nuyorican.org to purchase event ticket
For inquiries, email info@nwuny.org
 
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May 26 – The New York Labor History Association & the National Writers Union New York Chapter Present:

May 26 3 book image WB“A WRITER’S NEW YORK – Three Books Reflecting on our
Beloved Five Boroughs.”Spend an evening with three insightful and acerbic writers, Walter Balcerak, Stan Maron & Bill Hohlfield (“Dennis Patrick”), as they discuss the city they love (and sometimes hate) and read from their new works. May 26, 2015, 6:30-9:00 pm.
256 W. 38th St., 12th flr., Manhattan
Refreshments will be served.
RSVP: jlatour13@gmail.com.

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May 30 – Bronx Book Fair
The Bronx Book Fair is dedicated to engaging and growing the community of poets and writers in the Bronx and to connecting those literary artists to readers and book lovers of all ages.
FREE Admission! 12 – 6 PM
Bronx Library Center/New York Public Library
310 E Kingsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10458

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Abstract:
Any movement for social change must be generated by a political  imagination, that space where we re-envision and recreate the human soul beyond the purely political, social, or technological. Any progressive social change must be imagined first, and that vision must find its most eloquent possible expression to move from vision to reality. Come and join this conversation with five political poets who will share some of their work, along with their thoughts about why poetry matters for activists and social movements. We will then invite your participation.
Sunday, May 31 from  03:40pm – 05:40pm in Room 1.61 …  
​John Jay College of Criminal Justice 
The City University of New York
524 West 59th St, New York, NY 10019
Sponsoring Journal: National Writers Union
 
Participants: Chair/Facilitator- Steve Bloom
Speakers/Co-Facilitators: Raymond Nat Turner; Martín Espada; Lauren  Schmidt; Lora Tucker
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JUNE 2015
 
June 4 – Metro NY Labor Communications Council Annual Convention
 
Come for the 3:30 p.m. business meeting, or at 4:00 p.m. for the program.
The convention will be held at CSA, 40 Rector Street, 12th Floor
Registration: $25 for members/$35 for non-members.
Special rate for students, interns, retirees and the unemployed: $10
Register at  www.metrolabornyc.org
 
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June 20 – Open Mic at Muhlenberg Library
 
Join us for the “No Slamming, Just Jamming” open mic at the Muhlenberg Library. Bring your own material to read and perform or just attend and enjoy a celebration of poetry, literature, music and community.  
Muhlenberg Public Library
209 W. 23rd Street, 3rd Floor. 2 – 4 PM
New York, NY 10011
FREE and open to the public
NOTE: NO Open Mic meetups in July and August. Effective September 2015 through June 2016, Open Mic at Mulenberg Library will be held on the first Saturday of each month from 2 – 4 pm.
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JULY 2015
 
July 18 – NWU members sign books at the Harlem Book Fair
NWU writers sign and sell books at the annual Harlem Book Fair. Come visit the NWU booth.
The Harlem Book Fair is presented by Quarterly Black Review.
  • Email info@nwuny.org to make arrangements or ask any questions about the NWU.
  • To showcase your book, join the NWU at nwu.org.
  • To learn more about the Harlem Book Fair, visit harlembookfair.com.
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​The National Writers Union will have a table where members may display and sell books. Members, please email info@nwuny.org if you want to display your books or can watch the table at any time during the festival.  Non-members, join NWU at nwu.org.
Open Mic sign up.
Festival open from 11 AM – 6 PM. Location: Governor’s Island
For more information about festival, go to newyorkcitypoetryfestival.com.
 
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AUGUST 2015
 
August 1 – “Praise Songs To Our Queens”Travelled Rhodes 6-16-15-page-001
A celebration of our Queens expressed through visual and performing arts, presented by Travelled Rhodes Int’l Sculptor Arts Garden.
 
Date: Saturday, Aug. 1, 2015
Time: 1 – 6 pm
Place: Garden at 292 Gates Ave, Brooklyn, NY
(Between Bedford and Franklin Avenue)
 
Admission: FREE. Donations welcomed
 
In Memory of Louis Reyes Rivera
Contact: William Simpson – billsimp@optonline.net
 
 
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August 15 & 16 – The Dissident Arts Festival
Established in 2006, the Dissident Arts Festival is the annual gathering of cultural workers offering a creativity as revolutionary as their politics, from liberation jazz and militant new music to protest poetry, radical film and performance art. Event founder and producer John Pietaro, a percussionist, writer and cultural organizer, is proud to present the Dissident Arts Festival to an ever-growing audience.
August 15, El Taller Latino Americano, uptown Manhattan
August 16, ShapeShifter Lab, Brooklyn NY
For information and registration for the event, contact John Pietaro at leftmus@earthlink.net
 
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PSC Marikana rally flyer Aug 16-page-001
 
August 16 – International Solidarity Demonstration
 
Unite in solidarity for the Marikana rally in support of South African workers fighting police repression, austerity, and inequality.
 
When: Sunday, August 16, 2015 from 3:30 – 5 PM
Where: South African Consulate
333 E. 38th St., NYC
 
Background Info:

 

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August 17 – Frank Hickey’s Book Launch!Frank Hickey
 
Join Frank Hickey, Pigtown Books & The National Writers Union for the launch of the latest Max Royster Mystery, “When the Whistle Blows, Everyone Goes.”
 
When: Monday, Aug. 17. 2015
 
Where: 256 W. 38th St., Rm 203 
New York, NY 10018 (Between 7th & 8th Ave.)
 
 
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August 21 – DANCE OF THE WORD’s CELEBRATING SUMMER
Join NWU member Mireya Perez as one of the featured poets for “A culinary as well as a cultural landmark” DANCE OF THE WORD’s CELEBRATING SUMMER “When the living is easy . . .” with Dance, Poetry and Song.

  • Words of summer by David Lawton, Mireya Perez, David Elsasser, Erica U. Mapp, Peggy Fitzgerald, Jack Tricarico and more …
  • A special rendition by Paul Knopf on piano and Evie Ivy,
  • A “jazz belly dance” to “Summertime” by Evie and Cleopatra Amaris
  • And more entertainment!

When: Friday, Aug. 21, 6PM
Where: Cornelia Street Cafe, 29 Cornelia Street, Manhattan. 
(F, A, B, D, C, E train to W. 4th, #1 to Christopher St.)

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August 23 – Annual Picnic for NWU Members
HOW BETTER TO SPEND A SUMMER AFTERNOON? Catch up with old friends and meet new ones. Enjoy a beautiful view, delicious food, and learn about the NWU’s new services and programs.
Sunday, Aug. 23 from 2 – 5 pm 
Note that this event is reserved for NWU members. To join, click HERE.
  • RSVP for Picnic by Monday, August 17 at nwuny@nwu.org
    When you RSVP, you’ll receive an email with directions to the picnic.

    Current NWU members are invited to bring their favorite dishes to share.
    If you would like to do so, please note when you RSVP
    .  

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SEPTEMBER 2015
 
September 1 – Submission Deadline for the Debra E. Bernhardt Labor Journalism Prize
Debra E. Bernhardt (photograph by Jane Latour, 1995)

Debra E. Bernhardt (photograph by Jane Latour, 1995)

A $500 prize will be awarded for the best article or series of articles published in a labor or worker center publication, or by an independent journalist written between January 2014 and August 30, 2015.
The award is named for Debra Bernhardt, a former head of the Wagner Labor Archives, who helped to document a comprehensive history of our city’s working men and women.
Entries should include a cover sheet with name of the author and the place and date of publication.  Six copies of each article (with cover sheet) should be submitted, to: 
New York Labor History Association, Tamiment Library, 10th Floor Bobst Library NYU, 70 Washington Square South, New York NY 10012.   Questions? Contact info@LaborArts.org or 212 998-2637.
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September 6 –  December 31 Workers and Their Parade (Photography Exhibit)
Workers-and-Their-Parade-by-Gary-Schoichet-1
 
The American Labor Museum Presents Workers and Their Parade by Gary Schoichet. The Photography Exhibit runs from Sept. 6 – Dec. 31, 2015.
 
Meet Gary Schoichet at the Museum on Sept. 6, 2015 before the Labor Day Parade Step-off at 1:30 PM.
 
Botto House National Landmark
83 Norwood Street, Haledon, NJ 07508
P: 973-595-7953   |   E: labormuseum@aol.com
Museum Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 1 – 4 PM & by appt. 
 
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September 8 –  NYC Book Launch Party of Patient Women
Patient Women cover
 
A real Russian party celebrates the publication of poet Larissa Shmailo’s debut novel, Patient Women, on September 8. Sponsored by the Russian American Culture Center, the event features the talents of a glittering host of Eastern European and New York poets and writers, including Alex Cigale, Steve Dalachinsky, Bonny Finberg, Andrey Gritsman, Patricia Spears Jones, Ron Kolm, Irina Mashinski, Yuko Otomo, Audrey Roth, and Thad Rutkowski.
 
Date: 9/8/15
7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Place:  Uncle Vanya Cafe – 212-262-0542
315 W. 54th St., New York, NY  10019-5137
 
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September 12 – TERROR AT THE TOWERS
 
TERROR AT THE TOWERS: New York City’s History of Slavery,Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000037_00029]
Riots and the 9/11 Tragedy

A discussion & book signing with author Cathie Wright-Lewis

Saturday, September 12, 2015
11 am – 12:30 pm

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church 
521 W. 126th St., Manhattan

RSVP: info@hardballpress.com, or 917-428-1352

 

 
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September 12 – NYC Labor Day ParadeUAW Labor Parade 2015 Word-page-001
 
Calling all members to march with the National Writers Union and other UAW Locals in the NYC Labor Day Parade on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015.
If you have, wear your NWU t-shirt or blue UAW t-shirt.
Time: Gather at 11:00 AM to step off at 12:00 PM
Place: East 46th St., east of 5th Ave (heading back toward Vanderbilt Ave.)
For more information, email nwuny@nwu.org or call (212) 254-0279
 
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September 20 – Brooklyn Book Festival 
BKBF-logo-header
 
ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS! Sign and sell books at the Brooklyn Book Festival. To showcase your book(s) at the NWU booth, join NWU at nwu.org.  Email nwuny@nwu.org to make arrangements or with any questions about the NWU. Spots are filling up!
 
Where: Brooklyn Borough Hall and Plaza
209 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn NY 11201 
 
When: Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015 from 10 am — 6 pm
 
Rain Or Shine. For more information, visit brooklynbookfestival.org
The Brooklyn Book Festival is the largest free literary event in New York City, presenting an array of national and international literary stars and emerging authors. One of America’s premier book festivals, this hip, smart diverse gathering attracts thousands of book lovers of all ages to enjoy authors and the festival’s lively literary marketplace. 
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September 29 – Film Screening Documentary Premiere – “Immigration Women…”
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Support NWU Member  Marie Sylvia Cothia, the film ensemble cast and the film director for the film screening documentary premiere: “Immigration Women/First Generation Women: Voices Heard Through Film.” The film, produced by immigrant and first generation women, premiers…

Day/Time: Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2015 from 7 to 9 pm

Location: NYC’s Anthology Film Archives Movie Theater, 32 Second Ave at 2nd St New York, NY.

Tickets can purchased at the Anthology Box Office the day of the screening –

  • $8 Seniors and Students
  • $10 General Admission

This short film series and film production workshop is funded and supported by NYC Council Member Elizabeth Crowley/NYC Dept Of Cultural Affairs.  

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OCTOBER 2015
 
October 3 – Open Mic at Muhlenberg Library
 
Join us for the “No Slamming, Just Jamming” open mic at the Muhlenberg Library. Bring your own material to read and perform or just attend and enjoy a celebration of poetry, literature, music and community.  
 
Muhlenberg Public Library
209 W. 23rd Street, 3rd Floor. 2 – 4 PM
New York, NY 10011
 
FREE and open to the public
 
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October 6 – United Solo Presents Letters to Zoey (The Musical)
Letters to Zoey, UPdated
NWU Member Garrett Robinson will perform his musical, “Letters to Zoey,”  for the United Solo Theater Festival.  Oct. 17th performance is Sold Out! Next show…
​Tuesday, October 6, 2015 @ 9 PM
Theatre Row 
410 W. 42nd St., Studio Theatre
New York, NY 10036
Garrett needs your help to sell 65 tickets in 5 days, so please share this announcement with everyone you know.  
The tickets are only $19.25 and can be purchased online or by phone from Telecharge 800 447 7400.
Check www.garrettrobinson.us for additional performance dates.
 
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October 7 –  Advance Movie Screening of: “BRIDGE OF SPIES”Bridge of Spies

 You’re invited to the advanced screening of the Bridge of Spies movie!

Day/Time: Wednesday, Oct. 7 @ 7 pm.

Where: AMC 19th Street
890 Broadway, New York, NY 10003

If you are interested in attending, please e-mail BridgeOfSpiesNYC@gmail.com with “National Writers Union” in the subject line, and the information for the screening, your name, and the number of seats you’d like to request in the body of the e-mail. We will e-mail you back with more information as soon as possible. 

***Please be sure to show up early, as seating is first-come, first-serve!***

Trailer: http://bridgeofspies.com/#videos 

SYNOPSIS: A dramatic thriller set against the backdrop of a series of historic events, DreamWorks Pictures/Fox 2000 Pictures’ “Bridge of Spies” is the story of James Donovan, a Brooklyn insurance claims lawyer who finds himself thrust into the center of the Cold War when the CIA sends him on the near-impossible task to negotiate the release of a captured American U-2 pilot. 

IN THEATERS OCTOBER 16th

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October 8 – Amanecida: Antología Homenaje a Julia de Burgos en su Centenario 
 
You are invited!AMANECIDA INVITACIÓN NYC
¡Estás invitada(o)!

Editorial EDP University
le invita a la presentación de/

Invites to the presentation of

Amanecida: Antología Homenaje a Julia de Burgos en su Centenario

Apertura/ Welcoming

Moisés Pereyra
Decano de Asuntos Académicos/

Dean of Academic Affairs

Presenta/ Presents

Etnairis Rivera
Editora/ Editor

Boricua College
jueves, 8 de octubre de 2015

Thursday, October 8, 2015
7:30 PM-9:00 PM

Manhattan Campus at Audubon Terrace
Salón de la Facultad, Primer Piso
Faculty Room, First Floor
3755 Broadway (at 156 Street)
New York, NY 10032
Tel. 1 212 694-1000

Poetas que leerán su poema a Julia/

Poets Who Will Read Their Poem To Julia

María Arrillaga, Sofía del Mar Collins-Rúa, Yarisa Colón Torres, Sandra María Esteves,

José Ángel Figueroa, Sandra García Betancourt, Marianela Medrano, Madeline Millán,

Myrna Nieves, Urayoán Noel, Carlos Rivera, Etnairis Rivera, Yrene Santos y Miguel Ángel Zapata

Refreshments will be served at 7:00 PM

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October 10 – 2nd East Harlem Annual Book Fair Coming Up!
 
“El Festival del Libro.” 
Attention: Poets, Writers, and Artists!
Get ready for our next Book Fair in Spanish Harlem! We have a date (October 10, 2015) and place (Children’s Aid Society),and still working on time and fees. This year, once we have the list of our participants, La Fortaleza shall market and promote your presence at the Book Fair…. We will also announce your participation on Facebook page, The Latin Journal, among others. As participants, you will have a table and two chairs. Invited to participate are poets, writers, artists, publishers (large/commercial), small press organizations (fewer than 10 titles per year), Art & Culture vendors, Non-profit/Literary Organizations, Individual or Self-Published Author, Food Vendor (10×20′ space, limited to 2 Vendors, first come, first placed, sorry, no exceptions). Yes, we are still looking for sponsorship!
To register or for more specific information, contact the Book Fair Coordinator:
Felix Leo Campos (646) 546-1901
 
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October 15 –We Are Workers: National Graduate Worker Day of Action

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Join graduate unions across the country in the “We Are Workers: National Graduate Worker Day of Action,” a series of coordinated events aimed at gaining public support for the grad unionization movement and pushing the NLRB to move quickly and in our favor as we work to overturn the Brown decision that inhibits private university graduate workers from unionizing.

Contact: Andrea Crow: andrea.m.crow@gmail.com, or
Tiffany Yee: tiffany.c.yee@gmail.com

Locations

Jerome Greene Hall, Room 103 (Columbia  Law School – 435 W. 116th St., NYC).

OR

Check the facebook event page for one of the coordinated events nearest you – https://www.facebook.com/events/496545617181294

 
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October 15 –The October Jazz Revolution including the “Black Lives Matter” Suite
 
Join NWU members John Pietaro, Zigi Lowenberg and others performing for The  October Jazz Revolution including the “Black Lives Matter” Suite.
Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015 from 6 – 10 pm
The Commons 
388 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217.  
5 SETS IN REVOLT
Music Now
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October 15 – Panel Discussion & Debra E. Bernhardt Labor Journalism Prize Presentation
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Award presentation of the First Annual Debra E. Bernhardt Labor Journalism Prize after panel discussion, “Labor History in Workers’ Stories.”
Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015, 6-8pm.
Tamiment Library, NYU Bobst Library,
70 Washington Square South, 10th floor
Admission: Free
Light refreshments served
 
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October 15 – Postmark Deadline for Poetry Submissions to the Dodge Poetry logo
2016 Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival
 
Read SUBMISSION GUIDELINES and if you find the conditions outlined amenable, send a cover letter, résumé, work sample (copies of books, or 20 pages of poetry), and an audio or video recording of a reading to:

Martin Farawell
Program Director, Poetry
Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation
14 Maple Ave., Suite 400
Morristown, NJ 07960

If you are interested in participating in a more informal basis: Open readings are held on each day of the Festival and listed in the Festival Program.  You may sign up to read on-site.

The 2016 Dodge Poetry Festival dates are not yet set, but they will be returning to Newark’s Downtown Arts District. Stay updated by joining their mailing list, Facebook page, or following @DodgePoetryFest on Twitter! 
 
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October 16 – Miners Shot Down Documentary Film Showing and Discussion
Miners
Film Showing and Discussion with South African filmmaker and activist Rehad Desai.  
This documentary follows the August 2012 wildcat strike in one of South Africa’s biggest platinum mines for better wages. The police killed 34 striking miners and injured many more. Following the film, Rehad Desai will talk about the current struggle of workers in South Africa and the need for international solidarity.
Friday, Oct. 16, 2015 @ 6 pm
UAW Office, 256 W. 38th St., 12th Fl. 
 
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October 16 –  The Downtown Urban Theater Festival “From Page to Stage” Deadline 
DUTFThe Downtown Urban Theater Festival (DUTF) is an artists’ community where writers create and refine their work for the stage – FROM PAGE TO STAGE; and they are currently accepting submissions for its 14th annual season to be held during spring 2016 at HERE Arts Center in SoHo and other theaters in downtown New York City.
For submission guidelines, read the NWU news post “From Page to Stage Deadline.”
For more info about DUTF and the festival, visit: www.dutfnyc.com
REMEMBER: Works are being accepted from now until the October 16, 2015 DEADLINE!
 
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October 17 – United Solo Presents Letters to Zoey (The Musical)
Flyer, Letters to Zoey, 10 17, 2015
 
NWU Member Garrett Robinson will perform his musical, “Letters to Zoey,” for the United Solo Theater Festival.  
​Saturday, October 17, 2015 @ 2 PM
Theatre Row 
410 W. 42nd St., Studio Theatre
New York, NY 10036
Check www.garrettrobinson.us for additional performance dates.
 
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October 18 –  One-Man Musical: “TRAPPED: The Weekend and the Search for “LOVE”
 
Akil E. Pinckney presents his one-man show. “TRAPPED” is collection of encounters experienced by Caleb-Jordan (CJ), a NY actor, who has been jilted by an ex and the entertainment industry. Through his recounting of the day’s events, CJ ultimately learns a big lesson in self-acceptance and realizes where true love resides.
Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015 @ 2 pm
TADA! Youth Theatre, 15 W. 28th St., NY, NY 10001,  2nd floor (Between Broadway and 5th Avenue)
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October 24 –Book Party and Discussion with Elizabeth Gottlieb

Editor Elizabeth Gottlieb

 
We Are One – Stories of Work, Life and Love, edited by Elizabeth Gottlieb with a foreword by actor/activist Danny Glover, an oral history of American workers written in the tradition of Studs Terkel’s Working. The 33 personal stories in this beautiful photo-essay collection celebrate union solidarity and the pride American workers take in doing their best, on the job, in their lives and in the community. The book reflects the breadth of occupations that unions represent, from a hard rock miner to an airline pilot and flight attendant, musicians and actors, a cookie factor worker to a ballet dancer, a boilermaker, baseball player, a school teacher and more. 

“…it behooves us to follow Gottlieb’s lead and remember that whether we’re talking about Social Security, the eight-hour day, paid sick leave, holiday or vacation pay, or health and safety protections on the job, we owe a huge thank you to the US labor movement. We Are One is a small expression of that gratitude. Eleanor Bader, Truthout
WA Book cover front
“Through the testimony of these first-person witnesses, we learn what makes a routine job meaningful day after day… One aspect of work that shines through many of the interviews is the strong sense of duty and the ways that individuals put themselves out for others—in unheralded acts of generosity—and how these acts provide meaning and an enlarged sense of purpose in their work lives, and in some instances, informs their definition of success.      Jane LaTour, Labor Press

Hope to see you there, Tim Sheard, editor, Hard Ball Press
RSVP: info@hardballpress.com

Refreshments will be served.
 
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NOVEMBER 2015
 
November 7 – Open Mic at Muhlenburg Public Library
Writers: Come share your original poetry or prose in a literary nurturing environment.

Or just come and listen as these word artists draw you into their creative worlds.

Fully accessible to wheelchairs.
FREE/ FREE/ FREE/ FREE/ FREE/ FREE

Muhlenburg Public Library

Saturday, November 7, 2015 from 2 – 4 pm

209 W 23rd St New York, NY near Seventh Avenue, New York, NY

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November 14 – Book Discussion with Cathie Wright-Lewis author of “Passion’s Pride: Return to the Dawning” 
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Come out for a book discussion with Cathie Wright-Lewis, author of “Passion’s Pride: Return to the Dawning” a novel. Published by Hardball Press 2015

When High School Teacher Mecca Freeman and her students witness the attack on the World Trade Center she is possessed by the spirits of enslaved Africans buried at the foot of the towers i.e. the African Burial Ground. Her spiritual journey of discovery helps her understand the connection between the Twin Towers, symbols of American wealth and power, and the slave trade.

 Saturday November 14, 2015    2-4:30 pm  

Bedford Library, 396 Franklin Ave at Hancock St, Bklyn. (718) 623-0012 

(Wheelchair accessibleC local train or B25 bus to Franklin Ave).

Books available for sale.​

​This event is free.  All are welcome. 

From the Louis Reyes Rivera Writers Workshop

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November 18 – Joe Hill Centennial Health Fairhealth fair
 
Meet certified Marketplace Navigators and health plan representatives to discuss options and choose the best plan for you and your family as the open enrollment deadline approaches fast. 
WHEN:
On Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2015
TIME:
From 2:30 – 6:30 pm
WHERE:
Tompkins Square Library
331 E. 10th St., NY, NY 
 
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October 29 – November 21: “Cuckooed” written & performed by Mark Thomas59E59-CUCKOOED-EBLAST copy
 
Purchase a ticket to attend “Cuckooed,” a personal and  timely comedic tale on the impact of betrayal, unearthing what it means to  be spied upon by a corporation under the sanction of the state.
Dates: October 29 – November 21, 2015
Times: Tues, Wed and Thurs @ 7:15 PM; Fri @ 8:15 PM; Sat @ 2:15 & 8:15 PM; Sun @ 3:15 PM
Place:  59E59 Theaters, 59 East 59th Street, NY, NY 10022
Tickets: $38 / $28 with flyer and code THOMASNYC when purchased by Nov. 8.
Cuckooed is written by National Union of Journalists (NUJ) member Mark Thomas.  It features NUJ members and is part of their campaign against state surveillance in the UK. 

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November 20 – Documentary about SDS at Fordham University in the 1960’s by Fordham alum Bert Schultz
Friday, Nov. 20, 2015 @ 6 pm
UAW Conf. Rooms 256 W. 38th St., 12 floor, Manhattan

DSD Movie 11-20The 1960s on campus is often portrayed as an idyll of peace and love, punctuated by Ivy League anti-war mad bombers.  Lost to this narrative are the gritty struggles against capitalism and the Vietnam War waged by blue-collar kids in commuter schools.  Fordham SDS addresses this gap by exploring the struggle of working class college students in this Jesuit university in The Bronx, and how it affected the course of their lives into the 21st century.  Mixing dramatic 16mm black and white footage from 1969 with contemporary interviews, this documentary by Fordham alum Bert Schultz fills in a gap left in the narratives told by both historians of the mainstream and of the left. 
37:16  minutes  2014

www.fordhamsds.org

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DECEMBER 2015
 
December 3 –  SC Member Raymond Nat Turner Presents Poetry on WBAI Radio
WBAI headerJoin Steering Committee (SC) Member Raymond Nat Turner for his radio performance of 2 1/3 poems on Arts Expression…
When: Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015 – between 2-3 PM
Where:  WBAI 99.5 FM (Click link to listen live)
 
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December 5 – Open Mic at Muhlenburg Public Library
Writers: Come share your original poetry or prose in a literary nurturing environment.

Or just come and listen as these word artists draw you into their creative worlds.

Fully accessible to wheelchairs.
FREE/ FREE/ FREE/ FREE/ FREE/ FREE

Muhlenburg Public Library
Saturday, December 5, 2015 from 2 – 4 pm
209 W 23rd St New York, NY
(near Seventh Avenue, New York, NY)

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November 15 – December 15:  The 2017 Ottoline Prize Book-Length Poetry Submissions
Fence BooksThe Ottoline Prize awards publication and $5,000 to a book-length work of poetry by a woman writing in English who has previously published one or more full-length books of poetry.
Previous winners of the Ottoline Prize are Stacy Szymaszek and Lauren Shufran. 
The submission fee is $28, and all entrants receive a complimentary subscription or renewal to Fence. The winning manuscript will be published in the Spring of 2017 by Fence Books.

Named for Lady Ottoline Violet Anne Morrell (1873–1938), beloved under-sung patron of the Bloomsbury Group, The Ottoline Prize existed in previous incarnations as the Motherwell Prize, and the Albert Prize before that. A full list of winners can be found at fenceportal.org.

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December 19 – Phil Ochs’ 75th Birthday Celebration Concert with MemberZigi Lowenberg
 
Our own Zigi Lowenberg has been invited to join saxophonist/flutist Ras Moshe to recite a Phil Ochs song, and do one of my own pieces.  Lets join them on December 19 at 7 pm in a celebration of Phil Ochs’ life and legacy with performances by dozens of musicians and artists, interpreting the protest anthems of the ’60’s and ’70’s as well as their own original compositions across multiple languages, genres, and musical styles.
Ochs (1940 – 1976) was an American protest singer and songwriter known for his wit and humor, humanism and activism, insightful lyrics and distinctive voice. He wrote hundreds of songs in the 1960s and ’70s and released eight albums. Ochs performed at many political events, including anti-Vietnam War and civil rights rallies, student and labor events, in addition to many concert appearances at such venues as New York City’s Town Hall and Carnegie Hall.

Location/Date/Time:
Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015 @ 7 PM
The Brooklyn Commons
388 Atlantic Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11217
United States
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December 20 – The NWU NY Annual Holiday Party
 
ALL of NWU’s members and friends are invited. This year, we’re thrilled to be partnering and partying with the American Pushkin Society.

Come celebrate new works by NWU members and hear brief talks by our special guests, Marina Adamovich, the editor of the oldest Russian-language magazine “Novyi Zhoural” (“The New Magazine”); and Serguei Gollerbah, a Russian-American author and the Academician of the American National Academy of Design. (American actor Peter von Berg will read a short excerpt from Mr. Gollerbah’s book.) 

When: Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015 from 2 – 5 PM.
Where: National Writers Union, 256 West 38th Street – 12th Fl, New York, NY 10018
FREE EVENT. Come enjoy Russian treats, refreshments, and much good cheer.

NWU Members: If you would like to say a few words about your new project, email nwuny@nwu.org by this Thursday. We’ll have space to display your books too.

To learn more about the American Pushkin Society, visit americanpushkinsociety.com. If you represent a local writers’ group and would like to partner with the NWU for a future event, email nwuny@nwu.org.

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