Seattle 2020 Activities Archive
Thursday, December 31 at 8:00pm
Online New Year's Eve celebration
Celebrating Working-class Resilience & Resistance!
2020 brought economic crises, a devastating pandemic, and continued police brutality, but working people, led by Blacks, women, immigrants, and all essential workers around the globe, rose up and fought back!
Celebrate this resistance and ring in 2021 online this New Year's Eve. Laugh at the “Ode to 2020,” toast the achievements of 2020, plot to continue the defiance in 2021, be a part of the “New Year's Eve Hat” contest (prizes will be awarded) and join rooms to socialize, play games or dance – whatever strikes your fancy!
The Zoom party will stay open past midnight for those wishing to watch the ball drop on 2020!
Hosted by Radical Women and the Freedom Socialist Party
Please click here to register in advance.
Information: RWseattle@mindspring.com • www.facebook.com/RWseattle • 206-722-6057
Sign the online petition:
Take action for women and all workers in Washington State
The Covid-19 crisis is severely injuring working women, especially women of color and single mothers, who are overwhelmingly frontline, low-paid workers in hospitals, nursing homes, restaurants, and grocery stores. Radical Women has initiated an online petition "Enact a Take Action Budget for working women and their families" to bring to the Washington State legislature and Governor Inslee. The goal is to influence the legislative session before it starts in January and urge elected officials to take action for women and all workers.
Sign here: https://tinyurl.com/womensactionbudget
The petition takes the offensive and calls for what is needed now, including amendments to the state constitution to tax the rich and enact rent control. We know with the onset of 2021, many working people are going to be up against evictions and losing vital services. RW saw the need to demand immediate action before workers were asked to give up even more.
Signatures will be collected through November and December. Please share the petition with your contacts and on social media!
For more information: RWseattle@mindspring.com • www.facebook.com/RWseattle • 206-722-6057
Thursday, December 17, 7:00pm
Online: Celebrate Black feminist culture
“Lorraine Hansberry: The Black experience in the creation of drama”
The life of a groundbreaking radical playwright
Get to know the courageous and vibrant playwright, feminist and civil rights activist Lorraine Hansberry as shown in a 1975 documentary. Hansberry’s 1959 play, A Raisin in the Sun, brought racism, feminism and class divisions to center stage. It was the first Broadway production authored by a Black woman. The 35-minute film includes rare interviews and scenes from original stage productions. It reveals her as a strong leader who died much too soon at age 34 in 1965. Extra bonus clip: James Baldwin speaks on Hansberry.
Discussion follows. Everyone welcome. Free.
Register at: https://tinyurl.com/DecRWfilm
Sponsored by Radical Women
Information: RWseattle@mindspring.com • www.facebook.com/RWseattle • 206-722-6057
Thursday, November 19, 7:00pm
Online organizing meeting
Renewed urgency to defend women as Covid takes its toll in a post-election world
Covid continues to expose far-reaching inequalities while the predatory profit system makes conditions even worse. Women have lost their jobs at twice the rate of men. Many are forced to leave the workforce to take care of their kids. Women of color and immigrants face the highest rates of unemployment and many front-line workers in essential services have no options to work from home. Discuss practical solutions that will help vulnerable women and families survive.
Also on the agenda: moving forward after the election. No matter who is elected as president, growing poverty, an ultra-right racist movement, and the further erosion of reproductive rights require a working-class feminist response. Hear about organizing on the left and get involved in what’s next!
Sponsored by Radical Women
Info: RWseattle@mindspring.com • 206-722-6057 • www.facebook.com/RWseattle
Every Wed., 6:30 - 8:00pm
Beginning Sept. 2
9-week online feminist reading group
Revolutionary Women of Color: Legacy, Activism, Writings
Get motivated by the lives and powerful words of Black, Latinx, Asian American, and Native American feminist radicals. Because of their unique and multiple oppressions, women of color push for interconnections between struggles. These readings, covering a span of decades, reveal inspiring optimism and dedication to the fights against racism, sexism, homophobia, and capitalism. What can we learn from these fiery perspectives in order to strengthen today’s movements? Everyone welcome. Readings will be emailed to participants. Download syllabus here.
Sign up here: http://tinycc/RevFems2
Sponsored by Radical Women
For more information: RWseattle@mindspring.com • www.facebook.com/RWseattle • 206-722-6057
Thursday, October 15, 7:00pm
Domestic Violence Awareness Month online discussion
Standing up for women's lives
Learn from two experiences of the ongoing, global epidemic of violence against women. Cheryl Jones, a Metro driver, will tell how she was immediately labeled as the offender after a boyfriend attacked her, a scenario that often happens to Black women. Sarah Scott, an advocate on the New Beginnings Help Line, will discuss how the Covid pandemic has increased dangers to people at risk of intimate partner violence. The speakers' message: feminists must keep fighting for ourselves, our sisters, and our right to a system that protects the vulnerable, rather than punishing survivors. Everyone welcome.
Sponsored by Radical Women
For more information: RWseattle@mindspring.com • www.facebook.com/RWseattle • 206-722-6057
Saturday, Sept., 26 - all day
Solidarity with Portland - Rally Against Fascism
Attend the counter-protests against the fascist Proud Boys in Portland who have called a national gathering of the ultra-right, white nationalists and fascists.Carpool from Seattle to Meet at New Freeway Hall, 5018 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle. Leaving Seattle at 7am.
Meet in Portland at the corner of N. Rosa Parks Way and N. Albina Ave. at 11am. (Northwest corner of Peninsula Park) The Seattle contingent will join the Labor for Black Lives / Labor Against Fascism contingent.
More about the Rally in Portland: https://www.facebook.com/events/3260995753978700/
- exact location TBD
Say NO to racism, NO to fascism, NO to misogyny!
Hosted by Radical Women, Freedom Socialist Party, and Organized Workers for Labor Solidarity
Thurs., Sept. 17, 7:00 PM
Organizing meeting
Get in the action with feminists in motion!
In observance of Latinx Heritage Month, there will be a special report on the role of young Chicanas in the Brown Berets, a radical Chicano organization in the 1970s. They courageously took on the system and stood up to sexism! Learn this exciting history and get involved in Radical Women's other upcoming activities. Everyone welcome.
Sponsored by Radical Women
RWseattle@mindspring.com • 206-722-6057 • www.facebook.com/RWseattle
August 22, 6:00pm
Women's Rights Day online celebration
Black women's dynamic leadership in liberation struggles today
Photo: Juneteenth in Chicago: Crowds cheer during the One Million Man March rally at Daley Plaza in Chicago on June 19, 2020. (Jose M. Osorio/Chicago Tribune)
Honor the 100th anniversary of women winning the right to vote in the U.S. by participating in an invigorating discussion by activists of color on the vital role of Black working women's leadership and the need for multi-racial solidarity to achieve long-lasting change.
Poetry by renowned local author, Georgia McDade
Speakers:
Anna Hackman - Educator and member of American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Local 1789* organizing against budget cuts at Seattle Colleges; helped expel Seattle Police Officers' Guild from the Martin Luther King County Labor Council
Cheryl Jones - 24-year veteran transit operator speaking out for safe conditions and against racism and bigotry at King County Metro; member of Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 587* and Organized Workers for Labor Solidarity
Miriam Padilla - First-generation Mexican American; socialist feminist and leader in Northwest Comrades of Color Caucus; co-authored Cross-border Feminist statement opposing systemic racism
*for identification purposes only
Sponsored by Radical Women
For more information: RWseattle@mindspring.com • www.facebook.com/RWseattle • 206-722-6057
Saturday, August 1,9:00am-4:00pm
Socially Distant Yard Sale
At two locations:
7105 S 115th St Seattle, WA 98178
900 Hiawatha Pl S Seattle, WA 98144
50% off sale 12-2pm.
Bag Sale 2-4pm - $2 for everything you can fit in a bag.
Please wear a mask and keep your hands clean, as well as stay physically distant while shopping.
To benefit Radical Women and Freedom Socialist Party Seattle/Puget Sound
For more info: 206-722-2453 or email RWseattle@mindspring.com or SeattleFSP@socialism.com
Thursday, August 6, 7pm
Radical Women online event
The Untold Story of Black Women Suffragists
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the constitutional amendment granting U.S. women the legal right to vote. In tribute, Radical Women will show two short films on Black women and the fight for suffrage: a locally produced documentary by the KD Hall Foundation, followed by a recent lecture by Chicago historian Marcia Walker-McWilliams. Together they portray Black women's role in defending the right to vote for both women and African American men. Black women started agitating for these political rights from the time of slavery and are still fighting for access to the ballot today. Discussion will follow the films.
For more information: RWSeattle@mindspring.com • www.facebook.com/RWseattle/ • 206-722-6057
Thursday, July 16, 7:00pm
Radical Women online gathering
Rebellious feminism in action
Get involved with working-class women activists who are eager to work with you on the many crucial issues of these times! This meeting will give you a sense of Radical Women's current involvements, especially in the world-shaking movement for Black lives. Hear a thoughtful feminist analysis of the many threads of local Black Lives Matter organizing and add your views and experiences. The meeting will also lay plans for RW's annual Women's Rights Day event and for observing this year's 100th anniversary of women winning the (always conditional) right to vote in the U.S.
For more information: RWSeattle@mindspring.com • www.facebook.com/RWseattle/ • 206-722-6057
Online reading circle: 7 Wednesdays, beginning June 17, 6:30 - 8pm
Moving Beyond Capitalism to a Socialist Feminist Future
Are you fired up about racist attacks and police murders of Black and Brown people? Are you feeling the impact of the COVID crisis on women workers and the poor? Are you looking for an alternative to a system that is rooted in inequality?
Then join other activists in a free-wheeling discussion of The Radical Women Manifesto. The Manifesto examines the source of gender and race oppression and offers a concrete approach to building an intersectional movement for fundamental change.
Wednesdays, June 17 to July 29, 6:30-8:00pm
Order books online ($8 plus shipping) at radicalwomen.org/literature.shtml or download from Google books.
Download syllabus here.
For more information: RWSeattle@mindspring.com • www.facebook.com/RWseattle/ • 206-722-6057
Sunday, June 28, 6:00pm
LGBTQ+ pride month film showing
The Transgender Revolution in CT
Join the Zoom showing of a new film from Queers Without Borders, "The Connecticut Transgender Movement." The full-length documentary explores the early days of organizing within the Trans community and the Transgender movement for civil rights. Highlights include the first queer fightback recorded against police raids, formation of Trans social clubs and activist groups, courageous out-front Trans people of color, and Mae West's arrest for producing a play called "The Drag." And much more! Discussion follows.
For more information: RWSeattle@mindspring.com • www.facebook.com/RWseattle/ • 206-722-6057
Online reading circle: Wednesdays, beginning April 8
Radical Optimism in a Time of Crisis
Counter the isolating side effects of social distancing! Join Radical Women's online discussion series to develop a socialist feminist critique of capitalist patriarchy. The group will focus on three pamphlets: "Women's Bodies are a Battlefield: Reproductive Justice, Climate Change and the Refugee Crisis," "Ecosocialism: The Solution for Survival on Planet Earth," "Estamos en la Lucha: Immigrant Women Light the Fires of Resistance" and new Radical Women writings on women and the COVID-19 crisis. These accessible readings by activists document key problems, their impact on women and other oppressed people, and how to fight back. Optimism, connection, and ideas for the future are needed now more than ever. All are welcome to attend.
Wednesday evenings, 6:30-8:00pm For more information: RWseattle@mindspring.com • www.facebook.com/RWseattle/ • 206-722-6057
Thursday, May 21, 7:00pm
Asian/Pacific American Heritage month online meeting
Fighting anti-Asian racism during the COVID crisis and beyond
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in anti-China sentiments and upsurge in violence against Asian/Pacific Islanders. While Trump refers to it as "the Chinese virus", assaults are on the rise. Hear from two activist speakers about why this is happening and what we can do about it.
Speakers:
Sophia Lee is a 1.5th generation Korean American immigrant transgender woman. Board chair of Gender Justice League and advocate for various issues including LGBTQ, immigrant and feminist causes.
Nancy Reiko Kato is a Japanese American socialist feminist activist. Author of "Women of Color: Frontrunners for Freedom", leader in National Comrades of Color Caucus and unionist with AFSCME 3299 in Bay Area.
Sponsored by Radical Women
For more information: RWseattle@mindspring.com • facebook.com/RWseattle/ • 206-722-6057
Thursday, April 16, 7:00 pm
Radical Women online gathering
Unsung women in science
Join an educational and organizing tele-meeting. The featured report will discuss the outstanding contributions that women scientists have made in the fields of medicine, microbiology, astronomy and more. Despite this, the work of women scientists is often ignored. Agenda will also include updates on getting involved in Radical Women's COVID-19 organizing, a new study group and more!
For more information: RWseattle@mindspring.com • facebook.com/RWseattle/ • 206-722-6057
Thursday, March 19, 7:00 pm - TOPIC CHANGE
Conference call:
FEMINISTS CONFRONT THE CORONAVIRUS
Local communities face first-in-a-lifetime challenges as the coronavirus response causes schools and libraries to close, workplaces to send folks home, and hospitals to run short of supplies and rooms. What can feminists do to support single moms, working families, and the homeless? How can we combat hysteria and scapegoating? What are realistic precautions that promote mutual aid rather than fear? Help answer these questions and learn about community resources and support efforts getting underway.
Email or call Radical Women for log-in information.
For more information: 206-722-6057 • RWseattle@mindspring.com • www.facebook.com/rwseattle
-------------------
A Socialist Feminist Perspective on the Crisis
Excerpt from RW Organizer Gina Petry's remarks at
Radical Women's International Women's Day event
March 6, 2020
"I would like to talk about the coronavirus for a minute. I'm especially concerned about how it's affecting frontline health care workers, janitors, bus drivers and all the low-paid service jobs that are primarily done by women, people of color and immigrants. These workers are at risk and need the best precautions including plenty of sanitary supplies and enough staff to do the extra work they're being asked to do. All workers should have plenty of paid sick leave, and full, free access to testing and treatment. That's where state of emergency funds should be going. Another much-needed emergency measure is taxing corporations to fully fund and expand public health....
"It's no accident that women are hardest hit by climate change, attacks on immigrants and lack of reproductive autonomy, because women's oppression is at the very heart of the capitalist system. Sexism arose with the development of private property, whose modern-day form is capitalism. The system would go bankrupt without women's free labor in the home and low wages outside the home. The profit system views our lives and safety as secondary, disposable. Capitalism also depends on racism, xenophobia, homophobia and transphobia to abuse some and buy others off with privilege. It's a multi-issue attack and that is why we have to be multi-issue in our fight back!
"Women's social roles put us at the vortex of this global turmoil. As mothers, grandmothers and daughters, workers and organizers, we are the backbone of our communities. This makes women some of the strongest warriors in the struggle for systemic change."
Friday, March 6, 7:00pm
Women's Bodies Are a Battlefield:
Climate Destruction, the Refugee Crisis & Reproductive Justice
Hear activists speak on how sisters are leading fightbacks to interconnected global issues
Faith Baever Active with Protectors of the Salish Sea, which fights destruction of Native lands in the U.S. and Canada; member of Inupiaq/Tlingit/Sugpiaq tribes
Mahilet Mesfin UW student in International Studies & Human Rights working with Radical Justice collective for refugee and immigrant rights
Gina Petry Multi-issue feminist organizer who has led Radical Women's participation in reproductive justice work and Standing Rock defense
Drumming by members of Protectors of the Salish Sea
Performance of "A Rapist In Your Path" by
Friday, March 6, 7:00pm
Door donation $3-$5
International Dinner 6:00pm, $10 donation
New Freeway Hall, 5018 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle
Sponsored by Radical Women
For information or to arrange childcare: 206-722-6057, RWseattle@mindspring.com
Radical Women.org • facebook.com/RWseattle
Thurs. Feb. 6, 7:00pm
Radical Women Organizing Meeting
Hook up with socialist feminists on the move. This gathering will feature an exploration of political articles from Teen Vogue, plans for International Women's Day and more. Bring your ideas and energy!
Home-cooked meal with vegan options for $8.50 donation at 6:30pm.
New Freeway Hall, 5018 Rainier Ave S, Seattle
On the #7 bus. Short walk east from Columbia City light rail station.
For more information: 206-722-6057 - RWSeattle@mindspring.com • • www.RadicalWomen.org • www.facebook.com/rwseattle
Sat., Feb. 22, 6:00PM
Black History Month Community Discussion
The Groundbreaking Impact of the Civil Rights Movement
Be a part of a dialogue on the audacity and bravery of the '60s Civil Rights movement, its reverberations throughout U.S. society and the movements for social change that it inspired.
Saturday, February 22
Open House at 5:30pm
Supper Available at 6:00pm for $7-$10 donation
Discussion at 7:00pm
New Freeway Hall, 5018 Rainier Ave S, Seattle
On the #7 bus. Short walk east from Columbia City light rail station.
Sponsored by Radical Women & Freedom Socialist Party
For more info: 206-722-2453 or 206-722-6057
RWSeattle@mindspring.com - FSPSeattle@socialism.com radicalwomen.org - socialism.com
facebook.com/RWseattle - facebook.com/FSPseattle
March with "Feminists Against War"!
Womxn's March organizers have decided to postpone the march due to weather. They have postponed it until March 8, International Women's Day.
The MLK march & rally is on for Monday and Radical Women and Freedom Socialist Party will be participating in that. See below for details.
Radical Women has initiated a "Feminists Against War: U.S. out of the Middle East" contingent to say "No" to the Trump regime's threats of war with Iran. We march in solidarity with women, children and workers in Iran and around the globe who are hit hardest by the capitalist war machine. Look for "Feminists Against War" signs at MLK Day rally and march starting at Garfield High School.
Monday, January 20 at 9:30 am
Martin Luther King Jr. Day March and Rally "20/20 Vision"
Workshops, rally and march gathering will take place at Garfield High School, 400 23rd Ave., Seattle.
• Workshops 9:30-10:50 am
• Rally in Gymnasium 11:00 am- 12:30 pm
• March to Downtown 12:30-1:30 pm
• Rally at March destination, 2:00 pm
For more information on MLK activities, go here.
To meet up with Radical Women: 206-722-6057 • RWSeattle@mindspring.com • www.RadicalWomen.org • www.facebook.com/rwseattle
Thursday, January 16, 7:00 pm
Sign-making and protest prep party
Come down to help make signs and do phone-banking and other projects for folks attending MLK Day activities in Seattle. We'll have all the materials needed. All skill levels welcome!
Light snacks starting at 6:30 pm for donation.
New Freeway Hall, 5018 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle
For more info: 206-722-6057 • RWSeattle@mindspring.com • www.RadicalWomen.org Facebook.com/rwseattle
2019 Activities
2018 Activities
2017 Activities
2016 Activities
2015 Activities
2014 Activities
2013 Activities
2012 Activities
Sisters Organize for Survival