For good or bad, a lot can happen in one week. Even more can occur in two, and it’s seasons like our current one that bring us to question how long we sat on division as a fact before allowing its harsh realities to float up to the surface and into our feeds, airports and streets. We’re here. Now what?
Fortunately fellow Allston Rat People™, the big man with the pen doesn’t write our whole script, not unless you let him. That said, we’ve compiled here a list of upcoming events (most of which in February) that aim to organize around efforts and educate on topics pertinent to today’s U.S. of A.
As Geneva Reed-Veal, mobilizer and mother of the late Sandra Bland, once said, “Know your lane in a movement.” We at Allston Pudding know that attending rallies isn’t for everyone. It’s much like calling a representative, organizing a bake sale or creating politically relevant art in that way. Everyone has an ability, a grip, a lane in collective action. This list has variety for that very reason.
What: Organizing for our Right to Boycott Meeting
Who: Jewish Voice for Peace & MA Freedom to Boycott Coalition
Where: First Baptist Church in Jamaica Plain (633 Centre St., Jamaica Plain)
When: Tuesday, Jan. 31st @ 7 p.m.
What: Public Lecture on Cultural Appropriation & Racism
Who: Dr. Adrienne Keene of Brown University
Where: Northeastern Crossing (1175 Tremont St., Roxbury)
When: Tuesday, Jan. 31st @ 5:30 p.m.
What: Muslim Justice Teach-In
Who: Muslim Justice League
Where: University Lutheran Church Cambridge (66 Winthrop St., Cambridge)
When: Wednesday, Feb. 1st @ 6 p.m.
What: Civil Rights Rally for Immigrants & Muslims
Who: Massachusetts Safe Communities Act, State Sen. Jamie Eldridge, State Rep. Juana Matias
Where: Massachusetts State House (24 Beacon St., Boston)
When: Wednesday, Feb. 1st @ 12 p.m.
What: Resistance Culture: an Art Show for Revolutionaries
Who: MassArt, local independent & student artists
Where: MassArt’s Student Life Gallery (Kennedy Building, 2nd floor, 625 Huntington Ave., Boston)
When: Thursday, Feb. 2nd @ 6:30 p.m.
What: Vigil in Support of Black Lives Matter
Who: supporters of BLM, everyday activists
Where: First Baptist Church in Jamaica Plain (633 Centre St., Jamaica Plain)
When: Thursday, Feb. 2nd @ 5:30 p.m.
What: Black Lives Matter Music, Race & Justice Forum
Who: Harvard Graduate Music Forum Conference, Matthew D. Morrison, Imani Uzuri
Where: 3 Oxford St., Cambridge
When: Feb. 3rd @ 9 a.m. & Feb. 4th @ 8 p.m.
What: Pancake Party Benefit for Make Shift Boston
Who: Make Shift Boston, DJ Mercedes Flowers
Where: Make Shift Boston (549 Columbus Ave., Boston)
When: Saturday, Feb. 4th @ 12 p.m.
What: To Islam, With Love: A Card-making Marathon
Who: Wee the People, Resistarts, Design Studio for Social Intervention
Where: Dorchester Arts Collaborative (157 Washington St., Dorchester)
When: Sunday, Feb. 5th @ 4 p.m.
What: HUD 101: Federal Housing Policy, The New Administration and What We Can Do in Boston
Who: City Mission Boston
Where: First Baptist Church in Jamaica Plain (633 Centre St., Jamaica Plain)
When: Tuesday, Feb. 7th @ 6:30 p.m.
What: Stand With Planned Parenthood Counter-Protest
Who: Planned Parenthood
Where: Planned Parenthood: Greater Boston Health Center (1055 Commonwealth Ave., Boston)
When: Saturday, Feb. 11th @ 8:30 a.m.
What: Benefit for Anxiety & Depression Association of America
Who: ADAA, Flamingo Club, dollys (NJ), Mosie, Be You Me
Where: The Democracy Center (45 Mount Auburn St., Cambridge)
When: Saturday, Feb. 11th @ 7 p.m.
What: Love Trumps Hate Dance: A Benefit for Girls Rock Campaign Boston
Who: Girls Rock Campaign Boston, DJ Sit and Spin, DJ Jef Czekaj
Where: Bella Luna Restaurant & Milky Way Lounge (284 Amory St., Jamaica Plain)
When: Sunday, Feb. 19th @ 8:30 p.m.
What: Breaking Thru: A Celebration of Queer Black Women
Who: The Theater Offensive, Rebecca Mwase, Black Venus, Dominique Coley
Where: The Strand Theatre (543 Columbia Rd., Boston)
When: Friday, Feb. 24th @ 7 p.m.
Keep your eyes peeled for updated lists over the coming months!