https://bit.ly/2RaVthT

By Abayomi Azikiwe

Pentagon bombing operations against the Horn of Africa state of Somalia have killed numerous people over the last several weeks under the guise of the United States “war on terrorism.”

On November 30, the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) reported that airstrikes were launched on al-Shabaab positions in Lebede killing nine people.

Although Washington routinely claims these bombing operations only target so-called “terrorists,” there is no way of verifying who is actually struck on the ground. Other damage, such as the deaths of civilians and the dislocation of people in small towns and rural areas, are never acknowledged by the military.

Official statements from AFRICOM indicate that there are approximately 500 soldiers stationed in Somalia. The actual numbers have increased since the ascendancy of the administration of President Donald Trump during 2017 as a part of his purported foreign policy aims of battling armed Islamist groups such as al-Shabaab.

Other AFRICOM reports suggest there have been 37 bombing operations inside this oil-rich Horn of Africa state over the course of 2018. Successive U.S. administrations have supported the federalized governance system which was installed under the tenure of former President George W. Bush, Jr., who founded AFRICOM in early 2008.

Just one week prior to the November 30 attacks, the U.S. announced several bombing missions in Harardere in Galmudug state where over 40 people were killed. The airstrikes between November 19 and 21 were said to have hit an al-Shabaab training camp along with a weapons cache….

However, after decades of military involvement and political machinations the situation remains unstable. The Somalis’ only hope for sustainable peace and development lies within the national unity of its people absent of the tutelage of the United States….

https://fighting-words.net/

Community Meeting to Stop GM Plant Closings

Hosted by Moratorium NOW! Coalition

5920 Second Avenue, Detroit, 7 – 9 P.M.

GM’s announced plant closings are illegal and must be stopped!
1. GM is violating the Moratorium on Plant Closings in the UAW-GM Contract.
2. GM is violating the terms of the $8.9 billion taxpayer bankruptcy bailout. It was on condition it build fuel efficient and electric cars. GM is shutting down the plants
which build and supply these vehicles to shift production to gas guzzing high profit SUV;s and trucks.
3. GM is violating the terms of the $3.4 billion in MEGA tax credits it received from the State of Michigan. GM promised to retain Michigan jobs and not relocate the plants.

Only a mass struggle of the workers, the unions and broad community can force profit-hungry GM to stop violating the law and the contract and keep the plants open. Let’s strategize together to build the movement.

Meeting initiated by Moratorium NOW! Coaliton.
Call 313-680-5508. Moratorium-mi.org / Facebook @moratoriumnowcoalition

Say Her Name: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland

1001 E Keefe Avenue, Milwaukee, 7 – 9:30 P.M.

Start 2019 off right with FRSO Wisconsin! We’ll be watching “Say Her Name: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland” and having a short discussion. As we enter the new year, let’s dedicate ourselves to developing a better understanding of police crime, how it affects our cities, state, and country, and, most importantly, what we can do to combat it.

This event is free of charge. Snacks and childcare will be provided.

Trailer and information about the film can be found at the link below!
https://www.hbo.com/documentaries/say-her-name-the-life-and-death-of-sandra-bland

Stop Hate Rally Madison 1 12 19 Leaflet

https://www.facebook.com/afgeunion/

The American Federation of Government Employees on Monday sued the U.S. government on behalf of federal employees being forced to work without pay during the Trump Shutdown.  The lawsuit alleges that the government is violating the law by requiring some federal employees to work without pay, including correctional officers, Border Patrol and ICE agents, transportation security officers, and other employees who are labeled as “essential”.  “Our members put their lives on the line to keep our country safe,” said AFGE president J. David Cox Sr., noting that positions that are considered ‘essential’ during a shutdown are some of the most dangerous jobs in the federal government. Pointing out that many of those working without pay are military veterans, Cox said that “Our nation’s heroes, AFGE members and their families deserve the decency of knowing when their next paycheck is coming and that they will be paid for their work.” The lawsuit was brought on behalf of all federal employees who are required to work without pay during the shutdown. The U.S. Court of Federal Claims has previously ruled in favor of federal employees forced to work without pay during the 2013 shutdown.

For Immediate Release

Media Advisory

Event: 16th Annual Detroit MLK Day Rally & March, Mon. Jan. 21, Noon-5:00pm

Location: Historic St. Matthew’s-St. Joseph’s Church, 8850 Woodward

Avenue between King and Holbrook, Detroit

Sponsors: Detroit MLK Committee and Supporters

Contact: 313-671-3715

16th Annual Detroit MLK Day Rally & March to be Held on Mon. Jan. 21

Beginning at Noon

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MLK Day Detroit

This year’s 16th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Rally & March comes at a time of rising hatred, bigotry and military conflict both inside the United States and around the world.

On Monday, January 21, 2019, the Detroit MLK Day Program/Rally and March will commemorate the 90th birthday of Dr. King. This year’s program will feature keynote speaker Ms. Gail Walker, the Executive Director of the Inter-religious Foundation for Community Organization (IFCO) based in New York City.

IFCO has been in the leadership of various community and international campaigns since its founding in 1967. In late April 1969, IFCO sponsored the National Black Economic Development Conference (NBEDC) at Wayne State University (WSU) which put forward the first modern-day call for reparations to be paid to African Americans for the stolen labor during slavery and the national oppression in which they have lived under since the conclusion of the Civil War (1861-1865).

In addition, 2019 represents the 50th anniversary of the further emergence of Black workers in the leadership of the Civil Rights and other Emancipation struggles. 1969 witnessed the formation of the League of Revolutionary Black Workers (LRBW) in Detroit and the Charleston, South Carolina hospital employees strike which was led by African American women with the intervention of Mrs. Coretta Scott King, the heir to the legacy of Dr. King after his assassination on April 4, 1968.

These events prefigured the ongoing movement on behalf of low-wage workers and the imperatives of eliminating poverty in this country. The recent efforts by D15, Unite Here and other labor organizations demanding justice for marginalized workers is a major advancement in the movement for full equality and self-determination.

In addition to its work on domestic issues, IFCO has coordinated the education of over 150 students who studied medicine for free at the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM) in the Republic of Cuba. Numerous youth from Detroit along with other cities have taken advantage of this program. The recruitment of these young people was initiated by Rev. Dr. Lucius Walker, the founder of IFCO, as well as former City Council member Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Watson.

You are cordially invited to attend this 16th Annual Detroit MLK Day event at our new location of the St. Mathew’s-St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church located at 8850 Woodward Avenue between King and Holbrook in the city’s North End neighborhood. This venue which is a historic institution in Detroit having played an integral part in the 19th century Underground Railroad and the Northern High School Student

Strike of April 1966, among other important events, will place us in the heart of the city in a community where gentrification, water shutoffs and tax foreclosures continue to take a serious toll.

The program begins at 12 Noon in the sanctuary and will include music and brief messages from cultural workers and activists from throughout the region.

At about 1:30 p.m., the Detroit MLK Day March for Jobs, Peace and Justice will begin. At 3:00 p.m., a special cultural program of poetry and music will take place at the church. A healthy community meal will be served.

The Detroit MLK Day Committee is comprised of a small, dedicated group of volunteers. Due to the significance of the January 21, 2019, Detroit MLK Day Program & March, we are seeking contributions now to assure a successful event.

Please send your contribution to: Detroit MLK Day Committee, 5920

Second Ave., Detroit, MI 48202. Please make checks payable to:

“Detroit MLK Day”. You may donate online

https://mlkdetroit.org/donate/

Thank you for your kind support!

Sincerely in Peace and Solidarity,

The Detroit MLK Day Committee

MLK Day Detroit

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Distributed By: THE PAN-AFRICAN RESEARCH AND DOCUMENTATION PROJECT–

E MAIL: panafnewswire@gmail.com

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18th Annual MLK Jr. Justice Program & March

1927 N Vel Phillips Avenue, Milwaukee (4th and Brown). 1 – 2:30 P.M.

The MLK Jr. Justice Coalition invites You & Your Family to Celebrate the Life & Movement of Dr. King Jr. – Honoring community members who have put into practice King’s call for non-violent civil disobedience.
Guest Performers: Singer Pansy Williams, Musician/Artist David Nunley, Jazz Saxophonist Juli Wood, & Actor DiMonte Henning.
Speakers: Ald. Milele Coggs – Joyce Ellwanger – George Martin
(March to the King Statue – 3 blks. – 2:30pm – Open Mic)

Detroit Martin Luther King Day demonstration through Downtown Detroit on January 15, 2007. The march draws upon the legacy of Dr. King’s peace and social justice work. (Photo: Robert Akrawi)., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

https://www.facebook.com/CubaNetwork/

Granma – English

Waukesha: Licencias para Todxs / Driver Licenses for All

ENGLISH BELOW

Viernes, enero 4, 6pm
La Casa de Esperanza
410 Arcadian Ave, Waukesha, WI 53186

Seguimos en la lucha para pasar legislación para restaurar las licencias de conducir a los inmigrantes y gente de bajos ingresos. Daremos informes sobre nuestro progreso durante este foro y organizaremos nuestras próximas acciones. ¡Sí se puede!

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Friday, January 4, 6pm
La Casa de Esperanza
410 Arcadian Ave, Waukesha, WI 53186

Join us as we continue our efforts to pass legislation to restore driver licenses to immigrants and low-income individuals. We’ll be sharing updates on our progress so far and planning our upcoming actions. ¡Sí se puede!