Human Rights & Criminal Justice

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  • 2017 Rothko Chapel Óscar Romero Award Ceremony

    Rothko Chapel 3900 Yupon St, Houston

    Rothko Chapel's bi-annual Óscar Romero Award--named after Archbishop Óscar Romero of San Salvador who was assassinated on March 24, 1980, because of his vocal opposition to the violent oppression of his fellow citizens--has been given every two years since 1987 in recognition of courageous, grassroots human rights advocacy. Building upon the topic of ending mass incarceration addressed at our 2017 Spring Symposium, the Chapel will honor two recipients, one internationally and the other locally selected, for this year's recognition.

    Pay what you can

  • Ai Weiwei’s THE HUMAN FLOW

    The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston 1001 Bissonnet, Houston

    Over 65 million people around the world have been forced from their homes to escape famine, climate change, and war in the greatest human displacement since World War II. Human Flow, an epic documentary by the internationally renowned artist Ai Weiwei, gives a powerful visual expression to the massive human migration. Captured over the course of one year in 23 countries, the film witnesses its subjects and their desperate search for safety, shelter, and justice. A visceral work of cinema that begs the question: Will our global society emerge from fear, isolation, and self-interest and choose a path of openness, freedom, and respect for humanity?

    $8 – $10

  • Christmas at the Jail 5

    Harris County Jail San Jacinto St. at Baker St., Houston, TX, United States

    Having a parent behind bars is traumatic enough for children, but to a young child at Christmas time it may be an emotional disaster.  When children go into a jail to see their mother or father during the holidays, the very real potential for psychological scarring exists.  A group of men, women and children since 2013 have taken these kids, the most innocent victims of mass incarceration, into their hearts and their arms at Christmas time at the jails in Houston.  They have donated time, money and energy to ensure these little humans receive at least a little glimmer of happiness when they emerge from the repressive atmosphere of the Harris County Adult Detention Center.  Walking out of the doors there, they see a crowd of smiling faces standing behind Santa Claus and a huge pile of presents.  To see the transformation on these small faces from sadness and confusion to wonder and pure joy changes the lives of all who experience it.

    You are cordially invited to join us at the jail on Christmas Eve this year as we carry these children a message of hope and love. To Volunteer contact:  Rebecca Lavergne: cmason4103@yahoo.com

    If you cannot make it but still want to help, please go to www.hpjc.org and note that the donation is for the Christmas at the Jail event.  Snail mailers can send tax free donations to Houston Peace and Justice Center, PO Box 66234, Houston Texas 77266. 

    There is much wrong in the world today, this is an opportunity to be a part of something which is clearly good and positive. 

    Merry Christmas to you and your family!

    Free

  • March against Trump, Sexism, Racism,Class Exploitation, and War

    A march against Sexism, Racism, Class Exploitation, and War will be held on Saturday, January 20. We will assemble at 1 pm (after the Houston Women’s March is over) in Hermann Square, 900 Smith St., between the Reflecting Pool and the mid-block exit to Smith St. Beginning at 1:30 pm, we will march down Smith St. to the Leland Federal Building at 1919 Smith St. The rally at the Leland Federal Building will include speakers, musicians, spoken word artists, a Trump piñata, chants, and more.

    This action is being organized by Brown Berets de TejAztlan, Houston Socialist Movement, Justice 4 All, Party for Socialism and Liberation, and Refuse Fascism (list in formation). If your organization would like to help with this event or if you would like more information, please call 832.692.2306 or 832.438.3785. We hope to see you on January 20. All power to the people!

  • Amnesty International Houston with special guest speaker!

    Central Market Community Room 3815 Westheimer, Houston, United States

    Amnesty International Houston and  special guest speaker Gislaine Williams from the Refugee Council USA (RCUSA)
     
    A coalition of 23 national organizations that work to protect refugees and asylum-seekers and advocate for human rights in the United States. She has previously worked with the American Civil Liberties Union
    Immigrants’ Rights Project and the Alliance for Multicultural Community Services in Houston.

    Free

  • “America Beyond The Color Line”

    Center for the Healing of Racism 3412 Crawford Street, Houston, TX, United States

    In commemoration of Black History Month, The Center for the Healing of Racism will screen “America Beyond The Color Line (Episode 1)”  on February 19, 2018 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm.  The series, written by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., examines the legacy of the Civil Rights movement since the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  In Episode 1: “South: The Black Belt,” Gates assesses changes in the racial climate of the southern United States.  Among others, Gates interviews Morgan Freeman and Maya Angelou.  The screening will be following by a discussion.

    Free. Donations encouraged. RSVP required.

  • Amnesty Houston with guest speaker Judge Mike Fields

    Central Market Community Room 3815 Westheimer, Houston

    Amnesty International Houston welcomes special guest speaker Judge Mike Fields; of Harris County Criminal Court 14, who will discuss the drug war, bail reform, mass incarceration, indigent defense, mental health services for defendants and overcriminalization.

    Free

  • NAACP Legal Redress Clinic

    NAACP Houston Branch 2002 Wheeler Ave., Houston

    If you need FREE legal advice on ANY subject, please allow a volunteer attorney to advise you THIS Saturday from 9:00am- 2:00pm!

    All information is confidential!

    Free

  • March for Our Lives Houston

    Tranquility Park 400 Rusk St., Houston

    After the recent mass shooting at Stoneman Douglas, students of the school have organized a nationwide protest including Houston, TX to plea for a strengthening of gun laws.

    If you would like to have a serious conversation about gun control, the time is now. Students, Teachers, Parents, and concerned citizens are invited to march in solidarity with us. Please share this page with your loved ones and ask them to join as well.

    Day of:
    * Meet at 9am at Tranquility Park
    * March begins around 9:05am — we will march 8 blocks total; to Ted Cruz’s office, then back to Tranquility park going with the flow of traffic
    * Rally begins around 10am in Tranquility Park

    This event is being put together by local students, parents, and teachers hoping to give a voice to those seeking change. As this event grows and changes, more information will be shared on this page. If you have any resources or wish to help in any way, we are welcoming you.

    Free

  • United We Dream – Community Gathering

    United We Dream - Houston 1900 Kane St, Rm 116, Houston

    On Thursday, April 5th, United We Dream - Houston will be hosting a community gathering. We will be discussing important issues such as DREAM, SB4, Coming Elections and the launch of the new Houston Hotline. Please do not miss out on these important conversations now more than ever we need to unite and fight back to stop the deportation and separations of families.

    Hola gente hermosa no se les olvide que este Jueves tenemos junta Comunitaria donde estaremos discutiendo sobre temas importantes como lo que esta pasando con el DREAM ACT, la ley SB4 y las proximas elecciones asi como el lanzamiento de la nueva linea de ayuda para la comunidad imigrante. Por favor no falten ahora mas que nunca tenemos que unirnos y pelear para parar la deportacion y seperacion de familias.

    Free

  • Two Houston Quakers Visit Israel / Palestine

    Clear Lake Islamic Center 17511 El Camino Real, Clear Lake

    Two Quakers have recently returned from an interfaith delegation to Palestine and Israel. They will share photos and stories from their experiences after staying with families, meeting with Israeli and Palestinian peace activists and non-governmental organizations and experiencing life on both sides of the separation barrier.

    Free

  • When Presence is Penalized: Homelessness in HTX

    UH Graduate School of Social Work 3511 Cullen Blvd, Room 110J, Houston

    Please join us on Thursday, April 19th to learn more about the current Houston's ordinances that are negatively impacting the lives of the homeless community in Houston.

    Free

  • Volunteers for Refugees

    Samurai Karate Dojo 12500 Oxford Park Dr., Houston

    Community networking to benefit Houston's refugees:

    Join us at this annual community networking event to share information and resources to benefit the refugee community in Houston. This is a public event; please invite friends, family and coworkers! If you would like to have a free table to share resources from your own organization or non-profit, or if you have any questions, contact Carmen Garcia at 281-216-6622. More information is also available at the dojo: 281-920-9330 or info@HoustonSamurai.com .

    Free

  • Medicare for All Town Hall and Campaign Kickoff

    St. Stephen's Episcopal Church 1805 W. Alabama St., Houston

    The time has come to stand up and demand full health coverage for everyone in this country!

    As part of our national strategy, the Houston DSA chapter will be kicking off their local campaign efforts with a Town Hall event on April 21st at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. You're invited you to come listen to our great guest speakers, learn more about the national campaign, and find out how you can get involved to fight for health justice here in Texas!

    The event is free and open to all who may be interested in learning more or figuring how they can participate.

    Free

  • Police Brutality Around Us: History & Discussion

    Moody Park Gazebo 3725 Fulton St., Houston

    This event will highlight a Northside student's presentation on police brutality. We will also have speakers, including Janie Torres, to discuss the history of police brutality in our area.

    While the murder of Joe Campos Torres and the Moody Park Riots will be our main topics, we would like to remind everyone that the murder of Joe Campos Torres and the Moody Park riots are not just historical events. Family members still feel the loss of Joe Campos Torres and police brutality continues to be an issue today.

    Free

  • Interfaith March for Peace & Justice

    Corner of Post Oak Blvd. and Westheimer Houston

    Guiding Principles:

    All people should be free to practice the faith of their choice without fear of discrimination, intimidation, or reprisal;
    Multiple religions and faith traditions can coexist peacefully;
    Equal justice and equal protection under the law are rights to which all people are entitled regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, immigration and economic status, or religion;
    Governments must protect vunerable communities and never cease to seek justice for acts of violence perpetrated against these communities.

    If these principles are worthy of your celebration, join us on April 29th! Please express our principles and pride in your faith tradition with non-partisan signs (No sticks), posters, or banners.

  • Amnesty Houston’s “Take Action” Event

    Central Market Community Room 3815 Westheimer, Houston

    Free and open to the public; Amnesty International Houston’s "Take Action" Event.  Learn how *you* can make a difference locally and globally !

    Free

  • Socialist Reading Group: Happy Birthday, Karl Marx!

    Cafe Express River Oaks 1422 West Gray Street, Houston, United States

    Karl Marx has achieved a lasting global impact, one that is greater and wider than any other philosopher before or afterwards. The Smithsonian Magazine published an article titled "Karl Marx Is the World's Most Influential Scholar". The article is based on a study and paper in Nature. Several information scientists from Indiana University Bloomington came to that conclusion based on how often Marx's work was cited plus the number of works.

    After the global financial crisis of capitalism in 2008, Marx was often cited to help explain the crisis. Marx is relevant because his work is based on science and an advanced method of critical analysis in philosophy and economics.

  • Race + Justice Houston

    The Houston 3118 Harrisburg Boulevard, Houston

    Houston, Texas is a microcosm of national trends in criminal justice. In one of the most diverse cities in the country, institutional stakeholders are seeking to address tensions between police and their communities, manage the intersection of immigration enforcement and the criminal justice system, reduce local jail populations, and reform prosecutions. Meanwhile, the Houston community grapples with the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

    What is the path forward for creating a justice system that works for all who call Houston home?

    Free

  • Sharing Ramadan: A Muslim-Jewish Iftar, Dinner & Dialogue

    Turquoise Center 9301 W Bellfort Blvd., Houston

    DIVINE PROVIDENCE AND HUMAN RESPONSIBILITY

    Our Speakers:
    DR. MAHMOUD EL-GAMAL - BAKER INSTITUTE RICE FACULTY SCHOLAR

    RABBI STEVEN MORGEN - CONGREGATION BETH YESHURUN

    Free

  • Amnesty International Houston Welcomes guest speaker

    Central Market Community Room 3815 Westheimer, Houston, United States

    Amnesty International Houston, local 23 welcomes guest speaker, Houston DWI Attorney Paul B. Kennedy. Paul handles DWI defense as well as general criminal defense.

    Free

  • Transforming Our Juvenile Justice System

    Provision Charter School 4590 Wilmngton St., Houston

    A Right2Justice conversation on transforming our juvenile justice system. This is a system that for far too long has criminalized  and dehumanized young people of color, instead of providing them with the support and resources they need to get back into public life and enter the workforce. At this event, we'll be having discussions on what a reformed juvenile justice system looks like.

    Free

  • Texas Migrant and Refugee Leadership Academy

    TBD Houston

    Do you have what it takes?  Calling on all migrants and refugee leaders in the State of Texas to attend a statewide migrants and refugee leadership training to be held in Dallas, Texas on Friday, June 15* to Sunday, June 17.

    This all day training event offers migrants and refugees the opportunity to come together to share experiences, connect with each other, and develop the skills necessary to advocate on issues of importance to migrants and refugees in Texas.

    The training is designed to hone your leadership skills; create opportunity for networking; and incentives for participants to take the experience back to their local communities and advocate for issues of concern to the broader migrant and refugee community.  Our goal is to lift up the voices of all refugees in order to create more welcoming communities in Texas.

    Free

  • Mayor Turner’s Annual Acres Homes Juneteenth Parade

    Acres Homes Multi-Service Center 6719 W. Montgomery Rd., Houston

    Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Annual Acres Homes Juneteenth Parade on Saturday, June 16, 2018 at 10:00 a.m.

    The parade will begin at the Acres Homes Multi-Service Center located at 6719 W. Montgomery, travel north on W. Montgomery, west on Dolly Wright and conclude at Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church located at 1620 Dolly Wright.

    Free

  • 24th Annual Juneteenth Ally Award Luncheon “Giving our Youth a Voice”

    First Methodist Church (Lower Level Fellowship Hall), 1320 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002 1320 Main Street (at Clay), Houston

    The Center for the Healing of Racism will hold its 24th annual Juneteenth Ally Award luncheon, “Giving our Youth a Voice," on Saturday, June 16, 2018.  This year’s award recipients are:
    - James W. Loewen, sociologist, historian and author of Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your High School History Textbook Got Wrong;
    - Tahirih Justice Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting immigrant women and girls and promoting a world where women and girls enjoy equality, safety and dignity;
    - Lisa Falkenberg, Houston Chronicle columnist and Pulitzer Prize recipient (2015) for her groundbreaking columns about corrupt grand jury practices and egregious problems in the legal and immigration systems;
    - Ben and Sarah Becker, who will receive the Center’s "Individual Initiative Award.”

    $50

  • Demonstration against the Houston Child Detention Center

    419 Emancipation Avenue 419 Emancipation Avenue, Houston, TX, United States

    Widespread, intense opposition to the separation of migrant families has led Trump to issue an executive order supposedly ending this practice. But this nightmare is far from over. About 2000 children remain separated from their moms and dads. Trump’s “zero-tolerance” policy of prosecuting migrants may mean more family separations or the long-term detention of entire families. The administration is talking about new detention centers for scores of thousands of migrants. And in Houston, plans for a new child detention center at 419 Emancipation Avenue are going forward.

    The Free Los Niños Coalition and its member organizations invite you to participate in another demonstration against the Houston child detention center at 419 Emancipation Avenue on Thursday, July 5, at 6 pm. This action will include lots of chanting, remarks from sponsoring groups, a march through the neighborhood, some wonderful entertainment, and—time permitting—an open mic. Please join us and help prevent the detention of migrants on a street which was recently renamed to honor the emancipation of African Americans from slavery.

  • Please join Amnesty International and guest speaker!

    upstairs Central Market Community Room 3815 Westheimer, Houston

    Free and open to the public; Amnesty International Houston, local 23 welcomes guest speaker; Melike Er.

    Speaking on the issue of Human Rights in Turkey.

    Free

  • Grannies Respond – Houston Evening of Action

    Guadalupe Plaza Park 2311 Runnels St, Houston

    We are on a 2,000 mile journey to the border to protest the inhumane treatment of immigrants. And on Sunday, August 5th, we’re stopping for rest in Houston, Texas.

    Come down to Guadalupe Plaza Park (or Talento Bilnguae de Houston if you need to beat the heat). Meet the grannies, learn about what they're doing and how to join the caravan, sign our nationwide petition, and more.

    Free

  • Get to Know the System that Oppresses Us – Capitalism

    Houston Communist Party Headquarters 3100 McKinney Street, Houston, TX, United States

    There is much current attention to social and economic inequality. The Occupy movement did much to highlight the inequality and framed the issues as the 1% versus the 99%. Unfortunately, the root cause of inequality is kept a deep secret - theft of surplus value created by workers.

  • Amnesty International welcomes special guest speaker!

    Central Market Community Room 3815 Westheimer, Houston

    Amnesty International Houston welcomes guest speaker Sri Preston Kulkarni, who will be speaking on the issue of immigration.

    Free