IR News

Just as change is constant, so is struggle. In fact, in order for change to be realized it must first be conceived by opposition. One force applies pressure, while the other resists, Baltimore Hip-Hop artist Son Of Nun (S.O.N.), is definitely acting as that defiant force. With the release of his new album, The Art of Struggle, he is not only setting up to address new challenges, but offering new solutions as well.

In September 2007, the cleaners at Camden Yards won the living wage. Next we
fought to get a fair chance for workers to keep their jobs at the new
living wage. Late Wednesday night workers voted in support of forming an
AFSCME union at the stadium, moving the fight forward to the next step.

Despite an intense fight from the newest contractor (The Chimes), an
overwhelming majority of cleaners voted to be recognized as a union. Since
the union drive started on June 1st, over 190 workers have signed union
cards.

Although local residents were worried about the potential for violence at the two temporary shelters that opened on July 2nd in East and West Baltimore, all has been quiet on both fronts. “There have been no incidents reported by police regarding the homeless shelters,” said Baltimore Homeless Services President Diane Glauber. As a matter of fact, the operation has been working like clockwork, according to Glauber, pointing to the Office of Emergency Management who handles the staging of the busing and supportive services.

The struggle for justice in Palestine extends beyond borders and across oceans to Baltimore, where a Palestinian Solidarity group is forming to help express the needs and daily struggles of the Palestinian people. Protesting for an end to the blockade of Gaza at the Annapolis Conference last November, five friends from Baltimore were shocked to find no other demonstrators condemning what many see as the imprisonment of 1.5 million Gazans as a result of the Israeli blockade of their border.

There was a time when the beautiful grounds and facilities of Druid Hill Park were marred by segregation along racial lines. Sixty years ago, one protest match did something to change that.

In honor of that event, the Department of Recreation and Parks hosted “24–Love: The 60th Anniversary of the Historic Tennis Match in Druid Hill Park” at the Howard Pete Rawlings Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

On Thursday, July 25, activists, organizers, and collective members from across the city convened at the “2640 space” (St. John’s Church, 2640 St. Paul Street) to discuss the recent and much-publicized uncovering of a covert surveillance program initiated by the Maryland State Police to monitor anti-war and anti-death penalty protest groups. According to an ACLU of Maryland report, the program lasted 14 months, spanning 2005 and 2006.

From community activists to Hip-Hop artists, fighters and writers came together with an extended invitation to the general public to “The State of Black Baltimore,” a town hall forum to discuss the many ills that oppose the African-American community in Baltimore City.

Munir Bahar means business. Beating away at a heavy bag in his personal gym, his moves are swift and calculated, his focus is sharp and his words are carefully spoken as he recalls his past with the ill tone of regret, but the proud look of his redemption.

The slow and excruciating transition towards a better society requires cooperation and trust between the People and their elected officials. The state of the homeless in Baltimore is another sad example of what happens when this relationship breaks down.

Hue Voices is an online talk show that focuses on the lively and vibrant African-American communities of Baltimore/Washington, D.C. Covering social progression, politics, business, sports, arts& entertainment, and bringing a new perspective to general media is Hue Voices, the greater reflection of you. This week Hue Voices' host Bobby Marvin observes Aids awareness month by taking a closer look at HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment in Baltimore City.
click here to watch http://www.huevoices.com/shows/0627.html