From the US Palestinian Community Network: The US Palestinian Community Network expresses its feelings of great sadness and grief on the loss of the Palestinian community activist and leader Abu Obeida Abdel-Salam Omran, of the village of Burin, who lived in Houston, Texas. He died on Friday, August 13, 2010 of his injuries suffered as a victim of an attempted robbery at his business in Houston. Two thieves attempted to rob his business and then fatally injured Abu Obeida with their car as they fled. Abu Obeida died in the hospital later that night.
Abu Obeida Omran was always ready to serve his people, standing in the forefront of the defense of the Palestinian people’s rights, particularly the Right to Return. He was a leader in defending the civil and political rights of the Palestinian and Arab community in Texas. He was a leading organizer of the Viva Palestina convoy in 2009, which traveled to Gaza to break the siege and worked to support and welcome Palestinian refugees from Iraq arriving in the United States. He played an active role in building Palestinian community organizations, the right of return movement, solidarity movements with the Palestinian people, and cultural groups, including a popular debkeh troupe. [read full article]
By Paul Mullan, published to the open publishing newswire: On Tuesday August 3rd, U.S. District Court Judge Vaughn Walker struck down the discriminatory Proposition 8, a ballot measure which was passed by voters in California in November, 2008 and which banned same-sex marriages in the state. Walker declared the proposition patently unconstitutional.
In Houston, 100 members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities, and their supporters, came out the next day in front of City Hall to celebrate the victory. Many speakers at the rally noted the the need to continue the struggle.
This shows that the mass upsurge which occurred in the LGBT communities after Proposition 8 passed at the end of 2008 made a difference in how this case was ultimately decided. That upsurge saw hundreds of thousands of people in California and around the country hit the streets in anger and has reenergized the LGBT movements. [read full article]
California coverage from indybay
By John-Michael Torres to the open publishing newswire: Over the last three weeks, organizers from La Union del Pueblo Entero in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas have received more than 30 reports of Border Patrol round-ups and detentions in colonias from Pharr all the way to Mercedes. Colonia residents, many of them either undocumented or with undocumented household members, fear for their families and livelihoods. Many fear leaving their homes. Area businesses have been left deserted. Many have not even wanted to risk going to the area clinic or pharmacy.
This is the first time in recent memory that the RGV has seen widespread round-ups and detentions by Border Patrol so far north of the Rio Grande River. "We have not seen this kind of reaction from Border Patrol in the past," says LUPE Director Juanita Valdez-Cox. People are concerned in a way we haven't seen before either. In response to this general fear felt by LUPE members, the organization called for an emergency meeting between LUPE leaders and lawyer Celestino Gallegos of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid to come up with a plan of action. [Read Full Article]
The Arizona Legislature's passage of SB1070, which expanded police powers to enforce immigration law has lead to huge mobilizations by immigrant rights and civil liberties groups across the country. Reports from Houston, Austin and Arizona:
By John H: On July 24th, Houstonians gathered at Plaza Americas, the old Sharpstown Mall, to express their opposition to Arizona's SB 1070 immigration Bill., and rally in support of the immigrant community in Arizona. [See Photos]
By Matt: A pro-Arizona rally last June which drew 150 people is met with resistance as 150 counter-protesters confront them at the Texas Capitol in Austin. As SB 1070 is scheduled to go into effect this week, I wanted to post this audio diary from last month in Austin. [see photos and audio] Austin solidarity vigil for Arizona
By RoB: I came to Tucson this Monday to visit friends and contribute to organizing against the SB1070 law (which makes law enforcement check the immigration status of people they interact with), and have volunteered some with the work of the We Reject Racism Campaign. This campaign was initiated largely by No More Deaths, a humanitarian and activist organization trying to end the deaths of immigrants in the Sonoran desert. [Read Full Article] Twenty Four Hour vigil against SB1070 kicks off in Tucson | Photos for July 29th Vigil in Tucson against SB1070 | We Will Not Comply! - Video from Direct Action in Tucson against SB1070
From Arizona Indymedia: On July 28th at about 10:00 a.m. Federal judge Susan Bolton issued a preliminary injunction against four provisions included in Arizona's anti-immigrant law, SB1070. Judge Bolton allowed a series of provisions of SB1070 to stand. These provisions will go into effect at midnight TONIGHT. In response to this partial injunction, protest groups have vowed to go forward with their plans for the 29th. [Full Feature]
From the Houston Indymedia Radio Show: Repeal Coalition Organizing Against SB1070 | Immigration Seminar Question and Answer Interview | SB 1070 Shifting Immigration Debate | Puente Leader Salvador Reza Arrested in Arizona by Sheriff Arpaio
Published to the open publishing newswire by Carl Hampton Memorial Committee: Saturday, July 24, 2010 the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Carl Bernard Hampton will be commemorated at 6:00pm at the historic Emancipation Park 3018 Dowling St. Houston , Texas . Special guest speaker will be world renowned Professor Kathleen Cleaver and master of ceremonies will be M1 (Mutulu Olugbala) of the revolutionary hip-hop group Dead Prez. The book entitled: “ARM YOURSELF OR HARM YOURSELF,” by Dr. Charles E. Jones will be released during this monumental weekend. This well researched document gives an account of the People’s Party II/Black Panther Party history in Houston , Texas , as well as antecedents to Black Power era activism in the city. Local activist, organizers, artist and entertainers will participate with national guest and Houston residents in the family friendly activities.
The assassination of Chairman Carl B. Hampton of the People’s Party II, later to become the Black Panther Party in Houston on July 26, 1970 is folklore for some and unknown history for others. The anniversary commemoration activities will help eradicate the void of information on this important part of Houston ’s history. In addition, the diverse activities feature solutions to challenges confronting communities in 2010. All activities for the weekend are free and open to the public with the exception of the stage play, Angola 3.
Houston Indymedia Coverage: A history of People's Party 2 - Houston's Black Panthers (2009) | Carl Hampton Remembered on the 38th anniversary of his assassination (2008) | Memorial service for Carl Hampton (2007) |
Carl Hampton Memorial Committee
by Thorne Dreyer, from The Rag Blog:
Update 8/3: Poet/Political Prisoner Marilyn Buck Dies in New York
Poet and political prisoner Marilyn Buck has been released from a prison hospital in Texas after serving 25 years of an 80-year sentence for crimes related to her actions in support of the black liberation movement. Buck was diagnosed with uterine cancer last December, and that cancer is no longer considered treatable. Buck, who grew up in Austin, became a widely acclaimed and award-winning poet while incarcerated. She has been paroled to New York City.
Marilyn Buck was born in Temple, Texas, but grew up in Austin where her father, the late Louis Buck, was an Episcopal priest and a civil rights activist who was removed from his ministry after he desegregated his congregation. As a student at the University of Texas she became involved in civil rights organizing and in the movement against the war in Vietnam. She was active with the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) and worked with Austin’s underground newspaper, The Rag... [Read full article]
Friends of Marilyn Buck
by John H. published to the open publishing newswire: Houstonians raised the money to buy a bus and send it with the Pastors for Peace 21st Friendshipment Caravan to Cuba. Local folks gathered to decorate a school bus that will be taken to Cuba by the Pastors For Peace. Local supporters have been raising supplies, along with the school bus, that will very soon be presented to the Cuban people. By the time the bus leaves Houston, it will be full of much needed medical supplies, as well as school supplies. Local artist, Emaniah, laid out the design for the painting. Photos
Earlier, folks came out to help raise money for the Pastors for Peace, caravan to Cuba, which will come through Houston next week. Photos
From IFCO/Pastors for Peace: Many of us hoped that President Obama's election would bring about some changes in many aspects of US policy -- including the ending of the illegal, immoral, and internationally condemned US economic blockade against Cuba...But Cuba is still deemed an 'enemy' under the Trading with the Enemies Act. Sales of US products to Cuba are still severely restricted, and sales of Cuban products to the US are absolutely forbidden. Banks and businesses in other countries are still harassed for doing business with Cuba. The travel ban on US citizens visiting Cuba remains. [read full release]
from the TG Center:The afternoon of June 22nd at 1:40 PM, well-known community member Lance Reyna was attacked at knifepoint and left with a concussion. Lance was in a Houston Community College Central Campus 1st floor restroom when a black male with a shaved head said in falsetto, “Hey queer!” and put a knife to his throat. The attacker then told Lance to give him his valuables and then began beating Lance to the ground. Once Lance was on the ground, the attacker began kicking Lance in the head.
Lance was rushed to the emergency room. As of today, Lance is out of the hospital and being cared for by friends and family. The TG Center is taking up a collection to help offset the medical expenses associated with this attack. If you would like to donate, please come by the TG Center or call our helpline at 713-520-8586. Additionally, you can make a donation via Paypal HERE. [Read Full Story]
A diverse Crew from Houston is in Detroit for the US Social Forum. We got here just in time to participate in the opening march and are participating in the first full days of workshops. We'll post more soon, hope to see everyone up here in Detroit. [See Photos] More Photos From the Newswire: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | March on the Detroit Municipal Wast Incinerator
From the Southwest Workers Union: The People’s Freedom Caravan riders gathered in San Antonio in the early dawn hours this morning to embark on their 11-day epic journey to the U.S. Social Forum in Detroit. The “social forum on wheels” has begun, and on the bus together are both new and seasoned organizers, school workers, immigrant rights and environmental justice advocates, independent media-makers, youth and grandmothers.
“We’re on the road again, because there is still so much to fight for,” says Tanya Garduño, who recently returned from the historic immigrant rights marches in Phoenix, AZ. Along their journey, caravanistas will connect with over 100 grassroots organizations, sharing culture, comida, history, and struggles through shared action. They will arrive in Detroit with new relationships and understanding of the work of fellow organizers struggling for indigenous, worker, immigrant, and environmental justice all across the Midwest. [Read Full Article with photo]
The US Social Forum, June 22nd to 26th in Detroit, will provide a space to build relationships, learn from each other's experiences, and share analysis of the problems our communities face. It will help develop leadership, vision, and strategy needed to realize another world.
From the Ad Hoc UH Social Forum Committee to the open publishing newswire: University of Houston students are raising funds to go on the bus to Detroit. We need $6,300.00! Students are excited about going to USSF to gain access to skills, training, networking and inspiration to help us build movements for social justice among young people here in the city of Houston. We are requesting donations and will be hosting a garage sale. [Read the full appeal with info on how to donate]
This Friday, June 11th The Houston Indymedia Radio Show will focus on the US Social Forum. Listen up at 7:30pm on KPFT 90.1fm.
The Houston Israeli Consulate is in a very nondescript gray metallic office building at the corner of Weslayan and highway 59. While it is a weird location to host a protest in that it is totally unclear that the office building contains a consulate, it at least is in a high traffic area, as Weslayan is a major north/south streets on the west side of town, and because one block north of the office building is an Edwards Movie Theater with 24 screens. I had seen hints on facebook that right wing and pro-Israel groups were aware of the candlelight vigil planned by the Houston Coalition for Justice and Peace in Palestine (HCJPP), and were planning to be there as well. When I walked down Weslayan to the consulate I was pleased to see probably 20 or 25 people were there, I was also sort of surprised that there were a dozen or so folks with Israeli flags on the west side of Weslayan.
After talking with some of the folks with the vigil, I saw Israeli flags down at the corner of Weslayan and 59 on the east side of the street where we were. I walked down there and around the corner, and counter about 35 people with Israeli flags, signs saying “I <3 Israel” “Support Israel” and similar signs including ones calling for the US and Obama to stand with Israel and Obama. By the height of the protest, there were probably 60 or so Israel supporters, which is one of the biggest turn outs I can remember at a Houston protest. The crowd attending the vigil for the people killed on the flotilla and in solidarity with the people of Gaza eventually swelled to more than a hundred, probably 120ish folks. We were just must less punctual than than the Israel supporters. [Full article with photos]
indymedia.us coverage of protests across the country More coverage from the newswire: Highlights from the Israeli Consulate Demonstration | Nick Cooper Reports from Outside the Israeli Consulate | Ramzi Kysia of the Free Gaza Movement Talks About the Rachel Corrie Flotilla
by Bob Libal for Grassroots Leadership: Grassroots Leadership today expressed sadness and outrage at the alleged sexual abuse suffered by several immigrant women detained at the T. Don Hutto detention center in Taylor, Texas. A prison guard employed by the Corrections Corporation of America (CCA), a private, for-profit corporation under federal contract to detain immigrant women at Hutto, allegedly assaulted the women. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) disclosed the abuse to advocates on Friday afternoon. The CCA guard allegedly groped several women and solicited sex from at least one woman while transporting them to the airport for deportation.
The T. Don Hutto detention center is a private prison formerly contracted to detain immigrant families, including small children. Last August, in a victory for Grassroots Leadership and our allies, Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced that it would end family detention at Hutto as part of sweeping reforms to the detention system. The facility now detains women apprehended without children, many of whom are seeking asylum in the United States. ICE has held up Hutto as a model detention center. [read full article]
Article on end of Family Detention at Hutto | Houston IMC feature recaping struggle against family detention at Hutto
Breaking News from TEJAS: On May 27th; all 5 arrested individuals were released, four in the early morning, and the last person around noon. They have been charged with criminal tresspass.
by Adrian Boutureira pubished to the open publishing newswire: Today, Chevron changed and bent its own policies and corporate governance laws to once again avoid accountability for its actions across the world. Its reprehensible silencing of 30 voices of dissent from The True Cost of Chevron Network at the company’s annual shareholders meeting, leaves no doubt as to the falsehood of Chevron’s “commitment” to hold an open and inclusive dialogue about their environmental and human rights policies and their consequences on the impacted peoples and communities.
All 30 individuals who were denied their right to participate in the meeting held validly executed proxy statements granting them permission to do so. Almost half of these individuals were indigenous peoples who traveled here from countries as far away as Burma, Australia, Ecuador and Nigeria to express their concerns about Chevron’s policies and consequences directly to shareholders, but only two had the opportunity to do so. To add insult to injury, one of these compañeras was removed from the meeting and arrested after being allowed in just for daring to speak the truth about what Chevron is really doing to her country’s people and land. [Read full article with Photos]
By Rainforest Action Network: Five leaders arrested this morning at Chevron's shareholder meeting. Reverend Davis of Richmond, CA; Juan Parras, Houston of TX; Mitch Anderson of San Francisco, CA ; Antonial Juhasz of San Francisco; Han Shan of New York [read full article]
Background on Chevron from HIMC | From the newswire: Video from Chevron Shareholders Meeting: Interviews with excluded shareholders and arrests | Houston Press Coverage: Chevron Protests Result In Arrests Downtown | Photos from Rainforest Action Network
Houston Indymedia has changed the wording of our Mission Statement, which sits on the about page and serves along with the Action Guidelines as the document new participants sign. The wording of the new statement is:
"The Houston Independent Media Center is an all volunteer collective committed to using media production and distribution as tools for promoting social and economic justice. We seek to provide alternatives to for-profit media not only in our coverage, but also within our collective by implementing consensus based non-hierarchical work-group models of decision making. While focusing on local social movements, we will explore connections to global systems. We believe that by reporting on dissent, by critiquing corporate, government and military domination, and by promoting art, culture and critical thinking through participatory events, we can contribute to the development of an equitable and sustainable society."
Some of the significant changes since the previous Mission Statement from early 2001 includes that we are all volunteers, that we are focusing on social movements, that we reporting on dissent, and that our events are intended to be participatory.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with us at Houston Indymedia, please send an email to: houston at indymedia dot org
Last updated: Wed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800imc-houston
(top)
| 
Rice University Negotiates Secret Deal to Sell KTRU Radio
8/15 Mourning the Death of Abu Obeida
8/10 Proposition 8 Day of Decision Demonstration Celebrates Victory
8/9 Immigration Round-Ups Cause Terror in Rio Grande Valley Colonias
7/28 Mobilizations Take Place Across Texas for Arizona
7/24 Carl Hampton Lives! Commemoration of 40th anniversary of Carl's assassination
7/22 Poet/Political Prisoner Marilyn Buck Freed After 25 Years in Prison
7/17 Houston sends a bus to Cuba with Pastors for Peace Caravan
6/27 Transman Bashed at Houston Community College During Pride Week
6/23 Houstonians join folks from across the nation in Detroit for the US Social Forum
6/8 Houston Mobilizies for the US Social Forum in Detroit
6/7 Candle Light Vigil for Freedom Flotilla is met by Counter Protest
6/2 Sadness, Outrage at Reported Sexual Abuse at Hutto
5/26 Chevron bars shareholders from meeting, 5 arrested
A round up of Houston Indymedia features from 2009
Houston Indymedia Has a New Mission Statement
