From local hearings on land use to health care protests, and everything in between, here's a roundup of some of the most notable activism opportunities happening in NYC in the coming days. As always, feel free to leave anything we've missed in the comments.
Uniform Land Use Review Procedure Public Hearing
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams will host a public hearing Monday night to discuss a number of contentious land use proposals, including the Bedford Union Armory and the Broadway Triangle. Both proposals have come under increased scrutiny from community advocates, who fear such plans could accelerate displacement of local residents. Prior to the hearing, expect multiple protests and rallies on the steps of Brooklyn Borough Hall, featuring a variety of groups including the Broadway Triangle Community Coalition, the Crown Heights Tenants Union, and New York Communities for Change.
Monday, July 10th, 5 p.m. // Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn
Stop The Invasion Of Oil Barges On The Hudson
Despite environmental efforts—and some legislative proposals—aimed at keeping oil barges off the Hudson, the river continues to be used for transporting oil between Albany and the city. On Monday, members of Food & Water Watch, NYC Grassroots Alliance and other environmental advocates will meet to start planning how to take action against these river-threatening crude oil shipments. Those with no knowledge of the subject are encouraged to join, as there'll be an educational component and guest speaker from Riverkeeper. You can also find Food & Water Watch's petition here.
Monday, July 10th, 6:30 p.m. // New York Society for Ethical Culture 2 W 64th St, Manhattan
Upstander Workshop at Jackson Heights Adult Learning Center
Being a good upstander—someone who strategically intervenes or de-escalates a hate incident—takes practice. On Thursday, the Queens Library offers exactly that, with a workshop in "assertive communication skills" and "some physical moves such as 'head blocks' to protect yourself physically, and role play scenarios of harassment and upstander intervention." The workshops are free, and hosted by the Center For Anti-Violence Education.
Thursday, July 13th, 5:30 p.m. // Queens Library 35-51 81st St, Jackson Heights
Die In For Health Care
For all those looking for a new way to protest the GOP's health care bill, the Women's March Alliance will host a "die-in" at Foley Square on Thursday. The silent protest involves lying down on the ground holding a tombstone-shaped sign "with a creative slogan on how the loss of healthcare coverage can lead to the loss of life," according to the event page. Participants are encouraged to make their own signs, though organizers will have some to hand out as well.
Thursday, July 13th, 6:30 p.m. // Foley Square, 111 Worth Street, Manhattan
Fists Up: Fight Back for Sandra Bland
The Peoples Power Assembly and other anti-police brutality activists will stage this rally in tribute to Sandra Bland, the 28-year-old black woman who was found hanging in a Texas jail after being arrested during what started out as a routine traffic stop. The event comes two years after Bland's death, and just a few weeks after charges against the state trooper who arrested her were dropped (in exchange for him agreeing to end his career in law enforcement). Thursday's protest, according to organizers, will memorialize "Sandra Bland and all the Black women and girls we've lost to state violence."
Thursday, July 13th, 6:30 p.m. // Flatbush Avenue and Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn
Rally Against Starbucks on Avenue A
There sure are a whole lot of establishments named Starbucks in this city—about one every 5.6 blocks last time we checked (and yet, no good way to pluralize Starbucks). Another one is set to open up at the intersection of St. Mark's and Avenue A, but proponents of retail diversity are calling on community members to fight back against the ubiquitous chain, and to "stand up for the unique character of the East Village." The rally is organized by the Greenwich Village Society For Historic Preservation and East Village Independent Merchants Association, whose larger mission you can learn about here.
Thursday, July 13th, 5:30 p.m. // 125 St. Mark's Place, Manhattan
While most pride marches happened back in June, there's still at least one major LGBTQ celebration happening in the Bronx. The Bronx Pride Festival & Healthfair comes to the Crotona Park Amphitheater on Saturday, with plenty of performances, music, and much more. Individuals or organizations interested in volunteering can learn more here.
Saturday, July 15th, 12 p.m. // Crotona Park Amphitheater, 559 Claremont Parkway, Bronx
