March 2008 Archives
Freedom Space: A Night of Spoken Word and Music in Solidarity with People in Iraq.
When: Friday March 14th - 7:00 p.m. at the Meg Perry Center (644 Congress St., Portland)
On March 14th, 2008 a collective of organizations are hosting Portland's second 'Freedom Space' gathering, which is happening in conjunction with a week of anti war actions and events throughout the state of Maine. Freedom Space is designed to create an open forum for local poets, musicians and performers who are deeply concerned about the current war in Iraq.
Freedom Space events in Portland were inspired by a recent visit to Maine by Yanar Mohammed, Iraqi peace activist and founder of the Organization for Women's Freedom in Iraq.
"Freedom Space was inspired by the original FS that occurred in Baghdad, which has grown and expanded in Iraq, crossing sectarian divides and creating an all inclusive safe space for freedom of expression and ideas," stated Anna Korsen, USM student and Freedom Space organizer. "This is a chance for us to peacefully support Iraqis who risk their lives to make their voices heard."
The first Freedom Space, hosted at the North Star Cafe on February 1st, gathered over 100 people who heard 15 local poets and performers, including Samuel James, Say Love, Juba, and Monique Bidwell. The overwhelming outpouring of support inspired organizers to plan continuing Freedom Space gatherings in Portland, with a new line- up of over a dozen performers, followed by an open mic.
Freedom Space is part of a series of events during the week of March 13 - 20th to resist the current war and occupation in Iraq, which will mark 5 years on March 19. Other events include a noon rally in Monument Square on March 15th, followed by a teach- in at the SPACE Gallery at 2PM, which are part of actions in every county in Maine under the banner 'From Every Village Green,' www.everyvillage-me.us.
Sponsoring organizations of 'Freedom Space' include the League of Young Voters, Peace Action Maine, the Meg Perry Center, Amistad Arts Collective, Port Veritas, Local Sprouts Cooperative Catering, and the USM Multicultural Center.
For more information, please visit www.freedomspaces.org or call 207 772 0680
