The next few days should be exciting ones for local liberals and Music City’s peace-and-love set. We have the continued visit of the Nuns on the Bus, the usual prog meetups and activist meetings, bilingual family fun courtesy of Workers’ Dignity, and a big weekend dose of African art and culture. (And don’t forget: Peace Day is next Monday.) Interest piqued? Read on for event info.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 17
- The Nuns on the Bus, in Nashville this week to advocate for social justice, continue their visit with a stop at Thistle Farms-Magdalene, the shared trade marketplace at 5122 Charlotte Pike, 37209. According to the group’s mission statement, the sisters are following “Pope Francis’s radical call to change our politics, not just our policies. We must seek out the stories in our midst and share them. We must demand a new political reality. We must help our nation bridge the divides that harm us.” Meet these neato nuns Thursday at 10 am.
Amnesty International holds its regular meetup at Nashville’s Friends Meeting House Thursday at 6 pm. Attendees will discuss international political prisoners and human rights issues. Get more info via the website. The gathering takes place at 530 26th Ave. N, 37209.- Thursday is the third in September, which means Nashville’s Workers Center has work to do. From 6-9 pm, Workers’ Dignity gathers for Know Your Labor Rights workshops and to help area workers fighting wage theft. The meeting — another takes place on the fourth Thursday of the month — at 3013B Nolensville Pike, 37211. Get further details by calling 615-669-6679 or by visiting the group Facebook page.
- This solitary prog is not a drinker, but if I were, this event would call my name. Hang with other area progressives to imbibe, converse, and sigh with relief in knowing that you are not alone in Red Tennessee. The original Nashville Drinking Liberally takes place at the Flying Saucer every Thursday at 6:30 pm. The bar is at 111 10th Ave S #310, 37203. For more information, contact nashville@drinkingliberally.org.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 18
- UPDATED: The three-day African Street Festival comes to Music City’s Hadley Park for its 33rd year starting Friday at 5 pm and continuing 11 am-9 pm Saturday and Sunday from 11 am-8 pm. The family-focused event, hosted by the nonprofit African-American Cultural Alliance, is Nashville’s longest-running cultural event. Come and experience attractions including the Children’s Pavilion (featuring arts and crafts, drumming, dance, and storytelling); authentic food from African nations, the US and the Americas, the Caribbean, and other places around the world where African representation lives; awesome music covering African, Reggae, Latin, R&B, Jazz, Gospel, Neo-Soul, Country, Blues, and more; and the new African Pavilion. Friday kicks off with the Opening Night World Music Block Party, including a fashion show and music from artists including soul-reggae band MD and Cobalt Blue and Haitian artist Jo’shua Odine. You will have a blast. Hadley Park is at 1037 28th Ave. N, 37209.
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Also starting at 5 pm Friday: Middle Tennessee State University’s Fall Lyceum. The Murfreesboro-based college hosts a sure to be fascinating lecture by author and Vanderbilt University professor Lisa Guenther. She will speak on the topic of “From Solitary Confinement to Solidarity: Phenomenology as a Practice of Liberation.” The event will be held at in the College of Education, Room 164. The school is at 1301 E. Main St., Murfreesboro, 37130. An informal reception will follow the presentation at the home of Professor Michael Principe. To RSVP, visit the Facebook events page.
SATURDAY. SEPT. 19
- Get your Saturday off to a sustainable start. The Edgehill Free Store is on from 9 am until noon, providing Nashvillians with a way to reduce, reuse, recycle, and save money. Everything here — kitchen tools, small appliances, electronics, bedding, kitchen & bath linens, toys, books, personal hygiene items, and cleaning supplies — is available for free. You can even help the effort by donating your no longer needed household items. The store is held at 1502 Edgehill Ave., 37212, on the first and third Saturday of each month. Breakfast is provided too.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 20
- Bring your spouse, kids, grandparents, aunties, pals and associates to the 2015 Workers’ Dignity Family Day. The end-of-summer event allows local progs to gather together for fun and fellowship in the beautiful outdoors. The event is a potluck, so bring edibles to share; a grill will be available. There will also be a soccer game to raise funds for the good works of Workers’ Dignity/Dignidad Obrera. RSVP via the Facebook events page and post what you will bring for the potluck. The event starts at 11 am Sunday at Percy Warner Park, 7311 Route 100, 37221.
