Our History and Purpose
June 12, 2022 marks the 40th anniversary of the largest peace demonstration in United States history. On this historic day, one million people marched from the United Nations, filled the streets of New York City, and rallied in Central Park to demand an end to the nuclear arms race.
While the June 12th demonstration anchored the efforts, many other important parts of the mobilization occurred before and after that historic day, including the nonviolent civil disobedience actions at each of the five nuclear nations' missions to the UN on June 14th; a major international conference; an interfaith religious service; and scores of cultural and educational activities.
Throughout these days, people from all over the world spoke with one voice to say "No More Hiroshimas," paving the way for a future without nuclear weapons. Forty years later, we invite you to join us for a series of virtual events to learn from those who organized the June 12th, 1982 demonstration, as well as current activists who continue to work for the total elimination of nuclear weapons.
Sunday, June 12th, 2022 12pm-4pm EST.
Schedule
12:00-12:15: Opening Remarks
(Dr. Vincent Intondi)
12:15-1:30: Session 1: Examining the June 12th, 1982 Demonstration
What happened on June 12th, 1982? How did it come together and what impact did this massive mobilization have? Speakers will address the ways race, class, and gender affected the organizing process, and how cultural and artistic efforts brought a new energy to the work. Looking back forty years is not enough. This session will also address how that experience can help us strengthen today's work to eliminate nuclear weapons, with an emphasis on building a movement that links issues and communities.
(Moderator: Dr. Vincent Intondi, Panelists: Leslie Cagan, Kathy Engel, Rev. Herbert Daughtry)
1:30-1:40 Break
1:40-1:50: Introduction of Concurrent Sessions
1:50-2:50: Concurrent Sessions:
-Race, Class, and Nuclear Weapons: Links in the Same Chain
This session will discuss how the nuclear issue has affected BIPOC since 1945. From nuclear waste, testing, mining, production, and use, nuclear weapons have proven to be inextricably linked to race. Speakers will focus on how this history has been lost, is currently being recovered, and how to build the necessary bridges to organize on multiple fronts. There will also be a discussion on how the nuclear disarmament movement can more thoroughly anchor its work in a commitment to racial, economic, and social justice.
(Moderator: Jim Anderson, Panelists: Pam Kingfisher, Tina Cordova, Dr. Arjun Makhijani, George Friday)
-It Starts in the Classroom: The Importance of Education in the Nuclear Disarmament Movement
From eliminating any discussion of critical race theory, banning books, and the "Don't Say Gay" bill in Florida, our education system is under attack. This session will examine why education and school curriculums are vital for a more just and equal society and how it relates to nuclear disarmament. From the humanities to sciences, students often grow up learning little about the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki or why they should pursue a career in the nuclear field. Speakers will explore how we can improve the education system to address these critical issues.
(Moderator: Kathleen Sullivan, Panelists: Jesse Hagopian, Nathan Snyder, Katlyn Turner)
-Climate Change, Nuclear Weapons, and the Future of the Planet
Climate change and nuclear weapons-two phrases that are often described as the "existential threats of our lives." From the devastating effects of both, to the organizing efforts on each front, these two issues and movements have much in common and are connected in many ways, both big and small. The question then, is how do organizers work together to save this planet and ensure future generations will be able to live in a world where they do not have to fear nuclear war or catastrophic natural disasters that result in a warming planet that is too far gone to save?
(Moderator: Kei Williams, Panelists: Benetick Kabua Maddison, Ramón Mejía, David Swanson)
-Art as Activism, Activism Through Art
On June 12, 1982, and the days leading up to it, art was everywhere. Poets spoke on street corners. Dancers campaigned for nuclear disarmament. Groups and individuals used song, dance, puppets, street theater, and a bevy of other artistic expressions to say no to nuclear war. The role of art has always been and continues to be a central piece of organizing and activism in the struggle for a more just and equal world. This session will look at how art is used for organizing, discussing traditional use of art to new and innovative ways through filmmaking and VR experiences.
(Moderator: Lovely Umayam, Panelists: Molly Hurley, Michaela Ternasky-Holland, John Bell)
2:50-3:00: Break
3:00-3:50: Session 2: Where Do We Go From Here?
How do we talk to people about the real threat of nuclear weapons? How do we connect the nuclear issue with other pressing issues of the day? This session will review some the large, overarching issues that have been explored throughout the day. Speakers will discuss current ways in which people can get involved in the nuclear disarmament movement, and reaffirm our commitment to a planet without nuclear weapons, a planet where peace prevails and justice reigns.
(Moderator: Daryl Kimball, Panelists: Zia Mian, Jasmine Owens, Leslie Cagan, Katrina vanden Heuvel, With a Special Poem From Sonia Sanchez and a short statement from a Hibakusha)
3:50-4:00: Closing Remarks
All Times in EST Time Zone
Event Type: Virtual