Alaska Peace Center Committed to nonviolent conflict resolution, working for peace within ourselves, our community, and our world

Placing the Chris White Memorial Paver

On the lovely afternoon of Sunday, September 27, the APC Board met to place a memorial paver for former board member Chris White in the Laborer’s Local 942 Memorial Park at the Laborer’s Hall on Davis Road. Lee Stockwell, Chris’s wife of 46 years, also attended. Chris’s energy and infectious enthusiasm for progressive causes were an inspiration to many of us and will not be forgotten. He worked hard in support of the Peace Center, Fairbanks Open Radio (KWRK LP-FM 90.9), the IWW, and many other groups working to make the world a better place. The paver now joins the unmarked tree that was planted in remembrance of Chris at the Laborer’s Hall, where Chris fought long and hard for fairness and justice for rank and file union members. Chris passed away in 2016 and we still miss him. His obituary can be read here.

Placing the Memorial Paver for Chris White at the Laborer’s Local 942 Memorial Park

Chris White’s memorial paver

Silent vigil in remembrance of the first strike use of nuclear weapons against Hiroshima, Japan

Veterans Memorial Park, 700 Cushman Street

Thursday, 6 August 2020, at 12:00 noon

On August 6 seventy-five years ago the United States dropped the first atomic bomb to ever be used in warfare on the civilian population of Hiroshima, Japan. This ultimate result of the Manhattan Project ushered in the atomic age, where humanity became capable of destroying itself. Join us at noon for a silent vigil to commemorate this tragic loss of life and to contemplate the continuing threat that the world’s arsenals of nuclear weapons hold for life on earth.

Hiroshima, August 1945

Masks and social distancing appreciated.

Before noon August 6, 1945 1,700 m from the hypocenter Hirano-machi. On a road leading to Miyuki Bridge. Drawn by Fujita Makiko (20 at time of bombing, 49 at time of drawing)

Organized by Veterans For Peace Chapter 100 in Juneau, the Alaska Peace Center, and North Star Veterans For Peace Chapter 146 (Fairbanks).

The drawing to the right is from the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum’s collection of artwork by hibakusha (atom bomb survivors) decades after the explosion. Following are the artist’s notes about his drawing: “I clearly remember this scene where students were walking while helping their teacher; they were holding the arms of the teacher from both sides and saying to him, ‘Hold on please.’ The students’ conditions were more pitiful than the teacher who was somehow wearing clothes, but he was blinded.”

Many people are familiar with the story of “Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes” by Eleanor Coerr. This story inspired the profoundly moving song “Cranes Over Hiroshima” written and sung by Fred Small.

Our monthly meeting will be held via Zoom at 7:00 pm on Thursday evening, May 7, 2020. The agenda is here.

If you have trouble with Zoom or need more info, contact Alan Batten via email or at 907-488-3205

Potluck and Community

Alaska Peace Center Office

3535 College Road, Suite 203

6:00 to 8:30 pm, 27 February 2020

The movie “Lighter thanOrange” was made in 2015 and consists of a number of interviews of Vietnamese soldiers talking about their experiences during the “American War” and dealing with the effects of Agent Orange afterward. Or, we’ll watch another of our numerous movie choices, as decided by attendees. Potluck at 6:00, movie starts at 7:00.

APC Monthly Meeting

8:30 am (that’s morning!!) Thursday, March 5

APC Office, 3535 College Road Suite 203

All welcome! Shall we work to get our local governments to join the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons? Many cities worldwide, including Anchorage here in Alaska, have done so.

You’re invited!

Help us plan and educate about peace, justice, and sustainability.  All welcome.

At our first meeting of 2020, rescheduled to Sunday, January 5th, starting at 7:00 pm at the Alaska Peace Center office (shared with our associate Fairbanks Open Radio, KWRK-LP 90.9FM), 3535 College Rd, suite 203 above Fuji restaurant. We will be planning our parts in Earth Day 50 and in Point Hope – Alaska’s Youth Congress For the Global Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, possible films & presentations, our 8th Annual Peace Feast and more.

Join us; bring your ideas and energy.  For more information email info@alaskapeace.org or call Heather at 907-479-0981.