red bandana – RI Future

June 4, 2016June 4, 2016

Red Bandana Fund to honor local activists Sunday

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The Red Bandana Fund is proud to name Artemis Moonhawk and Sarath Suong and the Providence Youth Student Movement (PrYSM) as the 2016 recipients of the Red Bandana Award. The Award honors individuals and groups whose work embodies the spirit and work of Richard Walton, a longtime activist in the Rhode Island area who died in 2012.

This is the fourth year the awards have been given. Past recipients include:

Eric Hirsch, 2015
The workers at the Renaissance Hotel, 2015
Henry Shelton, 2014
Providence Student Union, 2014
and Amos House, 2013

The Red Bandana Fund was created to help sustain Rhode Island’s community of individuals and organizations that embody the lifelong peace and justice ideals of activist Richard J. Walton. Through the Red Bandana Fund, an annual financial award is made to an organization or individual whose work best represents the ideals of peace and social justice that exemplify Richard’s life work.

Richard Walton had an outdoor party every year, on the banks of the Pawtuxet Cove in Warwick, in which people from all over the country would gather from all walks of life and political activism to raise money for Amos House. He did this every year, on his birthday, up until his death December 27, 2012. The Red Bandana Fund has continued this tradition every year since then.

This Sunday, June 5, between 4 and 7pm, at Nick-A-Nees 74 South Street in Providence, the 4th Annual Red Bandana celebration will be held. There will be food, drink, music and laughter. They were many deserving nominees this year, all of which one could make an excellent argument for winning the award. The awardees for 2016 are:

Artemis Moonhawk, also known as Mama Dreads, founded and runs Mama Dreads Mission of Love, grassroots operation to help the homeless. Amanda Smith, a friend and fellow advocate says, “Artemis
sees the invisible people, feeds them nourishing meals and gives hope and hugs to those who have little or
none.” Colleen Polak, a teacher and friend, says that Artemis “does what we’re all supposed to do; but she
does it reflexively so that while the rest of us are still thinking about it, she has already done it.”

You can find out more about here: Artemis Manie Butti Moonhawk https://www.facebook.com/Mama-Dreads-Mission-of-Love…/

Sarath Suong is Co‐Founder and Executive Director of the Providence Youth Student Movement (PrYSM).
Both he and PrYSM are being honored for their work to mobilize the Southeast Asian communities and
the youth of Providence to stand up for their right to live free from injustices. Most recently, the
organization launched the Community Defense Project to provide free and low‐cost legal help and
counseling for victims of police brutality.

You can find out more about here: Sarath Suong https://www.facebook.com/PrYSMProvidence/

Bill Harley, president of the Red Bandana Fund that oversees the award noted, “Choosing this year’s
awardees was tough. There were many nominations of amazing individuals and groups, each one
deserving of recognition. Artemis and Sarath represent all of the people working to make a better life for
us here in the Rhode Island area. Those of us who remember and were close with Richard Walton know
he would approve.”

The celebration, at Nick‐a‐Nees is open to all, with donations to the Fund accepted. In addition to the
awards ceremony, there will be performances by the Christ Monti Band and the Extraordinary Rendition
Band.

“Last year’s party burst out onto the street with dancing! Harley commented. “It was a true celebration of
Richard, his words and spirit, and the people of Rhode Island who work to make the world a better,
happier place.”

So come this Sunday and join with us as we gather together to honor the past, and the future, in memory of Richard Walton. Buy yourself a an official, Richard Walton, Red Bandana and a beer, as we toast those who have worked for, and continue to work for, social justice in Rhode Island.

See you there.

——

To find out more about The Red Bandana Fund or to make a contribution, click here http://www.soup.org/page1/RedBandana.html.

(Core participants in organizing the event this year include: Rick Wahlberg, Barbara Wahlberg, Karen Malcolm, Jane Murphy, Stephen Graham, Ellen Fingeret, Maggi Rogers, Ed Benson, Zack Mezera, Mary Ann Rossoni, Bill Harley, Jodi Glass, Cathy Barnard & Richard Walton, Jr.)

May 28, 2015May 28, 2015

Red Bandana Fund to honor Eric Hirsch and Renaissance workers this Sunday

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This Sunday, the Red Bandana Fund will award Eric Hirsch and the workers at the Renaissance Hotel Red Bandana Awards for 2015. The Award honors individuals and groups whose work embodies the spirit and work of Richard Walton, a longtime activist in the Rhode Island area who died in 2012. This is the third year the awards have been given.

Past recipients include:
Henry Shelton, 2014
Providence Student Union, 2014
and Amos House, 2013

This Sunday, May 31st, between 4 and 7pm, at Nick-A-Nees 74 South Street in Providence, the 3rd Annual Red Bandana celebration will be held. There will be food, drink, music and laughter. They were many deserving nominees this year, all of which one could make an excellent argument for winning the award. This year’s Awardees are Eric Hirsch and the Renaissance Hotel workers.

Bill Harley, president of the Red Bandana Fund that oversees the award noted, “We’re very excited about the honorees this year. There were many nominations for deserving individuals and groups. Eric and the workers from Renaissance represent all of the people working for a better life for all of us here in the Rhode Island area. Those of us who remember Richard Walton feel he would be very happy that these folks are being honored.”

Eric Hirsch, a professor of sociology at Providence College, is the rare breed of academic who translates his knowledge and research into action in the real world. A tireless advocate for the poor and homeless, he has worked with the RI Coalition for the Homeless on the streets, in the classroom, and in the statehouse, striving to help the less fortunate in our area.

The workers at the Renaissance Hotel, many of them first generation immigrants, have bravely spoken out for their need for a union. Their union organizing has continued for a number of years, despite the resistance of the hotel management. The workers insistence on their right to decent working conditions and a living wage reminds us that all people are entitled to a decent, sustainable life.

“Richard had a party this time every year,” Harley commented, “and what we’re doing is completely in keeping with his words, actions and spirit.”

See you there.

——

To find out more about The Red Bandana Fund or to make a contribution, click here http://www.soup.org/page1/RedBandana.html.

Artwork courtesy of Mary Ann Rossoni http://www.secondstorygraphics.com/

May 5, 2015May 6, 2015

Eric Hirsch, Renaissance workers win Red Bandana awards

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Congratulations to Eric Hirsch, a Providence College sociology professor who works with the homeless, and the employees of the Renaissance Hotel, who have been organizing for better working conditions. Both will be honored with Red Bandana awards this year.

“It’s a huge honor to get an award with Richard’s name on it!” Hirsch wrote on Facebook.

Established last year, the Red Bandana award recognizes Rhode Islanders who exemplify the spirit and commitment of Richard Walton, a beloved local activist who passed away in 2012.

Hirsch is best known for coordinating the annual homeless census in Rhode Island and is vice president of the Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless’ board of directors. In recent years the group helped win passage of a first-in-the-nation Homeless Bill of Rights and more recently the group has won increasing support for ending homelessness in Rhode Island by investing in supportive housing options.

Eric Hirsch, right, at a recent PC rally.

“A tireless advocate for the poor and homeless, he has worked with the RI Coalition for the Homeless on the streets, in the classroom, and in the statehouse, striving to help the less fortunate in our area,” according to a press release announcing the awards.

The Renaissance workers have been embroiled in a several year battle with hotel owners and management for better, healthier working conditions. They have been assisted by Unite Here Local 217, a labor union. This weekend, the workers held a 7am protest outside the hotel, which included music and drums. It rankled both management and hotel patrons. And last year, several Renaissance housekeepers held a hunger strike at the State House and managed to win city support for a $15 minimum wage in Providence.

Renaissance workers stage a hunger strike in front of the State House last spring.

“The workers at the Renaissance Hotel, many of them first generation immigrants, have bravely spoken out for their need for a union,” according to the press release. “Their union organizing has continued for a number of years, despite the resistance of the hotel management. The workers insistence on their right to decent working conditions and a living wage reminds us that all people are entitled to a decent, sustainable life.”

Hirsch and the Renaissance employees worked together just yesterday on campus at Providence College. Both are part of a group trying to get the college to do more to stop racial profiling on campus and stop the college from doing business with the hotel until labor conditions improve.

They will be honored at a ceremony on May 31, at Nick-a-Nees, 75 South St. Providence, from 4 to 7 pm. The event is family friendly. Local bands The Gnomes and Extraordinary Rendition Band will perform.

“We’re very excited about the honorees this year,” said Red Bandana Fund President Bill Harley. “Eric and the workers from Renaissance represent all of the people working for a better life for all of us here in the Rhode Island area. Those of us who remember Richard Walton feel he would be very happy that these folks are being honored.”

April 10, 2015April 12, 2015

It’s Red Bandana nominations and award time

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In honor of Richard Walton... And all others like him that work to improve the human condition. — In honor of Richard Walton… And all others like him that work to improve the human condition.

It’s that time of year again. Time to recognize the unsung heroes amongst us for all the good work they do. To nominate someone, fill out a form on-line here or simply email RedBandanaAward@gmail.com to receive the nomination form via email. The deadline is April 15th.

So we’re asking you to help us decide who deserves that recognition. We are seeking nominations from the community to recognize both unsung organizations, and individuals, that embody the spirit and work of Richard Walton and for the commitment they have shown to making the world a better place. Nominations are now being accepted for anyone you feel worthy of recognition.

We’re also asking that you provide a 1 page description of why they deserve the award. Keep in mind that the committee members may have never heard of the person you nominate so the description you give will be go a long way in determining whether they win the award or not.

The Nominee who wins this year’s award, will receive a cash gift and will be honored at the 3rd annual Red Bandana Celebration at Slater Mill on May 31st at Nick-A-Nees.

So what’s behind all this you ask? It’s all about an old friend who was the epitome of activism in Rhode Island for decades. The Red Bandana Fund was created to honor the memory of long-time, activist Richard Walton who passed away on December 27, 2012, after a long illness, leaving a huge hole in the hearts of the Rhode Island Progressive community.

There is a remembrance post about Richard, published in two parts by RIFuture, here and here. On June 2, 2012, the First Annual Red Bandana Fund Concert was held to raise money for the fund and to give the First Award by the Fund to Amos House, an organization Richard was deeply involved in. Last year, 2 awards were given, one to Henry Shelton, the long-time advocate for the poor in Rhode Island and the other to The Providence Student Union, for their inspiring energy and activism on education issues.

And now is your chance to nominate that unsung hero you have watched give so much to the rest of us. First, submit your nomination. And then second, help us honor the legacy of Richard Walton by coming to the 3rd annual Red Bandana Celebration at Nick-A-Nees on May 31st and lending your support.

Of course, this is just a small token in payment to those we owe it to. But we hope to do this every year and to grow the fund to spread awareness, recognition and appreciation for the people and issues we hold so dear. And we hope you will be become a big part of it. Help us grow the Fund by donating and by joining us at our annual celebration to recognize those who deserve our thanks so much. We’re all in this together. Let’s prove we can make it work.

Contact: RedBandanaAward@gmail.com for nominations

RedBandanafund@gmail.com for information

Please Like us on FaceBook here.

Contribute to The Red Bandana Fund here (click the donate button).

May 31, 2013May 31, 2013

Legacy of an organizer – Richard Walton and The Red Bandana Fund

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A very special event is happening this Sunday, continuing a legacy of community engagement created by the late Richard Walton.

To recognize those who keep working to right what's wrong. — To recognize those who keep working to right what’s wrong.

The 1st annual Red Bandana Concert is being held at 3pm at Shea High School 485 East Ave in Pawtucket. The purpose is to establish The Red Bandana Fund which will give an annual award to those groups and/or individuals that best carry on the ideals of Richard Walton. You can buy tickets here: http://www.soup.org/page1/RedBandana.html

Every summer, Richard would hold a magnificent gathering of community activists, artists, musicians and friends on his birthday at his shoreline house in Pawtuxet. A cigar box was placed on a card table and people were asked to make a contribution to Amos House or the Providence-Niquinohomo Sister City Project. People brought their checkbooks, food, drink, instruments, friends and their children for a full day of fun and companionship. The last party held there was in 2011 where as Richard billed it his 80th birthday Part IV. The year after, Richard did not have the energy to hold it at his house so the last one was successfully held at the Roots Cultural Center. Here’s what he sent me to announce it:

Hi, Steve: I'm so damn disorganized. I've probably already asked you this but I wanted to make sure. You have such a wide circle of friends and I hope you are spreading the word about my 80th Birthday Party, Part V on Sunday afternoon, May 27 at Roots. I just ran out of steam and didn't have the energy to pull together another big party here ... but Bill Harley and Len Cabral had the terrific idea of holding it at Roots, a damn good place. This may well be my Last Hurrah but I didn't want what had become a tradition to end with no notice. I hope it's a success. More details follow ... and I certainly expect to see you there. Thanks for your help. Richard.

This year would have been his 85th birthday. When he passed, numerous people expressed the desire to continue the party both out of respect and to continue to support the causes Richard pushed for his entire life. So on Sunday, the tradition will be reborn with performances from some of Richard’s favorite musicians and a gathering of Richard’s large group of friends. Proceeds will benefit Richard’s organizations with a silent auction and raffle and the sale of actual, Red Bandanas, imprinted with the image of Richard that you see here.

Local musician and two time Grammy winner Bill Harley put it this way:

This Sunday is the first annual benefit concert for the Red Bandana Fund honoring Richard Walton’s life and work. The first Red Bandana Award will be given to Amos House, an organization that truly represents Richard’s spirit and ideals.
If you’re in the Rhode Island area, we’d love you to be there. Richard Walton was one of my dearest friends, and I miss him every day. He was a very kind man, and very supportive, and also resolute in his commitment to the least in our society. The Red Bandana Award will be given annually, and we hope to make the concert annual, too.
My gut feeling on this is that the Award will become a focal point and affirmation of all the incredible work being done in southeastern New England, and will be a way for all of us active in issues of peace and justice to touch base with each other. I think it’s going to be around a long, long time.

I’m sure Richard would have loved this – I only wish he were here to see it.
Come if you can – it will be a great time. And a memorable one, too.

On behalf of the Red Bandana Fund committee, we invite you to come and lend your support for this unique event, the first of what we hope to be many as we continue to honor the life of this remarkable man.

To learn more about Richard Walton, you can read my posts on his passing here http://www.rifuture.org/rip-richard-walton-you-taught-us-how-to-live-part-12.html and here www.rifuture.org/rip-richard-walton-you-taught-us-how-to-live-part-22.html.