Friday 12/20 – Thursday 12/26
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Since 1996 the Chicago-based peace group Voices in the Wilderness has sent nearly 50 delegations to Iraq to witness the effects of UN economic sanctions and illegally deliver medicine and other supplies. Last month the U.S. government fined the group $20,000 for exporting goods without a license, but VITW has no intention of paying up. Instead the group hopes to raise that amount and use it to purchase more medical supplies. Cocoordinator Danny Muller will speak and show recent documentary footage from Iraq at tonight’s Peace Awareness Benefit; proceeds will go to VITW and the Iraq Peace Team, a group of activists living in that country who plan to stick around in the event of war. It’s from 9 to 2 at the Heartland Cafe, 7000 N. Glenwood (773-465-8005); the bands Ami Saraiya, Aman, and Homeland Security will play. The suggested donation is $10. For more information go to www.nonviolence.org/vitw/ or call 773-784-8065.
21 SATURDAY Kwanza starts Thursday, December 26, but this weekend WVON (1450 AM) is hosting a free pre-Kwanza celebration that’ll include talks by comedian and civil rights activist Dick Gregory (today at 1) and recent NPR addition Tavis Smiley (tomorrow at 2). There will also be panel discussions on adoption, tactics for bridging generation gaps, and consumer support for black-owned businesses, plus workshops, spoken-word performances, food, a holiday marketplace, and a performance by students from the Betty Shabazz International Charter School. It’s from 11 to 7 today and Sunday, December 22, at the South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Dr.; call 773-247-6200.
25 WEDNESDAY The Lincoln Park Zoo is open every day of the year and draws a fair number of people each Christmas, from those who don’t celebrate to families walking off roast goose and figgy pudding. The grounds are open from 8 to 6 and the buildings from 10 to 4:30 today. “ZooLights”–a holiday spectacle that includes animated light displays, a laser show, carousel and train rides, ice carving, and a Santa’s workshop–runs Thursdays through Sundays until January 5; admission is $8, $6 for kids ages four through twelve. The zoo’s at 2200 N. Cannon (Lake Shore Drive and Fullerton) in Lincoln Park; call 312-742-2000.
