May 10 and May 11, 2005: Berkeley and San Francisco, CA, Book Launch.


Book Launch at Cody's bookstore in Berkeley on May 11

Stop the Next War Now editor Medea Benjamin, and authors Alli Starr and Gar Smith gave a phenomenal reading, talk, and book signing at Cody's bookstore in Berkeley, California on Wednesday, May 12th. The audience spilled out of the room into the book section of the store, and more chairs had to be brought in to accommodate all who attended. The peace movement is, of course, alive and well in Berkeley! Alli Chagi-Starr, founder of Art and Revolution, got the crowd to get out of their seats to sing a repeat-after-me song and gave an excellent presentation about the integration of art and activism. Gar Smith, editor emeritus of Earth Island Journal and associate editor of Common Ground magazine, where his article in the book first appeared, spoke about the Nonviolent Peace Force. A representative from this inspiring organization also spoke about the group's actions in Sri Lanka and at home in the US. 

Everyone at the book event feasted on yummy pink cupcakes and guava juice (also pink), and signed up to be on the CODEPINK e-alert list.

 

Medea Benjamin, Alli Starr and Gar Smith.

 

 

Alli Starr addressing the audience.

 

 

 

Gar Smith addressing the crowd at Cody's.

 

 

On Tuesday, May 10, Medea Benjamin gave a book talk at Booksmith in San Francisco.

Bay Area CODEPINK women.

Photo Credit: Rae Abileah