BACP-BLUE Meeting Notes 2-2-26 Attendees: Dean, Doug, Holden, Trish, Richard, Larry and Gayle 1. Discuss the growing movement against ICE in the Brainerd area. Several events in Brainerd and Crosby took place in January to protest ICE repression, violent occupation of Minneapolis, the ICE murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, and the ICE/Crow Wing County Sheriff Office raid on the El Potro restaurant in Brainerd and ICE detention of four El Potro employees. BACP-BLUE endorsed the Friday, January 30, nationwide shut down protesting repression. Saturday, Jan 10th-Pot luck hosted by DSA at UCC. Protest followed addressing issues around Venezuela called by BACP/BLUE. About 80 protesters turned out representing various issues. Saturday, Jan 24th-Demo outside the jail called by Indivisible to protest CWC sheriff's contract with ICE to hold detainees. Over 300 people attended. Monday, Jan 26th-Raid on El Potro restaurant and all employees detained. Tuesday, Jan 27th-Candle light vigil at the restaurant called by pastor of UCC. Friday, Jan 30-Walk out by 90 high school students who marched to the jail. Also a bike ride in Crosby in remembrance of Alex Pretti. Saturday, Jan 31- 35 people at Crosby for ICE out rally. Held at Red Raven coffee shop corner and they are very welcoming. Members have seen a gentleman on the 6th and Washington corner more than once with a message of, 'MN knows how to deal with ICE' 2. Review the Friday, January 16, "Kiss the Ground" film presentation and discussion in the Brainerd United Church of Christ Film described as 'well done' and 'excellent'. Seemed dated given the current climate but was made in 2020. Good discussion following. Saturday, January 31, "The Light Won't Dim" film presentation and discussion in the Brainerd public library. Low attendance (5) possible due to many scheduled activities that day but a new member, Karen, added to our listserve. 3. Plan the upcoming BACP-BLUE Gaza peace vigil scheduled for Saturday, February 7. The Gaza peace vigil will be held at the intersection of Sixth and Washington Streets, Brainerd, across from the historic Brainerd water tower. The vigil is scheduled to last from 1 to 2 pm. Discuss Larry's proposal to make it a dual Gaza peace vigil/anti-ICE vigil (i.e. demand the end of the Israeli occupation of Palestine and the end of the ICE occupation of Minnesota.) After discussion, it was decided that the protest on the 7th would focus on the Palestinian cause and ICE out. 1 pm at 6th and Washington. BACP will also host a protest on Saturday, February 21st with a 'Hands Off' theme. 6th and Washington, 1 p.m. All are welcome. Doug will call UCC to see if we can have a sign making event from 12-1. 4. Discuss plans to possibly host an online concert and discussion with English-Nicaraguan musician Paul Baker Hernandez later in February. Paul said he would be available any day in February for the online concert and discussion. Discuss possible dates for the concert and discussion and come up with the date which works the best for the most people. Discuss a donation to help Paul with his peace and environmental work. Paul suggested holding a test run before the concert and discussion. Discuss who would like to join Paul for the test run. The date for this was set for Monday, February 23. Time TBD but will last about 1.5 hours. We need to find someone with unlimited zoom so Doug will pursue this with a current member and with BLA DSA. It was decided to give Paul a $100 donation from the organization and Larry will research the best way to get money to him. 5. Discuss the upcoming BLA Indivisible Power of the People Presidents Day rally on Monday, February 16. The rally will be held at the intersection of Sixth and Washington Streets, Brainerd, across from the historic Brainerd water tower. The rally is scheduled to last from 2 to 2:30 pm. There will be a follow-up discussion in the Brainerd UCC from 2:30 to 3:30 pm. Focus seems to be federal corruption and the threat of facism. 6. Decide whether BACP-BLUE will renew our Adopt a Highway section. The renewal would last for two years. Larry and Gayle are the new BACP-BLUE contacts with MN DOT for the Adopt a Highway program. We will continue to do this and Larry has taken care of the required paperwork. Treasurer's Report--- The Fair Board continues to require liability insurance for $1-2 million for entrants for a booth. BACP/BLUE will not apply for 501c3 and will not be at the fair if this stands because they cannot get insurance if they are not an official organization. We have $833.03 in our account. Added to agenda: DFL caucuses are tomorrow night. Gayle and Larry saw a film in Minneapolis that was excellent and will probably be available for showing this spring. It's called 'Earth's Greatest Enemy' and it is about the environmental catastrophes caused by the military. Urged BACP/BLUE to try and arrange a showing.