Graduation is upon us, so this will be the last activist round-up for a few weeks. All of these events are open to the general public. Congratulations seniors, and good luck!

SINGLE MOTHER SPEAKS ON WELFARE RIGHTS

WHAT: “Leadership, Activism, and Economic Human Rights” WHEN: Monday, May 9, 5:00 pm WHERE: Nelson A. Rockefeller Center at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH

Cheri Honkala was a single mother collecting public assistance in Philadelphia when she founded the Kensington Welfare Rights Union (KWRU). After speaking with other mothers in her situation around North Philadelphia, she realized there was a need for community support and raising awareness on issues related to homelessness, affordable housing, and most importantly economic human rights. The KWRU was Honkala’s effort to join the historic legacy of activists who have attempted to mobilize a mass movement by poor people in the United States so that they might make use of the political power they have by virtue of being US citizens. This discussion will focus on Honkala’s struggles as a leader in under-resourced conditions.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE NATION’S MELISSA HARRIS-PERRY

WHAT: Women of Color Leadership Conference WHEN:  Thursday 5/12, 5:00 p.m. WHERE: University Center Building, Pierson Auditorium, University of Missouri Kansas City, Kansas City, MO

The Nation’s own Melissa Harris-Perry — author, professor and MSNBC News contributor — will be the keynote speaker for the WOCLC for adults at 6:00 p.m. on May 12, with a book signing to follow. Workshops begin at 8:15 a.m.; registration starts at 7:30 a.m. Harris-Perry is author of “Barbershops, Bibles, and BET: Everyday Talk and Black Political Thought.” She is working on a new book – Sister Citizen: A Text For Colored Girls Who’ve Considered Politics When Being Strong Wasn’t Enough – with an expected 2011 release.

SIERRA LEONE REFUGEES ON TOUR

WHAT: Sierra Leone’s Refugee All-Stars WHEN: Tuesday, May 10, 4:00 pm WHERE: KBR, Humboldt State University Campus, Arcata, California

As they languished in a squalid refugee camp in Guinea, the members of Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars, could not have imagined what the future would hold for them. In just five whirlwind years, the group has been the subject of an acclaimed documentary film, toured the world to support a critically revered album, appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show, had their music featured in a major Leonardo DiCaprio film, and shared the stage and studio with Aerosmith, Keith Richards and other international stars. Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars have risen like a phoenix out of the ashes of war and have captivated fans across the globe with their uplifting songs and pure energy live shows. The band is a tangible example of the redeeming power of music and the ability of the human spirit to persevere through unimaginable hardship and emerge with optimism intact.

TAKING NOTE OF NATIONAL PUBLIC GARDENS DAY

WHAT: FREE TOUR: National Public Gardens Day WHEN:  Saturday, May 7, 10:00 am WHERE: NC Botanical Garden Visitor Education Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, N.C.

Join a free hour-long tour of the North Carolina Botanical Garden to celebrate National Public Gardens Day. Walk through a longleaf pine forest in our Sandhills Habitat Garden, a wet savannah in our Coastal Plain Habitat Garden, and a mountain bog in our Mountain Habitat Garden. We will also look at the Carnivorous Plant Collection. Tour begins at 10:00 am in the Pegg Exhibit Hall at the NC Botanical Garden.