Stop CAFTA Coalition members point to the widespread opposition to CAFTA in Central America. A forum in El Salvador last week brought together leaders from labor unions and social organizations across Central America to denounce the agreement and demand that the input of popular sectors be considered. According to one speaker, “CAFTA would consolidate the process of social exclusion, marginalization, and impoverishment in Central America that has been accelerated through other neoliberal policies pushed by the United States.” For further information click here.

In a major defeat for local prison reform and human rights advocates, Governor Kathleen Blanco has re-appointed Richard Stalder as the Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, which controls the largest per-capita prison population of any US state or world nation. Stalder has held the post since Governor Edwin Edwards first appointed him 12 years ago. He is now the sole Edwards appointee remaining in the cabinet. To read on click here.

CIVIL RIGHTS STRUGGLES, YESTERDAY AND TODAY FEATURING long-time civil rights activist MAHDI BRAY FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2004 8:30PM MASJID UR-RAHIM 1238 N Johnson St (At Governor Nicholls street, just off Esplanade Avenue, between Claiborne and Broad) For further information click here.

Aboveground Zine Library & Computer Lab opening on February the 28th at 6:00 pm. The Library is located at 4820 Banks Street Warehouse. Following the opening of the library will be a benefit DJ house music show for Clamor magazine, Food Not Bombs and Iron Cross Bookstore that’s $5. For the full article click here.

National Convergence of Artists, Organizers, and Educators 1-23-04 through 1-25-04 at Tulane, Fredrick Douglass High, and Dillard This past January from the 23rd through the 25th, New Orleans hosted people from all over the nation, Canada, and Mexico for the first ever artists, organizers, and educators’ convergence. Read more.