For Saturday

Vigil for Trayvon Martin

In response to the recent controversial court ruling that let George Zimmerman walk away a free man, a vigil for Trayvon Martin will be held downtown to call for federal charges against Zimmerman. Part of a nationwide movement called “Justice for Trayvon National Day of Action,” organized by the National Action Network, Seattle will be one of 100 participating cities.

Martin's cousin Cedric Turner will speak at the vigil, along with several other local social justice advocates.

Participants are encouraged to don their hoodies and bring candles and signs to the event.

Justice for Trayvon Martin: National Day of Action Vigils, Sat, July 20, 12 pm, U.S. District Court, 700 Stewart Street, Seattle, WA 98101, free.

For Friday

Apartheid and the Album Graceland

This Friday's Meaningful Movie event features Joe Berlinger’s Under the African Skies. The film follows Paul Simon's 2011 trip to South Africa where his award-winning album Graceland bridged the racial divide among musical artists in the late '80s. 

Released in 1986, Graceland drew inspiration from iconic South African musical artists and styles, stirring controversy because Simon joined with black artists in South Africa who lived under segregationist Apartheid. Simon won a Grammy for Best Album of the Year in 1987, but was later accused of breaking the United Nations’ cultural boycott of South Africa.

Under the African Skies tells the story of Paul Simon's return to South Africa and celebrates the ways music can bring people together, then and now. Watch the trailer here.

Meaningful Movies: Under African Skies, Fri, July 19, 7-9:30pm, Keystone Congregational United Church of Christ, 5019 Keystone Place N, free.

For Thursday

Agree to Disagree

Frustrated by divisive political debate online (sigh), at the bar, or the media?

City Club is hosting a panel on how to manage the stressed out political divide and conduct civil, constructive conversations with people you want to strangle. The lunch event will look political incivility in light of the upcoming election. The audience is encouraged to bring questions about their own experiences, and be civil.

The panel includes Cathy Allen, president and owner of The Connections Group. (and Peter Steinbrueck's consultant) ... Steinbrueck, of course, lashed out at rival Ed Murray in the press yesterday; David Domke, Professor and Acting Chair of the Department of Communication at the University of Washington; Parker J. Palmer, founder and Senior Partner of the Center for Courage & Renewal and author of Healing the Heart of Democracy; and State Rep. Hans Zeiger (R-25, Puyallup), who was attacked as a kooky right winger during his first election, but has emerged as a moderate in the legislature—a go to for activists on higher ed funding and the lone Republican vote on this year's transportation package. 

City Club: Civil Discourse, Thurs, July 18, 12-1:30pm, Town Hall, 1119 8th Ave, $12-$30