Posted by CODEPINK Staff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


WHAT: CODEPINK to CELEBRATE message of hope, peace promises at President-elect Barack Obama inauguration
WHEN:  Various times, Saturday, Jan. 17 to Tuesday, Jan. 20
WHERE: Various locations throughout Washington, D.C.; CODEPINK Convergence Space (Sidamo Coffee & Tea, 417 H St. NE)

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- CODEPINK women can't wait to dance the "Yes, we can-can" in Washington, D.C. next week.

In the days surrounding the historic inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama, nearly 200 CODEPINK activists from across the country will gather there to CELEBRATE Obama, peace, and hope, and proclaim, "Yes, we can-can live in peace!"

In bright-pink ruffled "can-can" skirts, "Pink Police" and "Waitresses Servin' Up Peace" costumes, they will energize the estimated crowd of two million outside balls, rallies and inauguration events to inspire them and remind Obama of the promises he's made that the world would like him to keep. These "Promises to Keep!" are: End the war in Iraq; shut down Guantánamo; reject the Military Commissions Act; stop torture; work to eliminate nuclear weapons; hold direct, unconditional talks with Iran; abide by Senate approved international treaties. CODEPINK will also hand out to the crowd thousands of pink ribbons that read, "Obama, keep your promises for peace." (Photos of parade-goers with their ribbons will be posted here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/remindobama/).

"At the inaugural, we'll celebrate a grassroots and peace community success and remind Obama of his promises to end the war and restore civil liberties," said Jodie Evans, CODEPINK co-founder. "We know the cost of war in lives, dignity and money. War is SO over."

"We want Obama to not just talk the talk, but walk the walk," added CODEPINK co-founder Medea Benjamin. "And we'll walk beside him, moving him forward."

Many of the CODEPINK women made personal sacrifices to attend the inauguration, taking days off from work, arranging childcare and saving up for plane tickets or gas -- traveling from Seattle, Omaha, Orlando and many cities in between -- eager to join in the same energy and organizing that gave Obama his victory, based on the hard work of millions within the progressive peace and justice movement within the past six years. Many women are active service members, veterans and relatives of American soldiers who've served in Iraq or Afghanistan.

CODEPINK will be spreading its message of hope and change to Obama, inspiring thousands to celebrate his promises, at specific CODEPINK organized events each day between Jan. 17 and 20 (listed below in bold). On Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights CODEPINK women will also gather outside various balls and celebrations can-can dancing and handing out "Promises" ribbons. The CODEPINK calendar is available here, www.codepinkalert.org/inaugurationcalendar, where the downloadable comprehensive Google calendar is available as well.

Saturday, Jan. 17:
- 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. : Banner & prop making, strategy session at CODEPINK Convergence Space.
- 2:30 p.m. (tentative) : Train station action (details TBD) during Obama's arrival at Union Station.

Sunday, Jan. 18:
- 9 to 11 a.m.: Banner & prop making, strategy session at CODEPINK Convergence Space.
- 2 p.m.: Can-can dancing and celebrating at Obama inauguration concert featuring Beyonce, Aretha Franklin. At Lincoln Memorial.

Monday, Jan. 19:
- 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: MLK Day Anti-oppression training and service projects at CODEPINK Convergence Space.
- 6 p.m.: "Send Bush Packing!" CODEPINK Says Goodbye to the Bush Years by sending him off with suitcases, show tunes, and a hearty wave goodbye during the "Sage-ing the White House" event with comedian Kate Clinton, a joyous spectacle of cleansing the White House. At White House perimeter on Lafayette Park side at DuPont Circle.
- 11 p.m.:  Camp-out on parade route (for the "adventurous" who want a route spot!)

Tuesday, Jan. 20:
- 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: CODEPINK activists hand out pink "promises" ribbons to crowd and photograph parade-goers with ribbons and signs along parade route (Specific location TBD).
- 3 to 5 p.m.: CODEPINK celebration at CODEPINK Convergence Space!
- 7 p.m. : Peace Ball! Join CODEPINK women and supporters including Howard Zinn, historian Amy Goodman of Democracy Now, Alice Walker, author ("The Color Purple"); Eve Ensler, playwright ("Vagina Monologues"); Bernice Johnson Reagon, vocal artist; Dick Gregory, political comedian and activist; and performers Michael Franti and Fertile Ground at Smithsonian National Postal Museum, 2 Massachusetts Ave., N.E.

After the inauguration, CODEPINK will continue to hold Obama to his promises through its "War is SO over" campaign, launched in November with a "Let's talk!" initiative for diplomacy first (listen to Evans describe the initiative and her recent citizen diplomacy trip to Iran on Air America radio here). In addition, CODEPINK is launching an online video and Web site, RemindObama.org, to accompany its on-the-ground activities with tools for people to spread the "Promises" message online.

To learn more about CODEPINK's "Yes, we can-can!" plans at the inauguration the week of Jan. 21, to find b-roll or photos, please contact Jean Stevens at 508-769-2138 or email at [email protected].

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CODEPINK is a women-initiated grassroots peace and social justice movement working to end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, stop new wars, and redirect our resources into healthcare, education, green jobs and other life-affirming activities. CODEPINK rejects foreign policies based on domination and aggression, and instead calls for policies based on diplomacy, compassion and a commitment to international law. With an emphasis on joy and humor, CODEPINK women and men seek to activate,  amplify and inspire a community of peacemakers through creative campaigns and a commitment to non-violence. www.codepinkalert.org