Saturday 5/19
When TV journalist Jack Hamann was covering the expansion of a sewage-treatment plant at Discovery Park, a ranger told him about an odd headstone. It was from 1944, when the park was known as Fort Lawton. Hamann investigated and stumbled upon wartime racial dynamics, army incompetence, and the unsolved murder of Italian POW Guglielmo Olivotto. In his book, On American Soil: How Justice Became a Casualty of World War II, Hamann reveals that three African American soldiers were accused of the murder despite no evidence linking them to the crime. Sat., May 19, 2 p.m., Seattle Public Library, Ballard Branch, 5614 22nd Ave. NW.
The Black Child Development Institute and Praxis Institute host the conference Eliminating the Pipeline: From School to Prison. Councilmember Larry Gossett and Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome author Dr. Joy DeGruy-Leary will give keynote speeches. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., African American Academy, 8311 Beacon Ave. S.
University of Washington professor and translator of Walter G. Andrews reads from his newest project — a translation of the highly praised contemporary Turkish poet Hilmi Yavuz. Seasons of the World is 87 pages on our natural surroundings, difficulties expressing ourselves in language and culture, and love of the earth and each other. 4:30 p.m., Elliott Bay Book Company, 101 S. Main St.
Sofia Smallstorm screens her film 9/11 Mysteries Part 1: Demolition, which examines the destruction of the Twin Towers and the purported explanations. 1-5 p.m., Keystone Church, 5019 Keystone Pl. N. Info: www.911mysteries.com.
Sunday 5/20
Associate Editor of the Black Commentator and founder of the Haiti Information Project Kevin Pina screens and discusses his recent film Haiti: We Must Kill the Bandits. Pina’s writings and documentaries reveal the human rights abuses and suppression of democracy following the overthrow of elected President Jean Bertrand Aristide. Noon, Bethany United Church of Christ, 6230 Beacon Ave. S. Info: (206)725-7535.
Tuesday 5/22
As the classic American musical West Side Story marks its 50th anniversary, the continuing relevance of gang violence and youth alienation have catalyzed a series of community conversations for all ages. Join Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske, child behaviorist Eric Trupin, and child welfare advocate Bobbe Bridge for The West Side Story Project. Tickets $5. 7:30 p.m., Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave.
How severe is the threat of a nuclear Iran? Christopher Preble, director of Foreign Policy Studies at the Cato Institute, delivers his lecture Iran: The Grand Bargain. He argues that the danger is immediate, and instead of remedying the situation, the U.S. has painted itself into a dangerous corner. Preble will shed light on how methods such as economic sanctions and “preventative” strikes are futile, and will present an alternative route for clearing this frightening impasse. Tickets $10 World Affairs Council Members, $15 general. 7 p.m., Broadway Performance Hall, 1625 Broadway.
Wednesday 5/23
Andrew Lam’s writing picks at his doubleness: he grew up as both an American and a Vietnamese soldier’s son. He will read from his book Perfume Dreams, which focuses on the significance of the Vietnam War to the people who once lived there. 7 p.m., Seattle Library, Central Branch, Microsoft Auditorium, 1000 Fourth Ave.
Thursday 5/24
William Langewiesche takes on the proliferation of nuclear weapons in his sixth book, The Atomic Bazaar. He examines the chances and consequences of nuclear terrorism and why we must avoid another Hiroshima and Nagasaki. 5:30 p.m., Elliott Bay Book Company, 101 S. Main St.
Lindsay Palmer of the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center and Merrill Cousin of the King County Coalition Against Domestic Violence engage in a frank talk about sexual assault and domestic violence in Seattle. 6:30 p.m., Asian Art Museum, 1400 E. Prospect St.
Calendar compiled by Dena Burke. Have a suggestion for an event? Email it to calendar@realchangenews.