Phyllis Bennis is an American writer, policy analyst, and lifelong activist known for her focus on Middle East and United Nations issues. She directs the New Internationalism Project at the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington, DC, and is a fellow of the Transnational Institute. Bennis has been deeply involved in peace and Palestinian rights movements since her activism during the Vietnam War. In 2001, she helped found the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights, and has since served on the boards of Jewish Voice for Peace and the Afro-Middle East Center in Johannesburg. Her journalism background includes a decade reporting from the UN and she has informally advised top UN officials on Middle Eastern affairs.
Bennis is a prominent critic of U.S. foreign policy, Israeli occupation, and militarism, advocating for Palestinian rights and democratization of the UN. She has authored over a dozen books, including primers on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, and the broader “war on terror.” Bennis is a frequent media commentator and speaks regularly at events globally. She continues to write for outlets such as The Nation, Al Jazeera, and The Guardian, contributing to education and activism on peace and justice issues worldwide
D. Colin is a Haitian American multidisciplinary artist whose work bridges poetry, visual art, and theater. Based in Troy, NY, she is renowned for her vital voice in championing marginalized communities and fostering healing through storytelling and creative expression. Colin is the author of two poetry collections, "Dreaming in Kreyol" and "Said the Swing to the Hoop," both exploring themes of race, heritage, womanhood, and hope. She is the founder and host of "Poetic Vibe," a celebrated weekly open mic event that has cultivated a vibrant local community of poets and performers since 2016.
A Cave Canem, VONA, and New York State Writers Institute fellow, Colin holds degrees in English and Africana Studies. Her passion for education extends beyond her own practice; she regularly leads creative writing workshops for youth and adults, emphasizing discovery and empowerment through poetry. Her performances are described as dynamic and electrifying, leaving audiences moved and inspired.
Colin’s visual art has been exhibited across the Capital Region, often reflecting her Haitian background and commitment to cultural celebration. Her projects include original plays and community theater acting. Numerous organizations have honored her, including being named Resourceful Woman of the Year in the Arts by YWCA-GCR and among “Creatives Under 40” by The Collaborative.
Guided by the mantra “Be inspired. Then inspire,” D. Colin uses her talents to uplift others, foster dialogue, and create spaces for healing and growth through art.https://3.dev.bwma.info/users/steve-wickham
Kathy Manley is a prominent New York-based civil rights attorney, renowned for her focus on criminal defense and constitutional law. Admitted to the bar in 2001 after a unique clerkship path, Manley established her reputation at Kindlon Shanks & Associates before becoming a solo practitioner in 2016. She concentrates on appellate work and has argued and won significant cases, notably People v. Diack, which helped strike down county and local sex offender residence restrictions across New York State.
Beyond her courtroom achievements, Manley is a dedicated advocate for justice and civil liberties. She collaborates with numerous organizations, including Project SALAM, the Muslim Solidarity Committee, the National Lawyers Guild, and serves as Chair of the Legal Committee for the National Coalition to Protect Civil Freedoms. She’s also Vice President of the Albany chapter of the New York Civil Liberties Union.
Her commitment has been recognized through multiple awards, such as the Carol S. Knox Award (NYCLU Capitol Region, 2015), the Service of Justice Award (NYS Defenders Association, 2013), and the Ed Bloch Voices that Challenge Award (NYS Interfaith Alliance, 2009). Manley’s work is marked by meticulous preparation, compassion for clients, and relentless pursuit of justice, earning her a reputation as a principled and effective legal advocate.
Brian Terrell has been a peace activist for almost 50 years, since 1975 when he joined the Catholic Worker movement in New York City at the age of 19. There he had the privilege to pray and work with Dorothy Day in the last years of her life and was an associate editor of The Catholic Worker newspaper. Since 1986, he and his wife Betsy have lived at Strangers and Guests Catholic Worker Farm in Maloy, Iowa, where they raised two children and support themselves by small scale agriculture and hand crafts. Over the years, Brian has participated in anti-nuclear, anti-war and human rights protests around the United States, Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, the United Kingdom and Europe.
In 2009, he took part in the first protest of drone assassinations at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada and from 2010 to 2018, he made annual visits to Afghanistan. Each year since 2019, he has traveled to Europe to take part in the campaign to end nuclear weapons “sharing” arrangements between the U.S. and NATO nations. He has spent more than 2 years in jails and prisons and has been expelled from four counties as a result of these protests. Brian is currently a coordinator for the Nevada Desert Experience. His writing has been published in The Catholic Worker, U.S. Catholic, The National Catholic Reporter. Counterpunch and other publications.
Born in Cornwall in 1953, Pippa Bartolotti was a misfit at school, but a budding pianist. She blossomed at art college and became a London fashion designer of some repute.
By 1991, she had founded and managed two of her own companies, made the shift into electronics, and moved to Wales where her family would experience the joys of a country life. Directorships of companies in electronics and software followed. She took early retirement to explore different cultures and has lived in Cuba, backpacked round India, and driven a convoy of humanitarian aid from Wales, across Europe to Gaza.
Whilst attempting to enter Bethlehem, she was arrested by Israeli security and imprisoned in Givon Prison, Ramla. Pippa Bartolotti became leader of Wales Green Party in 2011. From her early days as a Samaritan to a UK speaker for Amnesty International, she has consistently campaigned for the rights of the oppressed.
A published author, Pippa Bartolotti works with the themes of climate change and human rights, and sticking closely to the science, challenges the destructive political trajectory laid out before us. Her 6th published book, and final part of The Symmetries Trilogy will be launched on 21st July 2025. She continues to travel widely and currently splits her time between the UK and the USA.
Jeid Ebanks is a dedicated nurse, poet, and activist known for her commitment to global health and social justice.
Based in Albany, New York, Jeid has used her medical expertise and compassionate spirit to aid those in crisis, volunteering her nursing skills in challenging environments such as Gaza and the West Bank. Driven by a deep sense of empathy, she traveled to Palestine to support local healthcare efforts and provide hands-on care to civilians affected by conflict. Beyond her nursing work, Jeid is also a talented poet and outspoken advocate for marginalized voices, especially within communities of color.
She is an active member of grassroots initiatives that create safe spaces for people to share their histories and express themselves freely. Through both her medical and artistic contributions, Jeid uplifts stories often left unheard and seeks to build bridges across cultural divides. Her personal journey is shaped by resilience, purposeful activism, and a belief in the transformative power of care—both in physical healing and through the written word. Jeid continues to inspire others by sharing her experiences on platforms such as local radio and social media, demonstrating unwavering dedication to making a difference wherever she is needed most.
Sana Wazwaz is a Palestinian-American writer, theater artist, and organizer best known for her passionate advocacy for Palestinian rights. She serves as the Chapter Lead of American Muslims for Palestine Minnesota (AMP-MN), where she directs educational campaigns and grassroots actions to end US complicity in Israeli colonization. In 2022 and 2023, Wazwaz led the National Israeli Date Boycott Campaign, where she mobilized consumers and businesses across the country to boycott Israeli occupation dates. She was also one of the leading organizers who mobilized for the passage of the historic Minneapolis Ceasefire Resolution, the first in the country to call for an end to US aid to Israel.
Wazwaz was a member of New Arab American Theater Works’ National Playwright Incubator Program, where her debut play, "Birthright Palestine," was developed and subsequently performed in the 2023 Playwright Showcase. Her poetry and essays on Palestine have appeared in the Ghassan Kanafani Arts Anthology, Overtly Lit, Water~Stone Review, Hayden's Ferry Review, and the Colorado College Fine Arts Center.
Her creative nonfiction essay, "How to Say Survival in Latin," which chronicled her struggles organizing against genocide as a college student--was nominated for Best American Essay 2025. Wazwaz leverages her skills as both a performer and public speaker, regularly delivering presentations and workshops on challenging Zionist narratives and empowering Palestine activists. Through her artistic and organizing work, she works to dismantle Zionist narratives and amplify Palestinian resilience and joy.
Terri Roben is a veteran folk singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from New York's Capital District. She plays guitar, banjo, ukulele, and mountain dulcimer, performing for audiences of all ages across a range of venues—cafes, libraries, festivals, rallies, and schools. Terri’s wide repertoire includes folk, blues, rockabilly, jug band, and children's music. Her artistry and passion have led her to collaborate with various ensembles, notably the trio "Dangerous on Decaf," and to help found groups like Roben Kosek Jazz & Blues.
Terri is celebrated for her 35+ years of work in children’s music and movement, teaching and performing throughout the region’s schools, summer camps, and community events. As a dedicated activist, she has performed at union rallies and social justice events, including demonstrations and peace gatherings. She is also involved in professional organizations such as the Albany Musicians Association, The People’s Music Network, and The Children’s Music Network. Terri has produced original recordings for both general and young audiences, with projects like "Riverwalk & Other Songs" and "The Path We Make" showcasing her songwriting and collaborative spirit.
Known for blending accessible performance with community values, Terri Roben embodies the region’s folk music traditions while fostering the next generation’s love of music
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