"Reclaiming Our Democracy: Reforming the Police" Discussion

Saturday, September 9th 2017, from 1-4pm, at the Maggie L. Walker Governor's School for Government and International Study (1000 North Lombardy Street, Richmond VA), the Richmond Peace Education Center ☮ and the ACLU of Virginia are holding a panel discussion about police accountability and transparency in Virginia, and paths to reform. From the event description:

"The panel discussion features expert speakers who will address the need for police reform with an emphasis on policies and practices that enhance professionalism, transparency and accountability. In order to bring about reform, citizens’ voices need to be heard. If you share our concerns about police misconduct, broken windows policing and civil asset forfeiture, we hope you will join us to discuss an agenda for reform."

The event appears to also serve as the ACLU's annual membership meeting, though it is free and open to the public. Attendees must register by August 31st. For questions or assistance, call 804-644-8022 or email acluva@acluva.org. Lot parking is available.

I don't necessarily believe that mere reform of the police is possible or sufficient, but the discussion may be useful to observe even if you don't participate. For more information and instructions on how to register, see the link.

Protest Trump's Racist AG Jeff Sessions

Tomorrow, March 15th 2017, at 9:30am, on the sidewalk outside of the Suntrust Building (919 East Main Street, Richmond VA), the VACOLAO - Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations and a large group of partners and grassroots activists will be holding a demonstration against Trump's Attorney General Jeff Sessions. From the media release:

"Attorney General Jeff Sessions is unfit for his position and unwelcome in Richmond. With his history of voter suppression, opposing civil rights legislation, and denigrating entire demographics of our national population, it is clear that he cannot be trusted to uphold our laws or human rights. We do not believe that AG Sessions has the desire, capacity, or will to act in the best interest of Americans."

The involved organizations include: the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, Virginia Organizing, United Faith Leaders, Together We Will Virginia, Showing Up for Racial Justice SURJ Richmond, Southerners On New Ground, the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter, New Virginia Majority, LWCC - Liberal Women of Chesterfield County, Justice RVA, Indivisible Richmond, ICE Out of RVA, Equality Virginia, and the ACLU of Virginia.

For more information and to RSVP, see this link. Street parking will be limited.