Standing Together RVA Community Gathering

Sunday, December 4th 2016, from 3:30-5pm, at Third Street Bethel AME Church (614 North 3rd Street, Richmond VA), several religious and community groups are partnering to hold a non-political event to discuss the recent rise in hate speech and bias. 

From the organizers: "This gathering is an opportunity to stand together with those who have increasingly been targeted and marginalized, and to demonstrate concern about the recent rise in hate speech, bias, and division. The program will include speakers, sharing, and small group dialogues. Note that this is not a political or partisan event, but will focus on our common values and commitment to standing together."

Organizers of this effort include representatives from Bon Secours Richmond Health System, the Interfaith Council of Greater Richmond, Richmond Hill, Richmond Peace Education Center ☮, St. Paul's Episcopal Church (Richmond, VA), St. Philip's Episcopal Church, Temple Beth-El, Unitarian Universalist Community Church, Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, Virginia Council of Churches, Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, and the Virginia Muslim Coalition For Public Affairs.

Free, open to the public (seating limited to the first 400 attendees) For more info and to RSVP, see this link. To add this event to your Google calendar, click here. 

Richmond Mayoral Candidate Debate on Criminal Justice Issues

Thursday, October 13th 2016, from 7-9pm, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church (Richmond, VA) (815 East Grace Street), Richmond Justice is holding a mayoral debate on issues of criminal justice. All candidates will attend. From the organizers:

“Moderated by University of Richmond historian Julian Hayter, the debate will push candidates to distinguish their views from one another as they tackle tough questions about the justice system in Richmond. Individuals previously profiled by Richmond Justice will ask the candidates questions on a variety of topics: juvenile justice, homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse, and the challenges formerly incarcerated individuals face in securing employment and stability. The public will also have a chance to submit questions.”

Richmond Justice (richmondjustice.org) is a year-long project examining the justice landscape in Virginia’s capital city. Each week, the site reveals a new portrait and story about a Richmonder whose life is shaped in some way by the justice system.

Free, open to the public. For more information and to RSVP, see the link.