Dismantling Racism & Social Justice Resources

Dismantling Racism in Action

Thank you to everyone who has been actively involved in ongoing discussions as we work as a congregation to dismantle racism. Moving forward, the Dismantling Racism Team (DRT) will share information and actions with the congregation via this section in the Egram, as well as #Connect (if you haven’t already done so, please sign up for #Connect through Realm.)

Announcing …

A Conversation with Alexandria’s Police Chief (Oct. 13, 7 p.m., on Zoom)
During the hourlong event, we’ll hear from Chief Michael L. Brown regarding how the department is working to address racial injustices, and questions and calls for change after the murder of George Floyd, and amidst the Black Lives Matter protests. Zoom login details will be circulated in advance.

Other Upcoming Opportunities

• Support Policing Reform in VA Special Session: If policing reform is one of your priority actions in dismantling racism, now is the time to let your Virginia legislators know you support substantive changes in police training, use of force, and law enforcement accountability. The special session convenes August 18. Senate Democrats are introducing legislation that would ban no-knock warrants and chokeholds, provide for better training in de-escalation, and prevent officers decertified for cause from seeking employment with another police agency. The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police are recommending more crisis intervention training, accreditation for law enforcement agencies, and reporting decertified officers to the state Department of Criminal Justice Services. If you don’t have an email contact for your delegate and senator, you can easily find this information here.
• OPMH Book Study (Tues., Sept. 8, 7 p.m., Zoom): Please join us the day after Labor Day as we continue to examine the best-selling book, How to be an Antiracist, by Ibram X. Kendi. Please RSVP by noon on Friday, September 4.
• Presbyterian Peace Fellowship Book Study (Starting Sat., Aug.15): Looking for more opportunities to discuss Dr. Kendi’s book? Consider joining this weekly virtual book club starting this Saturday, August 15 (exact time TBD.) To register, click here.
• Presbyterians, Race, and Justice Walk (Sept. 19, 9:45 a.m.): Leaders include OPMH’s Dr. Kent Myers and Dr. Larry Golemon.
• Virtual Racial Awareness and Mindfulness: A Mini-Festival of the Arts, Awareness, Healing, and Justice (Oct. 17, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.): Sponsored by Howard University, Interwoven, National Capital Presbytery Black Presbyterians United, National Capital Presbytery Mission Coordinating Committee, NEXT Church (PCUSA), Spiritual Directors of Color Network, Ltd., and others addressing racial awareness and healing nationwide.
• The Vote is the Most Powerful Nonviolent Change Agent: In light of the obstacles this year in getting to the polls, we’re sharing alternatives with everyone and key dates to keep in mind leading up to Election Day. Click here to learn more. The easiest and most secure way to request an absentee ballot is to visit the Virginia Dept. of Elections website.