Hate Crime in Jax: Take Action Now
Tomorrow (Monday, August 28) is the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington where hundreds of thousands of people from around the country gathered to commit to the dream of racial equity and social justice for all Americans. Our progress - while significant - is under the most serious threat since that historic gathering. The rhetoric and divisive policies of GOP leaders and elected officials have given cover and comfort to right-wing extremists (who all seem to own assault weapons) impacting everyone everywhere, including Jacksonville. We grieve for the families impacted by this hate crime and the community of New Town, and cling to the hope that new leadership in the city will find a path forward to uniting Jax. Success depends on all of us taking action. Here's what you can do now:
Rally
Civil and voting rights groups will hold a rally Monday, August 28 at 6 p.m. in James Weldon Johnson Park across from Jax City Hall. Originally planned to commemorate the anniversary of the March on Washington, the rally will now focus on the need to "unite against hate and end white supremacy" following the New Town murders this weekend. Organizers include the Jacksonville Community Action Committee, Florida for All, Black Voters Matter, Jacksonville Leadership Coalition and Take Em Down Jacksonville.
Connect
Join Council City Member Ju'Coby Pittman, Mayor Donna Deegan, Sheriff T. K. Waters and a host of elected officials at a Prayer Vigil this evening (Sunday, August 27) at 5:30 p.m. for a prayer vigil led by Pastor Dr. John L. Newman. The vigil will be held adjacent to the Dollar General, 2161 Kings Road, the site of the mass shooting.
Advocate
A singular aim of the March on Washington 60 years ago was the passage of meaningful legislation protecting voting rights, promoting economic opportunities and racial justice. Instead, today we face legislative efforts to advance voter suppression and eliminate fair representation. Here's three quick and easy actions identified by People Power United to protect voting rights and address systemic racism:
1. Click here to Protect Voting Rights. Tell your member of Congress to protect the freedom to vote and ensure everyone has a voice in democracy.
2. Click here to send a message to your member of Congress and state representatives to declare Racism a Public Health Crisis. 3. Click here to tell your member of Congress to co-sponsor and support the John Lewis Voting Rights Act.
Learn
Join a community screening of Slavery by Another Name, the award winning film about slavery and the aftermath of the Emancipation Proclamation. Sponsored by Take Em Down Jax, 904award, and the MLK Foundation, the documentary will be shown Thursday, August 31 at 6 p.m. at the Jessie Ball du Pont Center in downtown Jax. The screening is followed by an audience discussion aimed at deepening understanding of history spanning eight decades following the Civil War.
Mark Your Calendar! BAM Membership Meeting September 14th
Join us for September 14th BAM Membership meeting at 7 p.m. at the Adele Grage Cultural Center. Guest speakers Millie Leeds, president of the Jacksonville Young Democrats, and Era Gashi, president of the UNF Democrats, will join us to talk about Gen Z and Millennial voters --- what issues they care about, where they get their information, and how they vote. Mark your calendar and plan to attend as we discuss ways we can support and engage younger voters who will be critical to the outcome of the 2024 election!
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