The Greater Richmond Area is seeing a big influx of Afghan refugees being housed nearby at Fort Lee. Some of those families will be resettled in Richmond and some will move on to other cities/states. A large number are expected to stay in Richmond. The logistics of collecting donations has been complicated due to uncertainty about numbers, items needed, lack of storage space and difficulty in getting donated items to Fort Lee without proper clearances. The Islamic Center of VA is very involved in the effort to resolve this. What is needed most at this time are monetary donations and used cars to help these families resettle in the area. The Islamic Center of VA is working collaboratively with several local organizations on this effort. If you would like to donate, donations will be collected through The Islamic Center of VA which has non-profit status. They will disburse funds to other non-profits as needed. Please make sure you choose the category “REFUGEE” using this link: https://us.mohid.co/va/virginiabeach/icva/masjid/online/donation?fbclid=IwAR17zgEirNRDMbBNTgEQzbSZ3JK_xRH7uKczKx2N487R6pHfYFElQmvK4UA If anyone is interested in donating a used car, please get in touch with Imad Damaj drimadd@gmail.com and he will connect you with the person in charge.
The Peace & Social Concerns Committee is sponsoring a Race in America Film Series. This month we will watch “Just Mercy” the story of wrongfully convicted death row inmate Walter McMillian and his defense attorney Bryan Stevenson, fighting for justice. “Just Mercy” is being shown for free on YouTube throughout the month of June. Using Google Chrome or Firefox, type in: Youtube movies. You should see Just Mercy, and to the right, a place to click: Watch Free. Watch the movie at your convenienceOn June 26 at 7pm we will meet to discuss the movie, About a week prior to our discussion we will send out some queries to facilitate discussion. Here is the link: Race in America Film Series (Don't worry. It will be posted again)Please join us!
Dear Friends, In the middle of the protests, upheaval, and the highlighting of our ingrained injustice, many of us feel lost for how to help. BYM recently sent a long list of Anti Racist Actions and you may have received similar lists from others. In case you found these long list overwhelming, P&SC will send out smaller portions of these lists over the next month, in "bite size" bits. However long this period of acute upheaval lasts, for sustained changed it need be followed by a marathon. To be the best allies, let's begin by increasing/refreshing our information- the following are online articles readily available and all together only take an hour or two to read.
- A Timeline of Events Leading to 2020 is an excellent and clear-cut timeline outlining the events which have transpired leading up to this moment in the Movement for Black Lives
- Campaign Zero is a policy-oriented group of organizers aiming to end police brutality by limiting police interventions, improving community interactions, and ensuring accountability. Provides in-depth framework for anti-racist policies
- Twitter Thread History Lesson is an excellent timeline outlining the vast history of racial violence in the United States. This was created by Erica Buddington.
In addition here is a workbook which takes about a month to work through - Layla F. Saad Me & White Supremacy Workbook is a step-by-step workbook designed to dismantle internalized white supremacy. Layla also offers numerous resources for white folks to continue practicing anti-racism daily. Check our her “Good Ancestor” podcast if you are able.
Today we had delightful lunch with Marie Gilford from St Vincent DePaul at Sacred Heart. To contribute specifically to their efforts please go to their website http://svdp-shrva.org Or you can send a check to St Vincent DePaul / Sacred Heart Center 1400 Perry St, Richmond, VA. 23224. (The website given before would go to a different St Vincent De Paul conference in Richmond)
