Reparations Circle update
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The events we all witnessed at our United States Capitol will always be in our minds as an indelible scar on our democracy. As we watched what some people described as unprecedented, others considered the events of yesterday (and perhaps all of 2020) as inevitable. There has been a storm brewing in America for a very long time - an undercurrent that has now risen to the top. The wave of resistance has made itself known and the work of this organization is clear; fear cannot win.
ALL OF YOU are challenged with being the purveyors of hope and justice, the calm in this long-awaited storm providing evidence-based truth to those who will hear and peaceful action-oriented companionship to those drawn to our flame. Our mission further calls us to recognize those who appear to be in opposition to us as part of our American family, inclusive yet firm in the knowledge that hate cannot win. Forgive the pun but . . . love trumps fear every time.
So how do we bring love to this fight?
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By presenting evidence-based truth-telling in history intentionally with those within and without our community
- By fostering relationships, sharing our stories and making connections
- By openly healing our wounds, confiding in and confessing to each other as we move forward in the new narrative
- And by taking action to bring loving inclusive change in our city and nation.
We are the frontline, bringing healing and love to the fight for social justice. To our credit, CTTT is already doing the work; our charge now is to suit-up and stay on the field. If we stand boldly on truth and love, we will one day sit at the table of brotherhood. Thank you for holding the vision with us in 2021.
Danita Rountree Green
Co-CEO, Coming To The Table RVA
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“But we must accept one central truth and responsibility as participants in a democracy: Freedom is not a state; it is an act. It is not some enchanted garden perched high on a distant plateau where we can finally sit down and rest. Freedom is the continuous action we all must take, and each generation must do its part to create an even more fair, more just society.”
-John Lewis
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National Day of Racial Healing
Zoom - January 19th, 2021
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm EST
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Reparations for RVA / VA
Zoom - Feb 1st, 2021
6:00 pm to 7:30 pm EST
Let's continue our conversation around reparations for RVA / VA.
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Project Harmony Cemetery
Zoom - February 9th, 2021
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm EST
Join Lex Musta, (HASAN Project Director), for a conversation on the important restorative justice work of Project Harmony Cemetery. This work helps ensure the lives of many heroic Liberation Community members in DC, many of whom made significant contributions to American life with import reaching to the present day, are remembered, and honored.
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Tour - Virginia's Hidden Stories Of Bravery and Freedom
Walking / Car Tour - February 13th, 2021
9:45 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. EST
Join us as we embark on a journey through history. We will start at the site were Gabriel’s Rebellion was launched. From there, we will travel forward though time to explore and examine stories of bravery and freedom purposely hidden.
*Please note the headstones we will see at the end of the tour will be moved sometime in the early spring.
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Share Your Blessings
For those of you that have been blessed, for the month of January, please consider helping us build meal kits for the The Atlantic Outreach group. These kits will contain ingredients needed to make a full meal for a family of four.
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Criminal Justice Reform
The events of last week were the latest reminder of how institutional racism governs how justice is metered to Black Americans vs White Americans for the same or lesser crimes. Justice Forward is one of several organizations in VA dedicated to making the criminal system just and fair in VA.
To learn more about some of the reforms currently being proposed for VA, click here.
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Are you interested in helping us build partnerships and programs around criminal justice?
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Support of Ordinance 2020-262
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is urging your support of Ordinance 2020-262 which would authorize the City of Richmond to acquire 1.75 acres of real property in Shockoe Bottom for an Enslaved African Heritage Campus that would integrate a museum and Memorial Park
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Coming To The Table Supports HR 40
Coming To The Table is officially adding its name to the list of organizations and individuals who support HR 40. Read more about this landmark legislation and how you can help.
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One Member's Path Toward Repair
Allison Thomas, a board member for CTTT-RVA has launched the Gwynn’s Island Project website, developed in collaboration with Our Black Ancestry. The site is dedicated to the African American descendants of Gwynn’s Island in Mathews County, Virginia on the western shore of the lower Chesapeake Bay. These families, many of whom were enslaved by her family (Hudgins/Edwards), had lived for generations in Mathews County. Due to white pressure, the entire Black community left the Island by the end of 1920, scattering to Hampton Roads, Baltimore, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, and New York City. She hopes the information and records on this site will help Island descendants reconnect with their roots, and use that knowledge to pursue healing from the legacy of slavery, and the outrages that followed.
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CTTT - Denver Presents A New Series for 2021
Uncovering History: Walking The Path of Repair
Series Begins January 27th, 2021
With a chronological survey of American history as the backdrop, CTTT - Denver will explore the theme of racial justice and repair from multiple angles. If you are looking for a deep dive series on the impact of systemic racism on the racial wealth gap of this country, then this series is for you.
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If you would like to be added to the mailing list for this series, please send an email to
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4th Annual Virginia Prison Justice Rally
Caravan - Sat., January 16th, 2021
12 noon. - 4:00 p.m. EST
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Dr. King Day of Advocacy at the VA State Capitol
Virtual - Thu., January 18th, 2021
9:00 am EST
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Race & Image in America
Virtual - Wed., January 27th, 2020
12:00 noon to 1:30 pm EST
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Sonya Clark: These days. This country. This history.
Virtual - Thu., January 28th, 2021
6:00 pm to 7:00 pm EST
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- Do you think racism figured into the mismanagement of funds held by the Freedmen's Savings and Trust? Why? How?
- How does the bankruptcy contribute to Black distrust of the government as well as white people even today?
- How does the failure of the Freedman's Savings and Trust affect Black economic progress in 1877? How does it affect the acquisition and transfer of generational wealth?
- How would you feel if all of your hard earned savings were stolen in this manner? What would repair look like for you?
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How would reparations change this race? |
Racism: Challenging Perceptions | PBS
In a four part discussion series by VPM, Racism: Challenging Perceptions explores the social, cultural and economic impact of racism on our community. Through conversations with local experts and leaders, we look at the disparities racism creates ...
Read more
www.pbs.org
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