Active-RVA

Information on political and community events in and around Richmond, Virginia. There will be occasional listings for other Virginia cities, public health and safety information, and holiday listings. There is also a Facebook page and a Blogspot. The Blogspot is updated slightly faster than all other platforms. Please note the side links, especially the Calendar link. All events reblogged or publicized here end up on the Google calendars.

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Sunday, October 8th 2017, from 3-5:30pm at the Weinstein JCC (5403 Monument Avenue, Richmond VA), there will be a screening of the 2016 film "Denial," followed by a discussion panel featuring Holocaust survivor Dr. Roger Loria and Charm Bullard, Director of Programs at the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities. The film is a drama based on the non-fiction book "History on Trial: My Day in Court with a Holocaust Denier," by historian Deborah Lipstadt.

In her 1993 book "Denying the Holocaust," Lipstadt referred to another author, the antisemitic racist David Irving, as a Holocaust denier. Irving took Lipstadt and her publisher to court in England for libel. Lipstadt brought evidence to the court to prove that her characterization of Irving was justified, because 1. the Holocaust happened, and 2. Irving claimed that it did not. She won the case.

The event costs $6 for Weinstein Jewish Community Center members and $10 for non-members. For more info and to RSVP, see the link.

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Saturday, October 7th 2017, from 5-10pm, at the Virginia Historical Society(428 North Boulevard, Richmond VA), a number of organizations oriented to addiction recovery are holding a Comprehensive Addiction Recovery Empowerment (CARE) Talk, on the subject of substance abuse and its solutions in Virginia. Speakers will include Attorney General Mark Herring, gubernatorial candidate Ed Gillespie, Anne Moss Nimocks Rogers, Michael Zohab, Richard Jones, Thomas Bannard, and Dr. Sarah Scarbrough.

The event appears to be free. See the link for more information.

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5k for Flint: Fundraiser for Flint, Michigan

Saturday, September 23rd 2017. from 3-7pm at Midlothian High School (401 Charter Colony Parkway, Midlothian VA), there will be a fundraising event to benefit the people of Flint, Michigan. From the event description: 

"5K For Flint is a charity fundraiser 5K organized to raise money and provide immediate relief for the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. Residents of Flint, Michigan have been poisoned by toxic, lead poisoned water for over three years. On April 24, 2014, the government switched the city’s water source from Lake Huron to the historically dirty Flint River to save money. However, the acidic water of Flint River corroded the lead pipes of the city, and as a result, Flint’s tap water became contaminated with toxic levels of lead. Flint residents are forced to use bottled water for everything, from bathing to cooking. The funds raised from 5K For Flint will go towards providing adequate water filters, bottles of water, and emergency support services (through the United Way of Genesee County fund)."

The event is free to attend, and will feature food, music, games, and activities. The 5k run is friendly to beginners and sign-up costs $20 and includes a free t-shirt. 

For more info and to sign up to run, see the link.

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Monday, September 18th 2017, from 5-8pm, at the Camel (1621 West Broad Street, Richmond VA), there will be a show to benefit OAR (Opportunity Alliance Re-Entry), a community organization that provides re-entry services for people getting out of prison. Acts will include Pat Keefe, Justin Golden, Right Hand Son, Keilan Creech, Doris MacKinnon, and Graham Stone Music.

$5 at the door. Street parking only. 

For more info and to RSVP, see the link. 

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No longer going to update this Tumblr

Hi, all, 

I’ve decided to stop updating this Tumblr. I don’t think it’s especially good for delivering timely information about events, and it’s gotten very cumbersome to juggle four platforms. 

Instead, you can follow Active-RVA on Facebook or read the Blogspot (which has a feature that allows you to subscribe, and get new posts sent directly to your email inbox). 

You can get in touch with me on either of those platforms, or email [email protected]. 

[active-rva]

No longer going to update this Tumblr

Hi, all, 

I’ve decided to stop updating this Tumblr. I don’t think it’s especially good for delivering timely information about events, and it’s gotten very cumbersome to juggle four platforms. 

Instead, you can follow Active-RVA on Facebook or read the Blogspot (which has a feature that allows you to subscribe, and get new posts sent directly to your email inbox). 

You can get in touch with me on either of those platforms, or email [email protected]. 

[active-rva]

Ready to celebrate Labor Day right, with a rally for a higher minimum wage and union rights for all?

Monday, September 4th 2017, from 12-1:30pm, at the Plaza at Main Street Station (1500 East Main Street, Richmond VA), the Fight for $15 is celebrating Labor Day with a rally for union rights for all workers!

Family friendly, transportation available. Call Emily at [phone] for more information.

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Thursday, September 14th 2017, from 12-1pm, at all seven Department of Environmental Quality offices throughout the state (see link for addresses), the CCAN Action Fund is holding a peaceful sit-in protest at the doors to demonstrate opposition to the Atlantic Coast and Mountain Valley Pipelines. The proposed fracked gas pipelines would require the seizure of people's homes and farms, would place unacceptable risk on the communities they traversed, and would ultimately accelerate climate change. The project has enjoyed abiding support from governor Terry McAuliffe. From the event description:

"In a culminating appeal, a group of peaceful community leaders led by farmers and landowners from across the state will sit silently across the office entrances in a time-honored act of dignified protest. If you deem these pipelines such a major threat that you’ve considered creative peaceful protest, the time is now. This will likely be your best and perhaps last chance to exercise your freedom of speech in this most powerful way BEFORE any final state decisions are made."

For more info and to RSVP, see the link. DEQ offices are located in Richmond, Virginia Beach, Glen Allen, Woodbridge, Harrisonburg, Roanoke, and Abingdon.

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Friday. September 15th 2017, from 5:30-7:15pm, at the Library of Virginia (800 East Broad Street, Richmond VA), there will be a panel discussion titled "Preserving African American Stories: Collaborations, Crowdsourcing, and How You Can Help." This event is an optional addition to “Virginia: Where African American Genealogy and History Begin," a conference to be held the following day. From the event description:

"Individual researchers, families, civic organizations, museums, and record keepers—physical and digital—all have a role in telling and preserving the rich and varied story of African Americans in Virginia and the nation. Panel members Gregg Kimball (director of Public Services & Outreach at the Library), Emily Schultz (with FamilySearch), and Selma Stewart (past president of the Hampton Roads Chapter of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society) will discuss current efforts and model projects to advance our shared goals of accessibility, public engagement, and long-term record preservation with moderator Thom Reed of FamilySearch."

Free, open to the public. For more information, contact [email protected] or [phone]. To RSVP, see the link.

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Wednesday, September 6th 2017, from 10am-4pm, at 26 North 8th Street, Richmond VA, the Virginia Civic Engagement Table is holding a training on how to protest white supremacist gatherings nonviolently.

This training will address how to decide when to show up, the different approaches to nonviolent protest, creative methods, planning, and practical skills for staying safe in the streets. However you decide to engage, you should be prepared, support a diversity of tactics, and work in a group.

Free, but you must register through the link provided in the event description. For more info, see the link.

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Saturday, September 9th 2017, from 1-4pm, at the Maggie L. Walker Governor's School for Government and International Study (1000 North Lombardy Street, Richmond VA), the Richmond Peace Education Center ☮ and the ACLU of Virginia are holding a panel discussion about police accountability and transparency in Virginia, and paths to reform. From the event description:

"The panel discussion features expert speakers who will address the need for police reform with an emphasis on policies and practices that enhance professionalism, transparency and accountability. In order to bring about reform, citizens’ voices need to be heard. If you share our concerns about police misconduct, broken windows policing and civil asset forfeiture, we hope you will join us to discuss an agenda for reform."

The event appears to also serve as the ACLU's annual membership meeting, though it is free and open to the public. Attendees must register by August 31st. For questions or assistance, call 804-644-8022 or email [email protected]. Lot parking is available.

I don't necessarily believe that mere reform of the police is possible or sufficient, but the discussion may be useful to observe even if you don't participate. For more information and instructions on how to register, see the link.

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TODAY, from 6-8pm, at the First UU Church of Richmond (1000 Blanton Avenue, Richmond VA), Showing Up for Racial Justice SURJ Richmond is holding a general meeting, the theme of which is "Say NO to Confederate Symbols in RVA."

For more info and to RSVP, see the link. Apologies for the short notice.

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Wednesday, August 30th 2017, from 8:30-9:30pm, at Richmond's African Burial Ground (Broad and 16th Streets, Richmond VA), the Sacred Ground Historical Reclamation Project of the Defenders for Freedom, Justice & Equality are holding a commemoration to mark the 217th anniversary of Gabriel's Rebellion. From the event description:

"This is a reflective event - an opportunity to remember and honor those who fought against slavery and Jim Crow and who still fight against white supremacy, racism, fascism and war. Remember those who have stood for love, justice, equality and a future in which we all can thrive. Remember those who stand and speak, who dance and shout for a future full of love, justice, equality, peace and strength at home and abroad. Remember those who have given their lives’ work or their very lives for these ideals. Remember those who had no idea they'd have to. And let us take inspiration from their example as we rededicate ourselves to those same ideals."

Bring a yellow flower (real, artificial or handmade) to place at the large stones attached to the historic markers on the Burial Ground. Bring red flowers to honor the spirit of resistance.

For more information and to RSVP, see the link.

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Next Monday, August 28th 2017, from 6-8:30pm, at the Richmond Friends Meeting (4500 Kensington Avenue, Richmond VA), The Richmond Peace Education Center ☮ is holding a reflection and discussion on the August 12th events in Charlottesville. From the event description:

"We invite friends of the Peace Center and concerned community members to join together to begin to reflect about & discuss the events in Charlottesville what this demands of all of us."

Free. The venue is wheelchair accessible.

For more info and to RSVP, see the link. Email any questions to Jelani ([email protected]).

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Sunday, August 27th 2017, from 2-4pm, at the Soft Web Studio Collective (3110 West Leigh Street, Richmond VA), Richmond's chapter of SONG (Southerners On New Ground) is holding a screenprinting fundraiser for their Black August bail action. From the fundraising page:

"More than often, people are sitting in cages because they cannot afford to pay bail. At its very essence, Black August emphasizes honoring and upholding Black community. We can think of no better way to commemorate the history of Black August than to bail out as many Black women, broadly defined, and Black trans people across the South as we can."

Entry is $5-10, all proceeds to the RVA Black August Bail Fund. Shirts will be available to screen-print and take home, but you can also bring your own fabric.

For more info and to RSVP, see the link.

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Richmond Times-Dispatch: "Modern-day Confederate from Tenn. in battle with Gov. Terry McAuliffe over Lee monument rally in Richmond"

Thomas Crompton, some guy from Tennessee who styles himself as the "commanding general of CSA II: the New Confederate States of America" and whose Facebook profile indicates affiliation with with the right-wing militia group the three-percenters, wants to stage a neo-Confederate rally at the Lee Monument. He can't, for now, because in the wake of the August 12th Charlottesville white supremacist rally which left one counterprotester dead, McAuliffe issued an executive order temporarily barring the issuance of permits at that site.

That's not especially noteworthy— a lot of people want to hold rallies on Monument avenue to defend the shrines to white supremacy there— but I'm pointing out this case to say this: there's going to be a fight over those monuments, and the far-right is going to show up for them.

It's long past time to take them down.

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Henrico judge's ruling allows case over state abortion regulations to proceed

The Virginia Family Foundation is funding the legal costs of one of two plaintiffs who allege that the Board of Health's roll-back of restrictive 2012 abortion clinic regulations violated procedure and should be thrown out. The rules, part of a legislative strategy called TRAP (Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers), were at one point expected to shut down all or most of Virginia's abortion clinics, by imposing hospital building standards on all current and future clinics.

The plaintiffs, Henrico-based Itzel A. Melendez and Board of Health member Megan C. Getter, argue that the regulations pertain to health and safety standards. They do not, unless details like the presence of awnings or the number of linen closets pertain to the health or safety of patients seeking reproductive health services. These rules did not, could not, and were never intended to protect women and others seeking abortions— they were solely intended to restrict access to abortions by closing down the clinics that working-class people depend on for their reproductive healthcare.

It was our pressure that led McAuliffe to direct the Board of Health to begin proceedings to repeal the rules, and if this lawsuit brings them back, we'll do it again. Keep an eye out.