DCAARPR Biweekly Newsletter #3
Friends,
This is our first newsletter since July 1st, and the first with our new mailing platform (Mailchimp) [and website]. We had originally planned to release these every other week, but were unable to. After some internal reorganization, we are now confident that we can meet this goal. From now on, you can expect a new issue of the newsletter in your inbox [and posted here] every other Saturday morning.
DC Alliance members with a banner celebrating the 50th anniversary of the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (11/9/2023)
Committee Updates:
Executive:
The Executive Committee met on Thursday, September 5th. The main topics of discussion were the new DC Alliance website (DCAARPR.org), whether or not the DC Alliance should join the International League of Peoples’ Struggles Baltimore/DMV (ILPS Baltimore/DMV), and the formation of a coalition to protest the elections and inauguration. The Executive Committee voted unanimously to join ILPS Baltimore/DMV. It also voted unanimously to join the Freedom Road Socialist Organization - DC in forming a coalition to protest on election night and inauguration day; a full statement about this coalition will be released in the near future. The full notes can be found here. The next Executive Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 23rd at 5:00 pm.
Organizing:
The Organizing Committee met on Wednesday, September 4th. They reviewed the Southern Regional Organization Conference as well as the upcoming Police Crimes Town Hall, which has been postponed for the time being. They also discussed an Incarcerated People’s Campaign to outreach to currently incarcerated people’s and their families, and finalized plans for a Field Day on September 28th. Finally, the committee discussed the Jail Support Debrief event that was recently attended by Organizing Co-Chair KB, and will be remaining in contact with the group. For a more detailed summary, please see the notes here. The next Organizing meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 18th, at 7:41pm.
Outreach:
The Outreach Committee met on Tuesday, September 3rd. The main topics of discussion were their recent tabling efforts, Outreach for the September 7th movie screening, and how they can improve tabling. The full notes can be found here.
Finance:
The Finance Committee met on Wednesday, September 4th. They updated parts of the budget for accuracy, and made progress on securing an emergency fund. The order for stickers was officially approved, and progress was made on an alternative DCAARPR logo, with deadlines set. They also laid out the current state of the Field Day Social, T-Shirt orders, the Spark Justice Fund, and a book deal. A plan was made to switch from cash or Venmo to an app that tablers will use to track funds. Finally, the committee discussed the Southern Regional Organization Conference in December as well as the candlelight vigil for Justin Robinson. For a more detailed summary, please see the notes here.
Administrative:
The Administrative Committee met on Monday, September 10th. The main topics of discussion were the Calendar and Newsletter, the Steering Committee, and the Committee’s political education/orientation efforts. The Committee united on plans for producing this week’s newsletter and for restarting the Steering Committee. They also set Monday, September 16th, as the date of a special meeting dedicated to discussing the Committee’s plans for political education; all Alliance members are invited to attend this meeting. The full meeting notes can be found here.
DC Alliance Secretary Iain M. and NAARPR Executive Director Frank Chapman lead a group discussion on the effects police have in our communities. (5/4/2024)
Recent Events
Vigil for Justin Robinson:
On Friday, September 6, a candlelight vigil was held for Justin Robinson who was murdered by the police on Sunday, September 1. The vigil was organized by Harriet’s Wildest Dreams and Black Lives Matter D.C. It was held at 2529 Marion Barry Avenue SE, Washington D.C. where the murder took place. Attendees wore black and brought orange balloons. Speakers included Justin’s family and friends, and candles were passed out and lit before the balloons were released in Justin’s memory. Afterwards, attendees took to the streets and marched from the vigil location to the 7D police precinct.
Residue Film Screening:
On Saturday, September 7, the DC Alliance hosted a movie screening of the film, “Residue”. The screening took place at the Black Workers and Wellness Center in Anacostia. After the screening, the film’s writer and director, Merawi Gerima, and star, Obinna Nwachukwu, joined the Alliance for a Q&A session. The writer and director, Merawi Gerima, is a member of our sister organization, the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression.
DC Alliance Outreach Chair Tino V. speaks at our vigil for Sonya Massey (7/28/24)
Upcoming Events:
Tuesday, September 17th - 6:00pm - Rally for Justin Robinson and All Victims of Police Violence:
The DC Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression has called a rally this Tuesday at the DC Police Department’s 7th District Precinct to demand justice for Justin Robinson, who was murdered by police from the 7th District just two weeks ago. The following organizations have endorsed the action: Freedom Road Socialist Organization - DC, Party for Socialism and Liberation DC, Harriet’s Wildest Dreams, Anakbayan DC, Pan-African Community Action, the International League of Peoples’ Struggles Baltimore/DMV, Communist Party of the United States of America DC, Students for Justice in Palestine DMV Coalition, Black Lives Matter DC, GW Black Defiance, and the Palestinian Youth Movement. A full list of demands can be found here.
Address: 7D Police Precinct, 2455 Alabama Ave SE, Washington, DC 20020.
Thursday, September 19th - 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm - Cultural Solidarity Night:
Anakbayan College Park, Bayan DMV, and the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines - US (ICHRP-US) are hosting a solidarity night to support the Filipino people’s struggle for a just and lasting peace. The event will start at 6:00pm and feature cultural performances, vendors, and a Q&A discussion with Brandon Lee. Masking is required.
Those interested in attending the solidarity night can RSVP at tinyurl.com/blee-solnight for the location.
Saturday, September 21st - 12:00pm to 6:00pm - Conference on Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines:
A coalition of Filipino organizations and their allies has united to hold a conference on Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines. The conference will be start at noon on Saturday, September 1st. A featured speaker will be Brandon Lee, a Chinese-American environmental and indigenous rights activist who was paralyzed by an assassination attempt carried out by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Those interested in attending the conference can RSVP at tinyurl.com/FightLikeBLeeConference to get the address.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading the third issue of our newsletter. If you haven’t already joined the Alliance but would like to, check out our membership form by clicking the button below. [Get Involved]
If you or someone you love has been a victim of police violence or wrongful incarceration, please reach out to us at dcaarpr@gmail.com or at any of my contact information listed below and we’ll reach out to you as soon as possible.
The next issue of this newsletter will be published on Saturday, September 28th. Any questions, concerns, comments, or suggestions can be sent to any of the contact information listed below.
Beir bua,
Iain M. (he/him)
Secretary, DC Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression