Actions You Can Take TODAY to Support Racial & Social Justice in Arlington County
On June 25th, we held our 2nd Town Hall Forum with senior leaders from the NAACP Arlington Branch #7047. The full discussion, “From Protest to Social Change” is available for you to view here.
The NAACP Arlington Branch shared what they are currently focusing on to create social change in our Arlington County community, the results they have already achieved, and how they plan to continue to work towards racial, social, and economic justice. An enlightening Q&A session followed.
As promised, we are providing our recommended call to actions.
- Contact your local county officials and delegates. Express your concerns. Ask your questions. They are extremely responsive and willing to engage with Arlington residents.
- Arlington County Board: 703-228-3130, Email the County Board, County Board Website
- Public Defender, Bradley Haywood: 703-875-1111, Email the Public Defender
- Commonwealth Attorney, Parisa Dehghani-Tafti: 703-228-4410, Email the Commonwealth Attorney, Commonwealth Attorney Website
- Chief of Police, M. Jay Farr: 703-228-4040, Chief of Police Website
The Arlington NAACP focuses on many issues. Here are two current initiatives they are working on. Every call and every email add strength to the fight. To get the conversation started, we are providing content for you to include in your email or phone call.
a. Citizen’s Review Board: I urge Arlington County to establish a citizen’s review board with a subpoena power. According to the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (NACOLE), civilian oversight protects civil rights, supports effective policing, ensures greater accountability, helps manage risk, increases confidence in police, and builds bridges between communities and police forces. In today’s climate of civilian unrest and lack of trust in police integrity, establishing a citizen’s review board would not only bring Arlington County in line with such great cities as Portland, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Kansas City and Albany, but improve trust between ACPD and our community by ensuring public confidence through accountability and transparency.
b. New Police Chief Search: I urge that the search to replace the retiring Arlington County Chief of Police be at the National level and begin IMMEDIATELY to find the best and most highly qualified person for our community. This search be conducted by an independent and outside firm.
To stay informed and engaged, we recommend following these groups on social media (just click on the links).
a. Arlington NAACP Branch #7047: Facebook
b. Justice Forward Virginia: Facebook
c. Arlington for Justice: Facebook Instagram
d. Legal Aid Justice Center: Facebook Instagram
e. ACLU of Virginia: Facebook Instagram
Visit the Arlington NAACP website to stay up to date on community outreach events, volunteer your time, or become a member! Visit their website here.
a. Arlington NAACP Branch #7047: Facebook
b. Justice Forward Virginia: Facebook
c. Arlington for Justice: Facebook Instagram
d. Legal Aid Justice Center: Facebook Instagram
e. ACLU of Virginia: Facebook Instagram
Finally, if you are able, consider donating to these organizations:
a. NAACP Arlington Branch #7047, here.
b. Color of Change, here.
c. UNCF Scholarship, here.
