Reparations Circle update
At times the mission in front of us seems insurmountable. Just remember you are a drop of water among millions. Just as many mighty rivers have carved and reshaped the landscape of this country so shall we.

No let's go to work!
Join Us For A Discussion on Reparations

Zoom - Tuesday October 13th, 6 - 7:30 p.m.

The debate concerning reparations has become forefront in this country. As Coming To The Table - RVA continues its work in healing the racial wounds of the past, it is imperative that we have clarity concerning reparations and what it means.  
BE THE CHANGE
If you know of an act or event to help repair what is broken please lets us know. Also, we are looking for people to lead or who are already leading reparative acts around the metro area.

If you know an opportunity for reparative change, click here.
Reparations in VA: Given our state's political climate and an unprecedented desire to create lasting equity and ensure equality in this country, we feel that now is the time to create a reparations commission right here in VA. Let's explore and identify opportunities and actions that can help us make this happen. Be on the lookout next week for a November meeting invite to start organizing this effort.
How would you like to be part of this effort?
I would like to be an Organizer.
I would like to be a Committee Member.
Social Action Score Card: Having a list of all the opportunities for change as well as what has changed could be a great way to provide a visual overview of all the work that needs to be done. It could also serve as inspiration because we could all see the work being completed. Check out this rough start to get the creative juices flowing. If you are great at organizing information then this opportunity is for you.
How would you like to be part of this effort?
I would like to be an Organizer.
I would like to be a Committee Member.
ANOTHER STEP TAKEN
California has become the first state to pass a law establishing a task force to study and make recommendations on reparations for Black Americans.

The task force will study what reparations should look like, who would be eligible to receive compensation, and recommend, among other things, the appropriate mechanism for redress as it pertains to California’s role in the enslavement of Black people.

Maryland Episcopal diocese commits $1 million toward reparations for slavery, racial injustice

The Maryland diocese of the Episcopal Church has become the latest religious institution to commit to making reparations for slavery and systemic racism, voting over the weekend to create a $1 million seed fund for programs that would benefit the African American community in Baltimore and beyond.
Citi Launches More Than $1 Billion in Strategic Initiatives to Help Close the Racial Wealth Gap

Citi and the Citi Foundation today announced more than $1 billion in strategic initiatives to help close the racial wealth gap and increase economic mobility in the United States. Citi’s Action for Racial Equity is a comprehensive approach to 1) providing greater access to banking and credit in communities of color, 2) increasing investment in Black-owned businesses, 3) expanding homeownership among Black Americans, and 4) advancing anti-racist practices in the financial services industry.

OTHER EVENTS TO CONSIDER
Lora M. Robins Speaker Series

This year the Lora M. Robins Speaker Series will present three nationally known thought leaders who will share their perspectives on the persistence and widening of racial and class inequities in education, the workplace, and throughout society. Join us in moving from aspirational ideas to ACTION.
Access to Wealth | Racism: Challenging Perceptions

Thursday, October 15, 2020
Online - 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Disparities In Housing | Racism: Challenging Perceptions

Thursday, November 19, 2020
6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
GET A DISCUSSION STARTED
Combining archival footage with testimony from activists and scholars, director Ava DuVernay's examination of the U.S. prison system looks at how the country's history of racial inequality drives the high rate of incarceration in America.
FROM HERE TO EQUALITY

Would you like a summary of Darity and Mullen's book to help start a discussion? Click here to see a brief summary put together by Mary Secret.