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June 7, 2024

June 7 – On this day in 1099, the first Christian Crusaders arrived in Jerusalem. They did not come as tourists.

INTERNATIONAL & ANTIWAR NEWS

JUNE 8 – SURROUND THE WHITE HOUSE FOR PALESTINE!

Palestinian and allied organizations have called for a massive protest to take place at the White House on Saturday, June 8. Thousands will gather at 12 noon in Lafayette Park, 1600 H St. NW in Washington, D.C. Many people will be attending from Virginia, including folks in a bus organized by VCU’s Students for Justice in Palestine. Background information is HERE.

STATEMENT ON THE CRISIS IN GAZA BY THE VIRGINIA DEFENDERS

Organizations and individuals across Virginia are taking a wide range of positions on the current crisis in Gaza. The Virginia Defenders would like to make our position clear. You can read our latest statement HERE.

JUNE 21: NEW COURT DATE FOR I-9 DEFENDANTS

On March 11, nine people were arrested in Richmond for blocking Interstate 95 to draw attention to the genocide being committed in Gaza. They are scheduled to go on trial at 1 p.m. Friday, June 21, in the John Marshall Courts Building, 400 N. 9th St., downtown Richmond. The Defenders are urging people to come out to support them. The Virginia Defender story on the protest is HERE.

PROTESTERS MARCH ON THE VIRGINIA-ISRAEL ADVISORY BOARD

Ignoring pouring rain, dozens of pro-Palestine protesters marched to the State Capitol May 14 to draw attention to the existence and role of the Virginia-Israel Advisory Board, the only state agency specifically set up to promote trade with a particular country. Richmond’s daily newspaper covered the march, but neglected to mention its actual target, the VIAB. Read the Defender story HERE.

Sun., June 9 – A TASTE OF PALESTINE

An all-day fundraiser for Palestine. 11 am – 9 pm, Jerusalem Supermarket & Deli, 7228 Hull Street Road, Richmond. Ph: 804-864-2728. Supporting the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund.

COMMUNITY NEWS

AT RIVERROCK, ACTIVISTS PROTEST DOMINION’S PROPOSED GAS PLANT

This year’s annual Riverrock festival, sponsored by Dominion Energy, was targeted by environmental activists opposing the company’s plans for a new gas plant in Chesterfield County. Read the Defender story about the protest HERE.

SAVE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL MOVEMENT LAUNCHES WEEKLY RADIO SHOW

Plans by Virginia Union University to demolish the building that once housed Richmond Community Hospital, the first Black-owned and operated hospital in the city, has sparked a movement that has held rallies and other events to build public support to save the severely neglected building. The Save Community Hospital Movement has now launched a weekly radio program that can be heard Monday evenings at 7 p.m. on The Work FM station at 93.9, online at TheWorkFM.org and live-streamed on the Facebook page “Save Community Hospital.” Listeners can join the discussions by calling 804-464-1089.

Sat., June 8 – LIBERATION – SAVE THE YOUTH DAY

“DJs, games, vendors, family fun!” Noon – 5 pm, Davee Gardens Fitness Park. Sponsored by Freedom Over Everything, Community of United Focus and Prisoners Rights Clinic.

A DEFENDERS WORKING-CLASS GUIDE TO BIG STORMS

Virginia is entering its annual hurricane season and, thanks to global warming, all indications are that it’s going to be an especially active time. The Defenders have put together some useful tips to help folks prepare. You can read our guide HERE.

OUR WORKING LIVES

SUPPORT FIRED REA PRESIDENT NERI SUAREZ!

The administration of Richmond Public Schools has fired the president of the city’s teachers union, Neri Suarez. The issue is whether union officials should be able to take unpaid leave to conduct union business. The Richmond Education Association has denounced the action as union busting, a charge the administration denies. A petition supporting Ms. Suarez is HERE. The Defenders urge all our readers to sign it.

RECLAIMING OUR SACRED GROUND

WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH SHOCKOE BOTTOM?

The Shockoe Project is charged with designing and creating a 10-acre memorial park in Shockoe Bottom, the area in downtown Richmond that for the 30 years leading up to the Civil War was the epicenter of the U.S. domestic slave trade. After decades of determined community struggle, Richmond’s city government has agreed to sponsor a memorial. About $49 million is now on the table. But, so far, almost all contracts have gone to white companies. The Defenders are demanding that the financial benefits from this project primarily go to the descendant community and have raised several recommendations in the pages of The Virginia Defender. (See the Winter/Spring 2023 edition HERE.) We urge everyone to pay attention to what is happening with this project. See the website of The Shockoe Project HERE, and also the website of the Defenders’ Sacred Ground Historical Reclamation Project, HERE.

June 26 & July 17 – PUBLIC MEETINGS TO DISCUSS HOW TO PROPERLY MEMORIALIZE THE SHOCKOE HILL AFRICAN BURYING GROUND

7-8:30 pm – Main Street Station, First Floor, Square Meeting Room. 1500 E. Main St., Richmond. Click HERE to download the flyer.