Defying the vicious, anti-immigrant offensive of the Trump administration, a total of 182 U.S. cities, counties and states have declared themselves “sanctuary cities,” refusing to cooperate with federal immigration agents. In response, the Department of Homeland Security is now planning to send Border Patrol “SWAT” teams to these jurisdictions.
The Virginia Defender
Established in 2005 as The Richmond Defender, The Virginia Defender is a free community newspaper, published quarterly for the Virginia Defenders for Freedom, Justice & Equality. Print distribution is currently 12,000 and statewide. The online publication launched in Summer 2020.
RICHMONDERS SAY ‘NO’ TO NAVY HILL PROJECT
Braving chilly weather, scores of people gathered this evening on the steps of Richmond City Hall to show their opposition to the so-called Navy Hill project, a massive downtown development scheme headed by Dominion Energy Chairman, President and CEO Thomas F. Farrell II.
TEACH-IN ON IMMIGRANT AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
On Sept. 21, the Richmond Peace Education Center co-sponsored an event in Richmond’s Monroe Park with the League of United Latin American Citizens, ReEstablish Richmond, and other immigrant and social justice advocacy organizations.
UPDATE ON ABBIE
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has rescinded a nearly $300,000 fine it had threatened to levy against Abbie Arevalo-Herrera, a Central American immigrant who has been living in the basement of the First Unitarian Church of Richmond since June of 2018. The fine was for violation of a deportation order.
YES, YOU CAN FIGHT ICE!
They say you can’t fight City Hall, but how about ICE? A group of mostly women in the Richmond area are showing that you can.
Connect the Dots: I Can STILL See
Queen Nzinga, on Governor Northam’s blackface scandal.
In Our Opinion: Richmond does something good
This issue of The Virginia Defender hits the streets Oct. 28, just after National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (Oct. 20-26). We’re glad to see that Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney has taken the opportunity to use this week to help spread awareness in the city about the dangers of lead poisoning, especially to young children.
The Virginia Defender 