BRJA

Not surprisingly to most residents of color in Baltimore, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a scathing report about Baltimore policing and its systemic abuses of constitutional rights. A Washington Post reporter said, “I’ve read a lot of Justice Department reports on local police agencies. This is one of the worst I’ve ever seen.”1 Is this a training issue, as City and police leaders are framing it? Will a narrow focus on training result in real transformation within the Baltimore City Police Department, or a continuation of the status quo? Come and explore this issue, including what’s next, with BRJA on September 13th.

This is a free event. Donations are welcome.

This will be an adult-centered discussion, but all ages are welcome to attend. Children’s books and coloring activities will be provided.

The Ridgely family enslaved Afrikan Descendants from its plantation’s beginnings and more than 300 enslaved people worked in every capacity, making it one of the plantations in Maryland with the largest number of enslaved people. Enslaved people worked as field hands, cobblers, woodcutters, limestone and marble quarryiers, millers, ironworkers, blacksmiths, gardeners, and jockeys. They also performed household chores including cleaning, cooking, serving food, and caring for white children. Charles Ridgely Carnan freed most of his enslaved workers upon his death 1829, but to no effect as the era of forced servitude at Hampton remained until Maryland state law ended the practice in 1864. Join BRJA on a tour with Park Ranger Anokwale as she guides us through authentic enslaved peoples’ quarters, dairy and overseer’s home with a historically accurate discourse on one piece of Maryland’s racial history.

Go to the main entrance and check in at visitor contact station then go to Farm Site's lower house. Wheelchair and walker accessible. Hearing impaired technology available for up to 15 visitors. Carpools: Please use the BRJA Facebook event page to post about needing or offering rides; parking is limited. Please register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/august-13th-of-the-month-tickets-26846541729

Each year, on average, Baltimore City judicially evicts 7,000 families due to non-payment of rent. The Public Justice Center and the Right to Housing Alliance conducted a study to understand how renters fair when they defend themselves in the city’s “Rent Court.” We will present data from the study to show how the judicial process itself prioritizes landlords’ bottom line, at the expense of renters’ (94% of whom are Black and 80% of whom are women) stability and security. Join Right to Housing Alliance, Public Justice Center, Jews United for Justice, and others to discuss how the court’s systemic failure to ensure housing justice perpetuates housing insecurity among the city’s Black communities.

All ages are welcome to attend.

The United States remains predominantly racially segregated in housing patterns, faith-based worship, schooling, and friendships. Yet, there is a prevailing belief that friendships across racial lines are more prevalent than ever before. Come and explore this issue with BRJA on June 13th.

This is a free event. Donations are welcome.

This will be an adult-centered discussion, but all ages are welcome to attend. Children’s books and coloring activities will be provided.

This 2016 Legislative Session is now over. What advocacy initiatives were successful in becoming new policies? What efforts stalled -- and at what cost to our families and communities? What strategies, coalitions, and ground work do we need to better prepare for the 2017 session? WAS REAL CHANGE ACCOMPLISHED?

Come hear institutional advocates, community advocates, and change agents:

• Report on 2016 Legislative Session accomplishments;
• Address next steps; and
• Discuss strategies for moving forward