Our communities continue to rise up in grief and resistance in response to police violence. On August 23, a police officer in Kenosha, Wisconsin fired seven shots at the back of Jacob Blake after responding to a call about a domestic dispute. And just yesterday, authorities in Rochester, NY disclosed details of a March 23 incident that resulted in the death by suffocation of Daniel Prude (the Appeal). Prude's brother had called 911 seeking help with his brother's mental health crisis. Both Blake and Prude are Black; the officers involved are white.
These incidents illustrate issues at the heart of the movement to defund the police. Heavily armed police trained to see members of our communities as a threat are not the response we need from local governments for de-escalating domestic incidents or mental health crises. Resources spent on militarizing our neighborhoods would be better spent on community mental health clinics, addiction recovery programs, counselors trained in de-escalating domestic disputes, and educators and advocates who can support communities in healing rather than police them with suspicion.
The Opportunity Agenda is releasing a new white paper, “Beyond Policing — Supporting #DefundThePolice,” which reveals that calls to enact moderate policing reforms are not backed up by a track record of success. Instead, the analysis shows why calls to defund the police open doors to new solutions that show promise and move beyond the police and punishment. Stay tuned for this research, which will be published in the next Amp.
September 4 — Hunger Action Month continues with National Food Bank Daywhen communities recognize the importance of fighting hunger. Use this day to extend the conversation to focus on the underlying economic injustices that create hunger. Cite the values of Economic Security and Community.
Labor Day, September 7 —Labor Dayhonors the contributions of American workers and the labor movement (the people who brought you the weekend, the eight-hour work day and improved working conditions). Use this holiday to highlight the importance of worker rights, including the right to organize and join a union.
September 12-20 isWelcoming Week, a time when communities bring together immigrants, refugees, and native-born residents to raise awareness of the benefits of welcoming everyone. Use this week to discuss Community, Opportunity, and Equality. Kick off the week with Welcoming America's livestream event Sept. 12 at 3 p.m. ET (RSVP).
September 14, 4 p.m. ET — WE DECIDE: Arts, Culture and Voting Power. Join Arts & Democracy and the (non-governmental, people powered) U.S. Department of Arts & Culture to learn about inspiring nonpartisan programs in both urban and rural communities related to the election and census. The Zoom call will feature presentations from Andrea Assaf, Dr. Rob “Biko” Baker, Trupania “Trap” Bonner, amalia deloney, and Savannah Romero. RSVP required.
Birthdays, Anniversaries and Cultural Hooks:
Gerhard Sisters via WikimediaSeptember 3, 1916 — President Woodrow Wilson signed into law the Adamson Act, which established an eight-hour workday, with additional pay for overtime work, for railroad workers.
September 5, 2017 — Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that the Trump administration was attempting to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Several lawsuits have prevented the program's complete shutdown. Use this anniversary to discuss the continued need to protect Dreamers and their families from deportation. Cite the values of Community, Voice, and Economic Opportunity.
September 6, 1860 — The “mother of social work,” Jane Addamswas born. Use this news hook to talk about the role of our nation’s public welfare programs in reducing poverty. Cite the values of Economic Security and Community.
September 8, 1965 — Larry Itlongand the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee led 1,000 Filipino workers to strike against Delano, California grape growers. Itliong partnered with Cezar Chaves' National Farm Workers to come up with a plan that benefited both groups and together they formed the United Farm Workers Union. Cite the values of Equality, Voice and Economic Security when discussing this anniversary.
September 9, 1971 — the Attica Uprising beganin New York state. Use this anniversary to talk about the need to ensure decent detention conditions in today’s correctional facilities. Cite the values of Voice and Redemption.
September 11, 2001 — This day is the anniversary of the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. In addition to remembering and honoring those who lost their lives, we must continue to rise above hate and Islamophobia and put our Future Over Fear. Cite the values of Community and Voice when discussing this anniversary.
September 13, 1994 — President Bill Clinton signed into law The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, which set the tone for relying on incarceration to solve social problems. Discuss this anniversary by citing the values of Redemption and Voice.
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