RECENT COMMENTS

2014 Virginia People’s Assembly returning to Wesley Memorial United Methodist

The sixth annual Virginia People’s Assembly (VPA) will take place Jan. 4, 2014, from 8 am to 10 pm at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 1720 Mechanicsville Turnpike:

The VPA is an annual gathering of Virginians engaged in struggles for “Jobs, Peace & Justice,” and is comprised of union members, community activists, prisoner/prison reform advocates, women, immigrants, students, antiwar organizers, the LBGTQ community, veterans and members of the Occupy Wall Street movement.

This year, we are pleased to announce our special keynote speaker is the Rev. Dr. William Barber II of North Carolina, who will be joining us to lead our afternoon “Mobilization Rally,” scheduled for 2:30 pm at the church.

The Rev. Dr. Barber is President of the North Carolina State Conference NAACP; Member of the NAACP’s National Board; Pastor of Greenleaf Baptist Church in Goldsboro, N.C.; and primary organizer of the Historic Thousands On Jones Street: Peoples Assembly (HKonJ) actions.

Rev. Barber is perhaps best known for his role as a leading organizer in the Moral Mondays protests. These weekly actions at the North Carolina state legislature frequently draw thousands of participants to voice constituent concerns for racial, immigrant and social justice; protection of voting rights; funding for social programs; LGBTQ rights; and women’s reproductive rights, as well as other issues of importance.

This year’s panels and workshops will include such topics as movement building, reproductive justice, Black community issues, immigrant issues, LGBTQ community issues, food justice, prison reform, labor rights and combating imperialism.

There will also be an evening presentation of multi-cultural arts activities.

The Virginia Peoples Assembly is open to anyone who supports the principles of “Jobs, Peace and Justice.” We are asking a suggested donation of $10, but NO ONE will be turned away for lack of funds. Lunch, dinner and all-day coffee and tea will be provided. Additionally, endorsing individuals and organizations may host panels, display literature and vote on resolutions.

To view the full schedule of the day’s workshops and panels, see our website, www.VaPeoplesAssembly.org. On Facebook, the event title is “2014 Virginia People’s Assembly for Jobs, Peace & Justice.”

For more information, to endorse or to volunteer, please contact vapeoplesassembly@gmail.com.