RREE 2.0. What now? What next?

Introduction by Ebony Walden

Three years have passed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the tragic murder of George Floyd and the subsequent nationwide protests have sparked crucial conversations regarding race, equity, and justice in the United States. Though attention and public awareness rose to new heights three years ago, the progress toward advancing racial equity has since stagnated across sectors. In an effort to sustain this critical conversation, the Richmond Racial Equity Essays (RREE) 2.0 endeavors to showcase the perspectives and work of activists, educators, researchers, and community leaders who tirelessly strive to dismantle oppressive systems.

This second edition will center on two pivotal questions: What now? What next? Contributors to this series have been invited to reflect on the immediate and future steps required to advance racial equity and justice. They share the strategies employed in their fight for liberation and shed light on the personal and communal practices that underpin their efforts to support equity and justice. Through these thought-provoking inquiries, readers are challenged to reject complacency and actively engage in the pursuit of liberation for all.

Beginning in June of 2023, the RREE will publish two essays and a podcast episode monthly, providing a continuous stream of content that fosters conversation and encourages critical thinking. Whether you are a community organizer, educator, activist, or concerned citizen, this collection will offer valuable insights into the collective actions required to construct a more just and equitable future.

At its core, Richmond Racial Equity Essays 2.0 serves as a call to action. Although this body of work originates in Richmond, Virginia, a city with a long history of racial injustice as the former capital of the Confederacy, the issues faced in Richmond mirror those encountered across our nation. Through this project, I hope to inspire and encourage readers from across the country to take action and continue the fight for racial justice and equity.

2023 Essays

Duron Chavis

and

The Struggle Continues: A Lamentation in Three Parts by Duron Chavis
The Struggle Continues: A Lamentation in Three Parts by Duron Chavis
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Nicole Jones

and

The Intersection of Art and Education: Richmond’s opportunity to raise our Cultural Awareness
The Intersection of Art and Education: Richmond’s opportunity to raise our Cultural Awareness
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Dennis Williams II

and

Scout Crimmins

In Defense of Virginia’s Public Schools: A call for Youngkin to rescind Executive Order One.
In Defense of Virginia’s Public Schools: A call for Youngkin to rescind Executive Order One.
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Rev. Dr. Lacette Cross

and

LGBTQ+ is Not the New Black: Moving Toward Belonging
LGBTQ+ is Not the New Black: Moving Toward Belonging
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Ebony Walden

and

Seeking Liberation: A Call to Racial Healing, Freedom, Redress  and Reconstruction
Seeking Liberation: A Call to Racial Healing, Freedom, Redress and Reconstruction
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Florencia Fuensalida

and

Building Authentic Community: A Journey to Center Rest, Healing and Connection in Racial Liberation Movements
Building Authentic Community: A Journey to Center Rest, Healing and Connection in Racial Liberation Movements
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Robert L. Dortch, Jr.

and

A Native Son’s Quest for Systems Change from the Inside
A Native Son’s Quest for Systems Change from the Inside
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Jackie Lawrence

and

Where does it hurt? An Open Love Letter to My Community Addressing Community Pain and The Need For Healing
Where does it hurt? An Open Love Letter to My Community Addressing Community Pain and The Need For Healing
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Sarah Milston

and

White People, Your Complicity is Enabling Racism in Nonprofits
White People, Your Complicity is Enabling Racism in Nonprofits
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Andreas Addison

and

Honoring Westwood’s History with New Tools for Building Generational Wealth
Honoring Westwood’s History with New Tools for Building Generational Wealth
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Featured Work

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