Thread by @theValentineRVA

#controversyhistory returns TONIGHT, Oct 5 @ 5:30 p.m. for a community conversation on how political leaders shape the electorate and the impacts on the community.

Join us for this virtual conversation co-hosted by Kelli Lemon. Register at bit.ly/CH100521.

We're excited to welcome prominent Richmond figures to tonight's conversation! Senator Henry L. Marsh, III; former Richmond City Council member Chuck Richardson, and Richmond Crusade for Voters co-founder Dr. William Ferguson Reid!

3.5 hours to go...

Oct 5 @ 5:30 p.m. | "Does Your Vote Count? The Conversation Everyone Needs to Hear"

Speakers and guests discuss annexation, consolidation and redistricting as a means of shaping the electorate.

Virtual, free and open to the public.

#controversyhistory

Liz White, Executive Director of OneVirginia2021 (@1VA2021), also joins tonight's conversation with an update on redrawing federal and state legislative districts in Virginia to ensure equal representation.

Starting now! #controversyhistory

Thanks Joelle for putting together this amazing presentation and script!
#controversyhistory

Map showing annexation in Chesterfield County, VA (1970)

Thank you for moderating this crucial community conversation, @kellilemon!

What a true Richmond gem we have in Senator Henry L. Marsh, III! You've served Richmond, our state, and your constituents well! #controversyhistory

Dr. Reid is "a true friend and hero to many!" Thank you for your work and service, Dr. Reid! #controversyhistory

"Cease Fire! Cease Fire!" by former Richmond City Council member Chuck Richardson... we can't wait to read this! You've truly transformed our city!

"We were motivated even before annexation."
- Dr. Fergie Reid

Sometimes you have to just tap into what's already there...
#controversyhistory

"The racial divide at that time was a direct, open confrontation."
- Chuck Richardson speaking about his time with Richmond City Council

#controversyhistory

"This city was established in 1739. Up until 1948, Blacks had little say over government. You would expect change after 200 years."
-Chuck Richardson speaking about politics in Richmond City during his time on the Council

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"We always gave the public stance of unity."

- Chuck Richardson speaking about Senator Henry Marsh, III and others on Richmond City Council

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"Black people in Richmond had a sense of pride and dignity [during the five years Marsh was mayor of Richmond]."
-Chuck Richardson

#controversyhistory

Drop your questions for these Richmond legends in the Zoom chat!

"We were able to get other Blacks involved by going around and speaking with them."

-Dr. Fegie Reid

That's the power of gathering, community and voice!

#controversyhistory

"The Courts ruled that TV stations had to desegregate. That opened television [to] see Blacks and Whites on TV."

- Senator Henry L. Marsh, III speaking on his most significant cases

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"We assist felons in restoring their voting rights. This is another form of voter suppression."

- Chuck Richardson speaking about NORO, National Organization of Rehabilitated Offenders

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"We have to change the narrative of what a man is. Manhood in America has to do with whether or not you vote! If you don't carry a voter registration card, I don't care how big your muscles are, you're nothing but a chump to me!"

- Chuck Richardson

"If we just get up and vote, we can save our own problems and change the narrative."

- Chuck Richardson

#controversyhistory

Read more about Chuck Richardson's perspective in "Cease Fire! Cease Fire!" (available on Amazon)

#controversyhistory

"Voter apathy is the biggest concern [right now]."

- Senator Henry L. Marsh, III

"We have to vote in the midterms. The practices that stand against us... we don't have to worry if we get 100% [registered]. Obama gave us a chance but now it's up to us."
- Senator Henry L. Marsh, III
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"When did it leave?!"

- Chuck Richardson in response to community question on whether there will be a return of white corporate dominance in Richmond

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Liz White from OneVirginia2021 presents "Redistricting in Virginia 2021: Creating Space and Amplifying Community Voices"

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"It's a whole lot of sunlight in a process that's never had that before."

- Liz White speaking on transparency in the Virginia Redistricting Commission

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"The old system was to count the people where they are housed versus [their last known address]."

- Liz White, OneVirginia2021 speaking on prison gerrymandering

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Get involved with the Virginia Redistricting Commission! Check back here for links...

#controversyhistory

Liz White @ OneVirginia2021: You can comment directly on redistricting maps.

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"Please vote because we can't go wrong if more people vote."
- Senator Henry L. Marsh, III

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"In order for you to represent people adequately, you have to possess two things: the ability to extrapolate the issues... and have the courage to speak truth to power. Know the community, know their issues, THEN run for office."

- Chuck Richardson

"You have to make some type of contribution to the community before you run for office. You have to know where the people are. Join [a local organization] to get your name out there."

- Dr. Fergie Reid on how to run for office

#controversyhistory

"Don't bite off more than you can chew!"

- Dr. Fergie Reid on running for public office

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"You have to get people to run for school boards! Get started now!"

- Dr. Fergie Reid

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"I've been in election contests where it was decided by 2 votes or 1 vote... 'If you don't vote, you don't count'."

- Senator Henry L. Marsh, III

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@cfrichmondva: Party at the Mailbox makes celebration possible by sending you a free box filled with everything you need to get ready to vote. Whether you plan to vote by mail or in person, we’re here to support your journey. Visit partyatthemailbox.com.

Ways to get involved with voting rights and redistricting in Virginia:

#controversyhistory

Did you attend tonight's community conversation? Let us know your thoughts on the short survey emailed to you. Check your inbox or spam and share what you thought of this #controversyhistory!

#controversyhistory Community Residency Stats:
54% Richmond
24% Henrico
22% Chesterfield

#controversyhistory Community Self-Reported Knowledge Stats (before tonight):
62% Some prior knowledge
30% A lot of prior knowledge
5% I am an expert on this topic
3% No prior knowledge

Thank you again, Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, and beyond! Tonight's conversation was rich, real, and relevant. Join us for the next #controversyhistory on Tue, Nov 2!

Check us on our socials and the website for details.

A BIG "thank you" to Senator Henry L. Marsh, III; Chuck Richardson, Dr. Fergie Reid and Liz White for sharing your knowledge, experiences and guidance with us tonight! Your works have & continue to improve the lives and wellbeing of many!

#controversyhistory

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