#blacklivesmatter in Des Moines
Alicia Garza came to Des Moines to talk about the movement to end anti-black racism and to achieve racial justice: #blacklivesmatter. She captured the room's attention with profoundly engaging and necessary words.
"Race in this country was constructed on black bodies. We have to understand the roots of anti-blackness in all of our communities. It's even in our language. When we say black-list what do we mean? It is in our country's DNA.
The work that we do together has to be courageous enough to dismantle that. It's about changing laws, structures, and the ways in which we relate to each other.
Every social movement in this country was built by regular, everyday people. All of our humanity is at stake if we are not successful, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart."
The Des Moines Register covered the event beautifully.
There is a growing #blacklivesmatter movement in Iowa - join us:
Monthly racial justice meetings – CCI members meet monthly to dig in on our campaign to stop racial profiling in Des Moines and in Iowa.
Economic and racial justice depend on each other. Fight for $15 campaign – we're working for a $15/hr. minimum wage. One way that's happening? Fast Food Fridays!
Every second and fourth Friday of the month, we take action outside of a local fast food restaurant calling for $15/hr.
Keep an eye out for details on how you can join us and take action for a better Iowa.