Last year presented tremendous challenges and struggles for racial justice. State-sponsored attacks on immigrant and Muslim communities coupled with brazen endorsements of white supremacy across the country left leaders needing a space to regroup and strategize about how electeds are leading in a powerful way. Local Progress, a national network of progressive elected officials, and the CPD Racial Justice team organized a strong group of elected and community leaders, with 60 Local Progress members and executive directors of Black-led community organizations across the CPD Network coming together last month in Baltimore, MD for a conversation on racial equity.

This group dug into Local Progress’ police reform work - discussing everything from asset forfeiture and use of force, to officer training and bans on profiling. We also spent time thinking more broadly about what safety means in communities, learning about CPD’s Freedom to Thrive framework and the ways in which budgeting processes can bring about equity in our communities. Ultimately, leaders grappled with how to shift the narrative on what public safety is and what communities really need to succeed.

This convening allowed elected officials and community leaders across the country to share resources and learn from each other. In two days, leaders built strong connections and community to sustain the work on racial justice and equity in the long term. People left the convening, a space full of collaborative spirit and shared learning, energized and ready to go back to their communities to carry the work forward. You can see photos from the convening on Facebook!