By ideastream's Brian Bull
An estimated 1,000 activists and community advocates from across the U.S. are expected at Cleveland State University this weekend, for the first-ever “Movement for Black Lives Convening” event. Organizers want it to address racial injustice and empower African-Americans.
From Ferguson, Missouri to the Cudell Recreation Center in Cleveland, violent and often fatal confrontations between police and minorities have made news headlines, prompting organizers to discuss how the black community should respond.
New York City area musician Laila Nur, says whether she’s being pulled over for a traffic stop or having her Muslim faith criticized, she’s hoping for one thing in the national conversation on race:
“Ultimately a renewed sense of feeling empowered and feeling valued and feeling heard," says Nur. "And then also just new strategies to organize in my communities, to also give that to other black folks.”
Meanwhile, Valerie Ervin from Silver Spring, Maryland is taking the tact of running for office.
“Now it’s time for us to step out and be the leaders that we know we are," says Ervin. "That in order to have a true revolution in the country, it has to be married to electoral politics.”
Waltrina Middleton is founder of Cleveland Action, and one of the organizers of the National Convening. She says there’s more to strategic planning and discussion during this event…namely, healing.
“It gives us a place to come to love one another, support one another, and be a resource of healing. And a network of support where ever we are in the world.”
Middleton says Cleveland was chosen because recent incidents in Northeast Ohio mirror those happening across the nation.
The weekend event is being organized by Black Lives Matter, Ferguson Action, and others.