#NoMoreHashtags-Community Townhall on Law Enforcement and the African American Community

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Garrett James JULY 10, 2016 Email: President@nvulypn.org Phone: (202) 321-0706 “#NoMoreHashTags” - Northern Virginia Urban League’s Young Professionals Network to Host Community & Justice Forum
Alexandria, VA. -The Northern Virginia Urban League Young Professionals Network (YPN) is hosting a community and justice townhall on Thursday July 14, 2016 at the historic Shiloh Baptist Church located at 1401 Jamieson Ave, Alexandria, VA 22314 beginning at 6:30pm. “#NoMoreHashtags: Justice, the Movement for Black Lives and YOU” is being held in solidarity with individuals and organizations across the U.S. who are saddened by the recent deaths of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile and five Dallas police officers. These groups are also displeased by the numerous Black women and men who have been unjustly killed by police officers – all are eager for change. The event is FREE to all and the public may register here: http://bit.ly/29AnGar. "This is exactly why the National Urban League exists, to empower communities,” said Garrett James, president of YPN. “When we lose our sisters and brothers through police violence, we often times make their name a hashtag. This event is about calling for justice and to say loudly that we want the deaths to stop – the deaths of our Black sisters and brothers, who are often times unarmed, and also the deaths of our police members. We’re saying no more hashtags, no more deaths.” Community organizations, companies and local political figures have been invited to attend to give remarks and provide various perspectives on next steps during the townhall. The community will also be given opportunity to share their thoughts on the recent happenings. National Urban League President Mark H. Morial issued a statement last week, "I call upon our elected officials, community leaders and every American to dedicate ourselves to ending gun violence and healing the rifts between law enforcement and the communities they serve." James added, “We support what Mr. Morial said. Further, President Obama spoke last week to the symptomatic challenges that exist in the American judicial system. One of our goals is to speak directly to the hearts of the community and reassure them that the Urban League, and many other organizations, have been working diligently for these causes and will continue to do so – as long as there is work to do.” Northern Virginia Urban League Young Professionals Network invites community-focused organizations to stand in solidarity at this event acknowledging the racial injustices as well as calling for massive change. For more information on this event or to have your organization partner in solidarity with YPN, please contact Garrett James at President@nvulypn.org or (202) 321-0706.
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The Northern Virginia Urban League Young Professionals Network (YPN) is an auxiliary organization of the Northern Virginia Urban League. YPN was founded in 1999 as a way to identify and develop future leaders of the community. Through a variety of programs and community service initiatives, YPN supports the mission of the Northern Virginia Urban League and fosters young professional development, social consciousness and civic involvement.