ACTION - THINGS YOU CAN DO NOW

Urgent need for immediate action - policing - AEPD & BOMC

CALL TO ACTION ON POLICING IN AVONDALE ESTATES: URGE THE BOMC and CITY OF AVONDALE ESTATES TO HIRE A CONSULTANT TO REVIEW POLICING IN AE.

SIGN OUR CHANGE.ORG PETITIONs!

Demand that Avondale Estates Gov hires a third party consultant to review the AEPD. Sign here.

Demand Avondale Estates GA Implement 21st Century Policing Guide. Sign here.

Join the AA-RJ!

We will get you up to date information about what we are doing.

Voice your opinion!

For existing members, make sure your voice is heard in our latest survey.

 

CONTINUED ACTION

The first action was a peaceful protest in support of Black Lives Matter where 800 demonstrators lined the streets on June 6, 2020. This protest was organized in only two days through posts on NextDoor and a few personal FaceBook pages. It was also publicized on the online local news source Decaturish. After the protest, we started this Alliance and gathered suggestions from new members about potential anti-racist activities.

We petitioned the Avondale Board of Mayor and Commissioners to adopt President Obama’s recommendations for 21st Century Policing that include community policing and community oversight of policing. Over 732 people have signed the petition. We attended and spoke at the BOMC meeting. We attended the June 17 BOMC meeting where Avondale leaders agree they need to change the way they are policing and address systemic racism. The Mayor and Commissioners agreed to review policies and procedures. We want to ensure they review discriminatory and aggressive practices and agree to community input and oversight. We held a small protest outside of City Hall. They have not yet agreed to follow the recommendations for 21st Century policing.

AARJ is inviting the input of our neighbors in DeKalb county on their experiences with our police force and if they feel welcome in Avondale Estates. So far, we have requested input via asking friends, posting flyers to surrounding areas, and posts on NextDoor.

A Defend Black Lives Juneteenth celebration and protest in conjunction with the Movement for Black Lives was held on the streets of Avondale and the ArtLot on June 19, 2020. There were 150 protest participants. Children and adults enjoyed creating art and signs. We registered new voters. A flyer was created explaining the significance of Juneteenth that trended on NextDoor. It was also posted on Avondale Estates Facebook page.As of June 20, 2020, our petition to Demand Avondale Estates, GA Implement the 21st Century Policing Guide has been signed by 490 people. Our membership has grown to 170 members. We have a FaceBook group as well as presence on Twitter and Instagram.

Our leadership team is in the process of reviewing the entire book of AE policing policies and procedures and the city budget to provide a list of concerns to city leaders. One member paid for 3 years of police citations to review. On June 24, we sent out a survey to members on June 24 to determine their concerns, ideas, interests and talents and help develop working teams. We plan to develop the following teams: A) Activism B) Community Building and Anti-Racism Education C) Communications and Public Relations D) Police Reform and Budget E) Research & Analysis of Policing Citations F) Legislation & Election Support G) Alliances & Local Businesses. We have accomplished a lot in a few weeks and we still have an incredible lot to do. This work is a marathon, not a sprint.

We have a diverse leadership of Black, Brown, Latinx and White people. We are working to define what will help us be effective in supporting and improving Black lives, Black communities, and the lives of all people of color by dismantling racist beliefs, practices and organizations. We want to prioritize actions that will most benefit the Black community and people of color. We want to form alliances with other groups led by BIPOC. We embrace the ideals of equity, justice and non-violence. We will make Avondale welcoming, just and fair.

We look forward to your participation!

The AA-RJ Team

PAST ACTIONS

Southern Poverty Law Center Expands to Georgia!

SAVE THE DATE  for a meet and greet! 6/13/24 at 6:00 pm!

Avondale Arts Alliance Call for Art from Black artists for Juneteenth Exhibit

Call for Art! “Seeds of Liberation” is a group show celebrating Black artists of DeKalb County.

Policing in Avondale Estates - UPDATE!

Various AARJ leaders have been in meetings with Avondale Estates police and city leadership over the past 4 years, recommending changes and steps that could be taken to ensure equitable, safe and unbiased policing in our city.