Our VoicesDMV Community Insights survey found that 1 in 10 Black residents felt discriminated against in interactions with the police over the past year, compared with less than 1 in 100 white residents.

These stark findings - especially within the context of current events - remind us that racial disparities permeate our country's criminal justice system. In this VoicesDMV Social Justice Town Hall, we discussed police reform, restorative justice, and how you can be part of affecting change. We convened with local stakeholders pushing for reform - to explore the intersection of violence and incarceration in our region.

Speakers include:

• Seema Gajwani, Chief of the Restorative Justice Section, Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia

• Candice Jones, President & CEO of Public Welfare Foundation

• Gustavo Torres, Executive Director of CASA

• Tonia Wellons, President & CEO of The Community Foundation

The Community Foundation launched a Social Justice Town Hall series on Friday, June 19. This series will provide a forum for the community to learn more about the issues impacting our region and to start developing solutions to rebuild more equitable communities where everyone can thrive.

The series will culminate in an opportunity for our entire region to come together for On the Table Conversations to consider how these issues impact our families and communities. The Community Foundation will then fund Community Action Awards to help transform ideas sparked during these conversations into action–committing at least $100,000 for community organizing, action, and social justice projects that can be implemented individually or collectively.