Jacksonville Community Unites to Tackle Racism and Political Oppression
Jacksonville was the center of a significant gathering this past weekend as community members, activists, and various grassroots organizations came together for a crucial conference. The local Jacksonville Community Action Committee hosted the inaugural National Alliance Against Racist & Political Repression (NAARPR) Southern Regional Organizing Conference. This event attracted over 200 attendees from multiple states and cities, all joining forces to combat systemic issues like police brutality and political oppression.
Purpose and Background
The conference aimed to create a platform for individuals affected by racism and political oppression to share their experiences, connect with one another, and strategize for future actions. According to Michael Sampson II of the Jacksonville Community Action Committee, the objective was to “challenge the status quo and ensure everyone has the right to live freely and as they see fit.” He emphasized the importance of learning from one another during the event, stating that participants would discuss past successes and failures to inform their ongoing movements.
Personal Stories and Testimonials
Among the attendees was Kieanna Garrett from Lakeland, Florida, who shared her determination to attend despite the early hour. “I got up and left the house at 5:30 this morning and drove down here,” Garrett recounted. Her motivation stems from her own experiences as a victim of police brutality. Garrett expressed hope and resolution, sharing the message, “Keep fighting, keep fighting! Let other people know, don’t give up; the help is out there.”
Another poignant testimony came from Yvonne Kemp, whose story had previously garnered media attention. Kemp’s son, Reginald Boston, was tragically shot and killed by officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office in 2020. Attending the conference was a way for her to reconnect with her support system. “For me, today was about connecting with my support system and allowing them to let me lean on them,” she shared.
Networking and Community Building
As the conference continued, workshops and panels enabled participants to forge connections that could lead to future collaboration. For Kemp and other mothers who have lost children to violence, the conference served as an opportunity to discuss forming a network of support among themselves. “While we were on the panel, we were talking about putting together a team of mothers from different states who have lost their children to gun violence,” Kemp noted. She expressed optimism about the progress made during the discussions.
Looking Ahead
The conference will conclude on Sunday, with closing sessions scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Jacksonville Library in Downtown. Organizers have expressed hope that the event will leave attendees with valuable insights and a renewed commitment to their shared causes. The work to promote equality and justice continues, with many participants leaving the conference feeling equipped to take more substantial actions in their communities.
As the city of Jacksonville rallies to confront these pressing issues, the solidarity witnessed at the conference marks a significant step towards a more just and equitable future.
