This post includes contributions from Heidi Rhodes and Karen Caplan, two JUFJ Montgomery County leaders.
Last week we joined with partners led by the Silver Spring Justice Coalition for a Car Rally in Silver Spring. The rally was a call for justice for Finan Berhe, a black man recently killed by a Montgomery County police officer in Silver Spring, as well as George Floyd, and the countless other Black people whose lives have been taken by police violence.
Hundreds joined the rally in peaceful protest with cars decked out with signs advocating for justice and an end to police violence. Participants were moved and energized by the many neighbors coming out in support. Here are some first-hand accounts of our JUFJ leaders who attended:
I was amazed at the sheer number of cars involved. There must have been hundreds. My other impression was the people outside their homes cheering us on and taking pictures with their phones. They looked both surprised and pleased at what we were doing as we turned into the circle in front of the police station.
– Heidi Rhodes
It was exhilarating and reassuring. Turnout was more than I expected. The caravan was amazing—even in our cars it felt like we were a community coming together. We got such fantastic support from people driving by. This moment feels like it could be a turning point and we need to keep pushing to bring as many people as possible on board!
– Karen Caplan
Working in partnership with Black organizers and leaders, we are working to seize the energy of this moment, reimagine our statewide policing coalition and agenda, and hold legislators and those in power accountable for the harm and violence perpetrated by police. Join us in this work!
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Maryland Youth Justice Working Group Meeting
November 29 | 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Jewish sacred texts teach us that the world was created with both justice and mercy. Here in Maryland, children who are charged with certain crimes are sentenced as if they were adults. That is neither just nor merciful. Join JUFJ’s youth justice working group as we discuss the campaign to pass the …
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Annapolis Academy: Legislator Meetings 101
November 29 | 7:30 pm – 8:45 pm
Come learn how our Maryland legislator meetings will work and how critical they are for our statewide advocacy.
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Montgomery County Council Worksession: Restorative Justice
November 30 | 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Please join JUFJ, Racial Justice NOW! and Young People for Progress on Thursday, November 30 at 1:00 PM when the Montgomery County Council’s Education and Culture Committee meets to discuss Montgomery County’s Restorative Justice program.
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Montgomery County Committee Worksession: Funding for Rent Stabilization Implementation
December 4 | 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Join JUFJ and our partners in the movement for renters’ rights for a joint work session of the Planning, Housing, & Parks (PHP) and Government Operations (GO) Committees, where the two committees will discuss funding for the implementation of rent stabilization in Montgomery County.
