Dr. Karen A. Johnson, Chair Black Alliance of Thurston County Using Our Current Realities to Forge Legal & Community Partnerships to Develop Strategies Across Movements to Advance Justice System Reform Dr. Karen A. Johnson, Chair Black Alliance of Thurston County

Mission, Purpose & Vision We have come together to take action and to be a catalyst for positive change

What We Are About Coming together, working together & staying together with people of all ages to: Undo institutional & structural racism Build power Effect systemic change & legislative reform

Operating Principles • We embrace Black self-love & self-respect • We model & embrace an abundance mentality • We model and embrace a victor mentality

Black people achieving optimal excellence & prosperity Expected Outcome Black people achieving optimal excellence & prosperity

We are about self-actualization

Using Our Current Realities to Forge …Partnerships to…Advance Justice For Black people to thrive & self-actualize, what inside-out & outside-in factors must be addressed?

Inside-Out Factors Rebuild Black… Self-identity Self-love Family

Outside-In Factors Confront Unconscious Bias Dismantle Systemic Racism Topple Greed, Power & Control

Fix WA’s Use of Deadly Force Law

Key Strategies for Building Alliances Commitment vs Participation Courage

Key Strategies for Building Alliances Relevant Role Models & Indigenous Leaders Relationship

Amending Washington’s Use of Deadly Force Law KEY ALLIES 100 organizations, including Justice Not Jails, Public Defender Association & the Re-Entry Council Over 200 individuals

Advancing Justice County Public Defense Pre-trial Diversion / LEAD (Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion) Pre-trial/Bail Reform Video visitation & local jail conditions

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” ~Margaret Mead

“Now is the time, this is the place, and we are the ones.” ~Dr. J Dr. Karen A. Johnson, Chair Black Alliance of Thurston County BlackAllianceThurstonCounty@ gmail.com www.BlackAllianceThurston.org