1. 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

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

3. 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

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

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

6. We are about self-actualization

8. 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?

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

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

11. Fix WA’s Use of Deadly Force Law

12. Key Strategies for Building Alliances
Commitment vs Participation
Courage

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

14. 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

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

16. “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

17. “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
gmail.com