A.C.T.O.R. Presents Work, Workers and Race
Date and Time
Aug 28, 2022 5:00 pm
Location
Shirlington
4251 S. Campbell Ave, Arlington, Virginia, 22206
Aug 28, 2022 5:00 pm
Shirlington
Join fellow community members for a provocative, informative discussion.
With guest speakers Jon Liss Co-executive Director New Virginia Majority and Alexis Harper Director of Communications Kalmanovitz Initiative
Jon Liss has organized for racial and social justice in Virginia for the last 30 years. Between 1979-1981, he organized for the creation of an African American Studies department as a student at the University of Virginia where he graduated with a B.A. in History, then went on to organize for U.S. divestment in the South African Apartheid regime. From 1983-1984, he served as an elected leader of a taxi drivers association. In 1986, Jon co-founded Tenants and Workers United (TWU), a low-income racial and gender justice organization based in the Arlandria-Chirilagua neighborhood. Jon served as the Executive Director of TWU until 2011. In 2007 he co-founded New Virginia Majority and currently serves as both a board member and as the organization’s Co-Executive Director.
Alexis Harper is a student, community organizer and freelance writer located in the DC area. She currently serves The Kalmanovitz Initiative as the director of communications and events. She joined KI through the WILL Empower Apprenticeship program in 2022.Alexis is finishing her dissertation in African American literature at Howard University where she focuses on racialization, nationalism and geographies in contemporary Black speculative fiction. In addition to her work with KI, Alexis organizes mutual aid in DC’s Ward 1 neighborhoods through various grassroots organizations. She is a graduate of Fisk University (B.A. ’13) and Virginia Tech (M.A. ’16).
Facilitated by Pamela Pinnock
*A.C.T.O.R. (A Continuing Talk on Race) is a public discussion series. It provides the opportunity for people to come together and speak openly and honestly about issues of race, class and culture. The intent is that each person walks away from the discussion feeling something: challenged, educated, uncomfortable, enlightened, refreshed, reassured and hopefully inspired and moved to action!
On the last Sunday of each month there is a new topic for discussion.
