Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle

??? Community control is essential for addressing the overdose crisis in Baltimore. Check out this powerful commentary from our director of research, Lawrence Grandpre, who describes how Baltimore got here. So we can maximize this opportunity to address addiction and overdose, now that Baltimore has won its lawsuit against opioid distributors. Full Article: https://bit.ly/4g8v8HV Audio Article:https://bit.ly/3CMdn30 #recovery #harmreduction #communitypower #blacksovereignty #publichealthjustice #Baltimore

?? LBS Newsletter: Maryland General Election Edition ?? In this edition: 11/04/2024 ?? Why Question H is Bad for Baltimore - Learn about the dangerous ballot initiative, funded by Sinclair Broadcasting’s David Smith, that threatens Black political power by reducing the Baltimore City Council from 14 to 8 members. ??https://bit.ly/3YeBhwi ?? Upcoming Event: ------------- ?? Maryland General Election Day Watch Party ?? Date: November 5, 2024, 7pm - 11:30pm ?? The Perch 1110 South Charles Street Baltimore, MD 21230 ?? https://bit.ly/3U38Gay ??? NEW PODCAST: ------------- Pre-Election Special: Kamala Harris' Black Male Agenda and Cannabis Legalization ??Hosted by Lawrence Grandpre ?? Now streaming on all podcast platforms. ??https://bit.ly/48EIpFY In case you missed it... ------------- ??????? DIGITAL NEWS INTERVIEW: Why Kamala Harris Could Fail to Win Black Voters (10.19.2024) ??https://bit.ly/3Ao3Nm7 ???? ???? ARTICLE: Doing the work: It's time to get serious about excellence and what it requires (10.17.2024) ??https://bit.ly/4eiQCRl ???????? ARTICLE: Reparations: Why We Need a Community Ownership Approach (10.17.2024) ??https://bit.ly/3UDDkI6 ???????? AUDIO: Under the Tree with Bill Ayers Podcast- Interview with Lawrence Grandpre (10.16.2024) ??https://bit.ly/40yPc1D ???? AUDIO: Dayvon Love joins @WYPR's Tom Hall to discuss Question H. What is it and what it is not. (10.16.2024) ??https://bit.ly/40Dcunn ???????? AUDIO: Dayvon Love Talks GOTV, Baltimore Ballot Issues, Juvenile Justice, and Violence (10.8.2024) ??https://bit.ly/4hyDwSI ??? Community Events: ------------- ?? Soil to sanctuary: Harvest edition ??? The Black Church Food Security Network ?? Date: November 9, 2024 10am - 3pm ?? 4501 Edmondson Ave. Baltimore, MD ?? INHERITANCE BALTIMORE: Cultural Work as Reparations ?? Date: November 14-16, 2024 ?? Multiple Locations in Baltimore ??? Expungement Workshop & Reentry Resource Hub ??ACLU of Maryland ?? Date & Time: Saturday, November 16, 2024 1:30PM – 4:30PM ?? Location: West Waldorf Library, Rooms A & C 10405 O'Donnell Pl., Waldorf, MD 20603 ?????? Black Women Build Virtual Workshop ?? Black Women Build - Baltimore ?? Date: December 12, 2024, 6PM - 7PM ?? Location: Virtual Stay informed and connected! ?? Read the full newsletter including event links here: ?? https://bit.ly/40Bm2iv

????? "It's time to get serious about excellence and what it truly requires. In a society that often overlooks our potential, we must prioritize hard work and accountability in our communities. ?? When we embrace the challenges and commit to elevating our standards, we set a powerful example for future generations. Our collective efforts can lead to meaningful change and inspire others to do the same. ??? Let’s lift each other up and celebrate the strides we can make together, proving that excellence is not just a goal but a shared responsibility.“ Full Article

??2024 Election Night Watch Party?? Join us for a night of networking, socializing, and supporting local business! ???? Hosted by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS), Black Girls Vote, Baltimore City NAACP, & Cllctivly?? ??? Date: November 5, 2024 ? Time: 7 PM until the results roll in ?? Location: The Perch, 1110 South Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21230 With TVs tuned to all the local and national news stations, we'll be glued to the results as they come in! ?? Free to attend, but RSVP is required! Light fare will be available (first come, first serve) & cash bar ???? ?? Limited street parking available. West Street Garage also nearby. Note: This event is not affiliated with any political party, PAC, or candidate. Don’t miss out! ????

?? LBS Newsletter: The Score Our Bodies Keeps ?? In this edition: 10/07/2024 ?? Why Question H is Bad for Baltimore - Learn about the dangerous ballot initiative, funded by Sinclair Broadcasting’s David Smith, that threatens Black political power by reducing the Baltimore City Council from 15 to 8 members. ??https://bit.ly/3YeBhwi ?? LIVE RECORDING: How to Win Against Media Assault on Our Humanity - @DayvonLove discusses the urgent need to counter harmful racist depictions of Black people in media during Racial Justice NOW!'s emergency convening, "Beyond the Pale: The Systematic Vilification of Black Boys and Men." ?? https://bit.ly/4eVFWsC ?? VIDEO: Grassroots Approaches to Messaging Progressive Criminal Justice Policy - Lawrence Grandpre discusses the challenges of leftist messaging and how it often overlooks the immediate needs of working-class Black and Brown communities. ?? https://bit.ly/3XQzT2C ?? VIDEO: Under Threat - Countering David Smith’s Ballot Initiatives - A panel discussion on how David Smith’s ballot initiatives are attempting to undermine Black political power in Baltimore. ?? https://bit.ly/4eaaerx ?? Upcoming Event: ------------- ?? WEBINAR: Politics of Gun Violence & Community Violence Prevention in 2024 Election ?? Date: October 16, 2024 ?? Online - Free registration required. ?? https://bit.ly/4cN95oY ?? Maryland General Election Day Watch Party ?? Date: November 5, 2024 ?? Baltimore (Details TBA) ?? https://bit.ly/3U38Gay ------------- ??? NEW PODCAST: The White Liberals Keep the Score: An African-Centered Critique of ‘The Body Keeps the Score’ (Part 2) ??Hosted by Lawrence Grandpre ?? Now streaming on all podcast platforms. ?? https://bit.ly/3ZYHJsz ------------- ??? Community Events: ??? BLAQ PRIDE 2024 ?? Date: All October ?? Various Locations in Baltimore (Check calendar at https://bit.ly/3YeT5r0) ?? END-DEPENDENCE DAY 2024 ?? Date: October 16, 2024, 6 PM - 9 PM ?? BYI Marketplace, 638 Cherry Hill Rd, Baltimore, MD ??? BRIDGE MARYLAND BALTIMORE METRO PUBLIC MEETING ?? Date: October 19, 2024, 2:30 PM - 4 PM ?? Garrison Forest School, 300 Garrison Forest Rd., Owings Mills, MD 21117 ?? 3RD ANNUAL AFRICAN-CENTERED SOCIAL WORK SYMPOSIUM ?? Date: October 18, 2024, 9 AM - 4:30 PM ?? Virtual Event ?? JAZZY SOUL AT SANKOFA ?? Date: October 26, 2024, 6 PM - 8 PM ?? Sankofa Children’s Museum, 43… ?? INHERITANCE BALTIMORE: Cultural Work as Reparations ?? Date: November 14-16, 2024 ?? Multiple Locations in Baltimore Stay informed and connected! ?? Read the full newsletter here including event links: ?? https://bit.ly/3ZUeLdr ?????

??? New Episode Alert! ??? The White Liberals Keep the Score: An African-Centered Critique of ‘The Body Keeps the Score’ (Part 2) ??? In Part 2, we continue our African-centered critique of The Body Keeps the Score. We examine how the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) framework repackages harmful stereotypes of Black families and youth, leading to community-blaming and support for "trauma-informed" preemptive policing ??. We also explore how revolutionary body movements like Capoeira Angola ?? and collective political action foster the agency needed to break free from trauma-centered frameworks. ?? Listen Now: https://bit.ly/47wwObn #InSearchOfBlackPower

??? Politics of Gun Violence & Community Violence Prevention in 2024 Election ??? ?? October 16 @ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM ?? Online Webinar ??? FREE Dive into the critical role of community violence intervention (CVI) in the 2024 election and its connections to policing, public health, and community resources. ?? Topics include: - The centrality of urban gun violence in election debates. - President Biden's promotion of CVI as an alternative to traditional policing. - The complex relationship between CVI, police funding, and gentrification. ??? Join LBS Director of Research Lawrence Grandpre as he explores: - Political dynamics of violence in American cities. - How CVI investments reflect anxieties about resources in Black communities. - The potential use of CVI as a political tool in the election. ? Gain insights into the implications of a Trump or Biden victory for CVI and learn strategies for advocating community-controlled CVI while challenging structural violence. ??Register now: https://bit.ly/4f33Weg

?? LBS Newsletter: September 23, 2024 ?? In this edition: ?? Why Question H is Bad for Baltimore - Learn about the dangerous ballot initiative, funded by Sinclair Broadcasting’s David Smith, that threatens Black political power by reducing the Baltimore City Council from 15 to 8 members. ??https://bit.ly/4dLAgRH ?? VIDEO: Grassroots Approaches to Messaging Progressive Criminal Justice Policy - Lawrence Grandpre discusses the challenges of leftist messaging and how it often overlooks the immediate needs of working-class Black and Brown communities. ?? https://bit.ly/3XQzT2C ?? VIDEO: Under Threat - Countering David Smith’s Ballot Initiatives - A panel discussion on how David Smith’s ballot initiatives are attempting to undermine Black political power in Baltimore. ?? https://bit.ly/4eaaerx ?? Upcoming Event: ------------- ?? WEBINAR: Politics of Gun Violence & Community Violence Prevention in 2024 Election ?? Date: October 16, 2024 ?? Online - Free registration required. ?? https://bit.ly/4cN95oY ------------- ??? NEW PODCAST: The White Liberals Keep the Score: An African-Centered Critique of ‘The Body Keeps the Score’ (Part 1) ??Hosted by Lawrence Grandpre ?? Now streaming on all podcast platforms. ?? https://bit.ly/3Bfkgcm ------------- ??? Community Events: ??? SENATOR CANDIDATE FORUM ?? Date: September 24, 2024, 7 PM ?? University Student Center Theatre, Morgan State, 1700 E Cold Spring Ln, Baltimore, MD ?? BEYOND BOUNDARIES CONFERENCE ?? Date: September 27-28, 2024, 8:30 AM - 3 PM ?? YoShow Place, 621 Southlawn Ln, Rockville, MD ??? BEYOND THE PALE: The Systematic Vilification of Black Boys and Men ?? Date: September 28, 2024, 10 AM - 5 PM ?? No Boundaries Coalition, Baltimore Unity Hall, 1505 Eutaw Pl, Baltimore, MD ?? 3RD ANNUAL AFRICAN-CENTERED SOCIAL WORK SYMPOSIUM ?? Date: October 4-6, 2024 ?? Baltimore Marriott Waterfront, 700 Aliceanna St, Baltimore, MD ?????? MARYLAND BLACK PERINATAL HEALTH AND REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE SUMMIT ?? Date: October 18, 2024, 9 AM - 4:30 PM ?? Virtual Event ?? INHERITANCE BALTIMORE: Cultural Work as Reparations ?? Date: November 14-16, 2024 ?? Multiple Locations in Baltimore Stay informed and connected! ?? Read the full newsletter here: ?? https://bit.ly/3XDYCGl ?????

David Smith, owner of Sinclair Broadcasting, is supporting ballot initiatives that seek to diminish Black political power in Baltimore. This is part of a larger right-wing attack on the progress made in criminal justice reform, reparations, community-based violence prevention, and other progressive policy measures. This discussion will provide the audience with more information about these ballot initiatives and the work being done to fight them.

As the political left and the Movement for Black Lives highlight economic redistribution and policing, there’s concern these discussions are being overshadowed by claims that rising crime should take priority. The left often dismisses these claims as media-fueled propaganda tied to racial dog whistles, arguing that a leftist agenda would address crime’s root causes and should be viewed as public health issues, not criminal justice issues. However, these points risk alienating working-class Black and Brown people who demand immediate solutions to the violence in their communities. In this webinar, LBS Director of Research Lawrence Grandpre will discuss leftist messaging on crime. He will highlight how long-term “root causes” arguments overlook the need for short- and medium-term solutions and address concerns about Black community control and the white savior/non-profit industrial complex. The webinar will conclude with effective leftist language addressing working-class Black people’s crime concerns without resorting to more policing. It will include support for grassroots community control of resources and community-run violence prevention programs, presenting tangible solutions that empower the community and resist conservative and liberal co-option.