Elizer Darris, organizer with the ACLU of Minnesota, will present on the historical bias against black people in the criminal justice system, and what steps can be taken to repair this injustice. Darris was wrongly convicted as a juvenile and sentenced to life in prison, but through studying law and working with his state-appointed counsel he successfully fought to get his life sentence reversed on appeal. Since being released he has become a business owner, consultant, educator, IT specialist and motivational speaker. Darris organizes for the ACLU's Smart Justice Campaign, which works to increase voter registration and mobilization to elect county attorneys committed to ending the racial disparities in Minnesota's justice system. To read more about the Smart Justice Campaign, see this link: https://www.aclu-mn.org/en/news/why-smart-justice-campaign-needed, and also this link: http://votejusticemn.org/

Darris will speak for about 45 minutes and take questions/lead discussion for 30-45 minutes. Snacks and beverages will be provided.

This presentation is the second in a series sponsored by the 5th District Green Party to open conversations about the issue of Reparations in all its aspects, including the multitude of disparities in every area of life that are the legacy of slavery in the US. Future talks will focus on historical disparities in education, health care, housing, voting rights, and other issues, including the issue of streets and other features of Minneapolis and St. Paul being named after racist and slave-owning historical figures.

After Darris's talk, the 5th District Green Party will hold a business meeting to elect steering committee members. The steering committee plans membership meetings and staffs tables at community events. To become a member of the Green Party, you need only sign up and indicate that you agree with the Green Party's 10 Key Values (see mngreens.org).

Agenda to come.