ADVISORY *THIS SATURDAY* Former US Attorney General ERIC HOLDER to Headline 4th Annual Barbara Johns Civil Rights Panel
RICHMOND, VA- Eric H. Holder, Jr., the 82nd Attorney General of the United States, will headline the Democratic Party of Virginia 4th annual civil rights panel honoring the legacy of Virginia hero Barbara Rose Johns.
This yearly DPVA civil rights discussion convenes in honor of the historic life of Barbara Johns - who 68 years ago spearheaded the historic walkout of Robert Russa Moton High School in Prince Edward County, Virginia. Her walkout in protest of unacceptable school conditions for African-American students helped lead to the seminal Brown v. BoardSupreme Court decision that desegregated schools in the United States of America. Joan Johns Cobbs, Barbara Johns's sister, will join Attorney General Holder and other civil rights leaders on the panel.
Attorney General Holder, as the Chairman of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee and one of the longest serving Attorneys General in United States history, will offer a unique perspective on the civil rights challenges still facing Americans 68 years after Barbara Johns led her walkout - including the abusive racial gerrymandering that exists here in Virginia and throughout the country.
4th Annual DPVA Barbara Johns Civil Rights Panel headlined by Eric H. Holder, Jr., the 82nd Attorney General of the United States
DATE: April 20th, 2019
TIME: 4:00 PM
LOCATION: Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia
122 W Leigh St
Richmond, VA 23220
MEDIA RSVP: Jake Rubenstein, jake@vademocrats.org, 412-860-2020
This year's panel will be moderated by State Senator Jennifer McClellan. The panel, which is free and open to the public. Attorney General Holder and Joan Johns Cobbs will be joined by prominent activists and officials who will discuss the progress we have made as a Commonwealth and the work that remains.
Adele Johnson, Executive Director of the Black History Museum of Virginia, is excited that the museum will be this year's host, "Our mission is to preserve stories that inspire. The Barbara Johns story is one that we love to share because it demonstrates how one person can initiate change that has a positive outcome for many. We are honored to host the Barbara Johns Civil Rights Panel this year to highlight the impact she made and inspire others to continue the work still to be done."