The first two sessions will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Wed., June 17 and from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thu., June 18
VANCOUVER – In response to the death of George Floyd and the resulting protests in cities across the U.S., including Vancouver, the city is hosting a series of community listening sessions starting next week.
The first two sessions will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Wed., June 17 and from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thu., June 18. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these two sessions will be conducted online.
Both listening panels will include Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle, City Manager Eric Holmes, Vancouver Police Chief James McElvain and Assistant Chief Jeff Mori. The June 17 panel will also include Vancouver City Council Members Erik Paulsen and Ty Stober. The June 18 panel will also include Vancouver City Council Members Bart Hansen and Laurie Lebowsky.
Residents interested in speaking at one of these sessions can register online at www.beheardvancouver.org/racialjustice. With the intention of allowing for enough time for those who wish to speak, the number of speakers at each session will be limited to 30. Participants will receive instructions about how to access the online sessions after registering.
Registration is not required to listen to the sessions. Both sessions will be broadcast live on Clark/Vancouver Television (CVTV) Comcast channel 23/HD 323, www.CVTV.org and the City’s Facebook (www.facebook.com/vancouverus). They will also be available on demand afterwards on Facebook and www.cvtv.org.
In addition to these two community sessions, the city is also reaching out to a number of community organizations to schedule additional listening sessions. If you would like to schedule a listening session for your organization, send an email request to cmo@cityofvancouver.us.
“We are committed to fighting against racism and working toward an equitable and inclusive city for all,” said Vancouver City Manager Eric Holmes. “These listening sessions will serve as a long overdue step toward identifying tangible actions our city government can take to end racism and systemic inequities in our community.”
The community is also invited to submit stories and ideas online at www.beheardvancouver.org/racialjustice.
Information provided by city of Vancouver.
