Whatcom ‘listening session’ on systemic racism begins. Here’s how to join in
The first of four community “listening sessions” focused on systemic racism and issues raised by the killing of George Floyd and other unarmed people of color by police across the U.S. is set for 7-9 p.m. today, Tuesday, July 28.
The live-streaming event has ended.
Bellingham Mayor Seth Fleetwood called for such meetings in June, and they will be held online to meet the social distancing required to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
Bellingham and Whatcom County officials are hosting the listening series as “an opportunity for community members to share their experiences and their ideas for how leaders can make meaningful, effective changes,” according to a Whatcom County news release.
The series is sponsored by and will be attended by area elected and appointed leaders – all who have committed to listening and learning, according to the release – from the city of Bellingham, Whatcom County, Lummi Nation and Western Washington University.
While the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office and the Bellingham Police Department are listed as event sponsors, “they are not participating formally in the virtual meeting space by request from and out of respect for community members and partners,” according to Janice Keller, communications director for the Bellingham mayor’s office.
Community partners include Stand Speak Listen, Bellingham Unity Committee, Community to Community Development, Opportunity Council, Guru Nanak Gursikh Temple and Northwest Chinese Cultural Association, Keller added in an email.
Pre-registration is necessary for anyone wishing to speak for 3-5 minutes. Go to cob.org/listen0728, and use meeting ID 958 0522 4763, password 123.
To watch or listen only, the meetings will be live on BTV television, Comcast channels 10 and 321, and on the city’s YouTube channel.
To comment or listen by phone, use any of these numbers: 253-215-8782, 346-248-7799, 669-900-6833, 301-715-8592, 312-626-6799 or 929-205-6099.
Future meetings are:
Aug. 10: 6-8 p.m., register to comment at cob.org/listen0810, meeting ID 997 6322 7294, password 123. Meeting ID and passwords for phoning in is 997 6322 7294, password 123.
Aug. 15: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., register to comment at cob.org/listen0815, meeting ID 962 2738 1401, password 123. Meeting ID and passwords for phoning in is 962 2738 1401, password 123.
Aug. 18: 5-7 p.m., register to comment at cob.org/listen0818, meeting ID 977 0880 4687, password 123. Meeting ID and passwords for phoning in is 977 0880 4687, password 123.
This story was originally published July 28, 2020 at 3:51 PM.
