Danville, Va.—Virginia Organizing Chapter leaders in Danville attended a media conference held by Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring where he announced a new pilot program in Danville to recruit people of color to the police force.

Virginia Organizing leaders Lashawn Farmer and Ebony Guy (pictured below, from left) offered the following statements on behalf of the organization:

“This is exciting news for Southside Virginia,” said Guy. “The same issues raised today have been part of our conversations with both Chief Broadfoot and Attorney General Herring. At Virginia Organizing’s statewide Grassroots Gathering in October, the Attorney General offered his support to Virginia Organizing in addressing discriminatory policing issues across the state, so I’m encouraged that the Attorney General is directly involved in the project. This pilot program will build on Virginia Organizing’s ongoing work with the City of Danville Police Department.”

“We have raised similar issues with Chief Broadfoot over the last few years. I am happy for this announcement but most interested in seeing outcomes and results. Given the police department’s willingness to hear from community organizations like Virginia Organizing, I am hopeful that this effort will take hold in Danville,” said Farmer.

Additional photos are available for download here.

To interview a spokesperson for Virginia Organizing, please contact Amanda Pohl at 804-337-1912 or amanda@virginia-organizing.org.