On January 18, 2021, the Voter Registration, Education, and Mobilization (VREM) Committee of the Psi Alpha Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. participated in the Third District Virtual Legislative Lobby Day. The event was co-hosted by Virginia State Delegate Brother Luke E. Torian (Dem-52nd) and Virginia State Delegate Brother C.E. Cliff Hayes (Dem-77th). The half day event featured Virginia elected officials from across the state at all levels.
Of note, members from the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus (VLBC) outlined its 2021 Agenda. It included the intention to ”continue to push for justice and equity” specifically by,
- Declaring Racism as a Public Health Crisis
- Providing an Option to Request Racial Impact Statements on Legislation
- Investing in and Supporting our Commonwealth’s HBCUs
In addition, the VLBC outlined a number of policy areas in which they intend to effect their agenda. To include:
- Civil Rights, Digital Rights, and Democracy for All
- Criminal Justice and Policing Reform
- Economic Opportunity and Security
- Housing
- Healthcare Services
- Education and Supporting Virginia’s Children
- Environmental Justice and Transit
- Public Safety
Featured speakers included Gov. Ralph Northam, Lt. Gov Justin Fairfax, Attorney General Mark Herring, and freshman state legislators who have won recent special elections to fill seats vacated by officials running for the Gubernatorial and Lieutenant Gubernatorial elections this fall. Third District Brothers were provided insight into the newly formed Virginia Redistricting Commission, their mandated timeline, and how the final recommendations might influence Virginia’s residents and elections in the future.
Well attended, the event was fast-paced and dense with information; further highlighting the importance and necessity for the chapter to remain engaged and support citizen political participation through its VREM efforts.
