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BRJE Presents: Racial Justice & The Courts – Legal Challenges & Strategies for the Next Four Years

In just the first week of the second Trump administration, a series of executive orders have targeted diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, threatening to undermine hard-won progress on civil rights and racial justice. These swift actions highlight the urgent need for legal and advocacy strategies to protect vulnerable communities and preserve foundational principles of equity.

Join us as we explore the critical role of legal advocacy organizations in shaping the fight for racial justice over the next four years. Our discussion will focus on critical challenges and strategies for combating systemic racism, protecting civil rights, and advancing equity in an era of policy rollbacks.

This event will empower you with an understanding of the stakes, the obstacles, and the pathways forward in the ongoing fight for racial justice. Produced by Brookline for Racial Justice & Equity (BRJE) with support from Brookline Interactive Group.
Find more resources at BRJE.org.

MODERATOR
Jonathan Feingold
Associate Professor
Boston University School of Law

PANELISTS

Traci Griffith
Director, Racial Justice Program
ACLU Massachusetts (ACLU MA)

Jessica Chicco
Director, New Americans Initiatives
Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA)

Virginia Benzan
Director, Racial Justice Advocacy
Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI)

Rahsaan Hall
President & CEO
Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts

Erika Richmond Walton
Litigation Fellow
Lawyers for Civil Rights

TV on TV – Toby Sillman

Representative Tommy Vitolo talks with Toby Sillman, a Brookline High School senior and sustainability advocate. They discuss a short film (shown in this episode) that Toby produced in collaboration with Brookline Interactive Group and the School Committee Climate Sustainability Task Force, in order to highlight the people already creating a more sustainable Brookline. Toby gives some updates on the Task Force’s efforts since he produced the short, and details his plans for advocacy after high school.

Welcome to Puppet Showplace Cinema

Brookline Interactive Group is collaborating with Gateway Arts and Puppet Showplace Theater in a program called Puppet Showplace Cinema! Over the coming weeks, eight Gateway Arts artists will be bringing their puppets, with thanks to Puppet Showplace Theater, to life on the BIG screen!

Ok, Now What? Responding to Changes in Federal Climate Policy

Co-sponsored by the Brookline League of Women Voters and Mothers Out Front, Brookline.

On February 12th 2025, Brookline League of Woman Voters and Brookline Mothers Out Front welcomed Garrett Casey, Policy Director & Council for State Senator Cynthia Creem and Jeremy Liskar, US Legislative Manager for Climate Reality, to an informal discussion. We’ll share a video message from climate champion US Senator Ed Markey, too!