Ridgefield Allies Launches, Plans Virtual Rally on Sunday

Ridgefield Allies: What Can I Do? – What Can We Do? is a new community organization formed by a handful of Ridgefielders in response to the death of George Floyd and the demonstrations across the country and across the world.  

Ridgefield Allies organizers are Ridgefield residents Jessica Mancini, Mark Robinson, Bryan Perri, Da’Misi Adetona, and Alex Harris who are dedicated toward taking steps in the fight for racial justice in our local community.

The group has a website and social media presence and is planning a live streaming Virtual Rally "What Can I/We Do?" that is open to all, this Sunday, June 7, at 1pm. 

Ridgefield Allies Virtual Rally Objectives

• Express solidarity with communities of color regarding the issues of systemic racism and police treatment of people of color
• Recognize and embrace our responsibilities – individually and collectively – as humans, as citizens and as people of privilege
• Identify resources and methods that we – individually and collectively – can employ to do more to have a positive impact on these issues

Jessica Mancini explains, "Initially our intent was focused on the implementation of this virtual rally.  In coming together, however, Ridgefield Allies acknowledges that there is so much more work to be done and we have an obligation to be part of that work.  So our organization will have an ongoing agenda focused on responding to the question; What can I do?  What can we do?"

To that end, the group has created a Ridgefield Allies website, Facebook page, YouTube channel, and email list. "Each of which will serve as a repository and contact list for resources and information to support our central mission," says Mancini.

According to RidgefieldlAllies.org, the group's goal is to highlight what we can do as individuals and as a community to combat racism, and to bring together bright minds to educate, inspire, and motivate our community to take action against racism.

Sunday's event will feature six speakers and will be streamed on Facebook and YouTube. You are encouraged to tune in to learn more about Ridgefield Allies, as the group is planning ongoing events with additional community partners.

Ridgefield Allies states, "We support and seek to be active allies to organizations taking the lead in the fight for racial justice in America, including Color of Change, Black Lives Matter and the NAACP. We support them in their mission and you can too."