Earlier in 2021 the Dharma Council sent out news of a newly-forming Buddhist-inspired group called the Buddhist Justice Collective (BJC).  BJC grew out of the months of silent vigils at the Big Four Bridge lawn last year as an action for immigrant and racial justice, one expression of many that we all witnessed last year.  A number of LVC members joined in the planning of and attendance in those vigils.

Since then BJC has been working to identify our place in the collective movement for racial justice in Louisville: confronting and disrupting the web of deeply systemic issues that plague Black people and all persons of color.  Of course, all of us are harmed, but the damage to these specific communities is devastating.  Several of our members are on the planning team — Carol Miracle, Cindy Geisen, Dan Davis, and Phil Lloyd-Sidle.

One issue facing Louisville right now is the Fraternal Order of Police’s contract with the City.  BJC invites you to a silent vigil this Thursday evening November 11 from 6:00-7:00 pm at Jefferson Square to urge Metro Council to vote “No” on this contract.  The contract is up for ratification this Thursday evening in Metro Council’s chambers..

The reasons to oppose this contract are numerous.  Essentially, the contract does not provide appropriate oversight and accountability over abuse and misconduct, past history of violations and unjustifiable uses of violence, and the growing militarization of our police force.   As well, the very process for drafting the contract is done in strict secrecy with no transparency.  Community representatives or observers are prohibited from witnessing or participating in the process.  Even the Metro Council does not participate in the formulating of the contract.  Policing in general and actually persists in remaining above the law.

This vigil and call for a “No” vote are not against individuals but an entrenched system of power with almost no accountability.  And clearly, it is not a way to make our city safer.  We need to be looking at the deeper root causes.

If you are interested in learning more about this issue, here is a link to the organization with whom BJC is coordinating, The 490 Project: https://www.the490project.com

The vigil will occur regardless of weather.