The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement has been growing across the country and world since its inception in 2013.  The catalyst for this movement was the acquittal of 17-year old Trayvon Martin’s murderer.  Three Black women: Patrisse Khan-Cullors; Alicia Garza, and Opal Tometi, activists, organizers, writers, and community leaders joined to co-found “this Black-centered political will and movement building project”.  BLM’s mission is to "build local power and to intervene when violence is inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes. It is a call to action in response to state-sanctioned violence and anti-Black racism.”

On May 25, 2020 during the global pandemic, the death of George Floyd at the hands of a white police officer, and the recent deaths of other Black women and men resulted in ever increasing unrest and elevated the Black Lives Matter movement to an international movement. 

In response to this movement and calls from local Black community members and leaders and their allies to act, the City of Langley Council adopted this resolution on July 6, 2020. 

Dismantling Systemic Racism Working Group meets @ 4:30 every second and fourth Wednesday of the month. The meetings are virtual until further notice. 

Click here for DSR Meeting Agendas, Minutes and Packets

Council Special Workshop:
2021-04-12 Understanding and Responding to White Nationalism Training Session by Western State Center (Audio and Chat)

Communications to the Dismantling Systemic Racism Working Group can be sent to:  
dsr@langleywa.org

Members of the Dismantling Systemic Racism Working Group are:

Irene Vernon, Co-Chair

Matt Tamayo, Co-Chair

Kennedy Horstman

Harolynne Bobis

Marcela Pendergrass

Barbara Schaetti

Chris Byrne 

Terra Huey

Christy Korrow, Council Liaison

Craig Cyr, Council Liaison


Brigid Reynolds, Staff