A huge thank you to everyone who organized Black Policy Day 2024 to make it such a success.
As lawmakers continued to advance laws that disproporinately target Black people, event organizers and attendees filled the Capitol Rotunda. Advocating for laws like the CROWN Act (a bill to protect people against discrimination based on their natural hair textures and styles), attendees shared space and ideas on how to craft policies that would positively impact Black West Virginians.
Black Policy Day co-organizer Katonya Hart (Partnership for Further Art and Education) wears a crown in support of the CROWN Act.
Black Policy Day co-organizers Dr. Shanequa Smith (Black Voter Impact Initiative) and Crystal Good (Black By God) deliver speeches welcoming attendees to Black Policy Day.
Attendees listen to Black community leaders give speeches on the importance of Black Policy Day.
Young people pose for a picture while wearing crowns -- a symbol of the push for passing laws that would protect them from state-sanctioned discrimination against their natural hair.
ACLU of West Virginia Criminal Law Reform Specialist Bryan Lewin poses for a photo with representatives from the Keep Your Faith Coalition.
Community leader Rev. Matthew J. Watts poses for a photo.
ACLU of West Virginia Intern Sam Green and ACLU of West Virginia Youth Organizer Oceanna Smith pose for a photo.
Children play with the HealthPlan mascot.
Briana Martin (Executive Director of Covenant House WV) and Crystal Good (Black By God) pose for a photo with Sen. Charles Trump (R -- Morgan) -- one of the co-sponsors of the CROWN Act.