In January, CJPC Executive Director Dawn Blagrove traveled to Smithfield, North Carolina, to provide a Vote4Justice training for members of the African-American Caucus of the Johnston County Democratic Party and other community advocates. On February 17, several of those attendees, inspired by what they learned about the roles and powers of their local officials, set up a meeting with Sheriff Steve Bizzell (center) to discuss ways to make Johnston County’s criminal justice system more equitable and humane. Attendees of this first step towards progress include Doris Louise Wallace (red outfit), President of the African American Caucus of the Johnston County Democratic Party, as well as Jamal Dawes, Jaden Dawes, Ella Jordan, Brandi Davis, Augustine Salter, Dr. Marilyn Lewis, Barbara Monk, Dr. Getty Cohen, and others.
