Cory Graves
Ten Events This Week To Help Dallas On The Road To Recovery.
In the wake of last Thursday’s tragedy, several groups have organized memorials, vigils and other events in response.
Not all of these events are endorsed by the City of Dallas, mind you. For instance, the DPD tweeted Sunday afternoon that people should avoid a planned protest at the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge.
Something else to keep in mind is the fact that, depending on the expected turnout of the gathering, special permits may be required. As part of the permit, “the applicant may be required to provide police officers for security, crowd control, and traffic control.” Meaning? On some level, providing the necessary officers depletes the city’s ability to deploy them elsewhere. Just something to keep in mind in these trying times.
Elsewhere, several aboveboard events have been met with approval, including one that’ll be attended by President Obama.
Here’s where Dallasites will be honoring the fallen officers this week, raising money for their families and starting the discussion of where we go from here.
Monday July 11.
• Dallas Strong Vigil at City Hall
The Dallas Police Association is hosting a candlelight vigil at City Hall to honor the five DPD officers killed in Thursday’s attack. If you can’t make it, but would still like to contribute their fund, you can do so here.
• A Community Conversation’ at the Dallas Children’s Theater.
Community leaders and the like are asked not to attend this one, which is intended more as an informal, back-and-forth conversation among regular people searching for peace.
Tuesday July 12.
• Interfaith Memorial Service at Meyerson Symphony Center.
President Obama is cutting short his trip to Spain to personally attend this interfaith memorial service in Dallas, where he also scheduled to speak.
Thursday July 14.
• Dallas Sing/Dallas Strong at Meyerson Symphony Center.
Several churches and synagogues and a few bona fide opera stars will come together, using their voices to help Dallasites begin the healing process through song.
Friday July 15.
• Solidarity Sit-In at City Hall.
The description of this event reads simply: “In solidarity and remembrance of victims of police brutality across the country.”
Saturday July 16.
• Dallas Police Families Fundraiser at AMF Garland Lanes.
This bowling event will help raise money for the families of Dallas police officers in this trying time.
• Love in the Streets at Klyde Warren Park.
Love plus music — pretty much the two universal languages of healing. This choral event kicks off at Klyde Warren before dispersing into the Arts District, spreading out the good vibes as far as possible.
Sunday July 17.
• Charity Ride for Dallas Police Department at Ronald Kirk Bridge
Pedal Against PTSD is dedicating its regularly scheduled ride to the victims of last week’s events, pedaling in silence across the Trinity River levee and raising donations for the DPD.
• Know Your Rights at Oak Cliff Family YMCA.
DFW criminal attorney Seales Law Firm is providing some super valuable info for these times, helping citizens understand what their rights are during police encounters, and how to “address systemic problems surrounding” them.
Thursday July 28.
• Run For The Blue is 5K and 1 Mile Run at Trinity Groves.
All the proceeds raised at this charity walk/run will be donated to the families of the victims of last week’s attack, via the National Latino Law Enforcement Organization.