In May 2020, the death of George Floyd became a symbol of police brutality and triggered thousands of protests across the country and throughout the world. In Massachusetts, these events galvanized community action and helped accelerate statewide police reform and conversations on reimagining public safety. Since then, local leaders have worked to sustain that momentum by organizing rallies, advancing policy, and forging new relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Today, local civic leaders and a police officer together consider the impact of a recent community rally and a police pledge, in their shared support for peace and justice.
This event is hosted in partnership with GBH.
Speakers
Ron Bell, civic engagement and voting rights organizer, founder of Dunk the Vote
Ron Bell, a civic engagement and voting rights organizer, is the founder of the nonpartisan nonprofit Dunk the Vote which, since 1992, has registered over 100,000 voters in Massachusetts. Dunk the Vote was a lead organizer of this year’s March and Rally for George and Justice. A former Senior Advisor for Community Affairs for Governor Deval Patrick, Ron currently anchors Boston Black News, WBPG-LP 102.9. He is a sought-after consultant and speaker; and an advisor and board member for organizations focused on educating young leaders.
Karen Grace Horan, co-founder of co-founder of Courageous Conversations Towards Racial Justice, Milton-Mattapan
Karen Groce Horan is the Co-Founder of Courageous Conversations Towards Racial Justice, Milton-Mattapan, which holds events and dialogues related to racism, racial healing and positive systems change. Courageous Conversations was a lead organizer of the 2025 March and Rally for George and Justice. A consultant, Karen has worked in both the public and private sectors, championing the causes of equity, justice and environmental resilience. Her current efforts include overseeing environmental justice space for the Neponset River Watershed Association.
Sergeant David Hernandez, co-founder and Chair of the Latino Law Enforcement Group of Boston (LLEGO Boston)
Sergeant David Hernandez is Co-founder and Chair of the Latino Law Enforcement Group of Boston (LLEGO Boston). As LLEGO Chair, David supports the organization’s programming and operations, and interfaces with the City of Boston, including the BPD, on a variety of issues. As a Boston police officer for the past ten years – in the city in which he was raised and currently resides – David’s experience has provided him with dual perspectives regarding the needs and challenges of both community and police, inspiring his support for collaboration that promotes education and trust.
Moderated by Rahsaan Hall, President and CEO of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts
Rahsaan Hall is President and CEO of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts, where he leads efforts to break down racial and social barriers that fuel economic inequities. A seasoned civil rights attorney and ordained AME minister, Rahsaan brings a thoughtful blend of legal expertise and ethical leadership to his work. He previously served as Director of the Racial Justice Program at the ACLU of Massachusetts and Deputy Director at the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Economic Justice. A former Suffolk County Assistant District Attorney, Rahsaan’s lifelong commitment to justice is rooted in community impact and advocacy.
Partners
- Dunk the Vote
- Courageous Conversations Towards Racial Justice, Milton-Mattapan
- Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts
- Boston’s Higher Ground
- Circle of Nations, Inc.
- Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition (MAWOCC)
- Mass NOW
- Greater Boston National Pan-Hellenic Council
- Milton Access Television
- Greater Love Tabernacle
- Church of the Holy Spirit, Mattapan
- Parkway Methodist Church, Milton
- Milton for Peace
- Milton Change Makers
- Haymarket People’s Fund
- The Commonwealth Seminar
- Apex Rooftop Bar and Lounge