Out & About
Defunding the Police virtual info session Sept. 8
Profs and Pints online event via Zoom
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2020/07/Defund_the_Police_rally_460x470_c_Washington_Blade_by_Michael_K_Lavers.jpg)
![defunding, gay news, Washington Blade](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2020/07/Defund_the_Police_rally_insert_c_Washington_Blade_by_Michael_K_Lavers.jpg)
On Defunding the Police presented by Profs and Pints Online is Tuesday, Sept. 8 from 7-9 p.m. via Zoom. Tickets are $12.
This virtual event features an introduction to the concepts of police defunding and police abolition and is moderated by Alex S. Vitale, a professor of sociology at Brooklyn College and author of āThe End of Policing.ā This discussion centers on a key question raised by this summerās wave of protests, but Vitale asks: Can the police be reformed?
Vitale has 30 years of experience studying policing and advising community-based movements for reform and will discuss the historical role police have played as well as their current role. Also addressed will be initiatives to reduce gun violence, education reforms and the substance abuse and mental health crises.
Tickets and information are available at crowdcast.io/e/policereform and on the eventās Facebook page.
Out & About
Celebrate July 4 with area fireworks displays
Festivities planned for National Mall, Baltimore, Rehoboth Beach
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2023/06/20120704_Independence_Day_fireworks_at_Washington_Monument_insert_c_Washington_Blade_by_Michael_Key.jpg)
The National Mall is the most popular place to watch the D.C. fireworks display; spread a blanket near the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, or the Lincoln Memorial. The 17-minute display starts at 9:09 p.m. and will be launched from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
In Baltimore, the Inner Harbor Fourth of July festivities will begin at 6 p.m. and the fireworks and drone show will begin at 9:30 p.m. downtown at the harbor.
The fireworks in Rehoboth Beach, Del., will be held on Saturday, July 6.
Out & About
Smithsonian Folklife Festival underway
‘Indigenous Voices of the Americas’ program held on the Mall
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2024/06/2024_Smithsonian_Folklife_Festival_insert_courtesy_Smithsonain.jpg)
The 2024 Smithsonian Folklife Festival takes place on the National Mall June 26āJuly 1, with the program āIndigenous Voices of the Americas: Celebrating the National Museum of the American Indian.ā
Since 1967, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival has been held on the National Mall; events are free. Festival hours are 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m., with evening concerts Friday through Sunday from 5:30-7 p.m. For details on specific events, visit festival.si.edu/visit.
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2024/06/rainbow_Pride_flags_in_park_insert_by_Bigstock.jpg)
The 2024 Arlington Pride Festival will be held Saturday, June 29 at 12 p.m. at Long Bridge Park.
This event will be a gathering of the community showcasing local talent, food, and vibrant entertainment. The event will be a celebration of diversity and love.
Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.Ā
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