GerryRIGGED Turning Democracy On Its Head

In Virginia, both Democrats and Republicans have engaged in gerrymandering to distort the electoral process and promote the party in power. The Washington Post has called ending gerrymandering “the biggest ethics issue facing the state.” GerryRigged: Turning Democracy on Its Head (2016), examines the history and consequences of gerrymandering through a lens that includes Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Libertarians, and the Tea Party. The documentary explores the impact of gerrymandering on communities and individual lives with testimonials from strategists, political consultants, and map drawers.

Bill Oglesby, Assistant Professor of Journalism in VCU’s Robertson School, introduces the one hour documentary he directed in collaboration with OneVirginia2021 and the Community Idea Station. OneVirginia2021’s Executive Director Brian Cannon leads a post-screening discussion with Delegate Lamont Bagby and ACLU Executive Director Claire Gastañaga. Join us at 5pm for a social hour with free snacks and cash bar.

The Honorable Lamont Bagby serves as the chair of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Norfolk State University and Master of Education from Virginia Commonwealth University. Prior to being elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, Delegate Bagby was the Fairfield representative to the Henrico County School Board and was appointed to serve on the Norfolk State University Board of Visitors. In addition to serving in the House of Delegates, he is the director of operations at the Peter Paul Development Center. Delegate Bagby is committed to breaking cycles of poverty and dismantling the school to prison pipeline.
 
Claire Gastañaga is the Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia. She has decades of experience as an attorney, lobbyist, non-profit leader, and fundraiser. She has been a key player in state government, serving as Chief of Staff and Special Counsel to the Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates and as the first woman Chief Deputy Attorney General of Virginia. She currently serves on the Virginia State Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.

 
Run time: one hour