A national movement focused on uplifting and organizing Black communities is making its way to Richmond this weekend, with the “State of the People Power Tour” bringing two days of discussion, education and activism to the city.

The Power Tour began in Atlanta on April 26 and has since been brought to Newark, New Orleans, Birmingham and other locations across the country. Hundreds have attended each stop of the tour, and 11 stops are planned.

The Richmond stop will kick off Friday at 5 p.m. with a welcome reception and call to action at The Len, 15 N. 17th St., featuring the Virginia NAACP, the National Urban League, Color of Change and others discussing the state of Virginia’s Black community.

Saturday’s “Day of Power” will feature a rally, a resource fair and workshops focused on the economy, gun violence and more in Abner Clay Park and the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia. All events are free.

According to Wes Bellamy, a Virginia State University professor and one of the lead organizers, the tour was inspired six weeks ago by national discussions on how to build collective power to address the issues and inequalities affecting Black communities across America.

“I think that a lot of Black folk are just saying ‘We have to do something,’ and this is our something,” Bellamy said.

With multiple major elections later this year and what he sees as the state’s effect on the country at large, Bellamy advocated strongly for Virginia to be part of the tour.

As a lead organizer, Bellamy’s efforts focus on ensuring the Virginia leg of the tour runs smoothly, including managing operations and communications. He also helps plan panels and coordinate transportation.

Shemicia Bowen, co-founder of the Richmond Black Restaurant Experience, joined the tour as a local partner after Bellamy encouraged her to get involved. She sees the effort as an opportunity to address the systemic injustices and inequities Black people face across Virginia.

“This is a call to action for people to come out this weekend, to take it beyond the weekend and come back and save our communities, save our families, and save our future,” Bowen said.

For more information, visit stateoftheppl.com.