With racial tension still high in many places around the country, Black Lives Matter New Bedford and Bristol Community College organized a teach-in at the First Unitarian Church downtown last night.

Speakers at the event focused on topics like social injustice, education, and the school to prison pipeline.

Black Lives Matter spokesman Philip Macramus told WBSM News a better understanding of the criminal justice system and individual rights would help avoid altercations with police.

The program also focused on changing laws that commonly place ethnic groups in jail for non-violent crimes. Audience members were asked to support a number of bills currently being filed, such as repealing mandatory minimum drug sentences.

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