Reimagining Justice This Month highlights stories about effective responses to violence – responses that disrupt cycles of violence, heal trauma, and address structural racism.
Trauma for Youth is Everywhere…But We Can Heal It in Newark, Youth Today
When EJUSA Trauma and Healing Network member Al-Tariq Best was a teen, a police officer pointed a gun at his head during a traffic stop. He carried that trauma for decades before awakening to it in our Trauma to Trust program, understanding how it affected him and beginning to heal. Read his story and learn how every day he empowers thousands of young people dealing with their own trauma.
Why jails are the key to “flattening the curve” of coronavirus, The Appeal
Given the current global health crisis and its critical intersection with criminal justice, we’re bringing attention to COVID-19’s impact on those involved in the justice system. Due to overcrowding, insufficient health care, and poor sanitation, jails and prisons act as catalysts for the spread of infectious disease like COVID-19. At times like this, the failures and disastrous harm of these systems becomes glaringly obvious. As the virus spreads among incarcerated people, activists around the country are calling for decarceration in order to save lives. Please read more about this issue. Then, join us, Color of Change, and other organizations nationwide to demand that federal and local leaders put measures in place to protect both those who are incarcerated and those working in our carceral system.
Remaking our legal system with more compassion and humanity is necessary and urgent work, The Appeal
The Oregon Justice Resource Center recognizes that no one, and especially young people, should be condemned for their worst day. The center joined partners throughout the state to end life sentences without parole for youth in Oregon. Now, they are ensuring that individuals sentenced as youth have their voices heard.
When students don’t feel safe in the neighborhood: How can schools help?, D.C. Policy Center
Schools can play a powerful role in addressing the trauma of their students. This researcher lays out four strategies intended to help Washington, DC schools to focus on this problem. Each strategy is rooted in building positive relationships and support networks for young people.
