When it comes to envisioning justice, actions speak louder than words! This intensive, fun, and multi-faceted day of programming draws together some of the organizations and individuals most dedicated to dismantling the inequities in our criminal justice system and to creating a more just Chicago.

See how to de-escalate difficult situations to avoid police intervention, step into the experience of a returning citizen through a “re-entry simulation,” learn about the prison abolition movement, participate in a healing circle, find out what it takes to volunteer inside the Cook County Department of Corrections, enjoy bombastic performances by young people from throughout the city, and more. This full day of programming includes lunch for all attendees as well as a “choose your own adventure” style schedule that allows you to dive deeply into the topics and activities that most interest you. Come for a specific workshop or stay all day!

***Activation Day Schedule:***

10am – Welcome & Orientation

10:30am –
TRACK A: De-escalation Workshop by Alternatives to Calling the Police During Mental Health Crises
TRACK B: Voices of the World Poster Workshop by OPEN Center for the Arts
TRACK C: Re-entry Simulation by BBF Family Services

11:30am – Break

11:45am – Performance by B’Rael Ali Thunder

12:00pm – Envisioning Abolitionist Futures by The #LetUsBreathe Collective

1:00pm – Break

1:15pm – Protest in Fashion, Part 1 by Edvetté Chidike Onwuachimba and New to You Thrift Shop

1:30pm –
TRACK A: Restorative Justice Circle by Circles & Ciphers
TRACK B: What Does Freedom After Incarceration Mean? by Bright Star Community Outreach, Inc. (BSCO)
TRACK C: Re-entry Simulation Reflection by Circles & Ciphers & BBF Family Services

2:30pm – Break

2:45pm – Performance by OPEN Center for the Arts

3:00pm – Rest as Resistance by The Nap Ministry

3:30pm – Protest in Fashion, Part 2 by Edvetté Chidike Onwuachimba and New to You Thrift Shop

3:45pm – Break

4:00pm – Stomping Grounds by Free Write Arts & Literacy

6:00pm – Event concludes & gallery closes

*Ongoing: Info Booth About Volunteering in a Carceral Institution by Just Art; Interactive Justice Archives by Free Write Arts & Literacy

This event is made possible through our wonderful partnerships with SAIC Sullivan Galleries, BBF Family Services, Bright Star Community Outreach, Inc. (BSCO), Circles & Ciphers, Free Write Arts & Literacy, Just Art, the #LetUsBreathe Collective, and OPEN Center for the Arts.

Free and open to all!

Official Website

More events on this date

Tags: #LetUsBreathe Collective, Alternatives to Calling the Police During Mental Health Crises, B'Rael Ali Thunder, Bright Star Community Outreach, Circles & Ciphers, Edvetté Chidike Onwuachimba, Envisioning Justice Activation Day, Free Write Arts & Literacy, Inc. (BSCO), Loop, New to You Thrift Shop, OPEN Center for the Arts, SAIC, Sullivan Galleries, The Nap Ministry