Ayanna Lyons

Building a Brave Community for Criminal Justice Reform: A Restorative Process of Truth Telling, Healing, and Accountability

Despite decades of reform and important movement gains, racial disparities in the criminal legal system have remained unchanged or worsened across the country. Moreover, the “tough on crime” policy making philosophy and narrative of the 1990’s has swung back stronger than ever, threatening to undermine the important gains that have been made. During this interactive workshop, participants will learn about an innovative approach grounded in restorative justice values to advance racial equity in the legal system. Together, we will co-create a Brave Community, engage in learning about the social/ historical/ political legacy of the criminal legal system, and co-create root solutions based on the content brought forth by participants. By the end of this workshop, participants will have an understanding of the Brave Community framework and Learning Exchange Retreat approach as a way to apply values of cultural healing and restorative justice to addressing structural racism in the criminal legal system. Additionally, participants will hear from formerly incarcerated leaders and government practitioners who have put this approach into practice, while engaging in a restorative dialogue about the triumphs and tribulations encountered along the way.

Speakers: Alex Frank, Rev. Dr. Michelle Simmons, Ayanna Lyons