I Am: The Intersection Between Justice, Privilege and Power

5151 State Univsersity drive,Los Angeles CA 90032

14 April, 2023

Description

"I am" - two of the most powerful words that any individual will speak in their lifetime. The words that follow "I am" defines our personal currency, social hierarchy, and privileges that we are either afforded or denied by society. But justice isn’t distributed equally to everyone. Racial disparities, inequitable education and policy changes account for a 500% increase of inmates across America in the last 40 years alone. Mass incarceration is not only an ineffective public safety solution, but it creates structural barriers, from housing to employment, that make it difficult to successfully reintegrate into society. So how can formerly incarcerated individuals thrive in a culture of condemnation? Some of the most iconic leaders in world history have sought redemption from the societal shackles imposed upon them. Antarah ibn Shaddad escaped slavery in Saudi Arabia and became revered as a poet, warrior and national hero. Mahatma Gandhi was sentenced 6 years in prison for protesting the British Colonial government in India. Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years for opposing the South African government’s racist apartheid policies and became the first Black President of the country that tried to silence him. What did these individuals have in common? They harnessed the power that exists between the intersection of privilege and justice. "I Am" will cover the following learning objectives: 1) Explore social identities and systems of oppression, 2)Discover the practice of diversity, equity, and inclusion through a justice lens(JEDI), 3) Examine the intersection between justice, privilege and power, and 4) Develop a life plan that aligns formerly incarcerated individuals with their intersectional power. Through combination of lecture, role play and break out groups, participants will learn how to reclaim their power and live the life they were born to live. http://africawomenexperts.com/lng/en/2020/01/dr-yewande-austin-a-passion-to-change-theworld/#:~:text=Dr%20Yewande%20Austin%20is%20a,her%20heart%20%3A%20change%20the%20world.