Social Justice Solutions featuring Derecka Purnell

4455 University Dr.,Houston TX 77004

01 November, 2022

Description

Join the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work for the re-re-reschedule of Social Justice Solutions with Derecka Purnell, author of Becoming Abolitionists: Police, Protests, and The Pursuit of Freedom. Each year, we invite activists, thought leaders, and the community, to explore action-oriented strategies to affect social change. This year we are excited to announce that Kiese Laymon, author of Heavy, our 2019 Summer Read and newly minted MacArthur ‘genius’ Fellow, will join Derecka Purnell in conversation. Together they will guide us through an exploration of Becoming Abolitionists which invites readers to envision new systems that work to address the root causes of violence and elaborate on the belief that abolition is not solely about getting rid of the police, but a commitment to create and support different answers to the problem of harm in society. Last year all GCSW students, faculty, and staff received a copy of Becoming Abolitionists, Purnell’s acclaimed memoir. We are thrilled to present our students with an opportunity to hear from the author whose work has served to deepen their understanding of abolition as part of their social work education. Also, we are honored to welcome back Kiese Laymon whose work has had a profound influence on our community. Journey with us as we continue learning about the imaginative work of abolition essential to dismantling systems in pursuit of true freedom and liberation for all. WHEN: Tuesday, November 1, 2022 WHERE: University of Houston Student Center Theater | Livestream* TIME: 6:00 – 7:30 pm CT Becoming Abolitionists will be available for sale at this event, or purchased in advance from Kindred Stories. *Livestream link will be sent to registered attendees 24-hours prior to event.