ABOUT THE SERIES

Join us for the fourth installment of the Envisioning Justice Rapid Response Series, created by Illinois Humanities to share short, original videos featuring perspectives and reflections from humanists, artists, and community organizers working in system-impacted communities during this complex time.

Hosted by TYREECE WILLIAMS and JANE BEACHY!
Technical Direction by TONY SANTIAGO!
Followed by a DJ set from the one and only L O KARI!

Tune in live Wednesday, August 5th on the Illinois Humanities YouTube Channel.

RAPID RESPONSE: RESURGENCE

Featuring:
ALEXIE YOUNG & SONJA HENDERSON
BINDU POROORI
FELICIA HOLMAN
JAUHARA SANDERS
MELISSA DUPREY
MCKENZIE CHINN
MONICA TRINIDAD
RESTORE JUSTICE
TONIKA JOHNSON

These days, it can be hard to tell which way things are heading. Illinois has entered Phase 4 of reopening in an effort to revitalize the economy, but COVID-19 also appears revitalized as cases rise across the state. Meanwhile, the lack of transparency around testing has made it difficult to gauge whether COVID-19 is still on the rise in jails and prisons.

We have also seen a resurgence of a nation-wide conversation to address long-standing racial inequities exacerbated by COVID-19 and law enforcement as the powerful calls for Black liberation and a reckoning with our nation’s history continue to permeate cities throughout the country. While the burgeoning energy around prison abolition may feel new to some, abolitionist movements are as old as our state, and indeed, our country.

Is this a moment of history repeating itself, or are we on the precipice of a new and transformative era? How do we maintain the present momentum of visionary thinking and continue the pursuit of equity and justice for all? Who and what should we consider as we attempt to reimagine and rise up from this pivotal point in history?

In case you missed the first three installments of this series, you can watch them here.