community justice forum
online
MAY 4-16, 2021
Join us for two weeks of community conversation. New Harlem is workshopping The First Stone, a play drawn from the stories of child abductees exploited in combat. The story is about the communities from which these children are stolen, and the determination to bring them home. This work requires us to consider the implications of our approaches to justice, beyond broad principles. We look to our communities for acts of restitution, restoration, reconciliation - at global, national institutional and interpersonal levels.
We want to consider how theory around justice manifests in our collective and individual lived experiences. We want to be challenged, informed, driven into reflection and action. The Justice Forum sets the table for a number of critical (and digital) conversations.
ASL interpretation is provided for all live sessions.
REGISTRATION is limited to 30 active participants in the room, but broadcasts are open to unlimited online audience.
Livestream video for each event is located on the respective event page which can be found further below.
Do you have QUESTIONS or need SUPPORT? Reach us at newharlemproductions@gmail.com.
WITH HOSTS
TUE, MAY 4
We launch a fortnight of best efforts by articulating intentions and opening to new knowledge. Nazbah Tom offers ways into the work through Embodying Resistance.
This short film is a poetic exploration of the multi-generational effects of Canada's Indian Residential School system, based on the personal trials of Aboriginal playwright Yvette Nolan. Followed by remarks from Marilyn Poitras. Click here for details.
WED, MAY 5
Artist/activist/abolitionist Nikki Shaffeeulah leads us through a workshop on accountability - 1 of 2.
A feature-length documentary by Lokchi Lam and Cara Fabre that tells the untold story of Canada's little-known training schools and the generations of vulnerable children who survived terrible abuses within their walls. Screening followed by insight from Abigail Solale.
THUR, MAY 6
Jaye Austin Williams is a director, playwright, actor, teacher, writer and consultant whose work has appeared on and off Broadway and regionally over the past thirty years. Her creative and academic work reaches into radical Black drama and futurisms from a distinctly feminist perspective.
Activists Elene Lam and Chanelle Gallant will explore how artists can use representation to support migrant sex workers in their pursuit of safety, dignity and justice.
FRI, MAY 7
Community Legal Workers Kaldah Salih and Sade Makinde share the work and services of Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC) and anti-Black racism and the law, and hold a discussion to critique/question legal remedies to justice.
An evening of inspiration featuring performances by Emmanuel Jal, Ravyn Wingz, Luke Reece and Gisy Mohamed.
SUN, MAY 9
Visit us on gather.town to learn about and participate in advocacy on behalf of incarcerated people. A reflective space to consider carceral conditions, cool out to a playlist offered by former inmates, express your solidarity through action.
TUE, MAY 11
Join lemonTree creations on their instagram (www.instagram.com/lemontree__creations) for two hours of pure fun and healing. For the first hour, there will be a fun dance class to 90s pop music and then it will be immediately followed by a meditation led by Indrit Kasapi. Indrit will share his own personal journey with meditation and the tools he uses and then will lead a 20-30 minute meditation to music. This event is free to anyone but it does require that you have an Instagram account. If you need support on this, please message Indrit at indrit@lemontreecreations.caÂ
Members of The First Stone creative team share elements of artistic exploration. Featuring performances by Pulga Muchochoma and Maddie Bautista.
WED, MAY 12
Artists who create in relation with communities share their art and impetus. Cheryl L'Hirondelle and Commonweal Arts' Why The Caged Bird Sings, Downstage Theatre's Safe Site and the ongoing work of Confluence Arts Collective.
Members of The First Stone creative team share in conversation around the relationship to the work. Led by directors Yvette Nolan and Tawiah Ben M'Carthy.
THU, MAY 13
Taking time to dwell in actions that lift us up, featuring the work of Piece of Mine Arts, Sapphire Woods and Ophira Caloph.
Artists crack the covers on some critical readings, and share what moves them. Featuring Amaka Umeh, Alisha Tashan Davidson and KP Dennis.
FRI, MAY 14
Artist/activist/abolitionist Nikki Shaffeeulah leads us through reflections on accountability - 2 of 2.
Thoughts on being a whole human inside the movement.
SUN, MAY 16
Name drops, take-aways, recommended reading and gratitude as we wrap up the forum. Taking place on social media somehow. Watch via youtube or join DM's IG live at @belladonnatheblest
OUR TEAM
