Alicia Brown, Michael McConnell Peace with Justice Fellow in Chicago AFSC
As the holiday season is here for many of us, we hope that you are finding time to slow down and gather (in safe ways) with loved ones.
We're thrilled today to get to introduce our inaugural Michael McConnell Peace with Justice Fellow; Alicia Brown! We met Alicia through her leadership in the Final Five campaign, and she's bringing so much passion and good energy to this role, we know it's going to be a powerful year. Thank you to each and every person who donated to help ensure we could create this fellowship position. And how special that she's coming on board right now, as tomorrow would have been Michael's birthday.
We're including this questionnaire so you little more about Alicia, in her own words! And if you haven't yet, please consider donating today to help ensure we can offer this year-round position with benefits for three full fellowship cycles!
Then read on for important updates from our program, including info about an upcoming week of action to #FreeThemAll and ways to support.
As always, thank you for your support of our work here in Chicago.
-Debbie, AFSC Chicago Peacebuilding Coordinator
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Bio Alicia is a restorative justice practitioner, circle keeper, and an abolitionist. She enjoys writing and was recently published in the Envisioning Justice Curricular Concepts Resource Guide, Incarcerated Mothers: Illinois Humanities (2019). Additionally, she performs pieces that she has written.
Alicia is a proud mother of four beautiful children, and she strives to make the world a better place for them.
Hometown: Evanston, IL
Astrological Sign: Gemini
Hobbies: Writing poetry (hard question for me being a mom :)
3 Words to Describe You: Caring, insightful, funny
Pet Peeve: Disorganization
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Being a single impacted young mother
What is something we would never know from looking at you? I am fluent in sign language!
Why do you want to organize other young people for social justice? Let’s figure a better world for our next generation, especially in our Black and brown communities, and get more opportunities we never had or imagined.
Who is a community organizer that has inspired you, and how so? Emmanuel Andre. His wisdom that he always placed, even down to food. He always had a reasoning behind everything. He advocated for a lot of people like me in and out the court system with little to no money to make sure for the most part everyone knew their options and imagining things outside of the box.
What excites you most about the work you’re going to do with Michael McConnell Peace with Justice Fellowship? Learning about supporting different people and communities. Trying to use the resources we have to get in the youth jails/prisons to tell these stories when no one is trying to hear them. Bringing my own experience to all these projects AFSC has hands in already to work as a team to create change. Lastly, to learn differently from everyone and have the opportunity to attend trainings, facilitate trainings and hopefully peace/conflict circles to become more insightful!
Thank you.
DONATE TO THE FELLOWSHIP
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#FreeThemAll
Join our Week of Action, December 10 - 18!
Everyone deserves dignity and justice. But in the United States, 2.3 million people are locked away in prisons, jails, and detention centers because of racist law enforcement, and a legal system whose only solution is violence and confinement.
When the COVID-19 pandemic began sweeping the U.S. and disproportionately impacting incarcerated people, we mobilized under the banner of #FreeThemAll, working to get as many people out of prisons, jails, and immigration and juvenile detention centers as possible. We are continuing that work, and have several opportunities for you to plug in and support this week.
TUESDAY, December 14th at 7 PM CT
Juvenile Temporary Detention Center Chicago
1100 S. Hamilton Ave / Ogden side of building
Join us on Tuesday, December 14th outside the JTDC to show the youth inside that we love them. Young people should be home for the holidays, not locked up away from their communities and families. Bring lights, noisemakers, warm layers, and your friends — let’s get Loud & Lit Up for our youth!
WEDNESDAY, December 15th at 12PM CT
VIRTUAL
AFSC and communities across the country have been working tirelessly to reduce the number of people behind bars and #FreeThemAll. Tune in for a livestream update on Dec 15 at 1pm ET to hear about progress made and work still to be done. Join us at afsc.org/fblive.
This event will feature a report-back from Tuesday night's action by our very own, Alicia.
THURSDAY, December 16th at 1 PM CT
VIRTUAL
We are committed to getting as many people out of prisons, jails, and immigration and juvenile detention centers as possible—and abolishing these carceral facilities once and for all. Join us for a powerful Free Them All Phone Zap on Thursday, Dec. 16 at 11 a.m. PT/2 p.m. ET. We'll provide context and training. All you need is a phone and access to the internet!
Register here to receive information on how to join us via Zoom: https://bit.ly/3lUnfMW
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Youth Organizing Updates
Did you know? For the past year plus, we've been partnering with the fantastic filmmakers at Soapbox Productions and Organizing to produce a documentary about the historic #NoCopAcademy campaign in Chicago.
Last week, we hosted an 'in progress' screening for key youth leaders from the campaign, to get their feedback and input as the film progresses. It was a powerful evening, remembering all that we did together - and seeing it on a big screen!
Stay tuned for more info about a release date in 2022, and in the meantime, be sure to watch the trailer if you haven't yet (Length: 4 minutes).
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RONNIEMAN TOY DRIVE
For the past six years, The Ronnieman Foundation, led by the incredible Dorothy Holmes - Burton, the mother of the late Ronald "Ronnieman" Johnson, organizes a holiday toy drive which has brought joy to thousands of children across Chicago. In 2014, her son Ronnieman was killed by Chicago police officer George Hernandez, and left behind five beautiful young children. This toy drive is an important way to show support to Ronnieman's family, survivors of police violence, and to children across Chicago by spreading joy and love this holiday season.
We hope you'll donate and/or purchase a toy in support of annual Ronnieman Toy Drive. Here's a poster with more information, along with links for how to contribute virtually.
DONATE FUNDS
PURCHASE FROM WISH LIST
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Get your holiday gifts & support our work!
Last call for 2021! Our abolitionist t-shirts make great gifts! Even if you already have yours - who might want want to rock one next year? Reach out to us if you're interested in purchasing bulk (5 or more) shirts for a discount for your organization or family.
END OF YEAR DISCOUNT:
Donate just $15 (usually $20), and we'll send you a t-shirt with free shipping. Once you've donated, selected the design and preferred size in the linked google form.