Webinar: Social Justice in Circles: How are circle keepers addressing systems of oppression?

Please join us for a dynamic conversation between restorative justice practitioners who are on the frontlines of restorative justice work in their communities in Detroit and Oakland. In this conversation we will explore the ways in which social identities, power, privilege and oppression impact peacemaking circles and Restorative Justice work. We will explore specific examples in which power and social identity have negatively and positively influenced the restorative process. We will share ways to intentionally set up spaces that acknowledge and work with the power dynamics at play.

Guest Bios

Marcia Lee co-founded the Detroit Area Restorative Justice Center in 2011 and currently serves on the Steering Committee. She holds a masters degree in Dispute Resolution from Marquette University and has been involved in restorative justice work for over eight years. She also leads retreats; teaches tai chi; supports the Capuchin Franciscans in living out their charism in their ministries and life; and lives in an intentional community in Detroit that strives to fuse our spirituality with creating a more just and compassionate world.

Kezia R. Curtis is an aspiring healer, reiki practitioner and lifelong peace activist from Detroit, Michigan. With justice passions encompassing Black liberation, Black and Palestinian solidarity, feminism and queer activism, Curtis currently works as one of the co-coordinators at the Detroit Area Restorative Justice Center and Freedom Growers.

Josephine Boakye (Jo) is a co-coordinator at the Detroit Area Restorative Justice Center. Jo is a restorative justice practitioner, social justice educator & facilitator, and level 1 Reiki practitioner. Prior to this, Jo has worked in youth mentorship & development, LGBTQ rights advocacy & education, and community development. Jo remains motivated by and grounded in her Ghanaian ancestry as she continues to nurture her life’s work as a social change agent. She has a deep passion for personal and community health & wellness, and she firmly believed that because of the damaged world that we live in, healing is a daily and life-long process for all of us.

Jodie Geddes is a recent graduate of Eastern Mennonite University where she received her M.A in Conflict Transformation. During this time she worked with numerous community organizations while leading campaigns for racial healing and the transformation of systems of oppression.

Geddes is currently the Community Organizing Coordinator at Restorative Justice for Oakland Youth (RJOY). Her role involves designing and implementing community organizing training for youth seeking to examine the intersection of organizing and restorative justice. She is also a published poet and writer, having her work featured on the online platform For Harriet and Blavity.