View recording of Racial Injustice: Uplifting Black and Brown Youth Voices to Inspire Change.
The University of Maine School of Law will host its second public forum designed to examine the racism in our laws and institutions, and to discuss specific policies and practices that could be implemented to facilitate change through law.
On July 22nd at 5:30 pm, Maine Law will host Racial Injustice: Uplifting Black and Brown Youth Voices to Inspire Change. This event will feature a group of local youth organizers and leaders who will speak to their experiences navigating structural and interpersonal racism in our systems, institutions, and communities. Youth are experts in their own experience but are too often left out of important conversations regarding reforms that directly impact them.
Youth panelists for the event are:
- Ladislas (Ladi) Nzeyimana, Youth Activist and Organizer with Portland Empowered and Maine Youth Justice (Facilitator)
- Judicaelle Irakoze, Immigrant and Women’s Rights Activist, Executive Director of Choose Yourself
- Abdul Ali, Community Activist and Lead Organizer with Maine Youth Justice
- Jackie Majano, Community and Women’s Rights Activist
- Gracia Bareti, Community Organizer and Activist, Co-Organizer of Portland’s Juneteenth Rally
- Fiona Akilo Stawarz, Community and Social Change Activist
“Often when major decisions are being made, youth voices are rarely included,” said Ladi Nzeyimana, community organizer and forum co-facilitator. “However, we must notice that every major revolution has demanded the strength and momentum of youth. In the quest to create a more equitable society, it is pivotal that we listen and learn directly from the oppressed, and this forum presents an opportunity to do so.”
This discussion marks the second installment of several conversations to be hosted by the Law School, which are designed to identify ways to change public policies, amend legal rules, and transform our society by eliminating racial injustice. The next forum will be held at a date and time TBA in September.
“Maine Law is honored to host such an inspiring group of youth who are willing to speak candidly about their own experiences,” said Leigh Saufley, dean of the University of Maine School of Law. “As we continue this series of Public Forums addressing Racial Injustice, the Juvenile Justice Clinic, in collaboration with the Maine Center for Juvenile Policy and Law, has stepped up to organize and facilitate this important conversation. We hope you will all join us in listening to the powerful voices of our young people as they offer their perspective on how we can create meaningful change.”
The virtual forums are free and open to the public, but registration is required.
