Abolition in the 21st Century - A Panel Discussion

The term "abolition" has most consistently been tied to the struggle to end the institution of slavery in the United States in the 1800s in the national psyche. However, as the prison industrial complex has become the new site of enslavement for countless Americans, most specifically for Black, brown, and indigenous people, eradicating the conditions that have fueled mass incarceration are desperately needed. During this conversation, we will give a thorough overview of the modern-day abolitionist struggle, explore other sites of systemic oppression that mimic problematic policing and surveillance practices, unpack the unhealthy thought processes that manifest themselves in our personal relationships, address critiques of abolition, and provide additional resources to grow your knowledge base.

Featuring: 

• Jaden Janak - Abolitionist scholar and activist
• Rosa Hernandez - Local immigrant rights activist
• Nicole McAfee - Director of Policy & Advocacy with ACLU-OK
• Kiki Miles - Client Advocate with Still She Rises
• William Lonn - Staff Attorney with De Novo Center for Justice and Healing
• Shelton McElroy - Abolitionist community organizer
• Mana Tahaie - Racial justice activist/DEI consultant
• Rev. Tamara Lebak - Founder of the Restorative Justice Institute of Oklahoma
• D'Marria Monday - Founder of Block Builderz and local community activist