The Dispute Resolution Center, Friends of Restorative Justice to host 'Healing Justice' event

The Dispute Resolution Center (DRC), serving Washtenaw and Livingston Counties, and the Friends of Restorative Justice (FORJ) will co-host a viewing of the documentary film “Healing Justice” at Washtenaw Community College on Thursday, October 25.

The film explores the causes and consequences of the justice system and its effect on marginalized communities. The documentary addresses the school-to-prison pipeline, the need for comprehensive criminal justice reform and the importance of healing and restorative practices.

Designed for encouraging dialogue, “Healing Justice” is meant to prompt questions and open conversations, exploring trauma, justice and healing. The film will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by DRC Executive Director Belinda Dulin featuring:

• Keynote speaker Dr. Reuben Miller, University of Chicago

• The Hon. Carol Kuhnke, 22nd Circuit Court

• Debra Wright, LMSW, CAADC, Home of New Vision

• Anna Lemler, Youth Advisory Council

•• Marquan Kane, Young Citizen of the year

The audience is invited to share concerns and comments with the panel in an inclusive conversation encompassing all interested members of the community.

“Healing Justice provides the next critical step in the movement to eradicate racial biases within the justice system,” said Slanted Screen Director and San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi. “It is an interactive tool through which the viewer is presented with the impact of trauma, the challenges of injustice and the possibilities offered by healing strategies.”

The “Healing Justice” film event will start with a reception at 5:30 p.m. at Washtenaw Community College’s Morris Lawrence Building, 4800 E Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor. The film showing is at 7 p.m., followed by the panel discussion. The cost to attend the film and reception is $50 per person with student tickets available at $25. Film only tickets are available for $25 per person, $15 for students.

 For more information and to register, visit http://thedisputeresolutioncenter.org. To inquire about scholarships and/or reduced cost tickets contact Germaine Smith, smithger@washtenaw.org or call 734-794-2125.