Dispute Resolution Center hosts film screening, discussion about restorative and healing justice

One hundred fifty community members gathered on October 25 at the Washtenaw Community College Morris Lawrence Building to join the Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) and the Friends of Restorative Justice (FORJ) for an evening filled with guest speakers, film screening of the documentary “Healing Justice,” and panel discussion that included conversation on how restorative approaches can help both victims and offenders on a path toward healing and reconciliation.

The evening was opened by the DRC’s executive director, Belinda Dulin, who introduced the three panelists: Washtenaw County Chief Judge Pro Tem of the Trial Court Carol Kuhnke; Debra Wright, LMSW, Home of New Vision; and Dr. Reuben Miller, associate professor, School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago.
All three speakers shared their perspectives on how they recognize the importance of restorative practices, particularly as early intervention for juveniles.

Judge Kuhnke expressed, “I have great hope for what Peacemaking Courts and what restorative justice models can do for juveniles that helps them better understand the impact of their actions on their communities.”

As a returning citizen, Debra Wright shared her experiences of being effected by childhood trauma and how that impacted the direction of her life as she struggled with substance abuse and went in and out of prison.

“I wonder what my life would’ve been like if someone could’ve intervened at some point at an earlier age for me and told me not to go down that path.  I think by the time I got to adult court I was too far gone. I was angry, I was hurt, and I was just reactive with my feelings,” said Wright.

Keynote speaker Dr. Reuben Miller went on to highlight the intersectionality of socioeconomic and racial factors that contribute to the disproportionally high numbers of incarcerated African-American men, women and children, as well as the institutions that perpetuate and maintain these inequities.

“If we only think about what the incarcerated state controls, we might miss what it produces in its wake,” said Miller, who continued to stress a need for more restorative and rehabilitative practices.

The evening moved into the film screening followed by a panel discussion with, Dr. Miller, Judge Kuhnke, Anna Lemler, Washtenaw County Racial Equity Analyst, and DaQuann Harrison, National Youth Empowerment speaker, member of the Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice, United Nations Youth Delegate, federal liaison for the State of Michigan (Dignity in Schools Campaign), where all of the panelists were given the opportunity to respond to the film with an open Q&A session afterwards.

To view the full event discussion, go to the Youtube channel: thedrca2