Criminal Justice Reform Round Table

Start: Thursday, September 12, 2019 6:00 PM

End: Thursday, September 12, 2019 8:00 PM

Come discuss criminal justice reform with individuals who will present ideas on how we can change the system.

Ventura for Congress has assembled a round table of policy experts and community leaders to assist in honing platform positions for her congressional campaign. The first round table discussion on criminal justice reform will be held at the Joliet Downtown Library (150 N. Ottawa St., Joliet, IL 60432) on Thursday, Sept. 12th from 6:00-8:00 PM. The event is free and o

"States like Illinois have adopted more progressive ideas like 'second chance expungement laws' and a ban on for-profit prisons," said Ventura. "Unfortunately, many of these laws have not been replicated at the national level. As a result of the inaction at the federal level, we remain a nation with a disproportionate number of black and brown people in prison. This is not acceptable and we need to try new, proven ideas."

The round table currently includes:

Vince Gaddis (Aurora, IL) - Dr. Gaddis is a Professor of History at Benedictine University. He writes and researches on issues of race, class and social justice and is a frequent workshop presenter and facilitator on these issues.

Garland Mays (Joliet, IL) - Garland is a community leader who is President of the Forest Park Neighborhood Council, he is the President of Building Bright Communities, and was recently appointed to the Housing Authority of Joliet.

Ernest Crim III (Joliet, IL) - Ernest is an inspirational teacher at Joliet Central High School. He currently organizes events to empower the youth and serves as a member for his school's "Brother-to-Brother" club and the Black Student Union.

Randy Ryder (Aurora, IL) - Randy is a community activist in Aurora, IL through the organization African American Men of Unity (AAMOU). He has been an advocate for fundamental change to our criminal justice system.

Charlotte Droogan (Bolingbrook, IL) - Charlotte is a strong advocate for Black Lives Matter and focuses on the importance of including all people in addressing the struggles that minorities face in America. She is a well-known activist in Will County.

Nicholas Richard-Thompson (Aurora, IL) - Nicholas currently works for the City of Aurora in their media department. He has been doing research for the Ventura campaign and took a leadership role in organizing this event.

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