On June 27, 2019, CJPC staff previewed Poetic Justice at the monthly meeting of the Religious Coalition for a Nonviolent Durham. RCND is an organization comprised of individuals, who as an expression of their faith and goodwill, come alongside neighbors most-affected by our collective violence through vigil ministry among homicide survivors, support circles for citizens returning from incarceration, and restorative justice practices that seek to repair the harm caused by wrongdoing.

Associate Director Elizabeth Simpson introduced the concept of Poetic Justice — an event that brings together formerly-incarcerated people and advocates with spoken word poets to tell stories from the criminal (in)justice system. Attorney Elizabeth Hambourger spoke about her experiences representing death-sentenced clients and the harm the system does to everyone who participates. Danielle Cortez (pictured above), also known as Blaize the Poet, performed her original poem about the death penalty. Members of RCND recounted their own experiences with the criminal justice system.

All are welcome to join us for this year’s Poetic Justice, which will be held on July 13 at 3 pm at the Durham Friends Meetinghouse at 404 Alexander Ave, Durham. Admission is free, and no registration is needed.