Youth volunteer Israel at the registration table.
CJCJ was proud to partner with The Justice Reinvestment Coalition in Alameda County for their community event this June in Oakland, CA.
The L.U.N.A film festival was an educational, community-centered event showcasing narratives by and for communities impacted by incarceration. Through film and creative expression, L.U.N.A cultivated a space of education, entertainment, and community. By reclaiming our narrative, L.U.N.A. created a platform for educating our community on available resources, movements, and informing political decision-makers on the needs and demands of community-based organizations & advocates. CJCJ brought items from our extensive archive of historical documents from California Youth Authority(CYA)/Division of Juvenile Justice(DJJ). It is important for us to remember how horrific conditions were in California’s youth prisons, especially as we come upon the one year closure of the DJJ. If we don’t take note from past failures, we risk replicating the same futures and punitive conditions for those most in need.
Each film was accompanied by a panel or community activity as an educational experience for community members and political changemakers. Given the weight of the topics discussed and films screened, self-care and individual wellness was also considered, with acupuncture and healing based services available to attendees. The day was filled with opportunities to learn, engage in community and share with one another common hopes and struggles. From little ones to elders, all generations were present and welcome. Partner orgs such as Communities United for Restorative Justice (CURYJ), Legal Services for Prisoners with Children (LSPC)/All of Us or None, Urban Peace Movement, and Project Rebound East Bay were also present to share resources and build community. Thank you again to The Justice Reinvestment Coalition of Alameda County for the invitation to be part of such an important community event!
