What do we mean by community-based & restorative justice? Community and restorative justice is rooted in community values and works to restore all parties, rather than just punishing an offender. Community justice focuses on being transparent in its operation, easily accessible to all, and working to mend relationships throughout the community, to heal the community … [Read more...] about Community-Based Restorative Justice Systems
policing
A Reflection on Recent Events in Palmerton
by Maison Allen On July 18, in the small town of Palmerton, Pennsylvania, a non-violent protest in support of Black Lives Matter turned aggressive and dangerous as protesters were confronted by armed and hostile counter-protesters. My good friend, Sierra Hahn and I, both Palmerton natives, organized the original protest to raise awareness and help people understand racism … [Read more...] about A Reflection on Recent Events in Palmerton
Please, I Can’t Breathe
by Johnny Wilk Originally from Palmerton, Johnny has been a Lehigh Valley resident for most of his life. … [Read more...] about Please, I Can’t Breathe
Why?
You would think all police departments would have a heightened awareness of their actions. If they are not moved by the imperative to do what is morally right, you'd think they would at least avoid horrible publicity. This morning's news has even more examples of tragic actions by police, and it's not all racist — some is simply the result of violent police tactics. Here … [Read more...] about Why?
Violence, looting, destruction of property
Today, many newspeople & elected officials are complaining about looting & destruction of property. Why have they been silent about ongoing oppression and racist, structural violence? Did they forget what we learned as children: that one of the foundational acts of this country was the ‘Boston Tea Party’, an often-glorified case of property destruction used to … [Read more...] about Violence, looting, destruction of property