On Tuesday, July 14, Shelby County will partner with the Memphis Urban League on the first #SouthernJustice Summit. This all-virtual conference will bring together activists and thinkers around issues of arrest and detention, bail reform, alternatives to detention, re-entry, and much more.
Shelby County is, we like to say, the Heart of America. It’s one of the most important places in the South. With nearly a million residents, it’s one of the largest counties in the South and one of the most diverse. Shelby County is the right place to help lead serious conversations about reform. With images of the murder of George Floyd permanently imprinted in our collective conscience, this is surely the right time. The need for transformative change has never been clearer. The way forward is just as clear. This is that moment when those who crave change have to convene, make plans, assign work, and take action.
That’s the goal of the #SouthernJustice Summit.
Our keynote speaker on Tuesday is Marc Morial. He is the President of the National Urban League and the former Mayor of New Orleans. He is one of the most widely known urban leaders and activists in the country. Most importantly, he’s someone we all expect will take no prisoners and inspire conference participants for the work ahead.
In addition to Mayor Morial, we’ll have a host of experts on criminal justice reform, including Commissioner Tami Sawyer and Commissioner Reginald Milton representing the Shelby County Commission. These two have worked tirelessly on issues of inequality and will certainly have important insights to share. Co-creator of 8 Can’t Wait Sam Sinyangwe, Saint Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell, and Birmingham Municipal Court Presiding Judge Andra Sparks are just a few more of the speakers we’ll have joining us at #SouthernJustice.
Please join the conversation. These issues have simmered for decades, but lately seem to have reached rapid boil. If you would like to participate (registration is free) please click here.
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