by Rashard Zanders
Gone way too soon at the age of 46, a man's life was cruelly taken one year ago. His death became a spark that re-invigorated and galvanized activists old and young to take to the streets in a global call for justice that continues to build momentum a year after the tragedy. Although it was Derek Chauvin and his three accomplices who murdered George Floyd on Memorial Day 2020, our entire criminal legal system was complicit. Had it not been for the courage of Darnella Frazier, the Black teen who used her cell phone to record the remorseless MPD officers, the official statement calling Mr. Floyd’s death a “medical incident after a police interaction” would have been treated as fact. George Floyd should be among the living today. And while the the movements for Black lives, legal system transformation, and social justice have spread globally, we must center all discussion of Mr. Floyd's death in accurate language – it was a tragedy. During Chauvin's trial, the Legal Rights Center's attorney's, restorative facilitators, advocates, investigators and staff have worked with other allies from communities most affected by systemic oppression in the cause for social justice. The Derek Chauvin murder trial was one of the most widely watched U.S. trials in history, with global citizenry able to observe the minutiae that makes up a trial: from jury selection and opening statements, through cross examination, to closing arguments and the verdict. Sentencing still awaits. Nonetheless, the whole world was able to witness first hand the unraveling of the long held myth that in the United States, that Lady Justice is blind. LRC will continue our community outreach, to expand our growing circle of partners in the cause for Black lives and social justice for all. We are planning another Perspectives on Justice panel to be held before Derek Chauvin’s sentencing, as well as a full calendar of events this summer (get excited for teach-ins, visioning sessions, and more!) to build community with those interested in being involved in legal system transformation. We will also be uplifting the stories of community members who have had direct experience with the criminal legal system, in support of a community vision of justice. The invitation is ever-standing for educators, journalists, community leaders, and our neighbors to connect with us - let's build deeper partnerships and access our resources together. George Floyd's life mattered. The taking of his life will never be forgotten. And our communities have shown yet again that we are capable of great feats of endurance. So the work continues. This week will be flush with events commemorating the tragedy, a watershed moment which compelled so many to join the movement for Black lives, bringing us to this present movement for social change. Other commemorative events include:
Full Time PositionsThe Legal Rights Center is hiring for four positions:
The Legal Rights Center was created by communities of color working in coalition; a diverse staff best meets the needs of our communities. No Kids in MN Prisons Youth FellowAre you a youth (age 14-24) who has had experience with the youth justice system or youth incarceration? Join us for a 9-month fellowship to develop a multi-year campaign plan uplifting a community visions for a Minnesota without youth incarceration. Fellows will decide on initial campaign demands focused on community reinvestment, closing facilities and ending pathways to youth incarceration. What makes you the right person for the fellowship?
What’s the fellowship experience?
If you’re interested in joining the fellowship, please call, text, or email Malaika Eban, Community Strategy Lead at the Legal Rights Center (meban@legalrightscenter.org, 612-460-1836) by May 28, 2021. Summer VolunteersDo you have an interest in policy advocacy and the youth justice system? Our Youth: Education, Advocacy, and Restorative Services team is looking for summer volunteers to support our work. To apply, complete the following form. Projects:
Project 1: Policy Research & Coalition Sustainability Volunteer (5 hrs/week) This volunteer will support the Community Strategy Lead in researching model youth justice policies and practices from across the country as well as researching sustainable funding sources for this work. The work completed by this volunteer will support the MN Coalition for Youth Justice. Volunteer should have excellent research and writing skills, and have creative ideas for how to best present information to multiple audiences and also have/be
Project 2: Expungement & Collateral Consequences Volunteer (5 hrs/week) This volunteer will support an LRC juvenile defense attorney in refining our clinic model of supporting youth in expunging their juvenile records. Time will be spent researching what types of cases are most important to expunge and learning more about the chances of a successful expungement in various situations. The volunteer will also help develop written materials simply explaining the expungement process. In addition, we will create a list of prior youth clients at LRC to reach out to regarding expungement. The volunteer will work directly with youth (with staff support) to explain the expungement process and offer assistance. Volunteer should have excellent research and communication skills, as well as basic knowledge about how to create visually interesting written materials and social media posts. Other preferred qualifications:
Project 3: Restitution Research Volunteer (5 hrs/week) This volunteer will support an LRC juvenile defense attorney in learning more about programs that grant money to pay off restitution in other parts of the country. This effort is part of a larger national effort through the National Juvenile Defender Center to learn more about options for assisting low income people to pay off restitution. This volunteer will gather information about the possible opportunities and barriers to such a fund here in Minnesota for juveniles. Volunteer should have excellent research and communication skills, as well as basic knowledge about how to create visually interesting written materials and social media posts. Other preferred qualifications:
The Legal Rights Center was created by communities of color working in coalition; a diverse staff best meets the needs of our communities. |
LRC StaffLRC staff include attorneys and advocates from a range of background and lived experiences. Archives
July 2022
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The Legal Rights Center
1611 Park Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55404 office@legalrightscenter.org P: 612-337-0030 F: 612-337-0797 |
The Legal Rights Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit financially supported by: the State of Minnesota, foundations, local law firms, corporations and individuals. Clients are never charged for our services.
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