In a world that often sees in black and white, Terry Lee Watson, the visionary founder of Strategies for Justice (SFJ), challenges us to perceive through a spectrum of understanding and compassion. As an award-winning author renowned for his groundbreaking work, “Welcome to the Sick Mind of a Sane Person,” Watson has consistently advocated for societal reform. His efforts have illuminated the complex narratives surrounding racial and disability justice dialogues, setting a transformative agenda for this year’s Symposium on Conscious Law Enforcement & Inclusive Practices.
Scheduled from April 2-4, 2025, the symposium aims to delve into an issue that resonates deeply within our current societal climate – “Evaluating the Criminalization of the Intersectionality of Race and Disability: Through the Lens of Disability Justice.” This theme is not just timely; it’s vital in an era where public safety is often juxtaposed against humanity and dignity. SFJ’s decision to focus on this topic stems from an urgent call to reassess how law enforcement interacts with individuals at the crossroads of race and disability.
The intersectionality of race and disability is a critical area that demands our attention. It involves understanding how various forms of inequality intersect and influence each other, particularly in how law enforcement policies and practices affect those living with disabilities within marginalized racial communities. The disability justice framework offers a lens through which we can critique these interactions’ lasting impact on individuals and communities.
Watson explains, “Our mission hinges on leveraging stories as catalysts for reform. By exploring public safety through an anti-racist/anti-ableist lens, we aim to uncover paths toward genuine inclusivity.” The symposium’s two-tier workshops are designed to illuminate successful strategies for fostering public safety that respects everyone’s rights while addressing how race and disability intersect within criminal justice contexts.
One key aspect underpinning this year’s theme is Conscious Law Enforcement. This concept seeks to initiate a deep-seated awareness among law enforcement personnel about how generational trauma influences relations between community members and police forces. It’s about learning from past mistakes, engaging with affected communities constructively, and building pathways toward mutual healing.
Equally important are inclusive practices, which are taking significant strides towards cultivating inclusiveness within law enforcement agencies and in broader societal contexts. This involves documenting newfound awareness, engaging in ongoing teaching, research activities, legislative reforms, and fundamentally shifting perspectives towards more compassionate modes of policing.
Reflecting on SFJ’s overarching message, Watson shares a powerful mantra: “Empowering the Future With Untold History.” This statement encapsulates SFJ’s commitment to rewriting narratives by illuminating overlooked histories that shape our present-day realities—a mission that resonates across their digital platforms, including YouTube (@strategiesforjustice5779), Facebook (@battlemosespeople), Instagram (@strategiesforjustice), Twitter (@moses_battle), and their website (www.strategiesjustice.com/symposium).
This year’s symposium aims to center voices with lived experiences at this crucial intersection and to bring together law enforcement officers, academics, trauma experts, and social justice advocates in meaningful dialogue. Such conversations promise insights and actionable solutions to dismantle systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities interacting with criminal justice systems.
As we anticipate this landmark event orchestrated by Strategies for Justice under Terry Lee Watson’s guidance, its importance cannot be overstated. Addressing criminalization at the nexus of race and disability through a lens focused sharply on disability justice isn’t just critical; it’s imperative in steering us toward a more equitable and just future.
In essence, Strategies for Justice stands poised at an essential crossroads—advocating for change and embodying it through concerted actions rooted in empathy, understanding, and resilience. As society grapples with complex issues surrounding public safety, humanity, and dignity—all eyes will indeed be on this pivotal symposium set to unfold virtually between April 2-4, 2025—a testament to Watson’s vision that champions untold histories paving ways toward empowering futures.
Published by: Martin De Juan
