Free. Reception to follow.

In Philadelphia and across the country, a new movement unites public defenders and community advocates at the front end of the justice system. This approach includes participatory defense, a ground-breaking community organizing model for people facing charges, their families, and their communities to achieve more just outcomes in their cases and transform the landscape of the criminal justice system. Dr. Dorothy Johnson-Speight and Chief Defender Keir Bradford-Grey will discuss their innovative partnership to bring participatory defense to Philadelphia.

Dr. Dorothy Johnson-Speight founded Mothers In Charge after her son, Khaaliq Jabbar, was killed at the age of 24 over a parking space. From this senseless act, Dr. Johnson-Speight channeled her energy into founding Mothers In Charge, a grass-roots organization dedicated to violence prevention, education, and intervention.

Keir Bradford-Grey, Philadelphia’s chief public defender, serves Philadelphians through innovative programs that reduce racial disparities, empower communities, and ensure that justice is fair and final.

This event is part of Eastern State's ongoing Searchlight Series of events addressing issues in contemporary corrections. The Searchlight Series discussions take place the first Tuesday of every month, free and open to the public. No reservations required.