Our nation needs to have a serious conversation about the state of our juvenile justice system. Like our broader criminal justice system, it is broken and riddled with racial and class biases. However, unlike our broader criminal justice system, very few people are talking about and illuminating the [...]Read More
Mediation and Restitution Reconciliation Services, redeeming the label of ‘juvenile offender’
An attorney by profession, with years of experience working with youth, Bridgette Bowman became the director of Mediation and Restitution Reconciliation Services (MARRS) 6 years ago, anxious to be an advocate in the broken system of juvenile justice. This 23 year-old organization is perhaps the best [...]Read More
Locked in Solidarity 2015
Today is the day I choose to walk out my truth. I am a former offender and I was incarcerated. I have been home for three years and during that time I experienced some of the best and worst moments of my life, specifically carrying feelings of shame and guilt.... The stigma of being labeled a felon [...]Read More
On Advent & A Season of Giving: Hope
Isaiah 9:2 (the Message) The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. For those who lived in a land of deep shadows-- light! sunbursts of light! Advent is a season recognized throughout church traditions to anticipate and await the arrival of Jesus. The Word that had been hoped for [...]Read More
Ferguson and the Call for Peace
While all people of good will call for calm and respect for the rule of law in Ferguson, Missouri, the truth remains that violence begets violence. Truthfully, Michael Brown's violent death at the hand of a police officer, and the violent aftermath, are tragic reflections of America's continuing [...]Read More
Locked in Solidarity: Report on Mass Incarceration Rally
On January 21st, association members gathered nationwide to prophetically demonstrate God's love for communities decimated by mass incarceration. "Locked in Solidarity" created relational space to stand with the incarcerated, formerly-incarcerated, their families and loved ones. Neighbors exchanged [...]Read More