Crimmigration: The Tragic Consequences of
US Drug Policies on Families and Youth
Featuring:
Michelle Alexander, acclaimed author of “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Color Blindness,” which is changing the way we see the world and is helping to fuel a nationwide social movement in the U.S. to end the war on drugs. Ms. Alexander served as Director of the Racial Justice Project for the ACLU of Northern CA which spearheaded a national campaign against racial profiling by law enforcement. She is currently on the faculty of the Ohio State University College of Law.
Javier Sicilia has led Mexico’s Movement for Peace with Justice and Dignity since his son was murdered in 2011. Mr. Sicilia joined with other Mexican victims of drug war violence to organize marches and caravans throughout Mexico. Crisscrossing the country, they forced attorney generals, governors and Mexico’s president to talk with them. But Mexico’s drug war strategy is made in the USA, so Mr. Sicilia led a 125 person caravan of victims’ families across the U.S. in 2012. More than 200 U.S. groups organized events in 27 cities including MIRA in Jackson. The events focused on ending the drug war, stopping gun smuggling, jailing bankers who launder money and respecting the full human rights of immigrants.
The Opportunity Agenda uses communications and media to understand and influence public opinion; and identifies and advocates for policies that improve people’s lives. To achieve their mission, they focus on racial equity, immigration, economic opportunity, reproductive justice, and African-American men and boys. Along with the American Forum the Mainstream Media Project, they will train participants in immigration messaging, op-ed writing, and radio interviewing.
On the Agenda:
Friday, November 15 at Fondren Hall, 4330 N. State St., Jackson, MS:
- Javier Sicilia will be the luncheon speaker and will sign books at the Friday Evening Reception. Lunch is included and provided by Sugar Magnolia Takery.
- Michelle Alexander will speak at the Friday Evening Reception followed by a “Conversation with Javier Sicilia and Michelle Alexander”—together for the first time! Food provided by Sugar Magnolia Takery. Entertainment by singer-songwriter Tawanna Shaunte with Joey Plunkett and saxophonist Tiger Rogers and friends.
- Panels:
+How families have Suffered
+Stories from the Incarcerated
+How the issues affect Youth
+The Role of Communications in Social Justice Movements
Saturday, November 16 at the Smith Robertson Museum, 528 Bloom St., Jackson, MS:
- The Opportunity Agenda “Talking about Immigration: Communication for Change” Training
- Brunch Provided by Sugar Magnolia
- And more...
Other Presenters Include: Maria Jimenez of Angeles del Desierto, Scott Douglas of Greater Birmingham Ministries, Alexis Mazon of Justice Strategies, Mayor Chokwe Lumumba of Jackson, MS State Representative Jim Evans, staff of the Southern Poverty Law Center and more!
The conference will begin at 9:00 am on Friday, November 15th at Fondren Hall with lunch and panels until 5:00 pm. It will continue that evening at 7:00 pm with a Reception with heavy hors d'oeuvres, entertainment and address by Michelle Alexander followed by conversations and book signings with Michelle Alexander and Javier Sicillia. The conference will continue on Saturday, November 16th from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm. Cost to register for the conference is $50.00. The Friday Evening Reception isan additional $50.00, or you can register for both the conference and the reception for $100.00. Students and youth can register and attend the entire conference and Friday Evening Reception for only $10.00. No registration tickets will be mailed. They may be picked up at the conference registration desk on the day of the event.
NOTE: If you would like to purchase books by or about either author, Lemuria Bookstore will be selling them on Friday before the Evening Reception.
Lodging Recomendations - Please note, you must make your own reservations directly with the hotel of your choice
Sleep Inn, 209 S. Gallatin Street (downtown), Jackson, MS 39203 Ph: 601-896-0390. (Please Request MIRA rate of $77 + tax)
Hilton Garden Inn, 235 W. Capitol Street (downtown), Jackson, MS 39201 ph: 601-353-5464
Cabot Lodge Milsaps 2375 N. State Street (near Fondren district), Jackson, MS 39202 ph: 601-948-8650
4330 N. State St.
Jackson, MS 39206
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Event Details
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