Fall speaker series to address missing and murdered Indigenous people, disability rights and community engagement
The Seeking Justice in Arizona lecture series was established to highlight the multiple pathways to justice and to address pressing yet entrenched contemporary social problems. ASU photo
In its 19th year of bringing professionals working in justice together, this year's Seeking Justice in Arizona lecture series will discuss cases of missing and murdered Indigenous people, disability rights and how to engage communities in these topics. Hosted by Arizona State University's School of Social Transformation, this year's events will span the months of September through November.
The Seeking Justice in Arizona lecture series was established to highlight the multiple pathways to justice and to address pressing yet entrenched contemporary social problems, according to Madelaine Adelman, professor of justice and social inquiry at the School of Social Transformation.
"The series enables students to learn about what motivates a person to create social change and how to effectively engage in social change efforts," Adelman said.
Former Arizona State Rep. Jennifer Jermaine will kick off the series on Sept. 6 with a talk that reflects on her pursuit of justice for missing and murdered Indigenous people, or MMIP, through local, state and federal legislative and community-based efforts. Drawing on her family's personal experiences, her efforts include raising public awareness about the multiple generational effects of the disproportionate rate of violence against Indigenous women and girls.
On Oct. 23, J.J. Rico, CEO of the Arizona Center for Disability Law, will discuss his passion for pursuing disability justice through the legal enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and how these local and national efforts have changed — and stayed the same — since the ADA went into effect 33 years ago. He also will share what he sees as next steps for the disability rights and justice movement, given the possibilities and constraints associated with cause lawyering and litigation.
Then, on Nov. 13, Christy Moore and Glynda Henderson of the Social Spin Foundation will discuss how purpose-driven laundromats are catalysts for healthy, engaged communities, offering safe spaces where neighbors can connect and access vital resources, including clean clothes. They will also explain the synergy between the benefit corporation Social Spin Inc. and the nonprofit Social Spin Foundation, working together to ensure universal access to essentials.
Learn more and register for these events at the Seeking Justice in Arizona series website.