CTJC Newsletter: March, 2018

NEWSLETTER March, 2018 Expanding Outside of the Center Doors While we continue to hold support groups at the Center space for survivors of police torture under Burge and for anyone impacted by police violence (please check the calendar for details on dates and times), we know that not everyone is able to make the journey to the space. We are extremely happy to announce that we are now offering groups out in the community for individuals impacted by police violence. The groups at Bridge to Freedom and I Grow Chicago help raise awareness on the impact of police violence in its many forms and on the impact of race-based discrimination, harassment and assault.

If you know of an organization or community group interested in hosting a support group for individuals impacted by police violence please contact Dr. Nate Gilham at nate@chicagotorturejustice.org.

Also, please help us spread the word about all of our current groups listed in the calendar!

VOICES FROM THE INSIDE The New Torture by Gerald Reed Alot of men have been physically tortured by Jon Burge and detectives under his command.

Now torture has come so commonly while sitting behind the walls of prison.

Brothers I feel your pain and your cry for justice.

But one thing the system can’t take away from you, your voice and your experience with this torture chamber.

As you read this, there are people who care.

But you have to take the initiative and share your experiences with this center, cause they care.

God knows what you’re going through.

He’s the answer to your relief so please pray and have faith.

He’ll see you thru.

Introducing:

RISE Please join us (and invite your friends) on Saturday, March 10th from 10am-12pm at the Chicago Torture Center for our first open community meeting – RISE: Realizing and Implementing Strategies to End Police Violence.

If you have words, stories and arts you want to share from behind the prison walls, please write to us at: Chicago Torture Justice Center, 641 W. 63rd St. Chicago, IL 60621.

Photo: Gerald Reed (above)

The meeting is open to anyone who has been impacted by police violence, directly or indirectly, and will be a space to build, learn and work together towards a collective vision of justice. RISE will meet monthly the second Saturday of the month.

The meetings are currently not open to the media.

Monday, March 5th Police Violence Support Group 1pm to 2:30pm at CTJC (open to anyone impacted by police violence) Wednesday, March 7th Survivors of Police Torture Support Group 1pm to 2:30pm at CTJC (open to survivors of police torture)

Healing Activity

UPCOMING EVENTS

Saturday, March 10th RISE Community Meeting 10am to 12pm at CTJC (open to anyone impacted by police violence) Monday, March 12th Police Violence Support Group 1pm to 2:30pm at CTJC (open to anyone impacted by police violence) Monday, March 19th Police Violence Support Group 1pm to 2:30pm at CTJC (open to anyone impacted by police violence) st

Wednesday, March 21 Survivors of Police Torture Support Group 1pm to 2:30pm at CTJC (open to survivors of police torture)

A MESSAGE FROM NATE GILHAM DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL SERVICES

Thursday, March 22nd Speakers Bureau Training 4pm to 7pm at Freedom UM Church, 2000 W. 68th St (open to survivors and family members) Monday, March 26th Police Violence Support Group 1pm to 2:30pm at CTJC (open to anyone impacted by police violence) SATURDAY, March 24th Chicago Torture Justice Memorial Group Meeting: For the last few months members of CTJM have been interviewing survivors and family members about ideas, locations and visions for a memorial, which is one of the provisions of the Reparations package. We are hosting a group meeting will conclude our information gathering. We'll discuss your ideas, share out what we've learned so far and show slides of memorials around the world and local Chicago artists we hope to commission for the memorial.

Food and small stipends will be provided.

1pm to 3:00pm at Washington Park Arts Incubator, 301 E Garfield Blvd.

OFFICE HOURS Open case management hours every Monday from 1pm to 5pm

Mondays – 9am to 5pm Tuesdays - 8am to 4pm Wednesdays – 8am to 4pm Thursday – 10am to 6pm Fridays – By appointment

Please Donate: Interested in supporting the Center or having a survivor, family member, or staff come speak in your community? Our website has been updated to include a donation button and a speaker request form. www.chicagotorturejustice.org

WHY HEAL? When we talk about healing from the wounds of police violence and institutional racism many people will say they don’t have the time, need, or desire to heal. Well, brothers and sisters, if you think the police violence you have experienced—directly or indirectly— has left no mark, then the systems that divide and destroy us have won.

What happens to you or those you love when you see police in the neighborhood?

Does your heart-rate go up, your palms get sweaty or your mind go blank? What if you are actually stopped by the police, what does it feel like? For many of us, from the cradle to the grave we deal with the impact of emotional injuries based on having black skin, and we cope with these wounds by telling ourselves: get over it; it won’t change; or that’s the way it has been and always will be. People don’t “get over it”.

The violence and trauma we experience directly impacts our ability to build relationships, to connect to our joy and wholeness, and to dream a different future for ourselves and our families. When people come together to talk about these events and feelings, we feel supported and things begin to change. History shows us that there is strength and incredible transformation that is possible when we come together, share our experiences, get support, and take action. At the Chicago Torture Justice Center we are healing from the wounds of police violence and race-based aggression in our community.

Please join us on Mondays @ 1:00 – 2:30 or attend one of our community events.