Credible MESSAGING

REIMAGINING JUSTICE came about after Jason Davis and Liza Chowdhury hosted a lecture for university students regarding the realities young people experience once they have witnessed trauma. The combination of empirical evidence along with the lived experience of Jason Davis, the audience left the room wanting to make a difference in their own community. This inspired the two to continue to speak to justice, social service, education and community professionals about how to reimagine a world where before we label, isolate and incarcerate a child, we learn, integrate and provide better ways to partner with communities to communicate with and build up our youth.

With over a decade of experience in the field of juvenile justice and public speaking, the two knew the importance of empathy, education and awareness. As a result, REIMAGINING JUSTICE was founded and a team was developed of talented, inspirational and dedicated individuals that have a passion to advocate for our youth, lessen violence and create solutions for our youth that allow our young people to have a voice.

At Talent Development Academy at East Side High School Reimagining Justice has deployed a team of three Credible Messengers who have all experienced trauma and violence throughout their youth, engaged in life altering decisions that led them into the criminal justice system and returned home to their community to make a difference. All of the credible messengers have been members of street gangs and crews and know the consequences of violence and crime. They now serve as community activists, violence interrupters, program coordinators, trainers, motivational speakers and mental health advocates around the country. As part of this initiative, and falling under the auspices of the school climate and culture project, Reimagining Justice conducts bi-weekly community check-ins with TDA students and their families. It is our experience that involving families and communities in our work is critical to student socio-emotional and academic success.