Newsletter JANUARY 2023
Reflections, Gratitude, and Looking Forward Together
It is only collectively that we will win. Left: Survivors, community members, and CTJC staff at a community fair in our new Woodlawn space. 2022 has brought many new memories, experiences, and learnings for us at the Chicago Torture Justice Center and we are grateful to enter powerfully into 2023 with you. We accomplished so much in 2022! We began the year with excitement as we moved into a new building coordinating much needed renovations to make the new location appropriate for our needs. In May, we celebrated the 7th anniversary of the Reparations Ordinance, our 5th birthday and officially opened in our new space. This marked the resumption of in-person services and programming for the first time after two years of predominantly operating remotely for the safety of our collective health due to COVID. This year, we celebrated the one year anniversary of our Peer Reentry team which is 100% designed and led by formerly incarcerated team members. This team, led by LaTanya Jenifor-Sublett, created a powerful set of values to guide its work, completed its first team retreat, deepened their commitments, and facilitated new connections with our community inside. Our organizing team grew in 2022 as we brought on an additional community organizer and Director of Campaigns to join our seasoned and brilliant organizer, Mark Clements. Our powerful organizing team of three are now positioned to lead bold, aligned, and community-led campaigns in the coming year(s), helping to build more radical and liberatory futures for our communities. We reflect with gratitude for the relationships that have deepened, the new community members we have welcomed in, the lessons we have learned, the ways we have mourned collectively, and the struggles we have fought and continue to fight in/with our community. We look forward to continuing to grow with you towards the futures we imagine. With strength and conviction in our shared values, we send love and appreciation to you for the learnings, experiences, and connections of 2022. We welcome 2023 with open hearts, clear vision, and fighting spirits. We are deeply thankful you are here with us because it is only collectively that we will win. With love and solidarity, Aislinn and Cindy CTJC Co-Executive Directors 6337 S. WOODLAWN AVENUE CHICAGO IL 60637 CHICAGOTORTUREJUSTICE.ORG