Newsletter MAY 2024
The Chicago Torture Justice Center opened in 2017 as a result of a decades-long movement against police violence and torture. This year marks the Center’s 7th anniversary! As the first and only center in the country dedicated to serving survivors of domestic torture, every milestone we reach is a testament to the strength of our community. With a history of unwavering hope, bold resistance, and collective resilience at our backs, we look to another year ahead of welcoming more survivors home, and continuing to build our community of repair and healing.
An anniversary reflection from Carl Williams, a survivor and Community Engagement Specialist at CTJC: As someone who works and receives services from CTJC, the impact the the Center has in the community to address the lasting impacts of police violence and torture empowers both the individual and community. Through education, organizing, and policy advocacy, the Center promotes restorative justice practices as a means to repair harm and build trust in communities. Reflecting on our 7th anniversary, the aim of these efforts continue as we promote justice, healing, and systemic change to prevent future instances of police torture and violence. As I reflect on the Center's impact in my life, I am reminded of the importance of the Center's support for me personally in the ongoing injustices in my fight. The Center continues to stand with me and continues to be a testament of power, resilience and the unwavering commitment. The Center has encouraged me to make contributions to my community, helped me advocate for others, and gives support to those who have also endured systemic oppression. What the Center has meant to me is support, community, and family. My hope for CTJC is for it to serve as a model for other communities dealing with similar issues, and that the work of CTJC contributes to broader systemic change.
Forever a son of Englewood An announcement from CTJC’s Clinical Director, Dr. Nate Gilham Dear CTJC Community, With so much gratitude, I am announcing my retirement beginning in 2025. It has been an honor to work with the Chicago Torture Justice Center for the last 7 years as Clinical Director.
As I prepare for my departure, I want to thank the community for the fight they’ve waged against oppression and racism for generations. As a member of the CTJC team, I was afforded the opportunity to see how survivors and community members used their resolve to create programming that heals, legislation that protects, commitment that gives comfort and hope, a memorial that honors, and education that empowers. I’ve realized it takes all of us working together to bring about and sustain the change needed to end institutional oppression and state-sponsored violence. Every member of the staff has been committed to ensuring the dignity of survivors, and I pray I’ve done my part. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of a collective of radical visionaries that developed the Politicized Healing framework, and even beyond my tenure, I know and trust that CTJC will continue to build upon it. One of the core principles of Politicized Healing is the belief that we can no longer help individuals adapt to their oppression, but we must deconstruct the systems of harm that maintain this oppression. I think this model is not only the future of mental health training, but of the way we conceptualize how we can provide care for our communities. This approach changes how we imagine housing, education, public safety, and how communities are resourced. I am, and will forever be, a son of Englewood. I am so grateful to have been given an opportunity to support its community members. Thank you again, CTJC. Sincerely, Dr. Nate Gilham 6337 S. WOODLAWN AVENUE CHICAGO IL 60637 CHICAGOTORTUREJUSTICE.ORG