So we save the best for last lol (just playing). Considering how this is the last formal blog for the semester I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone for giving me that comfortable space to reflect/vent. 

Yesterday’s class was great for effectively reflecting upon your privileges, overprivilges, and underprivileges. Ironically, I attended an event yesterday with Common Justice at Borough Hall. The topic was about healing communities, specifically dealing with faith-based reentry programs for former prisoners and bringing awareness to the resources that are at their disposal such as Common Justice. In this conversation there was a section where we were discussing what we could do for young men of color in an attempt to prevent them from going to jail/prison. As I heard this intense dialogue I observed the room and realized that the very group we are discussing is absent in this conversation. I immediately reflected upon the conversation we had in class yesterday and recognized my privilege as being the young men of color who could provide valuable insight for this group.

One amazing part of this conversation was when a Rabbi from an affluent synagogue in the Upper East Side asked how he could get his congregation in forums such as this. Immediately, one of the panelist stated that the narrative his congregation might have about black people needs to be altered. For his congregation not attending forums that involve the black community indicates either a lack of awareness, lack of compassion, or the belief that black people are just violent, and maybe it’s all of the above plus more. In order for that narrative to change they must hear about the injustices the black community face to explain the pain that is behind a community that is constantly oppressed, ostracized, and demonized. Thus, what was suggested was that a representative of Common Justice would facilitate a workshop at the synagogue that aims to bring awareness about the injustices of not only the black community but also the criminal justice system as a whole.

My goal is to contribute in any possible way I can to change that narrative for society as a whole. My questions to you are: Is there anything you have a single narrative about? If so, what is it? Are there any stereotypes/narratives you would like to expand upon and/or dispel? Why and how might you go about achieving that goal? Be sure to include your privileges and under-privileges and how that may help or hurt this objective.

Danielle Sered is the Director of Common Justice and I feel that she has a tremendous privilege by being a white female that advocates on behalf of the responsible and harmed parties especially considering how many people believe harmed parties are typically white females but in actuality they are young men of color. She has a very important role because she not only provides victim services and an alternative to incarceration for responsible parties, but she continuously dispels/expands the narrative about these parties, which is important for everyone. With that being said, is there anyone you know that has a privilege and can use that to their benefit to dispel/expand a narrative?

I apologize for the lengthy blog but I do look forward to your insight. Have a great and safe break everyone! Happy Thanksgiving!!!