The Defund movement has become a lightning rod for administrations and institutions nationwide. However, proven models of community safety continue to be replicated and further underscore the value of community centered approaches that do not rely on punitive frames. Join us as we discuss sources of violence, conflict, and “crime” and explore institutional and individual practices of community safety.

Images of Black and Brown people at the southern borders of the US have been used to illustrate many harmful narratives and policies that further criminalize communities of color. Visuals of border patrol and ICE agents violently attacking and detaining immigrants have sparked new conversations on the impact of these narratives. Many of these immigrants become vulnerable members of our communities here in NYC. Join us as we examine migration, destabilization of nations in the Global south, local and national policies that discriminate against undocumented immigrants and the local work to organize and protect young immigrants of color.