Boston, MA | July 17, 2024 — Join Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice (CSSJ) and the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute on July 25th, 2024 for Right to Heal, an inspiring community event as part of CSSJ’s Multi-City Right to Heal Tour and National Gun Violence Awareness Month.
Hosted in collaboration with Mass Design Group, the Boston event will feature an intimate conversation between Aswad Thomas, a survivor of gun violence and the National Director of Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice, Chaplain Clementina Chéry, Founder, president and CEO of the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute and Isaac Yablo, Senior Advisor for Community Safety for the City of Boston.
They will share their personal stories of being impacted by violence and discuss the work they have led to heal their communities.
“As crime victims, we want what happened to us to never happen again or to never happen to someone else,” said Mr. Thomas. “For too long, the popular use of the phrase “victim rights” has been synonymous with punishment and subsumed by systems that most victims not only do not use, but contribute to more harm and trauma. What would it look like if ‘victim rights’ were synonymous with ‘HEALING?’”
“I anticipate the opportunity to converse with these two remarkable men,” added Ms. Chéry. “Typically, women are the faces of survivorship. This event provides a unique chance to hear powerful testimonies and reflections from men, to discover what is in their hearts and how their experiences have shaped their journeys towards healing and advocacy.”
“Healing after violence is one of the most challenging, yet necessary things that survivors must prioritize,” added Mr. Yablo. “We’re blessed to live in a city where support is available, accessible and trauma-informed.”
Attendees will also learn about the upcoming Crime Survivors Speak March on Washington, taking place on September 23rd and 24th, 2024. The event will also introduce the Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice “Right to Heal” policy platform, which addresses the needs of crime survivors and promotes access, healing, protection, safety, and trauma recovery for all.
This event is a crucial part of the movement to support crime survivors and ensure their voices are heard. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a meaningful dialogue and contribute to the development of policies that prioritize the healing and safety of all communities.
Event Details
Name: Crime Survivors Speak Right to Heal
Hosted by: Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice and the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute, in collaboration with Mass Design Group
Where: MASS Design Group — 1 Chandler Street. Boston, MA 02116
When: July 25th, 2024 from 6pm – 8pm
RSVP: by July 18th to Danielle@LDBpeaceinstitute.org
About Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice
Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice (CSSJ) is a national network of crime survivors joining together to create healing communities and shape public safety policy. CSSJ elevates the voices of survivors to build community leadership and drive change.
About The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute is a center of Healing, Teaching and Learning for families and communities impacted by murder, trauma, grief and loss. An integral partner with the City of Boston for 30 years, we offer resources for families seeking support and training to providers on best practices in homicide response. Learn more at LDBpeaceinstitute.org.