Be the Healing: Reparations Conference 2022

This conference explores innovative approaches to reparations which include restoration, repair, and healing at the individual, community, and institutional levels, inclusive of policy changes.

Over the course of three days, Dr. Joy DeGruy and Dr. Bahia will address the historical harm and trauma of racism and colonization through an inspirational and solution-oriented global lens. Chicago community leaders will lead breakout sessions and community tours addressing various ways reparations are being carried out in the fields of education, environment, health, housing, politics, economics, and justice system.

Friday will take place at Kent College from 9am - 4pm with a plenary, lunch, and breakout sessions. The first community tour will be bike tour in North Lawndale at 6pm at Douglass Park.

Saturday will take place at Kent College from 9am - 4pm with a plenary, lunch, and breakout sessions. Dr. Joy DeGruy will conduct a Fireside (conversation about how the Baha'i Faith influenced her work) hosted by the Chicago Baha'i Community at 7:30pm. Location TBD.

Sunday will incorporate community tours from 10am -12pm and 2pm - 4pm in Albany Park- First Nations Garden, Austin, Bronzeville, and Humboldt Park. Participants will go directly to tour sites and have lunch on their own. Dinner with Dr. Joy DeGruy and partners will conclude the conference in West Garfield at Bethel New Life from 6pm-8pm.

It is encouraged for attendees to participate in every aspect of the conference for the full experience of learning. Each component builds on each other with a culminating dinner that incorporates cross-learning, reflections, and input on next steps.

When choosing tickets, please make sure you have a ticket for all the sessions you would like to attend. This event is free with the option to donate. We are all at different places with our finances so please pick the option of what your financial capacity allows. Please know the cost of this conference averages $350 per person.

1. Friday-Saturday from 9am-4pm, Free or Donation
2. Friday at 6pm, Community Tour (North Lawndale Bike Tour)
3. Saturday at 7:30pm, Baha'i Fireside with Dr. Joy DeGruy
4. Sunday at 10am, Community Tour (First Nations Garden or Austin Trolley Tour)
5. Sunday at 2pm, Community Tour (Humboldt Park Mural Walking Tour or Bronzeville Bike Tour)
6. Sunday Dinner at 6pm, Free or Donation

Dr. Joy DeGruy is a nationally and internationally renowned researcher and educator. Through lectures, workshops, seminars and special guest appearances, Dr. DeGruy has shined a light on the critical issues affecting society. Dr. DeGruy ’s seminars have been lauded as the most dynamic and inspirational currently being presented on the topics of culture, race relations and contemporary social issues.

Dr. DeGruy’s research focuses on the intersection of racism, trauma, violence and American chattel slavery. She has over thirty years of practical experience as a professional in the field of social work. She conducts workshops and trainings in the areas of intergenerational/historical trauma, mental health, social justice, improvement strategies and evidence based model development.

Dr. DeGruy has published numerous refereed journal articles and book chapters and authored her seminal book entitled “Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America’s Legacy of Enduring Injury & Healing”. She has also developed an assessment scale for measuring respect with regard to African American male youth.

Organic Oneness - Convener

Chicago Center for Youth Violence Prevention

Mayor's City of Chicago

Mindful Rant

Illinois Tech

Equiticity

Austin Community Action Council

Bethel New Life

Bronzeville Community Action Council

Humboldt Park Community Action Council

West Humboldt / Garfield Community Action Council

Healthy Schools Campaign

Public Narrative

Violence Recovery Program Urban Health Initiative UChicago Medicine

Loyola Social Work / Bright Star Community Outreach Parent University

Chicago Public Schools, Family and Community Engagement

Chicago Public Schools, Office of Faith-Based Initiatives

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