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Liberation Lab - IRTF's Social Justice Teach-In 2026

Saturday, April 11, 2026
1801 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115 Cleveland State University College of Law
11am-5pm

IRTF initiated our annual Social Justice Teach-In (aka Liberation Lab) in 1999. This spring we feel a great need to call together justice-minded folks who are committed to human rights, liberation, and respect and dignity for all people. 

Every year for the past 26 years, this event has been an informative and inter-generational day of community building and education for high school and college students and other community members seeking ways to take positive action for social justice. 

 

This year we will have panels on:

International Anti-imperialism

Liberation Literature: "The Fire Inside" by Rima Vesely-Flad 

War Resistance

Joy/Nourishment

We’re honored to host a panel with Dr. Rima Vesely-Flad, the Visiting Professor of Buddhism and Black Studies at Union Theological Seminary, author of The Fire Inside, a groundbreaking work that reimagines the writings of James Baldwin and Audre Lorde through the lens of Buddhist practice. This conversation invites us to explore how mindfulness, embodiment, and inner work can sustain movements for justice and liberation.

 

To buy tickets or become a sponsor click here

The ticket price also includes a delicious lunch! 

SCHEDULE

11am - doors open

11-12: printmaking with artist Ape Bleakney

12pm: lunch

1-2pm: keynote Dr Rima Vesley-Flad, The Fire Inside: The Dharma of James Baldwin and Audre Lorde

2-3pm: panels

3:15-4:15pm: workshops and skills shares

4:30-5pm: liberation music

 

other opportunities to meet Dr. Rima Vesley-Flad:

Thursday, April 9 - Loganberry Books (details to be announced) 13015 Larchmere Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44120

Friday, April 10 - Third Space Action Lab (in partnership with Mac's Backs) (details to be announced). 1464 E. 105th St. #302 Cleveland, Ohio 44108