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.
And a keynote
Dr Rima Vesely-Flad, The Fire Inside: The Dharma of James Baldwin and Audre Lorde
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!
Panels
2:15-3:15pm: International Anti-imperialism and War Resistance. How we are connecting the dots and coming together in collective resistance to ICE and state surveillance (e.g., local Flock No campaigns), over-policing of our communities, US/Israel wars abroad, and increasing authoritarianism throughout the Americas. Panelists from: CPAC (Cleveland Palestine Advocacy Community), People’s Press, Ohio Divest Campaign, Cleveland United Against War, Flock No campaign, Jail Coalition
3:30-4:30pm: Art, Joy & Resistance
Alma Vision art group, movement musicians, hip-hop, spoken word, visual arts, Singing Resistance, and the Robeson Signers (revolutionary gospel choir)
3:30-4:30pm: workshop: Ohio Divest Campaign
Highlights:
screen printing workshop
Every participant who comes early will be invited to create (and take home) 1-2 screen prints with quotes from James Baldwin and Audre Lorde.
seedlings
We’ll offer homegrown seedlings for you to take home and plant your very own seedlings of hope.
food distro
We plan to offer shelf-stable food and fresh produce.
harm reduction supplies
Narcan, ointment, gauze, bandages, etc.
fair trade sale
a wide selection of fair trade products to support farmer and artisan cooperatives in Latin America.
We the People
IRTF’s Liberation Lab is the kick-off venue for a state tour of an 18x18 ft banner of the Preamble to the US Constitution—and attendees are invited to sign their names at the bottom.
other opportunities to meet Dr. Rima Vesely-Flad:
Thursday, April 9 at 6:30pm - Loganberry Books 13015 Larchmere Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44120
Friday, April 10 at 7pm- Third Space Action Lab. 1464 E. 105th St. #302 Cleveland, Ohio 44108
Co-sponsors of the IRTF Liberation Lab ( list in formation):
ACLU of Ohio
Bike Cleveland
Church of Resurrection
Church of the Gesu
Cleveland Mediation Center
Cleveland Owns
Cuyahoga County Progressive Caucus
Community of Saint peter
Eddie Rasell
Emma Bratton
Fellowship of Reconciliation
Neighbor Up
NEO Worker Center
Sisters of the Humility of Mary
Sisters of Notre Dame
St. Dominic Church
SURJ NEO
Willow Room Collective
Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland
