MEMPHIS (March 15, 2022) — The Black Public Defender Association (BPDA) and Gifts of Life Ministries are pleased to announce the launch of “Reimagining Public Safety,” a series of community forums that will engage Black Memphis residents in a collaborative discussion on ways to redefine the term “public safety.” The project will host its first forum via virtual community town hall on March 29 at 6:30pm CT.
“I am incredibly grateful and honored to partner with the Black Public Defender Association in addressing ways to make our communities safer. This partnership will bring together others who are currently working to reimagine public safety. I look forward to working with the BPDA and others to develop action plans and implement strategies to make stronger and more vibrant communities,” said Dr. Andre E. Johnson, Senior Pastor, Gifts of Life Ministries.
Through a series of community forums, one-on-one conversations, and community outreach, Gifts of Life Ministries, through its Social Justice and Public Advocacy Institute, will invite Black Memphis residents to discuss current responses to public safety and begin to imagine new ways to address the community’s safety needs. BPDA will support the project through communications.
“Black public defenders bear witness to the harm of carceral systems professionally and personally and are uniquely positioned to work with Black communities to reimagine public safety,” said Heather Pinckney, BPDA Executive Director. “BPDA is excited to partner with Gifts of Life Ministries to amplify the voice of Black community members in Memphis as they define safety for themselves.”
If you are interested in covering the event, please register at bit.ly/3hylYIE.
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The Black Public Defender Association aims to improve the quality of defense provided to low-income communities across the United States by creating and maintaining a national network of skilled Black public defenders that identify with and are committed to the populations they serve.
