There is something truly beautiful about witnessing a community celebrate the transformation of one another, and we are deeply grateful to have been a small part of this moment. The University of North Alabama Restorative Justice Lab graduation honored its second cohort, a group of incarcerated men who spent the last two years learning and reclaiming humanity and power within an institution designed to dehumanize. They built skills to lead with accountability, deepen their vulnerability, and grow a community grounded in trust, belonging, and radical care for one another.
The RJ Lab's long-term partnership with Collective Justice has meant the world to us. Our students really value community partners who return to build relationship with them. We have learned and borrowed so much from Collective Justice, from "holding space" to groundings to "finding your six" and even learning to navigate the "Man Box"! It was really special to have Orlando and Lupe at our graduation ceremony to share in this celebration.” - Katie Owens-Murphy
For the past four years, Collective Justice has had the privilege of traveling to Limestone Correctional Facility in Harvest, Alabama to build with the RJ Lab inside. Those visits have become far more than training - the time together grew into genuine relationships, solidarity and power building, and the opportunity to witness a community that continues to choose connection in a place where isolation is often the norm. Each year, we leave reminded that healing is not an individual journey; it is something we create together. We learn that politicized healing built in relationships, grows our power — individually and collectively — and lays the foundation for strong, intersectional organizing to challenge carceral logics near and far.
Surrounded by many, including graduates from the program's first cohort, this year's ceremony celebrated more than the completion of a multiyear journey. It honored the relationships that have been built, the courage it takes to keep showing up for one another, and the ripple effects of a community committed to this heart work. As both cohorts step into advisory board roles, they will continue to steward this work, helping ensure that future participants experience the same sense of dignity, accountability, hope, and brotherhood that they have so intentionally cultivated.
For more information about Alabama Prisons and the organizing behind walls check out The Alabama Solution film and No More Alabama Campaign.
