BELLOWS FALLS — A screening of Van Jones' newest CNN original series, The Redemption Project, will be shown at the Rockingham Free Public Library on Wednesday, Nov. 20, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
The event will include an appearance by #cut50 National Organizer Louis L. Reed, who is traveling to more than 10 states on a year-long “empathy tour” to learn about the needs of those affected by mass incarceration. The event is free and open to the public.
The CNN series exposes the process of reconciliation and restorative justice and highlights its potential to heal communities. Jones, a #cut50 co-founder, creates space for in-depth discussions between offenders and those directly affected by their violent crimes as part of the restorative justice process.
#cut50 is a national initiative of the Dream Corps that works to reduce the prison population while aiming to make communities safer.
The campaigns are led by people who have been directly affected by the justice system and want to create change. #cut50 has led successful days of advocacy and change with the National Day of Empathy aimed at fostering reform.
JR Layne, a recovery coach with the Turning Point Recovery Center of Springfield and a Citizen Advisory Board member of Greater Falls Community Justice Center, spoke about the importance of this event within the community.
“The #cut50 initiative continues a conversation that is crucial in Vermont, as well as the nation,” Layne said in a news release. “It is a community discussion where everyone has a voice and leads to a radical overhaul of our penal system, including our family and criminal courts.”
After the screening of an episode of The Redemption Project, a multi-member panel will moderate a conversation around criminal justice reform in Vermont. This event is hosted by Greater Falls Community Justice Center, Greater Falls Connections, and Turning Point Recovery Center of Springfield in partnership with the ACLU of Vermont.
The Rockingham Free Public Library is located at 65 Westminster St. Free parking is available at the municipal lot at 2 Church Street.