We Are All Criminals
“We Are All Criminals” is a series of programs inspired by the work of the nonprofit organization of the same name (weareallcriminals.org) that seeks to challenge society’s perception of criminal records and what it means to be a criminal. The programs will include art exhibits, presentations, theater performances, and educational displays that emphasize personal stories of crime, privilege, justice, and injustice to inspire empathy and ignite social change.
Program Schedule | Grand Rapids, MN, September 2017
Note: All events are free and open to the public unless stated otherwise. Links to register/RSVP will be added as they become available.
Art Exhibits
Featuring photographs and stories of We Are All Criminals (MAC only) plus artwork by people who have been or are currently incarcerated
September 1 – 30, 2017
MacRostie At Center, 405 NW 1st Ave, Grand Rapids, MN, macrostieartcenter.org
Itasca County YMCA, 400 River Rd, Grand Rapids, MN, ymcaitasca.org
GR Area Library, 140 NE 2nd St, Grand Rapids, MN, cityofgrandrapidsmn.com/library
September 18 – October 13, 2017
Reif Performing Arts Center, 720 Conifer Dr, Grand Rapids, MN, reifcenter.org
Educational Banners
Displaying 10 banners about the We Are All Criminals project
September 1 – 12, 2017
Itasca Community College 1851 E Hwy 169, Grand Rapids, MN, itascacc.edu
September 13 – 23, 2017
Hibbing Community College, 1515 E 25th St, Hibbing, MN, hibbing.edu
Events
First Friday Opening Reception, September 1, 4 – 7 pm
MacRostie Art Center, 405 NW 1st Ave, Grand Rapids, MN, macrostieartcenter.org
Film Screening and Discussion, September 6, 11 am – 1 pm
GR Area Library, 140 NE 2nd St, Grand Rapids, MN, cityofgrandrapidsmn.com/library
Featuring the film “15 to Life: Kenneth’s Story” and hosted by Circles of Support. Pizza served and RSVP requested brianaa@kootasca.org or 218-999-5883
Our Community’s Untapped Workforce: A Turning Point | Chamber Luncheon, September 11, 2017, 12 - 1 pm
Sawmill Inn, 2301 US Hwy 169, Grand Rapids, MN
Presentation by Kevin Lindsey, Minnesota Commissioner of Human Rights, Al Godfrey, Minnesota Department of Corrections Field Services Director, and local employers who have a program in place to hire employees with criminal backgrounds. $14. RSVP required.
Contact Nicole by noon on September 8 to RSVP Nicole@grandmn.com or (218) 326-6619
We Are All Criminals | Presentation, September 11, 2017, 1 - 2 pm
Itasca Community College, 1851 E Hwy 169, Grand Rapids, MN, itascacc.edu
Featured speakers include Emily Baxter of WAAC with Otis Zanders and Richard McLemore II of Ujamaa Place about the WAAC project and Ujamaa Place as one model of a successful program that is empowering people coming out of the criminal justice system.
We Are All Criminals | Big View Presentation, September 11, 2017, 6 pm
GR Area Library, 140 NE 2nd St, Grand Rapids, MN, cityofgrandrapidsmn.com/library
Featured speakers include Emily Baxter of WAAC with Otis Zanders and Richard McLemore II of Ujamaa Place about the WAAC project and Ujamaa Place as one model of a successful program that is empowering people coming out of the criminal justice system. MN Commissioner of Human Rights Kevin Lindsey will join this discussion. Pizza served and RSVP requested: brianaa@kootasca.org or 218-999-5883
We Are All Criminals | Presentation, September 13, 2017, 11 am – 12 pm
Hibbing Community College, 1515 E 25th St, Hibbing, MN, hibbing.edu
Featured speaker is Emily Baxter of the WAAC project.
How Policies and Procedures Past and Present Impact American Indians Today | Panel Discussion, September 14, 6 – 8 pm
MacRostie Art Center, 405 NW 1st Ave, Grand Rapids, MN, macrostieartcenter.org
Addressing the inequities faced by Native Americans in the criminal justice system and Native American boarding schools as a precursor to today’s juvenile justice system. Speakers will include Emily Baxter of WAAC; John Poupart, formerly of the American Indian Policy Center; Alicia Smith, Indian Policy Specialist at the DHS; and Grace Smith, a survivor of Alaskan Native boarding schools.
The School-to-Prison Pipeline and the Creation of Youthful “Criminals” | Presentation, September 16, 2017, 10 am – 12 pm
MacRostie Art Center, 405 NW 1st Ave, Grand Rapids, MN macrostieartcenter.org
Professor Nancy Heitzeg of The College of St. Catherine will explore how the school-to-prison pipeline criminalizes youth at younger and younger ages. With an increase in zero tolerance policies and police in the schools, children are being criminalized for typical youthful behavior, and pushed on a pathway to criminalization and incarceration.
Itasca County Wellness Court Panel Discussion | NAMI Education Meeting, September 19, 2017, 6:30 pm
GR Area Library, 140 NE 2nd St, Grand Rapids, MN, cityofgrandrapidsmn.com/library
Focused on the Itasca County Wellness Court program and restorative justice with speakers including Judge Korey Wahwassuck of the Ninth District and graduates of or current participants in the Wellness Court program.
Realities of Re-Entry | Workshop for Professionals, September 21, 2017, 2:30 – 4:30 pm
Blandin Foundation, 100 N Pokegama Ave, Grand Rapids MN, blandinfoundation.org
A workshop for professionals working in the housing and human service sector. Sue Speakman Gomez from HousingLink will discuss overcoming barriers and how to help someone get that second chance. Two area professionals will share housing success stories and tools for your toolbox.
Fair Housing: How to Follow the Rules in a Changing World | September 21, 2017, 5 – 6 pm
Blandin Foundation, 100 N Pokegama Ave, Grand Rapids MN, blandinfoundation.org
The world is changing. Landlords are experiencing increased pressure and scrutiny. More than ever, you must understand how to operate in a way that attracts quality renters while not generating any Fair Housing complaints or lawsuits. Presenter: Sue Speakman Gomez, HousingLink. Refreshments will be provided.
Reality Roadshow: We Are All Criminals Edition | School Performance, Monday, September 25, 11:30 am – 12:15 pm
Wilcox Theater, Reif Performing Arts Center, 720 NW Conifer Dr, Grand Rapids, MN, reifcenter.org
zAmya Theater Project (a project of St. Stephens of Minneapolis) presents their “Reality Roadshow” featuring homeless and housed individuals presenting stories about the issues faced by people experiencing homelessness. This production will emphasize topics of criminal backgrounds and second chances.
Reality Roadshow: We Are All Criminals Edition | Theater Performance, Monday, September 25, 7 – 8:30 pm
Wilcox Theater, Reif Performing Arts Center, 720 NW Conifer Dr, Grand Rapids, MN, reifcenter.org
zAmya Theater Project (a project of St. Stephens of Minneapolis) presents their “Reality Roadshow” featuring homeless and housed individuals presenting stories about the issues faced by people experiencing homelessness. This production will emphasize topics of criminal backgrounds and second chances. Free admission, festival seating.
Film Screening and Discussion, September 26, 11 am – 1 pm
GR Area Library, 140 NE 2nd St, Grand Rapids, MN, cityofgrandrapidsmn.com/library
Featuring the film “Broken on All Sides” and hosted by Circles of Support. Pizza served and RSVP requested: brianaa@kootasca.org or 218-999-5883
