Dr. Aimee Wiest, instructor of African American literature at Delaware State and leader of the SDARJ book discussion group, gave a two-part presentation called “Zeroing in on Education,” at SDARJ’s July 11, 2017 monthly meeting. The presentation outlined some of the ways that individuals can develop a greater understanding of race in our community and our country as a whole.
Thanks to the Alliance members who volunteered to assist with the Sussex County expungement clinic, which was held on July 21 and assisted fifty individuals, including forty-three with juvenile records.
SDARJ members broke into two groups at our June 13 meeting to reflect on our past programs and initiatives and talk about where we need to go from here. Questions and answers follow.
A youthful brush with the law shouldn’t result in a lifetime sentence. But too often it can.
Unless they are expunged, juvenile arrests and adjudications remain on your criminal record forever, according to the state Office of Defense Services (ODS).
That record can – for the rest of your life – harm your employment, housing and educational opportunities.
It can also affect eligibility for military service and social services.
That’s why ODS, along with community partners, including SDARJ will be holding a Juvenile Expungement Clinic from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, July 21 at the Thurman Adams State Service Center, 546 S. Bedford St., Georgetown.
To register for the clinic or to determine eligibility for a juvenile expungement, call Allana Farber at 302-577-5120. Space is limited.
WBOC and WMDT covered the event and opened their 11:00 pm news broadcasts with the story.
Panelists from the Department of Correction, Juvenile Rehabilitative Services and the Community Legal Aid Society tackled tough questions about inmate treatment, punishment versus rehabilitation, recidivism, treatment of the mentally ill, and use of restrictive housing–aka solitary confinement.
Panelists from the Department of Correction, Juvenile Rehabilitative Services and the Community Legal Aid Society tackled tough questions about inmate treatment, punishment versus rehabilitation, recidivism, treatment of the mentally ill, and use of restrictive housing–aka solitary confinement.
More than 100 people came to hear Attorney General Matt Denn and Chief Defender Brendan O’Neill talk about “What Happens After You’re Accused of a Crime in Delaware”
SDARJ hosted the panel moderated by Drew McKay on November 15, 2016 at the Trinity Faith Christian Center in Lewes.
Attorney General Matt Denn and Chief Defender Brendan O’Neill talked about the challenges facing the state’s criminal justice system, including scarce resources for much needed reforms. Highlights of the meeting are in this article by reporter, Melissa Steele from the Cape Gazette. Watch TV coverage from WRDE (NBC) and WMDT (ABC), who covered the event and featured our story during their 11:00 pm newscasts.
Oct 11 SDARJ Meeting reveals problems and solutions
The Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice presented, “Structural Racial Inequality in State Government,” at 7:00 p.m. on October 11, 2016 at the Trinity Faith Christian Center at 15516 New Road in Lewes. Our presenter, Alicia Clark, conducted the study of systemic discrimination and racism in state government in collaboration with the Inter-denominational Ministers Action Council and the NAACP. The study covered minorities including African-Americans, Native Americans, Hispanics and women.
More than 150 people hear Cape area police talk about their commitment to good community relations
SDARJ hosted a panel of police chiefs from Cape area departments at 7:00 p.m. on September 20, 2016 at the Trinity Faith Christian Center in Lewes. The police chiefs fielded tough questions about relations with the African-American community and talked about their positive and pro-active initiatives to protect the safety and well-being of all citizens.
