Criminalization of Self Defense
Do women of color have the right to defend themselves from violence?
On Thursday, March 26th at 7:30pm, COV4 is so excited to engage Renata Hill (of the New Jersey 4), Cece McDonald, Yvonne Swan (formerly Wanrow), and Marissa Alexander and her mother, Mrs. Helen Jenkins, in a historic discussion facilitated by Mariame Kaba, member of the Chicago Alliance to Free Marissa Alexander. Panelists have been prosecuted and incarcerated for defending themselves or their families from sexual violence, domestic violence, transphobic violence, and/or racial violence. The art in the top image on the right was part of the 2014 multimedia art exhibit, "No Selves to Defend," organized by Project NIA, Chicago Taskforce on Violence Against Women & Girls, and the Chicago Alliance to Free Marissa Alexander. A portion of this exhibit will be on display at the COV4 art exhibit, DISRUPT the STATE! From Art in These Times: ‘No Selves to Defend’ features the stories of women of color who have been criminalized for self-defense. The exhibition examines the contested meanings and historical and contemporary understandings of self-defense. It seeks to locate Marissa Alexander’s story within a broader historical context and legacy. The exhibition also addresses the campaigns and mobilizations that emerged to resist their criminalization and demand their freedom. Finally, it considers how we can support current survivors of violence who have been criminalized for self-defense. Check out the photos from the exhibit, and a video featuring the exhibit is below. |
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