THANKS TO ALL WHO MADE SUMMER SCHOOL ‘24 A SUCCESS!
L4BL would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the speakers, participants, friends, and family who joined us in Chicago this year for our first session of in-person Summer School! The 3-day in-person intensive focused on developing a political and legal toolkit to support organizers in their efforts during the upcoming election season.
We gathered an amazing group of folks, creating and strengthening new connections between both those still finding their place in the Movement, and those firmly established as thought leaders in their fields. Together we explored topics like Abolition, Black Queer Feminism, and Anti-Capitalism. Perhaps even more importantly, for some, we provided a first glimpse of what having a political home feels like and a practical look at the application of Movement lawyer principles in the real world.
Summer School provided an opportunity for L4BL's base of legal workers, law students, and lawyers to come together to deepen their commitment to movement lawyering and expand their ability to support radical Black-led movements, and we can't wait to do it again! Join us next year for another opportunity to develop radical political analysis and learn technical movement lawyering skills, strategies, and tactics while deepening your understanding of issues affecting Black liberation and building with a community of your peers.
We also extend a special thank you to our co-facilitators, the Southern Movement Committee!
Southern Movement Committee (SMC) is a group of Black organizers, artists, creatives, and movement lawyers working with community members to implement transformative programs and policies developed by people directly impacted by incarceration, police violence, racism, and economic inequality. Our campaigns and projects build safe and just communities grounded in transformative justice, participatory democracy, and visionary leadership.
Finally, we are extremely grateful to our guest speakers and panelists who shared space with us, fostering the exact sense of community we find essential to guiding our work. Along with years of knowledge and experience, they also brought unique insights, visions, and dreams around what the future of Movement Law and organizing will look like.
2023 TESTIMONIALS:
“I loved this experience and truly value the little community I've built with my classmates. Much appreciation and gratitude to... (the) warm and welcoming facilitators and leaders, and to L4BL for putting together such an amazing, organized, enriching and FUN experience. Grateful grateful!!”
“I don't quite have the words for how much I feel like this course has taught me and how much it has contributed to my life and to my understanding of my work...
I was so filled-up, in the best way, by this experience and I will sing the praises of Summer School from the rooftops to anyone who will listen.”
THIS SUMMER SCHOOL WAS AMAZING AND INSPIRING! THANK YOU!!!
“...I thought this was a fantastic course and would recommend it to many people. I learned a lot and am appreciative of being welcomed to the space.”
If you have any questions regarding Summer School please reach out to Kat Walden at kat@law4blacklives.org