JustUs Ideas Week: A Star-Studded Festival for Justice Reform in Philly

Unites States : Illustration — Source: Frédéric Soltan / Getty

In an effort to redefine the conversation around criminal justice reform, JustUs Ideas is launching its inaugural JustUs Ideas Week on June 9. The event, set to take place at the Community College of Philadelphia, promises to be a dynamic platform for change.

Marvin Bing, a Philadelphia native and the founder of JustUs Ideas, will lead this groundbreaking initiative. The weeklong event aims to amplify the voices of those who have been impacted by the justice system, providing a unique space for dialogue with influential leaders and innovators. According to the press release, notable figures such as Martin Luther King III and Alice Marie Johnson, the White House Pardon Czar, will make appearances. Celebrities like Hill Harper, Angie Martinez, and La La Anthony are also scheduled to participate.

The event will feature a range of activities, including panels, keynote speeches, and a pitch competition specifically for entrepreneurs affected by the justice system. A highlight of the week will be a spirited debate between the Bard College Prison Initiative and Binghamton University, as well as an interactive forum on voting rights and democracy.

JustUs Ideas Week aspires to empower individuals by demonstrating that political connections are not necessary to instigate change. The festival aims to build a network of justice-impacted changemakers, fostering collaboration and innovation across the nation and the globe.

Marvin Bing, whose father Malik Aziz is a well-known figure in justice reform, is carrying forward his father’s legacy. Malik Aziz, often referred to as the grandfather of returning citizens, played a crucial role in advocating for the voting rights of Pennsylvanians with felony convictions.

For further details on JustUs Ideas Week, visit here.