McCormick’s Solidarity Building Initiative at Cook County Jail (SBI) o昀昀ers ways for incarcerated learners to explore themes of justice, social change, and healing that can lead to 昀氀ourishing relationships. For example, in addition to its theological studies classes, SBI gathers a small group of McCormick’s incarcerated students in what’s called a celebration circle. They a昀케rm each other’s best qualities and accomplishments. It’s a practice that helps them regain a positive sense of self. It’s a re-storying of the past, a practice used by SBI to help incarcerated learners imagine new possibilities for their future. Making these kinds of meaningful connections and healing interpretations is essential for personal, spiritual, and communal growth, Dr. Touré emphasizes. “An important aim of sacred memory work,” she points out, “is to expand these models so that those who minister in the pulpit as well as those who serve in the public square have the competencies needed to create diverse learning communities that value the full humanity of all.” As we o昀昀er trauma-informed Reparations can never Providing education to “ “ “ care, we share information be reduced to a 昀椀nancial people who are incarcerated while o昀昀ering choices. We transaction. Part of its work and to the public is more think outside the trauma box, is creating models of praxis than a charitable good. building relationships of trust for reparatory justice by It’s a pathway…it’s access and new kinds of communities. providing more complete to resources that will ease We collaborate and help to narratives…stories that the transition back into identify new resources that empower us to work for society and 昀椀nd livable work can help people see new change by telling the truth.” opportunities for people ways to deal with life. It takes – Dr. Iva Carruthers who were incarcerated.” imagination to do that.” Executive Director, Center – Jia Johnson – Dr. Stephanie M. Crumpton for Reparatory Justice, Director, Solidarity Building Associate Professor of Practical Transformation and Remediation Initiative Theology Director, Trauma Healing Initiative 2023 ANNUAL REPORT 21