Mass Incarceration Workshop and Volunteer Training

The ACLU of Minnesota's Smart Justice Organizer, Elizer Darris, will be hosting a workshop for individuals interested in decreasing mass incarceration. Elizer, as well as Anika Bowie and Dr. Raj Sethuraju, both co-chairs of the Minneapolis NAACP, will speak on mass incarceration, the Smart Justice Campaign, and community connectedness to prepare attendees to volunteer. A meal will be provided. Invite your friends, come out, and get involved in the Smart Justice Campaign!

To learn more about the Smart Justice Campaign, visit:
https://www.aclu.org/issues/smart-justice/campaign-smart-justice

Raj Sethuraju
Dr. Raj Sethuraju is an Assistant Professor in the School of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice at Metropolitan State University. He teaches courses in Victimology, Restorative Justice, and Diversity Matters for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice undergraduates, as well as a Community Building and Civic Leadership class for graduate students. He has over 20 years of experience implementing various Diversity initiatives in universities and colleges and in the communities that surround them. Raj also works and volunteers with various Restorative Justice nonprofit organizations in the TwinCities in Minnesota, including as the Co-Chair of the Criminal Justice Reform Committee with the NAACP of Minnesota. He has presented to Restorative Justice groups in prisons, is a trainer for the MNCOSA program run by the MN Department of Corrections, and is involved in training volunteers for other non-profit community Restorative Justice organizations.

Elizer Darris
After fighting to get his life sentence overturned on appeal, Elizer became a community servant and activist for his fellow inmates. This work informed his Servant Leadership philosophy. Upon release, he began working in local politics, initially securing a field operations position for the Terri Bonoff for Congress congressional campaign in 2016 and as Field Director for the Nekima Levy-Pounds for Mayor campaign in 2017. Currently, he runs field operations for the ACLU’s Smart Justice campaign over the Twin Cities. His focus is in reducing mass incarceration.

Anika Bowie
Anika Bowie is a fierce advocate for people of color subjugated in the margins of the criminal justice systems, intergenerational poverty, and historical trauma. After graduating from Central High School with honors, she earned her Bachelor's degree from Hamline University in Criminal Justice and Sociology minoring in Social Justice. Anika demonstrates the need for racial equity by leading projects that dismantle institutionalized racism such as Warrant Forgiveness Day in Hennepin County and Ramsey County. She was recently recognized by Minnesota Women’s Press Magazine as their cover story or April edition. She has built a reputation as a community educator, organizer, and connector by nourishing the seed of trust with government officials, community, and youth. Bowie is currently the Co-Chair of Minneapolis NAACP Criminal Justice Reform Committee.