Elected prosecutors are part of the community. They hold the power to determine who gets prosecuted and their sentences. What tools do prosecutors have that can ensure fairness and equity, as well as criminal justice reform? To continue the conversation L. Joy began with Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez on conviction and sentencing review units; she brought State’s Attorney for Baltimore, Maryland, Marilyn Mosby, to the front of the class to break down the barriers to, advantages of, and need for these important units in prosecutors’ offices.

“Create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all” is part of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) mission statement and is the goal for most people. The premise seems simple enough but we still have yet to get there. L. Joy brings Eugene Jones, Jr. to the front of the class to give us the primer we need on one of the most important things in society, housing humans.

Iimani David said “art is what separates us from the animals.” With arts and culture being such a big part of our lives from the economy, to mental health, to community, why aren’t more of our tax dollars used to support them? To explain how the government funds the arts and what COVID recovery looks like for that sector, L. Joy brings Taneshia Nash Laird, Liz Janneman and Rachel S. Moore, to the front of the class to give us the lesson we need to #GetCivicallyEngaged, #StandForTheArts, and be an #ArtsHero.

L. Joy wanted to talk about creating a democracy agenda, advocacy in the C-Suite and Silicon Valley, coalition building, and how to win with Black Women. She brings Jotaka Eaddy comes to the front of the class for this conversation that gives great strategic points to help you #GetCivicallyEngaged.

Do you need special training or education to get #CivicallyEngaged? Absolutely not. Democracy works best when all of the people can participate fully. L. Joy brings Leslie Danks Burke to the front of the class to discuss how we connect the dots, getting the civic conversation out of the back rooms and onto the front porch.

The New Year is right around the corner and L.Joy is committed to doubling down on organizing her community in 2022! Now, just how do we join her and take our civic engagement to the next level too? Of course, L. Joy is breaking down strategies and explaining how we can think through what we will do in 2022 and Lurie & June make it to class!