Anti-Racism Initiatives
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"Our long-tern commitment to racial justice and reconciliation is embedded in our identity as baptized followers of Jesus. We will still be doing it when the news cameras are long gone."
The Rev. Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church |
Virtual Viewing of 13th: From Slave to Criminal in One Amendment
and Discussion with Roderick "Rudy" Bankston
in collaboration with the Madison-Area Episcopal Churches
October 5, 12, 19 and 26 | 7:00pm-8:30pm
The historical roots of African American oppression run deep, as Ava DuVernay’s documentary 13th reveals. The film looks back to the ratification of Amendment XIII, which states, “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.” DuVernay argues that a prison-industrial complex which statistically imprisons black men disproportionately and allows for their disciplinary servitude, has taken advantage of America’s black population and brings into question if this system ultimately acts as a form of modern day slavery.
Facilitated by Roderick “Rudy” Bankston, we’ll meet virtually to view and discuss the film 13th. Over four, 1½ hour sessions, we’ll also reflect on the legacy of slavery, the politics of mass incarceration, our racialized identities and how it all fits within our current context. As an educator and restorative justice practitioner, Rudy will also share aspects of his personal story and work in education, the criminal justice system, and with other groups and organizations.
Facilitated by Roderick “Rudy” Bankston, we’ll meet virtually to view and discuss the film 13th. Over four, 1½ hour sessions, we’ll also reflect on the legacy of slavery, the politics of mass incarceration, our racialized identities and how it all fits within our current context. As an educator and restorative justice practitioner, Rudy will also share aspects of his personal story and work in education, the criminal justice system, and with other groups and organizations.
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Here’s what people are saying about this series:
“It was extremely worthwhile and something everyone should be a part of. Rudy's personal story, his humble and giving nature, and his expert facilitation, made the series an incredible learning and community-building opportunity.” Dana Monogue, Superintendent of Middleton-Cross Plains Area Schools “I don't think this experience will ever leave me. It has left a great impression on me and I am grateful to have learned from Rudy directly and through the film with his guidance.” Carol Schaffer, Black Earth Library Director |
About Roderick “Rudy” Bankston
Rudy Bankston is a committed educator, entrepreneur, Restorative Justice practitioner, and writer. His powerful story describes his experience as a survivor of the school-to-prison pipeline and surfaces and explores intersecting themes of identity, equity, justice, trauma and resiliency. Wrongly convicted and sentenced to life in prison at 19 years old, Rudy spent 20 years in prison before winning back his freedom on appeal.
After his release from prison in 2015, Rudy began working for the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD); first as a Community Liaison at Memorial High School. He added a second position, guiding students within ‘Restore’, the district’s expulsion abeyance program. The following year, he transitioned into a Central Office position as a Restorative Justice Coach to support Restorative approaches across the District. He left MMSD in August 2019 and continues his work engaging Restorative Justice as a founding member of SmallFire, LLC. and founder of i Am We Classics and i Am We Coaching & Mentoring, LLC. Rudy has served as an adjunct professor at Edgewood College and currently is a consultant with the National Equity Project, serves on the board for the National Association of Community and Restorative Justice (NACRI), and is a member of the Black Educators Network. Rudy’s published works include a novel, Shed So Many Tears; a collection of Haiku, Snippets of Soul in Seventeen Syllables; and a book of poetry, Buried Alive. His books are available for purchase through iamweclassics.com. Finally, March 2020 marked his 5th year of freedom. This past May marked another important milestone: the end of his parole.
Rudy Bankston is a committed educator, entrepreneur, Restorative Justice practitioner, and writer. His powerful story describes his experience as a survivor of the school-to-prison pipeline and surfaces and explores intersecting themes of identity, equity, justice, trauma and resiliency. Wrongly convicted and sentenced to life in prison at 19 years old, Rudy spent 20 years in prison before winning back his freedom on appeal.
After his release from prison in 2015, Rudy began working for the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD); first as a Community Liaison at Memorial High School. He added a second position, guiding students within ‘Restore’, the district’s expulsion abeyance program. The following year, he transitioned into a Central Office position as a Restorative Justice Coach to support Restorative approaches across the District. He left MMSD in August 2019 and continues his work engaging Restorative Justice as a founding member of SmallFire, LLC. and founder of i Am We Classics and i Am We Coaching & Mentoring, LLC. Rudy has served as an adjunct professor at Edgewood College and currently is a consultant with the National Equity Project, serves on the board for the National Association of Community and Restorative Justice (NACRI), and is a member of the Black Educators Network. Rudy’s published works include a novel, Shed So Many Tears; a collection of Haiku, Snippets of Soul in Seventeen Syllables; and a book of poetry, Buried Alive. His books are available for purchase through iamweclassics.com. Finally, March 2020 marked his 5th year of freedom. This past May marked another important milestone: the end of his parole.