Work of Darren B. Easterling Center for Restorative Practices Continues with Truth and Reconciliation Summit

Lisa Daniels, Darren B. Easterling, — Lisa Daniels. (PHOTO SUPPLIED)

Chicago, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Lisa Daniels’ son Darren B. Easterling was murdered in Park Forest in July 2012. Ms. Daniels began an initiative to “to honor and heal every person affected by crime, even the perpetrators,” even her son’s killer. The Center, as it is known, the Darren B. Easterling Center for Restorative Practices, will host its second Truth and Reconciliation Summit from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday,
January 21, 2019, in the Skyline Conference Room of the Lawndale Christian Conference Center located at 3750 West Ogden Avenue in Chicago.

This day-long event themed “Repairing the Harm — Breaking the Cycle,” is based on the model of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission implemented after the abolishment of apartheid.

The North Lawndale community is one of many consistently ranked as one of Chicago’s most dangerous and underserved areas of the city. Through the practice of forgiveness, the Center is hoping to give rise to both healing and reconciliation with survivors, perpetrators, and community leaders, in an environment that develops a sense of connectedness. The goal is to focus on moving the community forward by planting seeds to help heal its past.

There will be a panel discussion lead by our host and moderator, Robin Robinson, Director of Community Affairs for the Chicago Police Department. Additionally, there will be an open apology segment for representatives of various public entities and community members to acknowledge their role in any past wrongdoings which affected the health and wellbeing of the community, particularly for youth. Finally, we will conclude the day with breakout discussions to help equip participants with the tools to incorporate forgiveness and healing into their own lives.

The Summit is free of charge to all with continental breakfast and lunch will be served.

Lisa D. Daniels, Founder and Executive Director of the Center, has great expectations for the summit. “Offering a space where people can actually tell their stories and be heard is vital in communities where harm has been done,” said Daniels. “From there, participants will have the opportunity to identify the hurt and describe what a particular experience did to them. Where did it leave them? Next steps include granting forgiveness and deciding whether they want to relinquish or restore the relationship. These are the best practices of South African apartheid healing that we will bring to Chicago,” added Daniels.

eNews Park Forest interviewed Ms. Daniels in July 2017.