Aisha's April 2024 Remarks

April 26, 2024

As we are closing out our 50th Anniversary year, I reflect on the amazing opportunity to reconnect with our roots and gain invaluable insights into our organization's history, celebrate our present, and resolve for a brighter future.

Throughout the year, we were fortunate our founding attorney, Chuck Hogren, made himself available to assist with our various efforts. Delving into our history, we've uncovered fascinating aspects that underscore our initial deep focus on youth

programs and community engagement from the very beginning. When we first started, it

wasn't just about helping the Cabrini-Green residents navigate various legal systems, but about having a strong grounding in the community.

In celebrating our history and present, we reflected on our contributions to the criminal justice field. One such moment was the founding of the expungement help desks at the Daley Center and Markham courthouses where thousands of people each year may receive free legal assistance, removing barriers to safe housing, education, and better jobs. Because CGLA is uniquely situated at the intersection of great need and limited resources, we are able to partner with the people we serve to implement systemic changes, such as expanding expungement and sealing statutes, that have an even greater impact for individuals and families who have been impacted by the criminal legal system. These endeavors represent significant milestones in our ongoing purpose to remove barriers equity within our legal system.

Moreover, our recent collaboration with artists and artivists, many directly or indirectly affected by the legal system, has reaffirmed the power of storytelling and truth telling in humanizing those affected by incarceration and the criminal legal system. It is through these narratives that we strive to advocate for a more just and equitable future where barriers are minimized, and outcomes are fair for all.

As we embark on the next chapter of our journey, let us remain steadfast in our resolve to create positive change and uphold the principles of justice and equality.