The Waiting Room with Nadine Graves

Check out this episode with Alyssa Tamboura, an advocate for children impacted by the criminal justice system and founder of Walls to Bridges Project, which aired initially in Season 1. Alyssa shares about her organization and the book project created this past summer for system-impacted kids to maintain communication with their loved ones since in-person visits have been suspended due to COVID-19. Alyssa also shares a powerful poem about what it was it was like waiting while her dad was gone for most of her childhood as he served nearly 13 years in San Quentin Prison.

Hey Visitors! After a nine-month hiatus, Nadine is back! In this episode, Nadine gives you a brief update on some of the things she's been focusing on in her "year of no." As mentioned in the show: Look out for new episodes on the first Wednesday of every month. In the last episode, Nadine mentioned she'd be moderating a conversation for the Minnesota Justice Research Center's Re-Imagining Conference. Here is a link.  Nadine started a new job in a familiar place, the Hennepin County Public Defender's Office, and she was appointed to the Minnesota Clemency Review Commission.  Nadine recounts her experiences at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) conference in Chicago, a city she has now fallen in love with. She highlights the controversy surrounding former President Trump's appearance and her admiration for Nikole Hannah-Jones, author of the New York Times 1619 Project.  If you are traveling to Chicago, Nadine highly recommends you book the Chicago Mohagany Tour with historian Dilla, also known as 6figga_dilla. 

In this solo episode, Nadine shares some of the things she has been up to in the last few months as well as two upcoming conferences she'd love for you to attend.  Featured in this episode:  We Are All Criminals Support  The Great North Innocence Project  Support  National Association of Public Defense Racial Justice Photos from the conference Book recommendations  The Rage of Innocence - How America Criminalizes Black Youth by Kristin Henning Change is Possible - I Never Gave Up: a memoir by Eddie Ellis  The Fear of Too Much Justice: Race, Poverty, and the Persistence of Inequality in the Criminal Courts by Stephen B. Bright & James Kwak  Equal Justice Initiative  Duluth Minnesota Lynching  Minnesota Justice Research Center Re-imagining Conference  The Legal Revolution Criminal Justice Legislative Changes CLE  TWR Instagram!  Thanks for joining us in The Waiting Room!   

Molly Bailey, therapist and founder of Minnesota Trauma Recovery Institute joins Nadine in the Waiting Room for an in-depth conversation about how trauma impacts human behavior and her passion for helping families impacted by the criminal legal system find healing. Molly is waiting for our legal system to catch up on the science of trauma, so it can be more reflective of how we now know how humans change and heal. Molly asks, “If we as a society say we value mental health, what is the evidence of that?”  Also mentioned in this episode: The 4 for WCCO news segment Antonio Williams' new book, The Dream Weaver.  RS Eden TWR Instagram   

Hey Vistors!  In this episode, Nadine checks in briefly to highlight Juneteenth, Open Nexus Community Partners Open Road Fund, the Department of Justices report on the Minneapolis Police Department, and ends with the amazing news of being named one of the 2023 Bush Fellows! See the links below for more details on everything shared in this episode!  Juneteenth The Open Road Fund was created to serve Black descendants of the Atlantic Slave Trade, especially formerly incarcerated folks, single parents, senior citizens, those living with disabilities, LGBTQ+, and more. Through 2031, Nexus will award $50,000 in grants that can be used for wealth projects, including housing, education, financial well-being, healing, and economic justice. We want to be clear–these grants are not reparations but an opportunity to redistribute resources to our communities to build Black wealth. Info session Thursday, June 22 from 6:30 - 7:30 CST  DOJ Report - MPR takeaways  Report Bush Fellowship The Bush Fellowship is a recognition of fellow's extraordinary accomplishments and support for their potential. It is an investment in fellows, so that they can make a difference in your community. The Fellowship is a flexible grant of up to $100,000 to help fellows strengthen and develop your leadership. As a Fellow, I get to define your own vision and create a unique Fellowship plan to learn the skills and build the relationships that will help me make your vision a reality.  MPR Interview w/ Emily Bright Minnesota Now at MPR News  

Hey Visitors! In this episode, Nadine gives a brief H.O.T (humble, open, and transparent) update on where she's been the last 2 months and also shares insight on what she's been reflecting on as she approaches her 40th birthday! Send her some birthday love on IG at TWR_Podcast CashApp: $NadineGraves Venmo: @Nadine-Graves

  Shenika Chambers, Policy Program Manager at Violence Free Minnesota, joins Nadine in the Waiting Room and shares insight on the legislative process from her time as a Legislative Assistant with the Minnesota House of Representatives.  Here is an additional resource outlining how a bill becomes law. Who Represents Me? Also, here you can find Violence Free Minnesota's 2023 Legislative agenda, which includes some policies mentioned in this episode.  Mentioned in this episode:  Penumbra Theatre Let's Talk: Shifting The Narrative On Criminal Justice Catholic Charities Locked Out: Concepts Of Criminality And Housing Security In Our Community LRC: Know Your Rights MN / Until We Are All Free - follow up to inquire about purchasing a limited edition Black History Month Tee Lewiee Blaze Artist, Activist, and Entrepreneur - Song: “My Own People” Text Blaze to 33777 to hear more from him.   Wise Ink - The publishing company hosting the writing retreat  Book recommendation: Bending The Arc: My Journey From Prison to Polictics by Keeda J. Haynes   

In this solo episode, Nadine gives a brief update on previous bills mentioned on TWR. She also shares some upcoming events as well as opportunities to share with either MNJRC any experiences you've had with cash bail and/or with the Human Rights Initiative at the University of Minnesota any impact police violence and surveillance has had on you or your loved ones.  Upcoming events:  Legal Rights Center (Know Your Rights) and Until We Are All Free Black History Month Event February 22, 2023, 6:30 - 8:30 pm @ Open Book in Minneapolis! There will be free food, guest speakers, and a performance by Lewiee Blaze. We will also sell limited edition and limited batch (50 total) Black History Month STAND shirts (Pictured on TWR's IG page) with a portion of the proceeds going to folks who are currently incarcerated. Shirts are sliding scale, starting at $30. Reserve a shirt in advance for pick up at the event using either PayPal (office@legalrightscenter.org) or Venmo (legarightscentermn). Cash will also be accepted as an in-person form of payment at the event. Second Chance Day on the Hill March 8, 2023, Press Conference – 9:30 a.m. Rally in the Rotunda – 10:30 a.m. Visits with legislators – 12:00 onward. Art From the Inside Exhibit April 5 - 30 at Creators Space in St. Paul, MN   Survey/Research opportunities:  Angela Rose Myers - Former Minneapolis NAACP President -  IG @angelarose_sr  Contact Angela at Myers813@umn.edu or 612-624-8543 Minnesota Justice Research Center use the (MNJRC) link above or call 612-293-8262.

Antonio Williams, Founder of T.O.N.E U.P joins Nadine in the Waiting Room for an in-depth conversation about the importance of healing and liberation. From prison to the “free world,” Antonio embodies the power of community organizing against injustices. He is a canvasser, writer, community builder, father, and activist, and we are all much better because of his commitment to uplifting people. Please support Antonio's work by donating. Also in this episode:  House File 28 Testimony - Right to Vote  House File 93 Testimony - Remove the exception that allows slavery or involuntary servitude as a punishment for a crime! Rush City Prison Strike: https://theappeal.org/a-prison-strike-in-minnesota-actually-got-results/ https://psmag.com/news/how-rush-city-inmates-organized-a-successful-prison-strike Book recommendation:  We Are Our Own Liberators: Selected Prison Writings by Jalil Muntaqim Articles featuring Antonio:  Activists: Floyd's death spurred global change Reimaging Public Saftey Washington Post  NPR All Things Considered: Where Minneapolis' Pledge to Defund the Police Stands Now  Public Safety Reform - MPR

Marcel Hofker, Founder of Strive Staffing joins Nadine in the Waiting Room role where he shares how he overcame his addiction and now is in the service of others as he provides second chances for those seeking employment. Check out more about Marcel here: “Minneapolis Man Connects With Hockey, Overcomes Addiction, Gives Others A Second Chance” Also mentioned in this episode:  Challenge Incarceration Program aka Boot Camp Summit Academy  Proverbs 24:11-12  - Sin of Omission  SEIU - Union

Happy New Year! We at TWR apologize for the unexpected break. Nadine is back with a new season, rested, and hopeful for what the new year will bring.  Tracy Jackson Director of Talent at Repowered formerly Tech Dump joins Nadine in the Waiting Room role where she shares how she overcame the shame of her conviction through the second chance received through Tech Dump, which ultimately led to what she describes as her calling to help others.  Tracy is deeply committed to providing each individual with the opportunity to successfully gain employment as they re-enter our community after incarceration. Check out more about Tracy and Repowered here: Grantee Spotlight. 

In this solo episode, Nadine shares how therapy is helping process past traumas and reshares S2E2 in support of Domestic Violence Awareness month.  Mentioned in this episode: The Body Keeps the Score Hello Hubby S2E201: Have you been in a toxic relationship?  Donate: We Are All Criminals  Domestic Abuse Power and Control Wheel Domestic Abus / Harassment Resource Sheet  Hennepin County Lawyer Shares Personal Domestic Abuse Story 

In this solo episode, Nadine shares her gratitude for the recent awards she received recognizing her efforts to reform the criminal legal system. She also highlights the importance of the Hennepin County attorney race and asks people to research the candidates and make an informed decision from a place of innovation and creativity instead of repeating the same policies that perpetuate harm.  Mentioned in this episode:  Minnesota Lawyer 2022 Up and Coming Attorney Mitchell Hamline 2022 Recent Alumni Reward Hennepin County Attorney Forums ACS Minneapolis-St. Paul: Candidate Forum - March 2022 Minneapolis Foundation and Minnesota Justice Research Center Forum - May 2022 Downtown Council - July 2022   Also referenced in this episode:  FreeWriters All Square  Myon Burrell 1935 Minneapolis Map "Murderapolis,” The Sense of Neglect, and the Both-And Approach to Public Safety Snowfall  James Baldwin  

Nadine's long-time friend, Kristi of Love Speaks, joins Nadine in the Waiting Room to share a remarkable story about how and why she started her prison ministry, which focuses on restoration, freedom, and healing.  Kristi can be contacted via email at lovespeaks416@gmail.com.  Scriptures shared in this episode:  "There is no fear in love [dread does not exist]. But perfect (complete, full-grown) love drives out fear, because fear involves [the expectation of divine] punishment, so the one who is afraid [of God's judgment] is not perfected in love [has not grown into a sufficient understanding of God's love]." 1 John 4:18 AMP "...Don't you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people..." Genesis 50:20 MSG  

Damon Drake of We Resolve MN joins Nadine in the Waiting Room to share about how his organization is utilizing the Participatory Defense model to empower the community as either they or a loved one navigates through the criminal legal process.  We Resolved can be contacted through the link above or by calling: 651-505-3288. Also, please consider supporting this important organization by donating or spreading the word. 

Nadine is joined by Civil Rights Attorney, Zorislav Leyderman, and they have a blunt conversation about the things most of us already knew about the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Police Department in response to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights Findings.  Mentioned in this episode:  Link for Public Comment regarding consent decree.  Article on the Hardel Sherrell Act, which was advocated for by Zorislav's former client, Ms. Del Shea Perry, in response to the death of her son, Hardel Sherrell, in Beltrami County Jail in 2018. 

Father and Art from the Inside, artist Ricardo Dominguez shares how his early exposure to art provided an outlet that helped him reflect and reset while incarcerated. His art forces anyone who sees it to see something beautiful, something more than his past. This art is now opening doors to the life he's been waiting for.  Check out and purchase Ricardo's artwork here.  Also mentioned in this episode: Meditations for Women Who Do Too Much, Revised Edition by Anne Wilson Schaef  Minnesota Justice Research Center and the Minneapolis Foundation Hennepin County Attorney Forum RSVP here Minnesota Department of Human Rights Investigation into the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Police Department Findings April 27, 2022.  Contact at TWRpodcast.com 

In this episode, Nadine gives tribute to a sister, Leslie Redmond who is a powerhouse for justice as well as other influential women in her life. She also highlights National Public Defender Day and the confirmation hearings for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson.  Leslie Redmond is the founder of Don't Complain Active, a movement that encourages all of us to get involved in social justice. She can be reached at: leslieredmond.com.  Nadine also mentions the author of The Lawyer as Leader: How to Plant People and Grow Justice, by Dr. Artika Tyner.  Also mentioned in this episode:  Black Girl Advocate created by Shamaria Jordan We Should All be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Flawless by Beyonce  We Are All Criminals founded by Emily Baxter 

In this episode, Nate Johnson, founder and executive director of FreeWriters, and I have a rich conversation about his journey from being a prosecutor to helping incarcerated folks with creative writing opportunities that improve mental health, reduce recidivism, and inspire hope about life after incarceration.  Learn more about and $upport FreeWriters. 

In this episode, Nadine gives a brief update on what's new with her professionally as the new Deputy Director of Community Legal Services at the Legal Rights Center.  Nadine also provides a brief review of the must-read memoir, Unbound: My Story of Liberation and the Birth of the Me Too Movement by Tarana Burke. 

In this episode, Mirella Ceja-Orozco, Co-Executive Director of the Minnesota Freedom Fund. She shares how her upbringing led her to a career dedicated to being a fierce advocate for immigrants' rights. She also shares historical and current trends in immigration law. Lastly, she describes how the US Immigration System and Criminal Legal System are embedded in one another.   As mentioned in this episode:  https://www.newsweek.com/ice-deports-92-somalians-plane-human-rights-747557 https://www.mprnews.org/story/2017/12/13/minnesota-somali-deportation-fears-raw-rising  

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. Heidi DeFord, Hennepin County Attorney, joins TWR to share her story about being in an abusive relationship with the hopes of helping others to heal. Heidi shares that she approaches her work with a holistic view with each person's humanity at the forefront.  Referenced in this episode:  Hennepin County Lawyer Shares Personal Domestic Abuse Story Domestic Abuse / Harassment Resource Sheet Domestic Abuse Power and Control Wheel 

In this episode, Elizer Darris, founder of the Darris Consulting Group, Co-Executive Director of the Minnesota Freedom Fund,  former Coordinator for the ACLU of Minnesota's Smart Justice Campaign, and formerly incarcerated individual sentenced to life in prison as a juvenile, shares powerfully why he is a Man on Fire for justice and accountability.  Mentioned in this episode:  African American Leadership Forum Josie R. Johnson Leadership Fellowship All Square.

Welcome to the one-year anniversary of TWR! Thank you for all the support and for sharing TWR with your friends and family. I am also extremely grateful for all my guests who have joined me in the Waiting Room to share some of their selves with us. Your transparency, vulnerability, and dedication to eradicate the systems as we know it has been infectious and inspiring. In this episode, Jason Sole, a formerly incarcerated abolitionist, author, criminal justice educator, co-founder of Humanize My Hoodie Movement, and 2019 recipient of the John Legend “Can't Just Preach” award for his work to abolish prisons shares his story as well as his hopes, dreams, and vision for a society that doesn't rely on cages and the illusion of 911. Jason and I talk about everything from why he wrote his book, From Prison to Ph.D., what abolitionist means to him to one of our favorite artists, J. Cole!  

Happy Juneteenth and Father's Day! In this episode, Seanie Shepherd shares how having her dad sent to prison shortly after she graduated from high school impacted her and her 9 siblings. Our conversation highlights the importance of fathers and what a pivotal role they play in their children's lives despite whatever crimes they may have committed. Seanie is a wife, mother, daughter, and the Vice President of the Graves Foundation. She is also a business owner of The Black Market and MN Black List. Please support Seanie and other Black-Owned Businesses. 

I invite you to check out an interview on TPT where several community leaders and I share our thoughts on: "Trial & Tribulation: Where Do We Go From Here?" one year after the death of George Floyd.  https://www.tptoriginals.org/trial-tribulation-where-do-we-go-from-here/ I also invite you to check out an interview I did through Club Book, where I interviewed Ian Manuel, author of the highly anticipated book, My Time Will Come: A Memoir of Crime, Punishment, Hope, and Redemption. https://www.clubbook.org/club-book-episode-122-ian-manuel/ "Sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for a crime committed at the age of 13, Manuel languished in prison for 26 years. Thanks to a coalition of supporters, including renowned activist Bryan Stevenson and the woman shot by Manuel in 1990, Manuel received a fair resentencing from the Florida Court of Appeal in 2010. His story is told in Stevenson's #1 New York Times bestseller Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption (2014), as well as in two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Nicholas Kristof's Tightrope: Americans Reach for Hope (2020)." Manuel finally tells the story in his own words in his memoir, which I highly recommend that you purchase.   

In this episode Nadine, believing she has been called “for such a time as this,” tells the whole truth about the injustices she has seen involving the police as a public defender and in her personal life. This episode serves as a call to action to question the system of policing in America, be a part of the solution for change, and support organizations who are boots on the ground doing the work necessary to help us create a more just society.  As mentioned below are some organizations you can partner with and support finically: MN INJUSTICE: features a must-read op-ed about what would've happened had George Floyd not been murdered. They also provide specific ways to Learn, Act and Give. Leslie Redmond, former Minneapolis Chapter NAACP president, civil rights activist, founder of Don't Complain Active, is currently seeking to raise funds to purchase the first of many activation buses, which will be used as a resource to the community for education and healing. Nekima Levy Armstrong, civil rights attorney, former University of St. Thomas law professor, and founder of Racial Justice Network.  Jason Sole, author, educator, and co-founder of the Humanize My Hoodie Movement in which he's challenging threat perceptions about Black men through clothing, art exhibitions, and workshops. Kevin Reese, founder of Until We Are All Free, a human rights organization led by formerly incarcerated criminal justice experts. They focus on building capital, resources, and support to provide pathways to civic and economic liberation for individuals disenfranchised by mass incarceration. Kevin also appeared on episode 6, Until We Are All Free. Georgia Fort, a local journalist and a storyteller with the mission of changing the narrative of how black people are represented by amplifying truth, citing diverse sources, and contextualizing social justice issues. Elizer Darris is a community organizer business owner, consultant, educator, youth mentor, and motivational speaker. He's also currently the co-executive director of the Minnesota Freedom Fund, an organization that provides bail money for people held in jail pre-conviction. See their website for organizations they recommend people support instead of donating to them. Legal Rights Center is a community-driven nonprofit law firm, specializing in adult criminal and juvenile delinquency defense, restorative justice practices, and youth advocacy. We Are All Criminals, a non-profit organization dedicated to challenging society's perceptions of what it means to be “criminal.” Through shared stories of those who committed or were accused of committing crimes, those who got away with them, and those who have been directly affected by the criminal justice system, we seek to erase the barriers that separate us. I currently serve as the Board Chair.  

In this episode, Ms. B. shares how she survived prison after receiving the devastating news of the death of her daughter, Sandy, a childhood friend of mine. She also shares about the struggles of re-entering the community with a criminal record. Lastly, she shares her dream of starting an organization, MySandy.org, in order to help the children of incarcerated parents. Here is the link for the MPR segment, In Focus presents Locked Out: The path from incarceration to inclusion with Angela Davis, referenced in this episode.    

In this episode, Tennesha Wood, dating coach, matchmaker, podcast host, and my good friend, joins me to talk about the correlation between mass incarceration and other racially driven legal decisions that have contributed to the decline in Black marriage in America. We also talk about the importance of black families, how representation matters, and how the murder of George Floyd along with the increased racial tension and divide in America has impacted interracial relationships as well.  Tennesha can be found at www.tenneshawood.com or on Instagram or Twitter @TenneshaWood  Also mentioned in the show: The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander "Where Have All the Black Men Gone?" article.  Black-ish, TV series created by Kenya Barris, see also Wikipedia page.  Insecure, HBO TV series created by Issa Rae and Larry Wilmore, see also Wikipedia page. 

In this episode, Mary Moriarty, career Public Defender (PD) and chief of the Hennepin County PD's Office in Minneapolis, provides a much needed perspective into the work of a PD, countering the public perception of PDs being public pretenders. Additionally Mary offers insight as to role prosecutors and judges can play in holding officers accountable and criminal system reform. Mary also talks briefly about the good trouble she's gotten herself into speaking out about problems within the criminal system as well as racial disparities. Mary is an avid reader and has provided a list of must read books that she first thinks anyone working in the system should read as well as visitors to The Waiting Room.  Mary's Reads:  “The Warmth of Other Suns” - Isabel Wilkerson    This is a beautifully written narrative about three black families who moved from the south to northern cities during the great migration movement of the 20th century.  Winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award, this work is essential reading for Minnesotans who want to understand the challenges that African-Americans faced when they moved here, and still face today.  "Locking Up Our Own" – George Forman Jr.      This Pulitzer Prize winning book, written by the son of a prominent leader in the civil rights movement, tells the story of how black politicians (including Eric Holder), judges, and police chiefs embraced tough on crime initiatives that devastated communities of color in Washington D.C. during the war on drugs. A former public defender, James Foreman, Jr. uses his clients' stories to show how punitive these measures were.    "Locked In" – Jon Pfaff Much of what we read attributes mass incarceration to the war on drugs, but this book challenges that assumption by pointing out that even if we released everyone jailed on drug offenses, the U.S. would still have the highest incarceration rate in the world. John Pfaff focuses instead on the charging and negotiation practices of prosecutors, and demonstrates that if we are serious about reducing our prison population, we need to address sentences for violent crimes.   "Picking Cotton" – Erin Torneo, Jennifer Thompson-Cannino, and Ronald Cotton This book was written by rape victim Jennifer Thompson, and the man she wrongfully accused of attacking her, Ronald Cotton.  Cotton spent 12 years in prison before DNA revealed the true perpetrator, leading Jennifer Thompson to search for the reason her identification was wrong despite being absolutely convinced she was correct. Cotton and Thompson alternate chapters telling the story from their unique perspectives. This is an excellent book for those who want to understand how the frailties of human memory can lead determined victims and well-meaning cops to create a dynamic leading to wrongful convictions.     "Just Mercy" – Bryan Stevenson  Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative in Alabama, movingly writes about his experiences as a black man representing poor men and women caught in an unjust system. EJI is a non-profit committed to changing the narrative about race in America. Stevenson most recently completed construction of The National Memorial for Peace and Justice, the country's first memorial dedicated to the legacy of enslaved black people. His work connects slavery to mass incarceration.    "Insane" – Alisa Roth So many people in the criminal justice system struggle with mental health issues because we have simply criminalized mental illness instead of properly funding mental health resources. Alisa Roth explains how those with mental illness have been treated since colonial times, long before people were released from asylums without a proper safety net in the 60s.  Using compelling case studies from around the country, she reveals the devastating consequences of incarceration on the mentally ill and their families, and argues for more successful and humane alternatives.    "Slavery by Another Name" – Douglas A. Blackmon Many people believe that slavery ended with the civil war, but Douglas Blackmon's book documents the forced labor of black men and women, who were jailed on made-up crimes so they could be leased to do the work of formerly enslaved people.  Blackmon writes of “Black Codes,” laws passed by legislatures to justify pretext arrests to fill the jails with people who were then leased to private corporations and landowners. This work is critical to understanding one way in which the legal system was used to sustain white supremacy.   "The New Jim Crow" – Michelle Alexander  Michelle Alexander's book connects slavery, Jim Crow, and the war on drugs as racist systems of control.  She provides historical context for policies that allowed police to operate with little oversight – stopping, searching, and seizing people of color at will.  Ms. Alexander effectively demonstrates that the war on drugs was intended to be a war on black people, whom republicans viewed as more likely to vote for democrats.  This award winning book, published in 2010, changed the way many view race and the criminal justice system.     "Charged" –  Emily Bazelon Emily Bazelon beautifully tell the stories of a teenage girl accused of murdering her mother and a young man who possessed a gun to demonstrate the relatively unchecked power prosecutors have in the criminal justice system. Prosecutors decide whether a person will be charged and with what offense.  They have complete control over whether to offer a plea negotiation, the details of which may impact the client the rest of his or her life.   "My Grandmother's Hands" – Resmaa Menakem Minneapolis therapist Resmaa Menakem writes that racism has caused physical trauma in everyone and that the path to wellness is understanding the trauma that resides deep within our bodies. Although the reasons why white, black and blue (police) bodies have experienced trauma from white supremacism differ, we will not work through our racial divide until we heal from the generational impact of trauma.  At the end of each chapter, Dr. Menakem offers exercises and practices designed to heal our bodies from trauma.    "Colony in a Nation" – Chris Hayes Journalist Chris Hayes uses the framework of a Nation and a Colony to discuss why measures of racial inequality – incarceration, income, employment, home ownership – haven't improved since 1968.  Within our Nation exists a Colony, where fear leads to aggressive policing, which infringes on civil rights.  Policing in the Colony resembles occupation, which has led to the conditions that lead to the uprisings in Baltimore and Ferguson.   "Unwarranted: Policing Without Permission" – Barry E. Friedman Barry Friedman's book outlines the problems we have created by refusing to police the police.  Illegal searches, warrantless stops, and invasive surveillance, enabled by sophisticated technology, are just a few of the issues that plague our country.  Add race and class to the mix and we need serious reform, which starts with the question, “What do we want the police to do?”     "Between the World and Me" – Ta-Neisi Coates This book is a letter to the author's 15 year old son about how to live in a black body in this country.  The death of one of Ta-Neisi Coates's classmates, at the hands of the police, caused him to reflect on this country's history of destroying black bodies. The heart of the narrative is that race is a social construct and that people who identify as white do not believe they benefit from white privilege. If they achieve what he calls the “dream,” it is because of their own abilities and efforts.      "Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI" - David Grann   David Grann's book investigates one chapter of white genocide against Native Americans.  After oil was discovered under their land, making them among the richest people per capita in the world, members of the Osage Indian Nation in Oklahoma Nation began to be murdered.  As the death toll climbed, the FBI began its first major homicide investigation, which it botched.  Although official records claim about twenty people were murdered, Grann's detailed reporting reveals hundreds of victims.  "Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How our Government Segregated America" - Richard Rothstein Richard Rothstein's book explains clearly how government policies, not individual choices, intentionally promoted residential racial segregation.  Rothstein dismantles many of the current myths about racial discrimination, such as black homeowners causing white homeowners property values to fall.  After documenting the intentional choices made by the government, Rothstein argues, contrary to the thinking of the U.S. Supreme Court, that there are constitutional remedies available to address these purposeful, discriminatory policies.         

On this episode, Kevin Reese, Director of Criminal Justice at Voices for Racial Justice and Founder of Until We Are All Free shares just a glimpse of who he is and what he's passionate about. He describes what it was like grappling with the narrative that his incarceration was justified because he was considered a threat to public safety. He also talks about the Bridge, a grassroots partnership he founded while incarcerated that countered the narrative by building a bridge from prison to the community. After spending 14 years in Minnesota Correctional Facilities he's dedicating his life to provide pathways to civic and economic liberation for individuals disenfranchised by mass incarceration.

In this episode Alyssa Tamboura, advocate for children impacted by the criminal justice system and founder of Walls to Bridges Project, shares about her organization as well as the book project that was created this past summer for system-impacted kids to maintain communication with their loved ones since in-person visits have been suspended due to COVID-19.    Alyssa also shares a powerful poem about what it was it was like waiting while her dad was gone for most of her childhood as he served nearly 13 years in Sanquentin Prison.

In this episode Christina Sorenson, 2019 Sorors Justice Fellow at the Juvenile Law Center, shares how she has turned the pain from growing up in the foster care system into a passion for helping create space for youth caught up in the child welfare system. She acknowledges that her experience was traumatizing, yet it was contrary to what Black youth, especially Black girls experience.  References made in this episode as well as follow up resources:  Pushout: by fellow Soros fellow – Monique Morris Fostering Change Network Alumni Coaching program - Ran by Shalita O'Neale, a foster care alum and change agent powerhouse for any current or former foster youth looking for mentorship.  No Place For Kids 1988: Iowa Admin. Code 441-101.9(218) "Any individual who believes the individual's rights have been violated by the Iowa juvenile home or who has a complaint concerning the individual's treatment at the Iowa juvenile home may file a grievance. The individual's parent, family, or legal representative may file a grievance on behalf of the individual by submitting the grievance in writing to the superintendent.”  ***CORRECTION*** Juvenile Law Center, with co-counsel ACLU of Wisconsin and Quarles & Brady, LLP, filed a federal civil rights class action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin against Wisconsin juvenile corrections officials and administrators of two correctional facilitates, the Lincoln Hills School for Boys and the Copper Lake School for Girls. Sibling Separation - “common practice” – based on what youth have shared about their experience, but yes it's against federal law. See https://jlc.org/sites/default/files/attachments/2019-02/2018-YFCPermanencyToolkit-FINAL-DIGITAL.pdf  Youth Focus Group Making Reunification for older youth https://jlc.org/resources/broken-bridges-how-juvenile-placements-cut-youth-communities-and-successful-futures

In this episode, Jorge Renaud, Regional Director of Policy and Advocacy at the organization Latino Justice, shares his powerful and thought-provoking story about grappling with the choices and circumstances that led him to serving 27 years in prison.  Since he's been out, Jorge is choosing to live a life dedicated to ending a system of locking people away in cages. He travels the nation, amplifying the voices of formerly incarcerated Latinos, promotes restorative justice opportunities, and mentors youth in Texas. All the while, Jorge is waiting to right his wrongs with his daughter, from whom he's been estranged. 

On this episode Eliana describes what life has been like waiting for her dad to come home from federal prison, where he has been incarcerated for more than 20 years. 

In this introductory episode Nadine shares what led her to create the Waiting Room and what you can expect to hear on the podcast.  The hashtag for the podcast is #TWRpodcast You can find us on Instagram @TWR_Podcast

The Waiting Room with Nadine Graves provides a mic for the unheard. Exposing the invisible impact of the US Criminal Justice System through the stories of those waiting for justice, waiting for freedom, and the professionals helping those in the wait. This episode is an introduction to the podcast.  The hashtag for the podcast is #TWRpodcast You can find us on Instagram @TWR_Podcast To be a visitor in the Waiting Room please contact us at www.twrpodcast.com  Don't forget to subscribe to the show!