Reimaginging Safety Movie Screening & Panel

Filmmaker Matthew Solomon screened his new documentary, Reimagining Safety, with us and a crowd of ~60 people! The film tells of the current state of policing and incarceration and suggests evidence-based alternatives. This screening was followed by a panel of experts featured in the movie, including LA County DA George Gascon, Gina Viola, Nikki Blak, Hadiya Kennedy, Jose Gutierrez, and Sennett Devermont, moderated by SPG Co-President Bineh Ndefru. The discussion that followed was particularly interesting because we had a generative discussion across different ideas of how to reimagine safety. While there are differing ideas on the panel about whether or not the solution includes abolishing police and prisons, the panel seemed to be on the same page about the need to build more supportive communities, provide more non-violent mental health services and interventions, reinvest taxpayer dollars into education and health rather than policing. Check out this story in the Daily Bruin to learn more!