Program Spotlight

Community Spotlight: Honoring the Work of Restorative Justice & Equity

 Through the ongoing Restorative and Racial Justice (RJ2) series, our community had the privilege of learning from MiDian Shofner, CEO of Epitome of Black Excellence & Partnership,who led a powerful session on the intersection of restorative justice, courage, and equity in today’s changing social climate; Restoring The Soil: Moving from Intention to Implementation.

community partnership

At a time when conversations about DEI and justice are becoming increasingly pressured, MiDian offered grounding, clarity, and inspiration. Her message reminded us that restoration begins with truth—and that hesitation, silence, or avoiding discomfort often deepens the very harm we hope to address.

MiDian led our members into a crucial, stretching reflection and conversation about race, equity, and justice. She guided us into worthwhile and envelope-pushing discussion and held space with grace, courage, and assertiveness–that’s exactly what our CCRJP community needs. –Nathan Eagan, CCRJP Board Co-Chair

Seeing the Patterns That Shape Our Communities

Participants were invited to look beyond individual incidents and recognize the larger patterns that influence our schools, organizations, and systems. By exploring key disparities and lived experiences, the session highlighted the importance of facing inequities honestly rather than symbolically.

The work affirmed a simple but critical idea: restorative justice must be rooted in equity to be truly restorative.

The Power of Story & Collective Responsibility

A central theme of the gathering was the role of storytelling in justice work. MiDian emphasized that systems often minimize or isolate people’s experiences, while restorative practices call us to witness, honor, and hold those stories together.

When stories are brought into community, they transform from isolated pain into shared responsibility—and, ultimately, into pathways for change.

Staying Grounded in a Challenging DEI Landscape

At a time when many institutions are stepping back from equity language due to political or financial pressures, this session offered a powerful reminder that DEI is not a trend or an optional supplement. It is foundational to healing, dignity, and justice.

Standing firm in these values isn’t always easy, but it is necessary—especially now.

A Collective Call Forward

The session closed with an invitation for each of us to reflect on the stories that have shaped our understanding of justice and how we can continue to uplift and protect them. As MiDian reminded us, restoration is ongoing work. It requires connection, courage, and a commitment to remembering what matters.

With Gratitude

We extend our deepest thanks to MiDian Shofner for her leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to community-centered justice. And, we thank every participant who joined us, listened, contributed, and held space.

Together, we continue to water the soil of our connections—growing restorative ways of being even, and especially, in these challenging times.

Partner with MiDian!
MiDian@BeTheEpitome.org
www.BeTheEpitome.org

CCRJP acknowledges the first harm of stolen land and the second harm of stolen people and culture. As restorative justice practitioners, we recognize we have a role to play in the repair of the first and second harms occurring on these lands upon which we live. Our work must center these harm patterns and its repair as we move toward equitable restorative justice access for all. We honor wth gratitude Waŋbli Wapȟáha Hokšila Dr. Edward Valandra for sharing this teaching with us and for the call to action.

To gain access to the session recording, we invite you to become a CCRJP member and enjoy benefits such as a robust Member Resource Library. Join today!

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