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ICUJP Friday Forum

Oct. 3rd, 7:30-9:30 am Pacific  

Sonali Kolhatkar: Talking About Abolition - A Police-Free World is Possible

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What kind of justice is this? Where the poor go to prison and the rich go free. ― Assata Shakur

Award winning broadcast and print journalist Sonali Kolhatkar will discuss her new book Talking About Abolition: A Police-Free World is Possible (Seven Stories, 2025). The book centers powerful interviews with scholars, organizers, and activists who are leading the movement to end policing and prison.

Join the conversation with our speaker:



Sonali Kolhatkar is host and executive producer of Rising Up With Sonali, an independent, subscriber-supported TV, radio, and podcast program airing on dozens of radio stations and Free Speech TV. She is an award-winning multimedia journalist who writes regularly for Independent Media Institute, OtherWords, and Truthout. Her books include Talking About Abolition: A Police-Free World is Possible (Seven Stories, 2025) and Rising Up: The Power of Narrative in Pursuing Racial Justice (City Lights, 2023).

7:30 - 7:35  Log in and socialize
7:35 - 7:45  Welcome and introductions 
7:45 - 7:50  Reflection (5 min. maximum)
7:50 - 9:15  Program and Q&A
9:15 - 9:20  Announcements
9:20 - 9:30  Closing circle and prayer

Start your morning with us! 

Facilitator: Don Smith
Reflector: Rebecca Arvizu

** Meetings begin promptly at 7:30 am Pacific. **

Here's how to join the online meeting:

To join by video conference, you'll need to download the Zoom app on your computer or mobile device. Click on the link to join the meeting and then enter the Meeting ID number and passcode. You'll be able to see slides and video, as well as speakers and other attendees.

If you prefer to join by phone, you'll be prompted to enter the Meeting ID number and passcode. You won't be able to see the visuals or attendees, but you can view them on the meeting video recording afterward. 

If you're new to Zoom and would like to use the video option, we recommend you download the app well ahead of time.

ICUJP Friday Forum 10/03/25
Time: 07:30 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

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(To find a dial-in number closer to you, go here.)

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Please note: Our Friday Forums and other events are open to the public. By attending, you consent to having your voice and likeness recorded, photographed, posted on ICUJP's website and social media, and included in ICUJP materials and publications for noncommercial purposes. If you don't want to be photographed or recorded, please let the facilitator know.

Interfaith Communities United for Justice and Peace recognizes the Gabrieliño Tongva as the past, present, and future caretakers of the land, water, and cultural resources in the unceded territory of Los Angeles.

Here are some images from our 2025 Rev. George F. Regas Courageous Peacemaker Awards at Holman United methodist Church. We wanted to thank all the wonderful people involved with the church and the Saturday School for African American History - it was so moving to hear the kids from the program recite their poem for Dorothy Lawson, and we were glad to have members of the Lawson family there to hear it and receive the recognition.

We wanted to thank our other honorees as well - Dick Price and Sharon Kyle of the L.A. Progressive, Friends of Sabeel North America, and the National Day Laborer Organizing Network. When we created the theme of "Meeting The Moment", we picked great examples of organizations and individuals that have done just that on a consistent basis time after time. We are honored to be able to lift up your service.

We would also like to thank Fidel Sanchez and The Holman Choir for their performances, as well as our MC Mimi Kennedy.

If you have been inspired by our honorees and would like to "Meet The Moment", here are some examples of what you can do:

NDLON is calling on all allies and people of conscience to Adopt a Day Labor Corner in your local community. What we’re witnessing in Los Angeles and in so many other cities—ICE raids, armored vehicles, and masked agents—may feel like a distant issue but for immigrant workers, for day laborers, for our neighbors, it is already here. If you are not at risk of deportation, we are asking you to consider taking action today.

The Friends of Palestinian Detainees is a pilot program of Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA).

This program has emerged out of a deep desire to be in solidarity with the Palestinian people in general and to be active supporters and advocates for Palestinian detainees and prisoners in Israeli-run prisons more specifically. Guided by our relationship with FOSNA, this pilot a faith-led program, though ultimately not confined strictly to religious groups.

IF YOU WERE NOT ABLE TO ATTEND THE 2025 GEORGE REGAS COURAGEOUS PEACEMAKER AWARDS, PLEASE SUPPORT ICUJP’S ONGOING STRUGGLE FOR JUSTICE AND PEACE

ICUJP operates as a largely volunteer organization with a small part-time paid staff. We have survived for over twenty years through the generosity of individuals and organizations like you. We are honored to be with you in the struggle for Justice and Peace.

There’s still a long road ahead. But if you’re here reading this, we’re already stronger than they want us to be.

Thank you for being with us. Please consider helping ICUJP in its mission.

Follow the link below, and please make a one-time or monthly donation.

Please make as generous a donation as you can to help ICUJP continue its mission that Religious Communities Must Stop Blessing War and Violence.

RESOURCES FOR PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF A PEOPLE UNDER SEIGE

ICUJP Condemns the actions of the current administration to foment unrest in Southern California and other parts of the US. We hope you will find the following information useful in keeping involved and safe.

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