Restored to Innocence through Restorative Justice
 Last month, I was privileged to speak before approximately 200 young prisoners presently incarcerated at the Juvenile Hall at the Alameda County Library in San Leandro. Of these, the majority had experienced violence in their lives, including the murder of family members or friends. I was inspired not so much to retell my tragic story of losing my son, but to inspire them to make a different choice in their lives. In two days, I conducted seven presentations, which included two meditation classes, for both males and females, ranging from age 13 - 18. One group of 55 included youth held in a maximum security unit, some of whom potentially face long-term adult sentences.
I know in my heart of hearts that - through the power of forgiveness, the application of "good works" and a restorative justice system - all these young ones (as well as all of us) can be restored to a rightful place - as innocent human beings re-entering the world as well-functioning society members.
For those who have broken the law or aimed to harm others, this can be done through these steps: - They take responsibility for their actions.
- They ask for forgiveness.
- They forgive themselves and commit to changing their behavior.
- They "give back" - in the spirit of redemption - by making sure to stop another child or other children from making the same mistakes that they made.
Part of my mission is to help bring about a change in our juvenile justice system, transitioning from the punitive system and towards that of Restorative Justice. If we do that, we will help transform 95 percent of our youth, saving many, many lives. Joining me in supporting the view of Restorative Justice is Judge Dan Meehl of Sun Valley, Idaho. (For a copy of his full letter click HERE.) Judge Meehl, in a supportive letter to me, said in short:
"Unfortunately, in the United States, our justice system often makes the convict worse off than he or she was before their conviction. In attempting to improve themselves spiritually or psychologically, the prisoner finds himself or herself like a salmon swimming upstream. I commend you in your efforts to buck the trends in our society. The movements for forgiveness and restorative justice can eventually change public perception as to dealing with an underclass that faces tremendous negative influences.
When I was a child I had to spend time in the Arizona desert. I loved looking at the clouds forming over the mountains trying to become thunderstorms. Usually, the currents of air rising from the desert were not great enough to allow the striving clouds to achieve their goal. But when the currents were just right, they would form a great cleansing storm. Enough people like you can provide a popular current from the bottom up to bring a change in the environment that pervades the justice system. More power to you!"
In San Leandro, at the end of my talk before the 55 youth held in maximum security, I asked how many present were now inspired to make new choices from here on out.
I was so very happy to see several hands going up.
Change is possible. Change is inevitable. It's time we create a space and a place for our young ones, as well as ourselves, to be restored - back into a state of innocence - for the good of those young ones, for the good of our society, for the good of our world.
Many blessings,
Azim N. Khamisa A Word from the Youth of San Leandro
|
| Two of the Many Positive Responses
Mr. Khamisa, I was touched by the way you gave forgiveness to the murderer that killed your son. Mr. Khamisa, when you were talking it was making me feel much better. I did not want to hurt the people that killed my uncle because he would not give up his wallet. They stabbed him to death. But Mr. Khamisa I just want to thank you a lot for coming. ~ Jacqueline
Dear Mr. Azim Khamisa,
Thank you for taking your time to come to talk to us about your loss of your 20-year-old son. I really appreciate it a lot. It really touched my heart. I know how you feel about your son because I lost my best cousin from gang violence too. But I never forgave the person that killed my cousin. But I will one day. But that day is not today. But thank you for coming to visit us here in Juvenile Hall. ~ Sincerely, Melissa |
|
