Join us at Word Up for a teach-in on learning, reflection, and action toward abolition and reparations. We will confront the violent history of family separation, the ongoing harm of state surveillance, and the necessity of repair through a 5-point reparations framework. Together, we will build collective power, deepen our commitment to liberation, and take concrete steps toward ending systems of harm.

This event is free or a $5 suggested donation to Word Up. Please register in advance. 

Word Up Community Bookshop/Libreria Communitaria is located at 2113 Amsterdam Avenue (corner of 165th Street) in Manhattan. Subways: A, C or #1 train to 168th Street (walk south to 165th St, turn left, then walk east to Amsterdam Avenue).

Black Families Love and Unite (BLU) is an organization dedicated to empowering Black and Brown families through education, organizing, and community care.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Imani Worthy is a Bronx native whose family was impacted by the child welfare system in 2019. Following this experience, she pursued advocacy work, holding roles such as Public Speaking Coordinator at Rise Magazine and Family Advocate at the Center for Family Representation. Imani is the Co-founder and Executive Director of Black Families Love and Unite (BLU), an organization dedicated to empowering Black and Brown families and dismantling systems of oppression. She holds an MBA and is deeply committed to holistic and restorative justice practices, including circle keeping and somatic wellness to create meaningful change for our communities.

Nancy Fortunato, Senior Family Organizer, has over 10 years of advocacy and organizing experience as an impacted parent and an expert on systemic racism. She graduated from the Child Welfare Organizing Project and the Institute of Transformative Mentoring at The New School. Nancy has held roles at the East Harlem Community Partnership Program, the Center for Human Development and Family Services, and RISE, where she was promoted to Senior Parent Leader. She is currently a Peer Navigator at Justice For Families.

Cassandra Gonzalez, Family Organizer with two years of advocacy and organizing experience, is an Afro Latine parent of two boys who embraces inclusivity and gender diversity. With a passion for cooking and a commitment to empowerment, Cassandra utilizes their life experiences to support and uplift fellow parents, reflecting their resilience and compassion.