Youth Freedom Cafe: Truth Behind the Walls

Guest Presenters:

David Ellison, a public defender in Fall River, will share his experiences working within the justice system. He provides legal representation and advocacy to indigent clients who are charged with criminal offenses within the final jurisdiction of the District Court of Massachusetts. He has a unique perspective on the justice system and its shortfalls from his position on the front lines, working to provide low-income defendants the best legal aid he possibly can.

 
James Monteiro grew up in the Mount Hope area of Providence. Like many kids from the neighborhood, James grew up without a father figure in the home and it wasn’t long before he dropped out of school, got caught up in crime, and ended up in and out of the prison system.James is currently spearheading the development of the Billy Taylor House, a program that is designed to give youth from the Mount Hope neighborhood workforce development and enrichment opportunities. The program will help provide youth with a sense of identity and pride and an awareness of their own potential.

This project is part of the Pell Humanities Initiative in Rhode Island to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Everett’s Youth Freedom Café is supported by a generous grant from Dance USA – Engaging Dance Audiences.

This event is FREE and open to the public! Click here for more info.