NPEP student Broderick Hollins plays a crucial role at the Restorative Justice Community Courts (RJCC) by providing opportunities for growth and change for young adults facing incarceration.
Broderick Hollins is a force to be reckoned with. In addition to working toward completing his degree through the Northwestern Prison Education Program (NPEP), he’s a circle keeper at the Restorative Justice Community Courts (RJCC).
At the RJCC, Broderick provides guidance and mentorship to justice-impacted juveniles, motivating them to strive for a better future. He also frequently speaks about restorative justice practices across Illinois.
Broderick’s Journey into Restorative Justice
Broderick’s journey into the world of restorative justice began at the NPEP Restorative Justice Center, where he worked closely with Annalise Buth, Clinical Associate Professor of Law at Northwestern’s Pritzker School of Law and Co-Director of the Center on Negotiation, Mediation, and Restorative Justice (CNMRJ).
Buth’s mentorship played a pivotal role in shaping Broderick’s path, leading him to consult with CNMRJ and work with her restorative justice classes. During this, he learned the art of engaging in circles and facilitating meaningful conversations – a technique central to his current work.
Through this collaboration, Broderick attended a restorative justice conference in San Francisco, where he co-facilitated a dialogue on cultural humility.
As a Cook County Justice Advisory Council Racial Equity Fellow, he connected with Pamela Purdie, an influential figure in the field who works in restorative justice at Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation, an organization that serves young people and families most impacted by violence, incarceration, and structural inequity in Chicago. Pamela provided additional circle training to Broderick.
While Broderick had serious doubts about his chances of receiving the fellowship, he submitted an application under the guidance of Audrey Dunford. After making it to the next round, he interviewed with Judge Spratt who saw Broderick’s resilience, dedication to obtaining an education, and potential, resulting in him being awarded the fellowship.
Broderick’s Work at the RJCC
The Cook County RJCC provides young adults aged 18-26 charged with non-violent felony or misdemeanor crimes a second chance to keep their criminal records clean and get their lives back on track. Participants who successfully complete the programs may have the opportunity to have their charges dismissed and arrest and court records expunged.
Broderick plays a crucial role at the RJCC by providing opportunities for growth and change for individuals facing incarceration. His lived experience gives him a unique perspective; he understands the realities of poverty and hardship and can relate to the struggles of those he mentors.
Broderick’s approach involves sharing his own story and emphasizing the harsh realities of prison. He engages in candid conversations with the youth, helping them to understand the consequences of their actions and motivating them to strive for a better future.
Broderick has witnessed remarkable transformations among those he’s worked with, some of whom have turned their lives around by finding jobs or pursuing their GEDs.
Broderick’s Next Steps
Broderick’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of education on individuals and their communities. His work with Judge Spratt and the RJCC continues to inspire change and provide hope for a brighter future for at-risk and incarcerated youth.
Broderick wants to become a therapist, focusing on helping at-risk and incarcerated youth set goals for their future and make better life decisions. He expresses deep gratitude to Audrey Dunford, Judge Spratt and Annalise Buth for their continued mentorship and support.