Over $15,000 Raised on Give Miami Day
OVER $15,000 RAISED ON GIVE MIAMI DAY
Over $15,000 Raised on Give Miami Day
Florida Justice Center fundraiser and 12-hour livestream a resounding success.
Miami, FL (November 22, 2021) –
Florida Justice Center participated in Give Miami Day on Thursday, November 18th joining over 900 other nonprofits that serve Miami-Dade communities. This was the second year Florida Justice Center (FLJC) participated in this event. With dozens of guests on a marathon 12-hour livestream, the day brought over $15,000 in donations and sponsorships to FLJC and was a resounding success. With the funds raised, FLJC’s team will be able to seal and expunge records for approximately 120 Miamians. That’s 120 people who will receive a second chance to earn a living wage, find affordable housing, and obtain the quality of life that has become the American dream.
Team FLJC spent the day at CIC Miami hosting a 12-hour livestream filled with informative guest speakers on subjects that impact underserved and marginalized communities. A little Miami spice was added to the mix with both a chef and a mixologist that each made special items in honor of the day.
Guests included:
- Natalie Robinson Bruner of GladEd Solutions discussing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion topics, including “What is DEI?” and “What is Unconscious Bias?”
- Attorney Melba Pearson provided a retrospective about the George Floyd protests and a look forward
- FLJC Attorney Alex Saiz hosted throughout the day and spoke with one of his clients who was arrested in Miami Beach under an ordinance that is currently under fire
- Immigration Attorney Sekou Clarke joined Alex Saiz to examine the effects of an arrest and conviction on an immigrant’s residency status
- Attorney William Sanchez discussed a variety of immigration topics
- Chef Jeffrey “The Kingpin” Schlissel of BaconCartel demonstrated how to make a Smoked Pork Cuban Sandwich
- Returning citizen and renowned artist Rolando Barrero spoke about achieving success after incarceration
- Attorney Craig Tocino of the University of Miami Innocence Clinic discussed false convictions and how they can be lessened in the future
- Representative Matt Willhite provided an overview of pending criminal justice legislation in the Florida House of Representatives
- Samantha Carlo and Dr. Minca Davis-Brantley of Miami Dade College spoke with FLJC Executive Director Jonathan Bleiweiss about higher education in prison
- Attorney Gina Fraga taught a brief section on Know Your Rights: What to do if Immigration Arrests You with FLJC Staff Attorney Zubin Kapadia
- Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) representatives Wilfredo Amr Ruiz and Hiba Rahim spoke with Zubin Kapadia about Islamic profiling in American and how Muslim-Americans can stay safe in an uncertain climate
- LGBTQ+ activists Nathan Bruemmer, Terry Dyer, and Elijah Manley joined Jonathan Bleiweiss to discuss legislative issues related to the gay and transgender communities, the increased consequences and risks for the trans community in the criminal justice system, and the criminalization of HIV
- Celebrity criminal defense attorney Paul Petruzzi made a case for the decriminalization of cannabis with Alex Saiz
- President of the National Hispanic Cannabis Alliance, Antonio Valdez, spoke with Alex Saiz to Spanish-speaking participants about the opportunities that exist in the cannabis industry and how to increase minority ownership of marijuana-related businesses
- Bryan “Mexican Mixologist” Mendoza showed viewers how to make four different happy hour cocktails including a signature FLJC-drink.
- Social Justice Advocate LaToya Ratlieff recalled the brutalization she experienced at a George Floyd rally last year and looked forward to the next steps of the movement
FLJC Executive Director Jonathan Bleiweiss was enthusiastic with the event’s outcome, stating, “I am overwhelmed by the generosity and giving spirit of those in Miami and beyond. Knowing that our work is starting to be recognized by the community is exciting.” Jonathan continued, “I am confident that Florida Justice Center’s unique work will be more appreciated each day. FLJC will be able to increase the amount raised next year, allowing us to expand our outreach and services to more communities in need.”
FLJC attributed the event’s overall success to its dedicated staff and many volunteers, donors, and sponsors which included Green Thumb Industries, GladEd Solutions, William Sanchez Law, and 71 caring individuals.
ABOUT GIVE MIAMI DAY
Florida Justice Center (FLJC) is 1 of 900 nonprofits that participated in this year’s Give Miami Day from November 15th– 18th. Give Miami Day is one of the nation’s largest 24-hour annual giving events. Give Miami Day is an online campaign where all local nonprofits who serve the greater Miami communities participate.
ABOUT FLORIDA JUSTICE CENTER
FLJC is the first and only nonprofit legal aid organization authorized by the Florida Supreme Court to provide criminal legal assistance. FLJC is dedicated to reducing incarceration rates in Florida using a holistic approach that combines legal and reentry social services. As a revolutionary and rapidly growing organization, the FLJC team hopes that its success grows with each additional supporter.
3469 N Dixie Hwy
Oakland Park, FL 33334
(954) 758-7555
Media Contact:
Michelle Damone
(954) 758-7555 x601
media@FLJC.org
Learn more at www.fljc.org
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Twitter.com/fljusticecenter
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