CENTER FOR JUSTICE AT COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

The peace sign symbolizes calm, transformation, and justice. It is linked to the black-eyed Susan, representing hope and healing, and resembles a butterfly, signifying change. Its meaning may vary, but the peace sign remains a powerful symbol today.

 An indigenous person dreaming by blowing bubbles and creating visions of a better world. Abolition, decolonization, seed keeping, solidarity, love, and environmentalism. 

Titled Roots of Equity, this piece depicts an individual freeing one foot from the roots that bind them, yet still tethered. It symbolizes the struggle justice-impacted individuals face in escaping the weight of the carceral system, which perpetuates the cycle of incarceration for families.

 This art was submitted by Art from the Inside, an organization working with incarcerated artists in Minnesota. When sentenced, I lost all sense of my identity, but years into incarceration, I realized I am who I am.

 I often feel like a ghost trapped by self-hate and guilt, yet inside, I'm a fighter. As a brown man in prison, I'm just trying to survive and return home a better man than the boy who entered at 18. I hope my actions reflect that every day.

 I've been locked up so long that my identity feels tied to prison. At 32, I’ve missed out on life experiences like getting a license or a job. I’m not the monster I was once seen as. My past actions, made when I was young and immature, shouldn't define me.

 I grew up in South Minneapolis, helping my immigrant parents and being shaped by the Waite House community center. The first in my family to graduate high school and earn a Master's, I've overcome adversity with resilience. I focus on growth, self-care, and faith, seeing myself as a strong, optimistic woman.

 Seeing the younger generation embrace their culture inspires me. I never felt my art was expressive until I discovered pointillism. The style feels hypnotic, and I create from the heart, not the mind. As the French say, "The heart has its reasons that reason knows nothing of." This is my identity, my art.

 Man-made laws are flawed and changeable. A just system must reflect the morality of its people, not political gain or personal agendas. The current system isn't broken—it's working as intended, which is unacceptable. We must rise to challenge and change this biased system.

 Rigoberta Menchú, a Maya activist from Guatemala, inspired this piece. She advocates for indigenous farmers' rights and social justice. As a Guatemalan man, I want to be seen as I am, free from standardized perceptions. My drive to work hard and continuously grow shapes who I am and the labor I give.

All my life I have questioned who I am and who I am expected to be. But I am breaking free from what has been pressured on me. I am living and drawing my truth. I see myself as a resilient woman, who forgives in a world that is very unforgiving. 

 Inspired by the journey we all must walk. Life hands us unexpected turns to learn from, yet most of us find ourselves trapped and tangled. We must learn from our struggles how to free ourselves. Only you can set yourself free to fulfill your destiny of infinite possibilities.