#RaiseYourVoice with Josh Jones
The next 12 months are critical for JCUA. We have a mayor and city council who have pledged to implement bold ideas for the City of Chicago. We have an upcoming presidential election that will determine the future of the country. The next year will determine whether we elevate hate, racism and antisemitism or whether we elevate justice, equity and multi-racial democracy.
To prepare for the Jewish new year, we’re speaking with core members about their experiences working with JCUA and their plans for the next year. The following conversation is with JCUA member Josh Jones.
How did you get involved with JCUA and what are you working on?
I started getting involved with JCUA a few years ago. I remember hearing about the trauma center campaign, and I was really impressed with the coalition work supporting youth of color who were seeking a trauma center on the South Side. The center was an unmitigated good, and satisfied a real need as so many black people were dying unnecessarily in avoidable ways. I was inspired by the campaign, which showed that JCUA was committed to pursuing civil rights in Chicago. I thought, “why didn’t I know about this sooner?”
I spend most of my time working with the police accountability campaign. It’s been decades of mismanagement of police misconduct issues, decades of lost trust. People have been really harmed by failure of accountability, and the Laquan McDonald murder was a real wake up call that the city had to do something. Our role as activists is to fight for a seat at the table, and push through real police oversight and better police contracts.
What is it like to be part of the JCUA community?
I have found that it’s a very intentional space. I appreciate how the organizers are very thoughtful about how we all work together. We always talk about putting relationships first. We try to hold each other with respect. We’ve developed friendships over time and it helps us do the work better when we feel more empowered and that we’re pulling in the same direction. For young Jews, it’s important to have a community with peers and one that is inter-generational. You feel part of something when you’re with like-minded people who have the same passion and commitment. And it takes it to the next level when we put the values we draw from our religion into practice.
What are your hopes for the next year, personally and politically?
I am excited for Northwest side basebuilding. We’re trying to build power locally and look at the impact we can have on microcampaigns, such as supporting a shelter for LGBT youth that’s coming into the community or fighting NIMBY opposition. The question we’re asking is what does it mean to be a Northwest side resident and contribute to civil rights on a block or neighborhood level? I’m also looking forward to passing some real police reform after years of working with coalition partners. We need to keep listening to people who have experienced police violence and to re-envision safety on a city-wide basis. For JCUA, this means we need to think about how we might want the Jewish community to re-frame our relationship to the state.
Personally, my first child on the way in less than two months. My wife is doing great. I like that JCUA is developing the possibility for childcare during meetings, because we want to make a space for people to show up with their full selves, and sometimes that means bringing children.
How will you Raise Your Voice for meaningful social change in 5780?
I’ll be helping run community events to explore what our vision for justice is in the northwest part of the city. I want to take opportunities to speak at public hearings, meet with policymakers, show up to protests or give public testimony. We’re really in a position to build, and we need to make our voices heard.
At this crucial time in our city, and at this special moment in the Jewish calendar, we ask you that you#RaiseYourVoice with JCUA. Learn more about the campaign and our work here.
