Current Conventions... and Best Intentions

Time: Nov. 15, 2021, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Location: Community Folk Art Center, 805 E. Genesee Street, Syracuse (with virtual option)

In this second-of-four progressive community workshops hosted by Syracuse Stage, Lenessa Chaplin, Esq., Project Counsel for the New York Civil Liberties Union leads this community story circle centering on current fears and truths around communities dealing with the pandemic, removal, eviction and the realities of how policies have impacted lives. Chaplin and NYCLU fight for civil liberties and rights through a multi-layered program of litigation, advocacy , public education, and community organizing.

Immediately prior to joining NYCLU, Chaplin was lead attorney for the Volunteer Lawyers Project where she defended formerly incarcerated individuals from employment discrimination. She began her legal career in 2012 at Hiscock Legal Aide’s Appellate division where she drafted appeals on behalf of inmates to right the wrongs of the lower courts, where her work with the incarcerated population sparked her interest in public policies. Chaplin served as Legal Counsel to Assembly member Sam Roberts and went on to serve as the Deputy Secretary to the Speaker of the New York State Assembly, working closely on anti-poverty initiatives and criminal justice reform. Most notably, she is the Founder and Executive Director of the William Herbert Johnson Bar Association of Central New York, the only minority bar association in the region. Lanessa is a native of Syracuse and a proud Henninger Black Knight.

Participate in person or virtually! All in-person patrons must provide proof of vaccination or negative Covid test prior to entry. Masks must be worn properly at all times.

ADVANCED REGISTRATION REQUIRED [This event is free.]
In-Person or Zoom Webinar Registration available here.

This event is part of Syracuse Symposium’s year-long series on “Conventions.”

Joann Yarrow, Syracuse Stage