Mural Arts’ Restorative Justice program is committed to a Fresh Start for Everyone
April is National Second Chance month, an initiative to continue the national effort to unlock brighter futures for approximately 70 million Americans—people who seek a fresh start to rebuild their lives after paying their debt to society.
This observance helps individuals, communities, and agencies across the country recognize the importance of reentry and their role in supporting the safe and successful reentry of adults and youth.
Last year, members of the Philadelphia Reentry Coalition adopted the term “Fresh Start” in place of “Second Chance.” Some may see this as an insignificant change, but for many people, a fresh start may well be their first real opportunity to flourish.
For many people involved in the justice system, the fresh start they are given following release may well be their first real opportunity to succeed. Coming home with a desire and drive to elevate and upskill themselves is a top priority just behind reconnecting with their loved ones and community. For those seeking support, the city of Philadelphia offers a variety of resources and programs to help with that transition.
Mural Arts is proud to help people achieve their full potential after justice-system involvement by providing programming that restores community engagement and workforce readiness through the power of participatory public art.
Involvement in the justice system touches every aspect of a person’s life. It can lead to significant collateral consequences—including difficulty obtaining housing, education, and employment. Our cohort programs are designed to help justice-impacted people by supplying them with the resources to find employment, learn new personal and professional skills, and earn additional income as program participants.
“Too many Americans are walking around in invisible prisons. One in three Americans has a criminal record. With a criminal record, you can be barred from housing, financial institutions, or even volunteering at your child’s school. Pardon Me is an attempt by an indie filmmaker impacted by this system to get society to empathize and sympathize with this population. There is a way out; we just have to use it.” – Shuja Moore, director of Pardon Me
Here are a few initiatives that shine a light on Fresh Starts
Restorative Justice Night @ Triple Bottom
Thursday, April 17 | 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm | Triple Bottom Brewing | 915 Spring Garden Street Philadelphia, PA 19123
Join us every month for a unique, after-hours gathering at Triple Bottom Brewing in Philadelphia, PA, where community, conversation, and change come together. This event is dedicated to exploring restorative justice practices and supporting individuals navigating the re-entry process, as well as those currently facing incarceration. Every third Thursday of the month, we’ll dive into topics around healing, accountability, and transformation, featuring insightful speakers, local advocates, and individuals with lived experience.
April will feature a panel discussion with Mural Arts’ Jane Golden, Kimberly McGlonn, owner of Grant Blvd, and Triple Bottom’s Tess Hart to be moderated by Rec Crew participant December Collins. In addition Tajmir Ford will moderate a discussion with Suave Gonzalez of the I AM MORE Program @ CCP and educator, author and filmmaker Professor Carl Tone Jones. The month’s event will include a special performance by music artist Joey Deville
Whether you’re passionate about justice reform, curious about restorative practices, or simply want to connect with others who care about creating a more inclusive society, this event is for you. Enjoy craft beers from a local, socially-conscious brewery while engaging in meaningful dialogue and building connections that support real change.
Each month, Mural Arts will feature artwork from artists currently enrolled in its SCI Phoenix program along with its Guild and Rec Crew programs. Together, we’re crafting a space for empathy, understanding, and second chances. Join us as we take action toward building a more just and compassionate community—one conversation at a time.
Mini Film Fest: 20 Years of Concrete, Steel, and Paint
Thursday, April 3, 2025 | 11:00 am – 4:00 pm | Community College of Philadelphia | Main Campus, The Great Hall | 1700 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Join us for a thought-provoking day of films and discussions marking the 20th anniversary of the film Concrete, Steel, and Paint, directed by Tony Heriza. Through three powerful documentaries, we’ll reflect on the evolution of criminal justice reform, social stigma, and the role of art in bridging divides. Additional films include Paint Me a Road Out of Here by director Catherine Gund, and Pardon Me, directed by Shuja Moore. Each film screening will be followed by a panel discussion exploring criminal justice reform, art and social change. Panelists will include David Luis “Suave” Gonzalez, Tony Heriza, Mary Enoch Elizabeth Baxter, Dr. Kimberly McGlonn, Rashida Ricketts, and Shuja Moore. The event is hosted by the I AM MORE reentry program.
Film Screenings & Panel Discussions
11:30 AM – 12:55 PM | Concrete, Steel, and Paint (55 min)
A documentary exploring the intersection of art and justice, where incarcerated men and crime victims collaborate on a mural project that challenges perspectives on punishment, remorse, and reconciliation.
Panel Discussion: Led by David Luis “Suave” Gonzalez, activist and artist, featuring Tony Heriza, director of Concrete, Steel, and Paint.
1:05 PM – 3:00 PM | Paint Me a Road Out of Here (90 mins)
A journey to reclaim Faith Ringgold’s 1971 painting, originally created for women incarcerated on Rikers Island, revealing deeper issues of mass incarceration and Black women’s liberation.
Panel Discussion: Featuring Mary Enoch Elizabeth Baxter, multidisciplinary artist and advocate, moderated by Dr. Kimberly McGlonn, founder of Grant Blvd.
3:10 PM – 4:00 PM | Pardon Me (30 min)
An exploration of the pardon process in Pennsylvania, featuring the real-life struggles of individuals seeking to overcome the weight of their criminal records.
Panel Discussion: Moderated by Rashida Ricketts, founder of Graves to Gardens podcast, featuring Shuja Moore, director of Pardon Me.