Today would have been Joel Turner's birthday. But he was murdered at age 19 in a home invasion in 2001. Joel's mother Janet Connors has reconciled with two of the four perpetrators and become a leader in restorative justice. My new documentary, Circle Justice, follows Janet's story and her work using peacemaking circles to help people find justice in schools, prisons, and community settings.
I was very moved to have the chance to spend a short hour with Janet and her friends on this difficult day... Janet is an amazingly resilient woman, and she has managed to transform her grief into positive work in her community. Today she was meeting with several friends and colleagues to develop a curriculum to help prison inmates find accountability for their actions. They lit a candle for Joel (pictured), said a prayer, then continued with their work.
Two of Janet's companions today have also suffered unspeakable loss to homicide. I am so impressed with the strength of these mothers, daughters, and sisters to carry on with their important work.