Deon Whitmore

Healing Dialogue and Action

Title of Talk: Re-Imagine a Justice system Focused on Healing

Synopsis: 

What would justice look like if it began with listening?
If those most impacted by violence—survivors, families, communities—were not sidelined, but centered?

In this transformative talk, Deon Whitmore, representative of Healing Dialogue and Action, invites us to reimagine a justice system rooted in healing—not punishment. Grounded in restorative justice and trauma-informed care, he explores how we can build systems that honor the pain of those harmed, while also creating pathways for accountability, redemption, and repair.

Deon challenges us to move beyond retribution and toward restoration. Let’s build a justice system that doesn’t just respond to harm, but interrupts cycles of it. Let's imagine a justice system where healing isn’t the final chapter, it’s the first word.

Whether you're a policymaker, practitioner, or community member, this talk will leave you asking:

What kind of justice are we truly fighting for—and who gets to heal?

Speaker Bio: Deon Whitmore is currently pursuing a Master in Public Health at California State University, Los Angeles. Passionate about creating systemic changes, he serves as a program manager for Healing Dialogue and Action, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting both juveniles in detention centers and survivors of crimes. Additionally, Deon works as a student consultant, leveraging his expertise to drive impactful initiatives.