1 rich Libsyn https://www.libsyn.com 90 600 In this episode of Restorative Works!, host Dr. Claire de Mezerville López speaks with Dr. Tahirah J. Walker, Chair of the Department of Community Engagement and Leadership at Point Park University, about the connections among restorative justice, community, education, writing, and joy. A writer, teacher, restorative justice practitioner, and scholar, Dr. Walker challenges the idea that writing and learning must happen in isolation. She shares how she has come to understand writing as a community practice and reflects on the writers, artists, and thinkers who have influenced her approach to community engagement. She also explores the role of humor and joy in helping people recognize their shared humanity, particularly when addressing difficult or complex issues. Drawing on poet Toi Derricotte’s idea that joy can be an act of resistance, Dr. Walker considers how intentional joy can become part of restorative practices. Dr. Walker also discusses her experiences applying restorative practices in public defense and K-12 education. Her work with public defenders showed her how approaches centered on restorative practices can emerge, such as developing mitigation stories for people facing sentencing. She contrasts that experience with her work alongside educators, where she encountered more resistance to restorative practices and gained a deeper appreciation for the complexity of creating change within school communities. Dr. Walker is a writer and teacher whose work explores the intersections of Black womanhood, community, and expression. She holds a doctorate in rhetorical studies, and her work is influenced by the brilliance and insight of Yona Harvey, Brian Broome, Deesha Philyaw, Damon Young, Tony Norman, Kendra Ross, and INEZ. Tahirah endeavors to reflect the vibrant and unapologetic voices that make Pittsburgh feel like home. Restorative Works! https://sites.libsyn.com/464628 <iframe title="Libsyn Player" style="border: none" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/42326700/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/forward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/88AA3C/" height="90" width="600" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe> https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/content/204806060