The Abolitionist Spaces Project is a community-engaged initiative that encourages participants to reimagine the built environment through the lens of justice, equity, and inclusion. Through photovoice workshops and one-day sessions, the project engages young people, adults who have experienced system-involvement, and organizers in learning about design justice principles. Participants are able to share their personal experiences and creative insights through photographs, storytelling, memory, and dialogue. Together, these contributions allow us to generate actionable ideas for redesigning communities in ways that promote safety, dignity, and joy. Additionally, the project conducts interviews with organizers and formerly incarcerated individuals, amplifying their voices and highlighting the work of local advocacy organizations dedicated to transformative justice.

The project will culminate in a digital publication showcasing participants’ photographs, reflections, and ideas alongside a resource guide for those interested in abolitionist advocacy and design. This final collection will serve as both an archive of radical imagination and a practical tool for those looking to transform their own communities. The response to the project has been positive and exciting, and participants have demonstrated remarkable creativity and critical thinking in envisioning safer and more inclusive communities. The Abolitionist Spaces Project engages the power of collective imagination, connecting community engagement and design justice in ways that can drive meaningful social change.

If you or your organization is interested in being a part of the Abolitionist Spaces Project, email amina@colloqate.org.