About the Conference
The MNJRC's annual Reimagining Justice Conference is an inspirational convening of a broad diversity of criminal legal system practitioners, scholars, advocates, impacted persons, and community members. Through speakers, panels, and interactive conversation, we create the space to network and learn from efforts to bring the criminal legal system closer to a true justice system.
In past years, elected officials have joined the convening, including Governor Tim Walz, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, Mayor Melvin Carter, and state legislators from both sides of the aisle. We've also heard powerful speeches from renowned justice leaders including Dr. Shawn Ginwright, Briana Payton, and Desmond Meade.
This Year
Happening Thursday November 20th, 2025, this year's conference will convene community voices from across the criminal legal system to connect, exchange ideas, and recommit to transforming policing in Minnesota five years after the murder of George Floyd.
The in-person event will include informational and engaging conversations about tools for making our state’s law enforcement more accountable, equitable, and restorative.
About the Panels
8:00 AM Sign-in and continental breakfast
9:00 AM Opening remarks and artist spotlight
9:25 AM Panel 1: Is the Minneapolis Consent Decree Working? Building the Model for Safety and Accountability
10:25 AM Break
10:35 AM Panel 2: This is How We Care For One Another: Understanding and Expanding Behavioral Crisis Response in Minneapolis
11:40 AM Panel 3: Refocusing Policing: How We Can Get Better at Solving Crimes
12:40 PM Lunch and table discussion
1:40 PM Panel: Committing to Building Trust: The Police and Black Men Project
2:40 PM Closing remarks
Conference Program
For the first time, this year's conference is free to attend.
We believe the conversation about reimagining policing in Minnesota must include all of us, without cost as a barrier. If you are able, please support us in making this happen by donating or signing up to volunteer for our most attended event of the year.
Thank you to our 2025 Conference Sponsors
— Justice Champions —
— Justice Advocates —
— Justice Allies —
— Additional Supporters —
Minnesota Department of Corrections
Vittle's Catering
Want to sponsor this event? Check out our sponsor package options and reach out to jana@mnjrc.org.
Previous Conference Highlights
2024
Watch the welcoming remarks and spoken word performance that opened up our 2024 Re-Imagining Justice Conference.
2024
In Ramsey County the problem of racial disparities in traffic stops and resulting lower community trust was identified. System and community leaders then came together to support a solution.
2024
Watch our 2024 Re-Imagining Justice Conference closing plenary, a conversation that provided a legislative preview from the perspectives of lobbyists, advocates, and observers who know their way around the MN Legislature.
2023
Featuring Briana Payton from the Chicago Appleseed Center on Pretrial Justice
2022
A session on the work to transform the legal system by bringing in those most impacted by the law
2021
A discussion with best-selling author Resmaa Menakem
2021
Danielle Sered shares her thoughts on the need to re-imagine justice
2024
In this breakout session at our 2024 Re-Imagining Justice Conference, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office discusses its new effort, launched in 2023, to address youth auto theft that prioritizes early intervention, partnership, and individualized, community-based response.
2024
In this breakout session at our 2024 Re-Imagining Justice Conference, panelists explored the intersection of labor protections, workforce issues, and criminal justice reform.
2023
Kyle Tran Myhre opened the MNJRC's Re-Imagining Justice conference virtual programming with his poem, "Why Do You Write Poems When Death is All Around Us."
2023
Watch some highlights from our 2023 conference.
2022
MDHR Commissioner Rebecca Lucero and MBCRE Director Tiffani Daniels discuss the state of policing in Minnesota 2 1/2 years after the police murder of George Floyd
2021
A conversation with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison
2024
Watch the keynote speech by Dr. Shawn Ginwright, followed by his fireside chat with Dr. Yohuru Williams, at our 2024 Re-Imagining Justice Conference.
2024
Kayla Richards, MNJRC's Community Impact Director, and project leads, walk us through some of MNJRC's current projects and the ways in which our work is guided by our organization's values.
2023
"Leadership on Public Safety in Challenging Times' featuring Lt Gov. Peggy Flanagan and MPR Host Angela Davis, with St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, State Rep. Cedrick Frazier, and Ramsey County Attorney John Choi
2023
Listen to Lt. Gov Peggy Flanagan's thoughts on what public safety really means.
2022
An inspirational conference-opening keynote by Florida Rights Restoration Coalition President Desmond Meade
2021
What exactly is “participatory research”? Find our more in this session
2020
MNJRC Board Member Sharon Sayles Belton talks with john a. powell about the importance of re-imagining justice.
