August 16, 20186:30pm - 8:30pm

My Neighbor's Keeper: Who Is Responsible for My Safety?

Safety and Marginalized Communities

Safety and Marginalized Communities


Some of us take safety for granted, some have their safety threatened everyday, and still some feel they are safe until those feelings are shattered by an unanticipated act of violence. While we have a visual language for safety, usually embodying various orange objects and signs, it is our shared interpretation and internalization of these symbols that create the safety we take for granted. Join SPACES for monthly discussions on the right and expectation to safety and how we as a community can work together to expand safety to all as we speak with marginalized groups and youth activists, discuss power dynamics, and focus on how we can change and do better together. FREE and open to the public.

According to a 2016 FBI report, hate crimes are on the rise with increasing attacks against Jews, Muslims and LGBT people. Additionally, individuals with mental illness are more likely to face violent victimization. Join SPACES for a conversation about how these communities cope with safety issues and what you can do to prevent violence against them.

Moderator Sharyna C. Cloud Peacemakers Alliance


Sharyna C. Cloud has a passion for community enhancement, empowerment and education, evident in her career history. Her legacy includes work in the criminal justice and the social service arena spanning over 27 years. Her successful engagement within the city of Cleveland provided unmatched insight and experience, evolving to her current role as the Executive Director of the Cleveland Peacemakers Alliance, an organization that provides prevention and intervention alternatives to the most at risk youth and young adults who are victims and/or perpetrators of gun violence within the city of Cleveland.

Ashley Hartman (Recovery Resources)


Ashley Hartman is the Coordinator of Training and Wellness at Recovery Resources, a community mental health agency in Cleveland. Recovery Resources helps people triumph over mental illness, alcoholism, drug and other addictions. Ashley is proud to be part of this work as an educator, trainer and advocate.

Jazmin Long (Global Cleveland)

Jazmin oversees all welcoming activities that engage organizations and communities in supporting and engaging Greater Cleveland's 115+ various ethnic groups in immigrant integration efforts. As the Deputy Director, Jazmin works closely with the President to chart Global Cleveland's future growth and strategic response to an ever-increasing demand for the organization's services. Additionally, she works to establish partnerships that focus on empowering people and neighborhoods through economic development tools.

Phyllis Harris (THe LGBT Center of Cleveland)


A Cleveland native, Phyllis "Seven" Harris has nearly two decades of leadership experience in local nonprofits, includes program management and development, fundraising, and senior-level executive positions. For many years, she also has played a strong role as an advocate in Cleveland's LGBT community.

Previously Ms. Harris worked at Planned Parenthood of Northeast Ohio, where she oversaw youth engagement programming. She has served as director of education and advocacy with the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, was vice president of programs and interim CEO with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cleveland, and capital campaign director at the Cleveland Sight Center. Her involvement with Cleveland nonprofit leadership includes roles on the governing boards of the LGBT Center, SPACES, and Community Shares of Greater Cleveland.

Ms. Harris holds a master's degree in non-profit management from Case Western Reserve University and a Bachelor of Arts from Baldwin Wallace College. She lives in Shaker Heights and is the proud mother of two children.

John H. Flores


John H. Flores is a Professor of Immigration History and the Interim Co-Director of the Social Justice Institute at Case Western Reserve University. He specializes in Mexican American history, and his research examines the history of immigration and citizenship in the United States.

Paul D. Fitzpatrick


Paul D. Fitzpatrick is a Cleveland native and Marine Corp. veteran who spent 18

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