Olive-Harvey College Launches Criminal and Social Justice Center with legal resources available to the community, officials held ribbon cutting to signal the launch of the center in February

Olive-Harvey College  also held its 3rd Annual Social Justice Film Festival  on February 27. The festival introduces the public to talented students in film and other incredible emerging film makers. American actor, writer, director, and producer Corey Hendrix hosted panel discussion.

CHICAGO—(February 27, 2025) – Olive-Harvey College (OHC) launched its Criminal and Social Justice Center to support communities across the city and beyond. City Colleges of Chicago officials, community partners, faculty, staff and students joined together for a ribbon cutting, signifying the launch of the new Criminal and Social Justice Center,  at the college, 10001 S. Woodlawn Avenue in Chicago.

Initiated under the vision of Dr. Jeffery Dillard, an esteemed professor at Olive-Harvey College, the Center for Criminal and Social Justice will advance justice through an intersectional framework that integrates social, ecological, and economic equality for every community. Olive-Harvey College is establishing itself as the central hub for Criminal and Social Justice on the South Side of Chicago, offering a wide range of programs including degrees in Criminal Justice and a pathway to becoming a police officer—to being a catalyst for positive change as it supports the community in finding and learning more about social justice and connecting people to impactful resources.

The Center for Criminal and Social Justice will provide legal services that include expungement services, as well as social support services and advocacy such as “Know Your Rights” seminars for individuals and communities adversely affected or impacted by the criminal legal system. The launch of the Center also aligns with Olive-Harvey College’s Criminal Justice and Restorative Justice in Cannabis programs as well as its courses in Africana Studies, Sociology, art, music, poetry and more.

“I’m beyond thrilled to share that our new Justice Center will be a dedicated space for education and community engagement that focuses on issues related to criminal justice and social equity for all, especially those who have been marginalized,” said Dr. Kimberly Hollingsworth, president of Olive-Harvey College. “The mission of the new center aligns with the overall mission of our college, to uplift people with knowledge, support and the tools and resources they need to succeed.”

The key initiatives and the goals of the Criminal and Social Justice Center include:

• Mock Trial Program: Providing students with hands-on experience in legal processes
• Law Clinic Development: The clinic will offer legal assistance and education to students and community; referrals are available now.
• Restorative Justice Program: This program will foster dialogue and healing between offenders, victims, and the community
• OHC short film fest, an annual event: The film festival showcases films that highlight social justice issues and inspire change
• Hold a Speakers Series inviting experts to share insights and provoke thoughtful discussions on justice-related topics
• Develop a justice forward music and Spoken Word event: This program will use the arts to raise awareness and inspire action around social justice themes
• Community Service/Volunteer Coordination: This program will engage students and community members in meaningful service opportunities.

“I’m grateful to be a part of this amazing initiative because establishing a Justice Center will cultivate a deeper understanding of social issues as it fosters a culture of advocacy and responsibility. By engaging students and the community in these programs, the Justice Center will educate and empower individuals to become catalysts for positive change,” said Dr. Jeffery Dillard, professor at Olive-Harvey College. “The Center will also serve the public good by promoting awareness, enhancing community engagement and ultimately contributing to a more just and equitable society.”

As part of Black History month and in conjunction with the launch of the Criminal and Social Justice Center, Olive-Harvey College held its third annual Social Justice Film Festival. Opening night  featured a reception and panel discussion hosted by Corey Hendrix. Corey is an American actor, writer, director, and producer who currently portrays Gary Sweeps in the Emmy -nominated series The Bear on Hulu.

The film festival’s goal is to introduce the Chicagoland community to talented student and emerging film makers while it ignites a social justice conversation through film and an expert panel discussion with actors, directors, community leaders and educators. The film festival will be held in the OHC’s Cherry Theater, 10001 S. Woodlawn Ave. For more information about the film festival, click here or visit https://colleges.ccc.edu/event/olive-harvey-social-justice-ribbon-cutting-ceremony-and-film-fest/.

For more information or to make an appointment at the Criminal and Social Justice Center, the public can call (773) 291- 6497. City Colleges of Chicago is the city’s most accessible higher education engine of socioeconomic mobility and racial equity—empowering all Chicagoans to take part in building a stronger and more just city.