Mark Clements is a Leader for a New Chicago
We are thrilled to announce that Mark Clements, CTJC’s very own community organizer, was named as one of the 2023 Leaders for New Chicago by the MacArthur and Field Foundation of Illinois!
Photo by Jean Melesaine
Mark has been a voice for justice since long before the Center’s doors ever opened. While in prison, he advocated for better conditions, and upon his release in 2009, began traveling across the country to support individuals on death row as an organizer to end the death penalty. Since then, he has been instrumental in the release, exoneration, and resentencing of many survivors of police torture.
After the city’s historic Reparations Ordinance passed in 2015, Mark contributed to opening the Center in ways that aligned with the visions of survivors. His long standing dedication and commitment to freeing survivors and dismantling systems of violence has made him a familiar presence at actions, political forums, and public meetings, and he is known by grassroots leaders and public officials alike.
We are overjoyed that Mark is being celebrated in this way alongside other leaders and changemakers in Chicago. Mark has always led by uplifting others with him, following up his words with actions, and consistently showing up for those he speaks and advocates for. While Mark is not in this work for personal recognition, it is long overdue.
Mark has always been clear about his vision and dream for the future: free them all, house them all, heal them all. We agree with Mark when he says that reparations isn’t just about the money. Reparations means genuine structural transformation and the opportunity to heal from years of violence and trauma. It means deeper investment in the life-giving resources our communities need, and in the clinical, reentry, and organizing support the Center provides.
A word from Mark himself:
“First of all I would like to give thanks to the MacArthur and Field Foundations of Illinois for this award, however it would not have been possible absent my mother Virginia Clements who was my hero! Who fought for me for over 28 years as I was in prison after being tortured by members of the Chicago Police Department and framed with a crime.
This award extends to all of them, including Mamas of the Kidnapped and the Chicago Torture Justice Center as we celebrate and fight for justice for the release of men and women that were tortured and wrongfully convicted by a criminal justice system that has acted without impunity toward Black and brown people all across this city and state.
Mamas, cheer with me as I feel the kiss of my little old mother, and her whisper into my ear, telling me well and faithful job, and to keep fighting for the people that are voiceless.”
We love you, Mark! You stand as a testament to what is possible when we dream and fight together.
One way you can help us honor and celebrate Mark is by sending a note of love and appreciation to the Mothers of the Movement who mean so much to him — click below!