2023 was a year of growth for FLM! This year brought so many of our radical dreams to fruition. We can’t fully express the power we have found this year through coalition and community. Growth in our workstreams, pillars, partnerships, programs, and community-building efforts. With growth comes some pains and lessons that we are all the better for. We love this organization and the communities we work for and alongside. We appreciate the immense support and love we have received from our community over this year and look forward to continuing this growth around disrupting oppression and liberating consciousness in the New Year. We invite you to reflect on this past year with us through this report. The wins, losses, campaigns, initiatives, joyful expressions of community, and moments of heartache and grief. Each of these moments are instructive for the work towards our collective liberation. Where we show up and how we show up matters greatly. We don’t take this work lightly and we look forward to continuing to learn as we bring a vital puzzle piece to the mosaic that is the movement in Oklahoma and beyond.
In service and solidarity, aurelius francisco | Ali Carter | Tevin McDaniel
This year was monumental for FLM as it marked the initiation of stabilizing salaries for two of our Co-Founders. Their transition to full-time roles has been instrumental in steering FLM’s mission and vision, complemented by the addition of eight part-time staff members. Remarkably, each of these individuals had previously devoted years to volunteering for FLM before 2023, showcasing a profound dedication to our cause.
This milestone embodies the harmonization of our unwavering commitment with the crucial infusion of funding, representing a significant stride in our journey. The evolution to offer sustainable salaries underscores our organization’s dedication to nurturing and supporting those championing change. This financial stability not only acknowledges the immense contributions of our team but also serves as a catalyst for growth and expansion, facilitating our ability to effectuate meaningful change in increasingly impactful and resonant ways.
IN LOVING Memory
Fernande “Fern” Galindo
In October of this year, we lost a comrade and friend, Fernande Galindo. Fern was an incredible mutual aid organizer, parent to three incredible kids, founder of the Tulsa Intersectional Care Network (TICN) and a fierce advocate for 2SLGBTQ+ communities and all oppressed groups. We remember Fern as they were in the early parts of 2023, earnestly reaching out to me to brainstorm ideas for three separate initiatives that they wanted FLM to partner with Tulsa Intersectional Care Network on. We met weekly to nurture these initiatives, each week Fern made space for all of us from TICN and FLM to check in on how we were doing, to decompress, not paying mind to an agenda, but being the purest form of caring, there for us in the most authentic way. These moments will forever stick with me as I know they do for all of us who were blessed with Fern’s loving spirit.
One of Fern’s ideas grew quickly into the Summer Abolition Study Group which I know they were so proud of. To have dozens of people show up every other week to dig into the project of PIC abolition from a queer and trans lens, an idea they birthed that came to fruition in partnership with FLM members and many others, was profound. This study group left all the participants eager and ready to take action to bring abolition to the fore in Oklahoma.
Fern was fiery, passionate, and directly impacted by a system in Oklahoma of state-orchestrated organized abandonment. It was this very abandonment that was the impetus for the founding of TICN, their meal trains and direct financial support to members of the Tulsa community were needed resulting from a capitalist system that puts profits far before people. This same abandonment often left Fern struggling, wondering how they would get by. And yet they continued to organize month in and month out to get their beloved community’s needs met. It breaks my heart to think that the very arena Fern organized in – to cultivate a sense of belonging and community, to provide essential material needs to people, to abolish carceral systems, and to build networks of care – were not there to keep Fern alive. It crushes me to know Fern will not be here to see the fruits of their organizing, of their care work, of the community they helped to build.
The loss of Fern was felt heavily by the Oklahoma and St. Louis movement community. Organizations they worked for like the Terence Crutcher Foundation paid tribute to the time and energy Fern gave for a cause that was not directly their own, but that they knew to be inextricably tied to their liberation. Freedom Oklahoma honors Fern’s life with the inaugural Community Builder Award, this year given posthumously to Fern. Countless community organizers, elected officials, and people of conscience are forever changed because of Fern’s life and loss. We are all the better because Fern lived. We love you, Fern, thank you for inviting us to help bring your ideas to life. We will continue to honor you by embarking on the other initiatives you have offered us and working tirelessly to care for our people as you cared for us.
aurelius francisco and FLM Team
Campaigns
FLM spearheads impactful campaigns like “We, the Eastside” and “1 in 2,” each dedicated to driving meaningful change within communities. “We, the Eastside” focuses on amplifying and empowering Oklahoma City’s Eastside, fostering economic growth, community engagement, and support for local businesses. Meanwhile, the “1 in 2” campaign sheds light on the impact of incarceration, advocating for reform and amplifying the stories of those affected by mass incarceration. Both campaigns underscore FLM’s commitment to social justice, community empowerment, and equitable opportunities within marginalized communities.
The 1 in 2 campaign is a narrative organizing project cultivated by Foundation for Liberating Minds’ Free Our People Initiative (FLM). FLM is a community organization working to disrupt the root causes of oppression and marginalization through transformative education. FLM’s Free Our People Initiative is an abolitionist education pillar that raises awareness around the harms of the prison industrial complex (PIC), advocates for communities and people impacted by the criminal punishment system, builds alternatives to this system, and works through narrative change, political education and the project of dreaming radically to create a just world of safety and accountability for all people.
The 1 in 2 campaign draws its name from research by Equal Justice Initiative and Fwd.us, revealing that 1 in 2 American adults has a close family member with a history of incarceration. This year, Foundation for Liberating Minds (FLM) took strides to amplify the voices of those impacted by mass incarceration, highlighting the stories of individuals like Charles, Rossi, Ryan, Jimmy, Marlece, Talib, and Mashilah. The pinnacle of this campaign unfolded in December when FLM hosted a poignant event at Tower Theatre. This gathering featured a screening of the compelling docuseries, “1 in 2,” complemented by an art exhibit and a stirring live performance by Grammy-Award Winning Rapper Jabee. The event aimed to shine a spotlight on Oklahoma’s criminal justice system, sparking vital conversations about incarceration rates, racial disparities, and the pressing need for reform. Attendees engaged in thought-provoking discussions, striving to dismantle harmful narratives perpetuating incarceration, making the series deeply resonate in our hearts.
An awakening to ensure community and culture are never lost
As Eastside Oklahoma City grapples with the impacts of gentrification and the struggles of small businesses, the “We, the Eastside” initiative was launched as a dedicated effort to promote economic growth, communal well-being, and sustainable development. The initiative recognizes the pivotal role of local residents in driving the revitalization of our neighborhoods and aims to provide a platform for collaborative discussions and innovative solutions.
At the monthly town halls, residents, alongside esteemed community leaders and stakeholders, convened to explore strategies and initiatives aimed at enhancing the neighborhood’s vitality and addressing its pressing challenges. These inclusive events aimed to harness the collective wisdom and expertise of all involved, promoting a sense of unity and shared purpose.
Workshops & Community Programming
This year has been marked by a tapestry of empowering workshops and community-driven programming at the Foundation for Liberating Minds. From thought-provoking sessions delving into abolitionist principles to comprehensive civic engagement workshops, our calendar has been vibrant. We’ve fostered partnerships, hosted restorative circles, and delved into the intricacies of reimagining justice. As we reflect on the year, each workshop and initiative has been a step forward in our collective journey toward our collective liberation.
The Foundation for Liberating Minds orchestrated a diverse array of impactful workshops and community programming throughout the year, spanning various institutions and themes. Our engagement with the Henderson Scholars Program at the University of Oklahoma involved a series of workshops centered on Service in Action, culminating in a community service event on the Eastside of OKC, translating learning into tangible action. Collaborating with the University of Central Oklahoma, we co-facilitated a workshop on Community-based Leadership alongside Adriana Laws from the Civic Learning Coalition. We also conducted a training session on Restorative Justice as an alternative during ACLU of Oklahomas’s Advocacy Day 2023 focused on the death penalty, and delivered abolition training at Freedom Oklahoma’s Freedom Sessions conference. Other engagements included a guest lecture at OU Rebel Music class, workshops with OKC Victory Dolls, YAS training on carceral feminism & abolition, and a Civic Learning Week session on community-based organizing. Notably, the Heritage Hall Unity Day featured a comprehensive school-wide training on Inclusion, a particularly gratifying experience as we led the training for the entire Upper School at our co-founders’ alma mater. These workshops and initiatives stand as testaments to our commitment to education, advocacy, and actionable change within our communities.
FLM’s Deconstructing Masculinity Program underwent a revamp, launching the BAM (Building Authentic Masculinity) men’s group. The inaugural circle garnered enthusiastic participation from over a dozen men, delving into the intricate construction of masculinity. Over the course of six monthly sessions, this initiative engaged more than 30 men in discussions encompassing diverse topics like relationships, vulnerability, grief, and societal constructs. Beyond conversations, this group serves as a violence-prevention project, aiming to redefine and practice a healthier, more just form of masculinity.
Homeless Alliance Workshop
ACLU of OKlahoma Advocacy Day
Testimonials
“I honestly think that I will remember that moment when we held hands and shared each other’s experiences for the rest of my life. Although it seems ridiculous looking in, I actually found it to be a very insightful exercise.”
“I especially liked the fact that these were local community activists that spoke to things that are happening in our community and that we can relate to. Sometimes those discussions can be triggering, but I was happy to see the faces behind many of the initiatives that I have donated to. Hearing from this panel was invaluable and many of my peers in the classroom were excited to learn more about how they can get involved with the organization.”
“Our guest speakers today really inspired me personally. Being a white male in Oklahoma there is a lot of unearned privileges that I have in my day-today life. Growing up in rural Oklahoma, I never realized the struggles that minority groups face in their everyday lives. The dream that they spoke about was very moving. It further opened my eyes to the injustices they have faced as African Americans in Oklahoma, and what they envision for the future.”
The Foundation for Liberating Minds embarks on a transformative journey by intertwining forces with small businesses, nonprofits, and various organizations across Oklahoma. Together, we weave a tapestry of empowerment, leveraging the unique strengths of local enterprises, the passion of nonprofits, and the collaborative spirit of organizations. These partnerships serve as pillars fortifying our mission, amplifying our efforts to drive radical dreams and instigate meaningful change throughout our communities in Oklahoma.
Tusla Intersectional Care Network
This year, a newly nurtured partnership with Tulsa Intersectional Care Network closely aligned with our ongoing work allowed us to facilitate a summer-long abolitionist study group spanning six sessions. During these gatherings, we welcomed speakers, engaged in profound discussions, and deeply explored the potential landscape of communities without prisons. Drawing an average of 15 participants, each bringing diverse perspectives and varying points in their abolitionist journey, our sessions became fertile ground for dialogue and mutual learning. Additionally, this collaboration fostered connections with individuals within the organization, enabling a reciprocal exchange of events and initiatives,
Terence Crutcher Foundation
We’ve diligently cultivated our partnership with the Terence Crutcher Foundation, actively engaging in their Annual Day of Service, Memorial Gala, and Community Walks. In turn, they consistently lend their support to our events, including the WEI and the impactful 1 in 2 campaign. This reciprocal commitment reflects a strong, enduring alliance, enriching both our endeavors and amplifying our collective presence within the community.
ACLU of Oklahoma
During the 2023 Advocacy Day hosted by the ACLU of Oklahoma, our involvement was multifaceted. We not only contributed to the opening panel but also led a workshop discussing alternatives to the death penalty, advocating jointly for a moratorium. Simultaneously, we’re actively engaged in collaborative efforts concerning the Real Time Information Center and Flock Cameras, working diligently to navigate and mitigate associated challenges. Our ongoing partnership underscores a shared commitment to effectuating change and striving for progressive solutions within our community.
Civic Learning Coalition
Our collaboration with the Civic Learning Coalition has blossomed this year, emerging as one of our strongest partnerships. Together, we’ve conducted numerous training sessions across several colleges, notably at The University of Central Oklahoma and Rose State, emphasizing the essence of civic engagement and empowering community building. CLC’s Community Change Lead, Adriana Laws’ consistent presence and active participation at FLM events illustrate their dedicated support, truly championing our cause.
Simultaneously, through the Youth Action Initiative, we’re dedicated to nurturing young leadership within a hybrid model, both on and off campus. Our mission involves introducing students to movement ecology fundamentals, aligning their passions with personalized programs, and executing action civics projects. These initiatives expose participants to real-world advocacy, networking prospects, and diverse policy processes across governmental tiers. Notably, we’ve conducted a series of five impactful workshops at Rose State, furthering our commitment to empowering and educating the next generation.
Julius Jones Institute
Our ongoing collaboration with the Julius Jones Institute persisted through the commemorative week of events marking the two-year milestone since the people’s collective efforts saved Julius’ life. FLM members actively engaged in various events throughout the week. Additionally, the Julius Jones Institute stands as a staunch ally in support of the 1 in 2 Campaign, reinforcing our shared commitment to advocacy and justice.
Black Lives Matter OKC
FLM and Black Lives Matter joined forces in a meaningful collaboration, organizing a series of five impactful grocery giveaways throughout the year. This compassionate initiative aimed to provide essential groceries to hundreds of families in need. Beyond the immediate assistance, the partnership between FLM and Black Lives Matter extended to the establishment of a community resource center, underscoring their commitment to fostering positive change.
Black History Month Campaign
For our Black History Month Campaign, we teamed up with a selection of local Blackowned businesses in OKC, aiming to drive economic support towards these vibrant establishments including Spiked: A Coffee Concept, Eastside Pizza House, Chef Curry To Go, Slayed Beauty Lounge, Nappy Roots Bookstore, Culture Coffee, The Market at EastPoint, Kindred Spirits, and DC Wings and Cakes. This collaboration sought to celebrate and uplift these businesses as we honored Black history and promote community investment.
Black History Month Campaign
Diversion Hub
Our budding partnership with the Diversion Hub has been an impactful journey. They’ve played a pivotal role in supporting the 1 in 2 campaign and have served as a vital resource hub for individuals from the Eastside seeking assistance and resources. Their collaboration has been instrumental in providing aid and guidance to those in need, marking an essential step forward in our joint efforts.
Restorative Justice Institute OK
Our ongoing partnership with the Restorative Justice Institute OK has been nurtured over several years, primarily through hosting community restorative circles in both Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Together, we recently collaborated on a panel discussing Abolition versus Reform at the Association of Justice-Involved Females & Organizations (AJFO). This joint effort exemplifies our shared commitment to exploring and advancing transformative justice practices within our communities.
Freedom Oklahoma
Freedom Oklahoma partnered with us on the 1 in 2 Campaign, contributing significantly to our endeavors. Our partnership has spanned diverse platforms, including the Youth Action Month Instagram Live, hosting the Freedom Sessions workshop on Abolition 101, and our members actively participating in the People’s Hearing. This impactful event allowed TGNC individuals to share compelling narratives, while our joint support rallies and protests at the Capitol echoed our commitment to transgender rights and freedom to thrive.
Dream Action Oklahoma
Our enduring partnership with Dream Action Oklahoma persisted this year, notably through the Sin Limites Summer program. Here, we conducted a workshop for youth, delving into the themes of policing and abolition. Additionally, in the spring, we collaborated with DAOK on a community action initiative alongside Henderson Schools from the University of Oklahoma. This joint effort took us to the Eastside of Oklahoma City, where we engaged in phone banking for a public health campaign and listened to impactful stories from community leaders dedicated to driving social change.
Live Free OKC
Live Free OKC emerged as a fresh partnership this fall, stemming from its inception. Despite its recent formation, we’ve long had a close relationship with the Executive Director, Jabee Williams. Their organizational pursuits to intervene on gun violence align... at FLM to provide transformative justice presenting a promisingg synergy that directly amplifies our shared mission and vision.
Square One Project
We engaged in both the inaugural February Roundtable on Values and Justice and the subsequent, concluding November Roundtable hosted by the Square One Project at Columbia University’s Justice Lab. Throughout the year, we actively participated in numerous sessions dedicated to discussing and reshaping the narratives surrounding the criminal legal system. These engagements provided critical platforms for dialogues aimed at reimagining and reforming justice paradigms.
Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform
aurelius, alongside Cindy Nguyen from ACLU OK, served as a featured panelist in the Community Conversation, “Behind Bars and Beyond: Understanding LGBTQIA+ Over-Incarceration,” hosted by Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform. This pivotal discussion highlighted the distinctive hurdles faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals within the flawed criminal justice system and aimed to chart paths toward a more equitable and inclusive future. Panelists delved into the disproportionate impact of the system on the LGBTQIA+ community, shedding light on its effects on youth, particularly concerning the detrimental school-to-prison pipeline.
OK Appleseed
FLM collaborated as a partner in the Criminalized Survivor Coalition led by OK Appleseed. We lent our support to advocate for the Survivor Justice Act (HB 1639) during this legislative session, which narrowly missed passage. However, our commitment remains steadfast as we gear up for its return in 2024. Our advocacy continues robustly, seeking relief and justice for survivors of domestic violence, amplifying their voices and striving for meaningful change.
Additionally, aurelius led a crucial conversation with a group of system-impacted Oklahomans during OK Appleseed’s criminal justice reform focus group held on April 19th. This insightful discussion, facilitated at the Diversion Hub in OKC, involved a dozen indi-
FUTURE PLANS & MILESTONES
As we forge ahead, leveraging our existing foundations, our vision persists—a world where our most audacious dreams materialize.
In the upcoming year, our focus will be on:
• Expanding our supporter network
• Cultivating stronger bonds within communities, fostering partnerships with local businesses and like-minded organizations
• Amplifying our community building through heightened workshops and programming
• Clearing the path for the grand inauguration of the Liberation School
As we reflect on the past year, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for your unwavering support of our social justice initiatives in Oklahoma. Your dedication has been the driving force behind our success, and we cannot express enough how deeply appreciative we are for your generosity and commitment to our cause.
Through your contributions, advocacy, and belief in our mission, we’ve achieved remarkable milestones. Together, we’ve organized marginalized communities, amplified voices that deserve to be heard, and initiated impactful change across our state.
As we embark on a new year filled with fresh challenges and opportunities, we remain steadfast in our commitment to championing radical dreams. With your continued support, we’re confident that together, we can overcome obstacles and create an Oklahoma where justice and equity thrive.
