Minneapolis, MN – On Saturday, April 5, 2025, community members, activists, and families impacted by wrongful incarceration and over-sentencing will gather for A Day of Empathy—a public event aimed at exposing injustice in Minnesota’s criminal legal system and advocating for meaningful reform. Hosted by The Wrongfully Incarcerated and Over-Sentenced Families Council-MN, the event runs from 1 to 6 p.m. at North Commons Park and is free and open to the public.

A day for healing, awareness, and action

The afternoon begins with food, community art projects, and the creation of banners and signs crafted by families and supporters. Attendees can visit informational tables, hear from a panel of powerful speakers, and join a car caravan in solidarity with those still incarcerated and fighting for justice.

At its heart, A Day of Empathy is about amplifying the human stories behind the statistics—stories of families torn apart by excessive sentencing, of people maintaining innocence behind bars, and of communities demanding accountability and compassion from the justice system.

Speakers will represent a broad range of justice movements, including those advocating for police accountability, immigrant rights, LGBTQIA+ liberation, the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls movement, and the Free Palestine movement.

“This is more than a protest—it’s a day to feel, to connect, and to stand together in community,” said Alissa Washington, founder of The Wrongfully Incarcerated and Over-Sentenced Families Council-MN. “We are here to remind lawmakers and the public that real people are suffering because of unjust laws and broken systems. Our loved ones deserve freedom, support, and a chance to come home.”

Community support and safety

The event welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds. To ensure a safe and inclusive space, trained marshals and security personnel will be on-site. Attendees are encouraged to support the cause through donations and sponsorships, which will fund advocacy work, reentry programs, and future events.

Event details

What: A Day of Empathy – Uplifting Impacted Families and Advocating for Justice
When: Saturday, April 5, 2025 | 1–6 p.m.
Where: North Commons Park, Minneapolis, MN
Who: Hosted by The Wrongfully Incarcerated and Over-Sentenced Families Council-MN & Tone-Up

Endorsing organizations

  • Twin Cities Coalition for Justice (TCC4J)
  • Black Lives Matter Minnesota
  • Black Lives Matter Twin Cities
  • American Party of Labor
  • MN Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee
  • M Health Fairview
  • Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC)
  • Women Against Military Madness
  • Climate Justice Committee
  • Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) – Minneapolis
  • Anti-War Committee MN
  • Families Supporting Families of Police Violence
  • Minneapolis for a Better Police Contract
  • Additional organizations may be added closer to the event

Why it matters

A Day of Empathy goes beyond raising awareness. By centering the voices of impacted families, the event aims to challenge unjust policies, advocate for legislative reform, and build a stronger network of community support.

For media inquiries, interviews, or more information, contact Alissa Washington at familycouncilmn@gmail.com or 612-443-3102.