Digital ZOOM | Coffee with Crossroads: Creation as Sustenance & Resistance - A conversation with Kwajelyn Jackson

What began as a pandemic gathering has grown into something bigger. Coffee with Crossroads is a live conversation series featuring change-makers, thinkers, and practitioners reimagining what's possible—people whose work pushes us to think, act, and organise differently.

Across nearly every workshop and conversation this year, one theme keeps surfacing: this political moment has people overwhelmed, discouraged, drained, and angry — and rightly so. Which is exactly why grounding ourselves and cultivating our imaginations isn't a luxury in difficult times; it's a necessity for resistance. Imagination is one of our most powerful tools.

So this fall, Crossroads Transitional Executive Director Jessica Vazquez Torres will sit down with artists, musicians, writers, painters, and creatives of all kinds for honest, informal conversations over coffee — live for the Crossroads network. With her guests, Jessica will explore creativity as a source of sustenance and fuel for resistance. Each session will have three outcomes:

• Hear the guest's story and creative journey
• Explore how creativity awakens their imagination
• Talk about why imagination is essential to the work of justice

These aren't polished presentations.  They're real conversations about what it takes to imagine — and fight for — a more just world.

As a reminder, Crossroads offers these sessions for free because transformation happens through learning together, not alone. Whether you're just starting out or you've been doing this work for years — pull up a chair. There's room at the table.

OCTOBER 2nd - Kwajelyn Jackson

In this session, Jessica will chat with reproductive justice advocate Kwajelyn Jackson about the journey to a tattoo and self-expression.

THE AUDIENCE

Everyone and Anyone committed to and working for a just nation and just institutions—whether you're leading change in your institution, exploring these questions personally, working in your community, or simply curious to learn more.

THE LOGISTICS

• Coffee with Crossroads is 75 minutes long and, unless noted, takes place over a Zoom webinar. This allows us to record the sessions and make them available for a limited period of time to those who register. 
• Registered participants will receive a Zoom link 7-days prior to the scheduled event. 
• All participants must have a registered Zoom account to ensure security and confidentiality of the space. 
• If you do not have a Zoom account, please create a free Zoom account beforehand: https://zoom.us/freesignup/. 
• If you have concerns about your ability to participate or any accommodation needs, please contact us at registration@crossroadsantiracism.org.
• DO NOT forget to mark the date on your calendar.

THE COMMITMENT 

At Crossroads, we believe meaningful dialogue should be open to everyone. That's why Coffee with Crossroads is free — a gift to our friends, partners, collaborators, and the broader public. If these conversations and the voices we're amplifying mean something to you, consider chipping in. We suggest $20, but every contribution — big or small — helps. Your support keeps this space open, accessible, and thriving. It's how we keep bringing you thoughtful, inclusive conversations that spark change and build community. To donate: select "Donation" at checkout and enter your amount.