Motus Theater’s JustUs Monologues with Music from The ReMINDers
Stories from the Frontlines of the Criminal Legal System with Durham Leaders Co-Reading the Personal Stories of People Impacted by Incarceration
The Durham County District Attorney’s Office, the Wilson Center for Science and Justice at Duke Law, and the Religious Coalition for a Nonviolent Durham present a special Motus Theater’s JustUs performance. During this special performance, Durham District Attorney Satana Deberry, Reverend Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine, and retired NPR broadcaster Frank Stasio co-read autobiographical monologues of Motus’ JustUs monologists who were formerly incarcerated. Monologues will be woven with inspiring musical responses by nationally-acclaimed singers, The ReMINDers.
In collaboration with Fair & Just Prosecution, Motus Theater is touring JustUs monologues with district attorneys across the country to inspire thoughtful dialogue on the impact the criminal legal system has on communities. The JustUs project was developed by Motus Theater in 2019 and monologues have since served as keynotes for 12 national and international conferences. Motus Theater’s mission is to create original theater to facilitate dialogue on critical issues of our time, using the power of art to build alliances across diverse segments of our community and country. JustUs monologues were developed in collaboration with Motus Theater’s artistic director, Kirsten Wilson, as part of an 18-24 week workshop.
The event will feature:
Satana Deberry is the elected district attorney for Durham County. She has prioritized the prosecution of serious offenses, implemented policies to reduce unnecessary pretrial incarceration and court involvement, and worked to improve trust and equity in the courts. Deberry is a recipient of the North Carolina Justice Center’s 2020 Defender of Justice Award for Litigation, the Duke Law Alumni Association’s 2020 Charles S. Murphy Award for Civic Service, and Attorney General Josh Stein’s Dogwood Award. She received her AB in Sociology from Princeton University, her Juris Doctor from Duke University School of Law, and her master’s in Business Administration from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. She is a mother who enjoys spending time with her active daughters.
Reverend Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine (a/k/a “Jay Augustine”) serves as senior pastor of St. Joseph AME Church, a visiting professor at North Carolina Central University Law School, and a consulting faculty member at Duke Divinity School. A national thought leader in reconciliation and social justice, he is a member of the Board of Directors of PartnersGlobal and the general chaplain of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He is the author of several books and scholarly articles. He earned an economics degree from Howard University and served as a decorated infantry officer in the United States Army, before earning his law degree at Tulane University. He later earned his Master of Divinity from United Theological Seminary and his Doctor of Ministry at Duke University. Jay is married to Michelle Burks Augustine and the couple has two children.
Frank Stasio is a retired broadcaster with National Public Radio. He works with Restorative Justice Durham, which creates alternatives to America’s penal system. He is also a facilitator with Prescriptions For Repair which creates healing circles for victims of gun violence. He lives in Durham with his wife, Joanne. And he is blessed to have his children, grandchildren, and his mother living in Durham as well.
Motus’ JustUs Project Monologist Colette Payne is an organizer, leader, student, mother, and grandmother. As the Director of the Women's Justice Institute, she engages women directly impacted by the criminal legal system, creating agents of change with solutions to end the incarceration of women and girls. In 2015, Colette joined a delegation to assess women’s prisons in Illinois as the first formerly incarcerated woman in this role in the United States. Colette is living proof that change is possible.
The ReMINDers are a rare and remarkable musical duo with undeniable magical chemistry. Members Samir and Aja have been married for over a decade. They seamlessly blend razor-sharp rhythms and raw, soulful vocals with reggae-tinged hip-hop beats to highlight their relevant and inspiring messages. The ReMINDers have been recognized and applauded for their work internationally through concerts, tours, music awards, and TV and radio appearances. They have shared the stage with artists such as Nas, Big Boi, and Ms. Lauryn Hill.
Motus’ JustUs Project Strategist & Project Host Juaquin Mobley is the Senior Vice President of Community Works and co-owner of Community Ties and The Community Barber Shop based out of Colorado Springs. Juaquin helps individuals who were recently incarcerated and/or at risk of becoming incarcerated realize their true potential. Juaquin was once incarcerated for the better half of a decade and knows well how a “helping hand,” as opposed to a “hand out,” can motivate one to succeed. A proud father of three beautiful girls, he refuses to let the next generation fall into the same traps he and his peers fell into.
Motus’ JustUs Project Monologist Dereck Bell (aka N.I.F.F) is the lead artist in the hip-hop band, N.I.F.F, based out of Colorado Springs. He is the founder and owner of a marketing, promotions, and photography company called Still Maccin Entertainment Group LLC. In 2018, Bell was the Artist Auditions winner in Denver and the March Madness winner in Colorado Springs. In 2017, he was awarded the Best Collaboration award. He describes his work as “unfiltered and intellectual” in which struggle is infused with culture. Bell is a proud father and partner.
Motus’ JustUs Project Monologist Brandon Wainright studied communications for electronic media at Winston Salem State University. His education in radio allowed him to be a part of many different cultures in America. That learning inspired him, after 10 years, to give back to the community in which he grew up. He is a son to a mother, a brother to a brother, and a father to two beautiful daughters and one son. He is intent on supporting his community to speak up and challenge the status quo. Brandon hopes his work with Motus will inspire those that are just like him to finish what they start.