The 1619 Project is an initiative by The New York Times that re-examines the history, and lasting influence, of American slavery on our society. The Heights Library program centers on the articles included in the New York Times Special Sunday Magazine 

The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Library’s 1619 Project discussion group meets every second Thursday of the month. They discuss how the legacy of slavery remains a dominant factor of American political, cultural, and social spheres. The library program centers on the articles included in the New York Times Special Sunday Magazine dated August 20, 2019. The program began in October 2019 and has had over 500 people participate. All interviews done by John Piche’.

In this interview Chief Public Defender, Cullen Sweeney, discusses the role of the Public Defender’s role in advocating for systemic criminal justice reform. He discusses bail reform, race equity, police and prosecution discretion, and sentencing reform.