17th Judicial DA

District Attorney Brian Mason to Read Motus Theater Monologist Juaquin Mobley’s Story About Racial Bias in Colorado Sentencing and his Struggle to Find a Job Once Labeled a Felon


Brighton, CO– Motus Theater has announced a virtual performance featuring 17th Judicial District Attorney Brian Mason expressing moral courage and civic hospitality as he reads aloud, and reflects upon, the personal story of Juaquin Mobley. Mobley is one of Motus Theater’sJustUs monologists and spent nearly a decade incarcerated in Colorado before becoming Vice President of Community Works. The story being read illustrates the struggle to find employment following a felony conviction and incarceration and recounts Mobley’s experience of racial bias in sentencing in Colorado.

This performance is part of a series in which Motus Theater partners with District Attorney’s offices across the state to stimulate reflection upon current injustices within the criminal legal system and envision new opportunities for true justice.

“As a leader within the criminal justice system, I strive to see it through the eyes of others,” said Mason. “The stories of the MotusJustUs project should serve as a guide for individuals in my position. For those of us who wish to improve upon the current system, we must embrace the experiences of others – positive and negative – in pursuit of a fair and equitable criminal justice system for all.”

The reading will be accompanied by a conversation between Mason and Mobley during which they reflect upon the impact of the experience, both personally and professionally, and share any resulting insights. An audience Q&A will be offered to wrap up the performance.

“As formerly incarcerated individuals, we rarely have a chance to tell our stories,” said Mobley. “Motus Theater’sJustUs project has given us the opportunity to share aloud the truth that is not found in traditional media nor portrayed in the pervasive narratives of crime and justice. We welcome Brian Mason to sit in the circle with us, experience the system through our eyes and help to envision a new way of justice in this country.”

Spirit of Grace, the renowned a cappella group that tours nationally with the Flobots, will join the performance to provide a healing musical response and a space for the monologist, reader, and audience to imagine a more just criminal legal system.

The free performance will be streamed via Zoom on July 15 at 6:00 p.m. MDT. To register for this event, visit http://bit.ly/justus715.
 
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District Attorney Mason assumed the oath of office on January 12, 2021. The 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office endeavors to seek justice on behalf of the citizens of Adams and Broomfield counties in felony and misdemeanor cases. DA Mason and his staff are dedicated to transforming the criminal justice system to better serve the citizens of the 17th Judicial District.
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