The myth of “superhuman strength;" a descriptor often applied to Black people in police use-of-force cases, dates back to Reconstruction. When “superhuman strength” is allowed as a use-of-force justification in court cases, dehumanizing misconceptions and stereotypes make their way into the wider criminal justice system.
The Vera Institute of Justice and Young Women’s Freedom Center released ‘Freedom and Justice: Ending the Incarceration of Girls and Gender-Expansive Youth in California,' an in-depth look at the incarceration of girls and gender-expansive youth in California and steps to end their incarceration.
The essay "How I Regained My Self-Esteem in Prison" by Kashawn Taylor, an incarcerated writer in Connecticut, appears on the website for the Prison Journalism Project.
In Florida, and most other states, incarcerated persons are charged for the costs of their time in prison. The practice, called "pay-to-stay," leaves many former offenders with staggering debt.
On Thursday April 25th at 9am PT, a free webinar "Unlocking the Ballot: Using Data to Expand Voting Rights" looks at using data to advance voting rights campaigns in the ongoing efforts to eliminate felony disenfranchisement.
Shining a light on the voices inside and providing a platform for reflection, introspection and growth is one way we can advance and develop the commitment to human dignity for incarcerated persons. The essay "How a Borrowed Blazer, Tie and Dress Shirt Helped Me See Myself as a Man, Not a Prisoner" highlights one man's awareness that he was bigger than his incarceration status.
SB 1011, an awful bill criminalizing homelessness, was killed in the Senate Public Safety Committee meeting. Due to the advocacy of supporters, committee Democrats opposed penalizing down-and-out residents forced to sleep on public property.
Senate Bill 1446 (Smallwood-Cuevas) will protect workers and the public by ensuring safe staffing levels at grocery and drug-retail stores and regulating self-checkout machines. FMEP encourages our followers to express their support for SB 1446 on their social media channels.
Supporting the Second Look Sentencing Act in Michigan is Nabil Zebib, whose father was killed in December 2000 during an armed robbery. Zebib is advocating for the release of Demel Dukes, serving LWOP for felony murder for his involvement in Zebib's father's death.
Wednesday, April 17, 6 p.m. at the Cinemark Baldwin Hills in Los Angeles, treat yourself, family and friends to a free film screening of Bob Marley: One Love & a take-home dinner prepared by Trap Kitchen. Before the film’s start, hear from people directly impacted by gun violence about how we can build safer homes, schools and communities.