Support ACA8 to End Slavery in California Prisons!

Contrary to popular belief, slavery was not abolished by the 13th amendment. Hundreds of thousands of people are still living in involuntary servitude due to an “exception clause” that allows free labor for punishment of a crime. The exception clause enabled the modern re-enslavement of Black people, who’ve been over criminalized by our nation’s criminal legal system for centuries.

Last year, over 65% of incarcerated people reported being forced to work in prison, doing vital jobs like firefighting and paving roads while governments and private companies generate and save, collectively, at least one billion dollars each year from their labor. In 2022, incarcerated workers made up 43% of the state’s fire fighters, but even after some were released from prison, they were barred from serving as firefighters.

As we approach Juneteenth, a day commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, it is crucial to acknowledge that the fight against slavery is not over. Juneteenth symbolizes freedom and the end of a dark chapter in American history. Yet, the existence of involuntary servitude in our prisons continues to perpetuate this legacy of oppression. By supporting Assembly Constitutional Amendment 8 (ACA 8), The End Slavery in California Act, authored by Assemblyperson Lori Wilson (D11), we can take a significant step toward truly honoring the spirit of Juneteenth and ensuring that no form of slavery exists in California. This Amendment proposal is at a crucial moment.

Incarcerated loved ones from our communities are asking members of the faith community to add a moral voice and support the historic ACA 8 amendment, allowing voters to finally end involuntary servitude in our state prisons. The representatives of diverse faith traditions that have come forward and added their names to the faith letter do so in order to affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every individual.

Felony Murder Elimination Project has signed onto this letter in support of ACA 8 and added our voices to the many who answer the moral call to say NO to slavery, NO to involuntary servitude with NO exceptions. Our shared goals of accountability, safety, and the well-being of individuals and communities cannot ever be based on forced labor and exploitation. 

Actions your and your faith organization can take to support ACA 8:

1. Read the Faith Letter for ACA 8
2. Add your name to the Faith Letter for ACA 8 as an individual or leader of a faith organization
3. Use the End Slavery in California (ACA 8) Social Media Toolkit to spread the word on your social media channels.