Dear Pamela, Yesterday was Juneteenth—a day of celebration to commemorate the emancipation of most enslaved people in the United States. But today, over 150 years later, nearly 2 million incarcerated people in the U.S. still have no protection from legal slavery. Every single day, even as you are reading this, many people behind bars are forced to endure dehumanizing conditions in jails and prisons—forced to work in dangerous conditions due to a clause in the 13th Amendment that allows involuntary servitude to be used as a form of punishment. A world without mass incarceration—where we have criminal legal and immigration systems where everyone is treated with dignity and respect—is possible. I'm certain of this because I believe in our collective power as a community. We can transform the system—but only if we do it together. Pamela, do you agree we have a responsibility to act TODAY to transform our justice systems and end mass incarceration? |
We cannot do this work alone. Vera's work is made possible with the support of people like you. And I'm so grateful to have you with us. Earlier this week, we hosted Vera's Annual Dinner. Gathered together in one room, we shared a bold vision of a better future: a future where our communities are safer, where our friends and loved ones no longer suffer behind bars, and where everyone is treated with dignity. Every day, my colleagues and I—along with Vera's incredible community partners—are building toward that reality. But Pamela: As long as millions of incarcerated people are still not protected from slavery, and as long as those behind bars face the inhumanity of the U.S. carceral system—we must act. Are you with us? Are you committed to transforming the U.S. criminal legal system? |
Nick Turner
President & Director
Vera Institute of Justice |
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.