by Jose Contreras, Pelican Bay State Prison, CA by Jose Contreras, Pelican Bay State Prison, CA My name is Jose Contreras also known as Chuy which is short for Jesus. On May 31, 1992, I was arrested, then tried, and sentenced to two LWOPS sentences plus 51 years. From that day on, I believed in my heart that my life was over; that I was going to die in prison. The only … [Read more...] about The Light Left Behind, Illuminating the Path to Hope
Feature Story
Incarcerated Firefighters Face Trauma Without Equal Support and Pay
This story was first published by AfroLA, nonprofit solutions journalism for Los Angeles told through the lens of the Black community. To also reproduce or republish this article, please contact AfroLA. by Audy McAfee, AfroLA Cal Fire is the largest firefighting force in the nation, with 12,000 permanent and seasonal personnel who protect more than 31 million acres of … [Read more...] about Incarcerated Firefighters Face Trauma Without Equal Support and Pay
Leonard Peltier Released From 49 Years of Wrongful Incarceration
Reprinted with permission by Davis Vanguardby Vanguard Administrator Sumterville, FL – Tuesday morning, Leonard Peltier was released after spending more than 49 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. An enrolled citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, Peltier will return to his tribal homelands in North Dakota. The release comes as a result of … [Read more...] about Leonard Peltier Released From 49 Years of Wrongful Incarceration
Freedom is Black Joy: All of Us or None at the 8th Annual Black Joy Parade
by TaSin Sabir All of Us or None marched. More than 50 deep. Moving together. Chanting Freedom is Black Joy! Youth on bikes. Wheels spinning. Shirts bold with AOUON pride.The crowd felt us. Matched our energy. When we called, "All of us!"they answered, "or none!" In English. In Spanish. Fists in the air. Voices rising.Block after block, the love poured in. Cheers. Chants. A … [Read more...] about Freedom is Black Joy: All of Us or None at the 8th Annual Black Joy Parade
Carceral Con: The System is Working the Way It’s Designed To
by Asar Imhotep Amen,California Health Care Facility, Stockton A View from the Bridge Prison (or criminal justice) reform re-entrenches criminalizing assumptions about Black & Brown people through the false narrative that the criminal and legal system are-or can be-neutral and fair, therefore it must be (Black & Brown people) who are the “problem.” In other words, … [Read more...] about Carceral Con: The System is Working the Way It’s Designed To
