We don’t have a Justice System, we have a crime and punishment system. One that protects the profits and property of the wealthy, and divides and controls the rest of us. If we do nothing, this system, steeped in racism, sexism, and built to enhance corporate power, will continue to target and dismantle our families. All over the country, people are standing up and demanding justice. Here is what the Justice 4 All program has been up to this month, and what we have coming up.
The Leaders of the Justice 4 All Program repeatedly joined BLM, AFT and allies in the streets, shutting down highways and taking arrests. We supported artists who were weary from marching and therefore decided to take their heartfelt expressions to the Minneapolis streets by painting a powerful mural. J4A Leaders continued our work on Voting Rights restoration and met with the Secretary of State’s office. Lastly, we brought our partners together for an event in North MPLS focused on fun and supporting our family members who are incarcerated.
Together with C.E.O. (Change Equals Opportunity), Mad Dads, the Office of Black Male Student Achievement, we hosted a 3 on 3 stop-the-violence basketball tournament along with our J4A Community Member Meeting. We raised $710.00 for the men of the BRIDGE Trust, a group of incarcerated men organizing inside the prison system. Sadly, two of these men were put in Administrative Isolation (solitary confinement) because of their brave and earnest work to stay connected to the community. Which brings me back to my original point. If we do nothing, this system will target and dismantle our families.
Please join us at our next Justice 4 All Community Member Meeting on Thursday, August 4th at 5pm. We will be meeting at the TakeAction Minnesota offices and create space for folks to tell their stories and process the events of the past few weeks. Bring your story. Come prepared to listen. Show up ready to take action.
***Note: This month’s Member Meeting will begin at 5pm and will be followed by a phone bank to support MN candidates of color facing primary opponents.
