2 min read
Thoughts on the 1/20/18 Prison Reform Rally from two prisoners
(River North Correctional) Greetings my name is Randy Cherry. I was born and raised in Norfolk Va. I don't understand why people feel as...
We produce the journal, "Unlocked: Art and Experiences Inside Virginia's Prisons"
It is available on Amazon and includes poems, art, music, and reflections and celebrates the talent of those inside.
Our committee is a proud Virginia Prison Justice Network member and a sponsor of VAPOC (Virginia Prisoner of Conscience).
Every day we get letters from prisoners. We advocate for their human rights, provide information and address their grievances. If you'd like to help, let us know! Contact justicebburg@gmail.com
Our committee logo was designed by Kareem Carr, an inmate at Greensville Correctional Center.
The Coalition for Justice is a founding member of the Virginia Prison Justice Network (VAPJN) and a sponsor for VAPOC.
VAPJN is a network of organizations around the state who work for change in the prison system by seeking solutions to the judicial racism that plagues our criminal justice system and by also providing a platform for prisoners to be heard. For more information on VAPJN, go here.
The CFJ Prison Justice Committee believes that our current retributive justice system focuses on punishment, blame, and isolation. Restorative justice focuses on healing and rehabilitation with an understanding that race and class are major factors in mass incarceration. By allowing prisoners to take responsibility for their actions, they can not only repair harm but can learn how to make responsible choices and prevent future harm. We need more dialogue, community support, inclusion, and involvement. We believe in reducing the role of criminal law and creating alternatives to punishment and imprisonment with a focus on rehabilitation. We do not excuse criminal behavior by any means. We believe in accountability, but we see the need to treat prisoners with respect and allow them their human rights. Only then can they truly successfully reintegrate into the larger community.
Our committee works for the survival of the incarcerated and advocates for the human rights of prisoners. We are prisoner-led and directly work with hundreds of prisoners throughout the state.
Our steering committee consists of Margaret Breslau, Jennifer Deegan, Kay Kay Goette, Askari Danso, Chanell Burnette, and Hassan Shabbaz.
We must all look in our communities and campuses to see the invisible hands that connect us—from the prison-made furniture at VT to reintegrating prisoners back into our community in just and responsible ways.
Get involved.
Read the blog. Learn more.