For Immediate Release – September 13th, 2013
Contact: Diana Zuñiga, CURB
213-864-8931 or diana@
Event Details:
FREE OUR SISTERS!
Community Solutions Not Jail Construction
Saturday, September 14, 2013 – 2 pm
Art Share L.A.
801 E 4th Place
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Los Angeles— CURB, Critical Resistance and LA No More Jails will hold a community event this Saturday, September 14, 2013 from 2-5 pm.
Free Our Sisters, an event to inform the community about the unfair and unjust practices in California prisons, presents several remarks from community leaders in an open forum. The event, to be held at Art Share LA 801 E. 4th Place, Los Angeles, CA, will include an opportunity to network and enjoy an art exhibit, a musical performance, remarks from Mary Sutton and Margaret Prescod and a discussion on the impact of incarceration and policing on women.
“Women and Los Angeles don’t need these new jail cells, we don’t want these new jail cells, we can’t afford these new jail cells,” said Mary Sutton of Critical Resistance, a member of the No More Jails coalition. “We can make real reductions in the so-called ‘need’ for jail beds through programs like evidence-based pre-trial assessment, bail reform and community mental health services. Over 80% of women are inside for petty crimes or drug crimes. Let’s help them and not incarcerate them.”
“I lost my mother inside CRDF [Century Regional Detention Facility, Lynwood]. The deputies and health care staff refused to give her the proper treatment she needed for her condition. How will another jail bring back my mother? I don’t understand how staff at CRDF could have allowed my mother to die without any help,” said Brittney Williams an impacted family member. “My mother deserved compassion and healthcare. My mother deserves justice.”
Community members will have the opportunity to hear from attorney Lori Caldwell and sign a petition against the plans to build a “Women’s Village” jail in Los Angeles.
The event is sponsored by Californians United for a Responsible Budget, Critical Resistance and LA No More Jails Coalition. Co-Sponsors include Coalition to End Sheriff Violence, Downtown Women’s Action Coalition, FACTS, Fair Chance, Global Women’s Strike, Women of Color – Global Women’s Strike Los Angles Community Action Network, MLK Coalition, Youth Justice Coalition
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