After 4 amazing years as Statewide Coordinator, I’ll be transitioning out of my staff position in CURB at the end of February.
Working with and for CURB has shaped who I am personally and politically. It’s been an honor to get to know so many brilliant people and organizations. I’ve gotten to work every day with people with sharp minds and big hearts, and I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together.
After years of fighting, LA still hasn’t built a single jail cell, and the newest Board of Supervisors members are against expanding the jail system. We cancelled billions in prison and jail construction money and made incredible advances on our priority parole and sentencing reforms. 5,000 people got out early this year because of some of the work we’ve done together.
In my time at CURB, the need to dramatically shrink the prison system and rebuild the social safety net has become more mainstream and more attainable. New leaders and organizations have emerged, fighting for their families and communities with power, dignity, and grace.
And at this moment, where Black communities around the country are rising up, it is our obligation as people who are fighting prisons to stand up loudly with people who are fighting against police violence. To name the inherent racism of the prison system, to say no to “better” cops or “better” jail cells, and to keep building the leadership of people who are impacted by imprisonment and policing.
In April, I will start as the Field Director for a CURB member organization, the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights (EBC), where I’ll continue fighting against imprisonment in California. EBC has local, state and national campaigns working to advance racial and economic justice to ensure dignity and opportunity for low-income people and people of color. Beginning in April, I can be reached at emily@ellabakercenter.org.
As I transition out, I would love to celebrate with you!
Los Angeles: Next week, I’ll be traveling down to LA and on Thursday, February 19th we’ll be gathering from 6-8pm at Barbara’s @The Brewery (620 Moulton Ave #110) for drinks and food. There is plenty of parking space on the lot and it will be tons of fun! Please RSVP here.
Oakland: On Thursday, March 5th we’ll be gathering from 6-8pm at Sole Space (1714 Telegraph Ave, Oakland). Meet us there for drinks and snacks. Children are welcome. Please RSVP here.
I hope you join us and come and mingle with lots of other anti-prison activists.
With love,
Emily Harris
Statewide Coordinator
Californians United for a Responsible Budget
