A Letter to the United Nations In an effort to secure international support for the movement to end Death by Incarceration (DBI) sentences in the United States, the Abolitionist Law Center, Amistad Law Project, the Center for Constitutional Rights, the Drop LWOP Coalition, and the California Coalition of Women Prisoners collaborated with the University of …
On November 8, 2021, John L. Buckalew, or Buck, was released from SCI Frackville after serving about ten years in prison. Five months later, on April 13, 2022, two women walking their dog reported to the police that they found a man “sleeping in his car.” When the police arrived, they found 34-year-old Buck dead …
Post Traumatic Prison Disorder and the Fight to Heal Our Communities Read More »
April is Second Chances Month, and while the state paints “victims” in opposition to second chances for people in prison, a growing network of people identifying as “dual victims” are exposing the lie behind this narrative. Dual victims are people who have lost loved ones to interpersonal violence and mass incarceration. Their lived experiences demonstrate …
“Second Chances Don’t Diminish Justice, But Fulfill It” Read More »
By: Mari Morales-Williams It was October 2019. The legislative body of Pennsylvania had just suppressed legislation to end death by incarceration for first and second degree convictions. In Harrisburg, Jennifer Storm, who headed up the Office of Victim Advocate (OVA) at the time, was celebrating this as a win. Storm was an advocate willing to …
Survivor Justice Network: Families Ending DBI and Building Resiliency Along the Way Read More »
We talked to three survivors of violent crime—Movita Johnson-Harrell, Antoinette Kreiselmeier and Jean Mayes—about what they need to heal.
The Urgent Need For Second Chances In Pennsylvania’s Sentencing System What better time for justice than 2022. As we dive into this new year, we should lean into our lawmakers to urge them to bring our friends and loved ones home. As part of their continuous efforts to support second chances in Pennsylvania, Families Against …
Mid-day on September 30, 2021, community members and lawmakers gathered outside of Philadelphia City Hall around the 12-foot bronze Octavius Catto statue for a press conference to gather support for the newly introduced Senate Bill 835 that would establish geriatric and medical parole in Pennsylvania. Several movement partners came together to host the event, namely …
This bill has been introduced in the Senate but is not law. We at Straight Ahead want to see the bill become law, as it would allow the possibility for parole for many older and sick people in prisons, including those who might not be covered by other reform bills. This was written and last …
Unpacking SB 835: Who has a chance at freedom from medical and geriatric parole? Read More »
The drive to abolish prisons is at the heart of the Abolitionist Law Center. For years Abolitionist Law Center (ALC) has defended the rights of political prisoners, changed the narratives around justice, and insisted on the inherent violence and racism of the carceral system. ALC has achieved countless wins fighting in the courts and organizing …
ALC fights in the courts. Straight Ahead is taking it to the capitol. Read More »