Mass Incarceration - Modern Slavery

FORTITUDE presented this compilation and synthesis of Michelle Alexander's work, Slavery By Another Name, news programs on mass incarceration and the school-to-prison pipeline during out performance, "The Other America, A Dream Deferred."

Incarceration in America: The Inside Story

BOOKD profiles, The New Jim Crow, legal scholar Michelle Alexander's breakthrough book about the rise of mass incarceration in America. Alexander agues that "by targeting black men through the War on Drugs and decimating communities of color, the U.S. criminal justice system functions as a contemporary system of racial control.

See as a Yale Law Professor, Community Activists, and hip hop legend Talib Kweli debate and discuss this provocative and important book.

Join the BOOKD forum on Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/8...

Mass Incarceration: Why Does The U.S. Jail So Many People?

The U.S. incarcerates more people than any other country in the world. With 2.2 million people behind bars, and millions more on probation or parole, 1 in 35 American adults is caught up in the prison system. AJ+ teamed up with The Marshall Project to examine why.

AJC Radio Announces Spotlight on Capitol Hill...

Source: A Just Cause

June 11, 2015 06:00 ET

AJC Radio Announces Spotlight on Capitol Hill... Where A Just Cause Highlights Members of Congress and Senators and Their Legislation; This Week -- Rep. Charles B. Rangel (D - NY)

Spotlight on Capitol Hill Will Give Listeners an In-Depth Review of Legislation Critical to Justice, Safety and Prison Reform, Says Advocacy Group, A Just Cause

DENVER, CO--(Marketwired - June 11, 2015) - A Just Cause today announced thatAJC Radio will air a weekly segment called "Spotlight On Capitol Hill". The segment allows members of Congress, the Senate, Staffers and listeners to weigh in on issues and legislation that are critical to justice, safety and prison reform.

Congressman Charles Rangel will be featured on Thursday, June 11, 2015 (www.AJCRadio.com, 8-10PM ET). "This week is special because we are honoring and highlighting the work of a pioneer and a legend in public service," says Lamont Banks, A Just Cause Executive Director. "As we shine the spotlight on Congressman Charles Rangel we recognize him as a truly inspiring man and patriot of America," adds Banks. "You never know who might show up during the segment; the Congressman, a co-sponsor, a staffer, or other supporters. We are very excited about 'Spotlight On Capitol Hill,'" proclaims Banks.

"Charles B. Rangel, war hero, history-making congressman, master lawmaker. A founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, he made history as the first African American member of Congress to lead the powerful Ways and Means Committee. Now serving his 23rd term in the House of Representatives, he has been cited as the most effective lawmaker in the House, leading all of his colleagues in passing legislation. He was a prime contributor to President Obama's historic health care reform law." (http://rangel.house.gov/about-me/biography)

AJC Radio takes a look at Bills/Resolutions sponsored or co-sponsored by Congressman Rangel including, but not limited to, H.R. 2302 -- Police Training and Independent Review Act of 2015, H.R. 2052 -- Excessive Use of Force Prevention Act of 2015, H.R. 1933 -- End Racial Profiling Act of 2015, and H.R. 2065 -- Second Chance for Ex-Offenders Act of 2011.

"'Spotlight On Capitol Hill' gives AJC Radio listeners an opportunity to hear about initiatives that are being pushed in Washington, D.C. that they may or may not otherwise hear about," says Sam Thurman, A Just Cause. "AJC Radio listeners will definitely be enlightened as to the process of what it takes to make a law and they will also learn about Bills that never become law and why," adds Thurman.

"Given the tone in the country right now, its a good idea to allow the country to hear and know that there are good and caring members of Congress that are about doing something to change our situation and not just talking about it," says Banks. "'Spotlight On Capitol Hill' gives us an opportunity to reach the masses with a positive look at those we as the American People put in office," concludes Banks.

For more info on AJC Radio programming -- including program archives -- visitwww.AJCRadio.com. Follow the channel on Twitter @AJCRadio. AJC Radio, "Bringing the Message of Justice Around the World," airs Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8-10PM ET.

ABOUT AJC RADIO

AJC Radio is an Internet radio presentation produced by the advocacy group, A Just Cause (www.a-justcause.com). The program is designed to captivate the American people by dissecting the United States' judicial system, and exposing the hard truths. AJC Radio ".takes the message of justice around the world." as the panelists review wrongful convictions, judicial misconduct, and mass incarceration across the U.S.

The show provides emotional, as well as entertaining dialogue on issues that may be considered controversial by some, but raw truth by others. AJC Radio promises to deliver open discussions about prosecutorial and judicial abuse in the U.S., with the objective of making the show unique, cutting edge, and intriguing to all listeners.

Related press releases: http://www.a-justcause.com/#!press-releases/c21pq

Contact Information

CONTACT INFORMATIONA Just Cause
(855) 529-4252 extension 703

CONTINUING EMERGENCY MEDICAL CAMPAIGN FOR ROBERT SETH HAYES

Robert Seth Hayes #74-A-2280
Medical Justice Days of Action:
June 9 - 12, 2015

Seth in 2011	Seth on Nov. 30, 2014

Seth’s medical condition continues to worsen, and he has not been evaluated or treated for potentially life-threatening symptoms despite following formal medical care request procedures within the prison. Because the medical staff at the prison and Health Services of the Department of Correction continue to neglect his medical needs despite numerous calls from concerned medical providers and other citizens, we are urging both Commissioner Annucci and Governor Cuomo to exercise oversight and see to it that Seth finally receives proper medical care. Read Seth's May 17, 2015 Sick Call Request here.

WE MUST KEEP THE PRESSURE ON AND CONTINUE TO CALL AND FAX.

Robert Seth Hayes is one of the longest held political prisoners in the US. He is 66 years old and suffers from multiple chronic and concerning medical problems. As many of you know, we waged a medical campaign for him a few months ago regarding rapid and concerning weight loss as well as poorly controlled diabetes. Neither of these concerns has been addressed to date. NYS DOCCS states on its website that denial of adequate medical care is a violation of a person’s eighth amendment constitutional rights, so please help demand that Seth be provided with proper care.

Since we began our campaign, Seth's medical situation has actually worsened. He has had a cough with shortness of breath. He is also intermittently coughing up blood tinged mucous. He has not been evaluated or treated for these symptoms. He has a mass in the upper left quadrant of his abdomen which puts pressure on his diaphragm, increasing his difficulty breathing.

We must keep the pressure on and be consistent, insistent and persistent to make sure we do not lose yet another of our beloved freedom fighters due to deliberate medical neglect.

***Please join our phone and fax campaign!***
Talking points and sample letter below

THINGS YOU CAN DO:

1) On Tuesday, 6/9 and Wednesday, 6/10 please call:

***Governor Andrew M. Cuomo at (518) 474-8390 x2

***Acting Commissioner Anthony J. Annucci, NYS Department of Corrections at (518) 457-8134

2) On Thursday, 6/11 and Friday, 6/12, please fax (you can use a free online fax service likefaxzero.com if needed):

***Governor Cuomo at Fax: (518) 486-4466

***Acting Commissioner Anthony J. Annucci at Fax: (518) 457-0076

***Suggested talking points***

State who you are calling about and include his prisoner #: Robert Seth Hayes, #74-A-2280 at Sullivan Correctional Facility;

Say that you are requesting oversight of the medical team at Sullivan and DOCC Health Services as well as:
1) an immediate work-up of his cough and shortness of breath;
2) an assessment of his weight loss to have potential malignancies ruled out;
3) an assessment of the mass in his abdomen;
4) modification of his insulin regimen to better control his diabetes and prevent low blood sugars; and
5) a physician’s order for a diabetic diet.

Please email nycjericho@gmail.com and let us know what response you receive so that it can be given to Seth’s legal team.

HERE IS A SAMPLE LETTER YOU CAN FAX, MAIL OR SUBMIT ONLINE:

The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo
Governor of New York State
NYS State Capitol Building
Albany, NY 12224
Fax: (518) 486-4466

Dear Governor Cuomo,

I am writing in regards to Robert Seth Hayes, #74-A-2280, DOB 10-15-48, who is currently at Sullivan Correctional Facility in Fallsburg, NY.

Mr. Hayes suffers from poorly controlled diabetes mellitus with frequent bouts of hypoglycemia, as well as weight loss of 40 pounds (22% of his original body weight) in a short time. These health concerns have not been
addressed by medical staff at Sullivan Correctional Institute despite numerous requests by the patient, family, concerned medical providers, and the general public. He has not even been prescribed a diabetic diet.

Mr. Hayes' medical situation has actually worsened in the past two months. He has a cough with shortness of breath and a mass in the upper left quadrant of his abdomen which puts pressure on his diaphragm, increasing his difficulty breathing. He has also developed three lumps on his chest. He has not been evaluated or treated for these symptoms.

I am writing to register my grave concern about the health of Mr. Hayes and to request that he receive the following immediate and appropriate medical care:

1) an immediate work-up of his cough and shortness of breath;
2) an assessment of his weight loss to have potential malignancies ruled out;
3) an assessment of the mass in his abdomen and the lumps on ihs chest;
4) modification of his insulin regimen to better control his diabetes and prevent low blood sugars; and
5) a physician’s order for a diabetic diet.

I thank you for your prompt attention to these medical matters.

Sincerely,

______________________

cc: Anthony J. Annucci, Acting Commissioner at Fax: (518) 457-0076

Write to Seth and let him know he is in our hearts and on our minds.

Robert Seth Hayes #74A2280
Sullivan Correctional Facility
P.O. Box 116
Fallsburg, New York 12733-0116

Free All Political Prisoners!
 www.jerichony.org