LEGAL SERVICES FOR PRISONERS WITH CHILDREN Annual JUSTICE JOURNAL Advocacy Grassroots Organizing Movement Building Are We Truly Citizens? Published Fall 2014 In 2013 has made the full range of citizen- munities of color. a formerly ship rights permanently out of So our struggle for voting incarcerated reach. Once we have a conviction rights goes far beyond simply person was history, we are structurally ex- voting – formerly incarcerated indicted in cluded from meaningful participa- people, particularly from commu- Alamance tion in the democratic process for nities of color, are still fighting for County, the rest of our lives. This looks a the fundamental rights of citizen- By Dorsey Nunn North Caro- lot like the situation that ignited ship. Most especially, we want to lina…for vot- the Boston Tea Party – taxation be able to vote for people from our ing. The indictment alleged he had without representation. own community who will truly voted in the 2012 general election Our exclusion from the demo- represent our interests! despite being previously con- cratic process denies our com- That’s why LSPC is actively victed of selling marijuana, “which munities and society at large the engaged in both incremental re- excluded him from the right of benefit of our knowledge and form via our voting rights lawsuit suffrage, to vote at any election experience, particularly on issues (see page 2) as well as empower- without having been restored to related to incarceration and pun- ing people in communities most the right of citizenship…prior to ishment. It results in policies like directly impacted by incarcera- voting.” Three Strikes, the death penalty tion – the people who best under- This raises a deeper question and other “tough on crime” initia- stand the impact of conviction and around not just the voting rights tives that devastate a disenfran- incarceration on citizenship. Both of formerly incarcerated people chised underclass. We have lost our Policy Academy and the All of (who are disproportionately from the right to have a say in who sits Us or None Freedom School are underclass communities of color), on the Board of Supervisors, how working to develop savvy lead- but the more fundamental ques- our children are educated, and ers who will speak out about and tion of our citizenship. Many of how the police behave in our com- organize against these injustices. us believe that what makes us a munities. Candidates for District We’re grateful for all your citizen is the right to vote. But for Attorney or Attorney General don’t support as we continue to chal- me, voting rights is shorthand for campaign in poor neighborhoods lenge the dominant paradigm that many other problems I experience of color. upholds mass incarceration and as a formerly incarcerated person. In addition, our disenfran- the punishment system. Citizenship is not just about chisement bars us from direct voting – it is also about sitting on input on massive shifts in public Are you on our email list? juries, running for office ourselves, policy, like marijuana legaliza- and having representation that tion. Young black men like the one Sign up now at www.prisonerswithchil- truly reflects the interests of our above, indicted for the “crime” of dren.org to receive action alerts and our monthly e-newsletter, with regular communities. By these measures, voting after a conviction for sell- updates about policy work, community are we actually citizens at all? This ing marijuana, will have no voice organizing and analysis on movement question should act as a bridge in shaping new policies around strategy. We never share our email list between black and brown com- marijuana laws. As a result they with others so your privacy is assured. munities, and our struggles with will undoubtedly be excluded prisons and detention centers. from profitable marijuana-related Connect with us online at www.face- We have a community up- business ventures, perpetuating book.com/LegalServicesPrisonersChil- wards of 65 million people born an economic undercaste when we dren, www.facebook.com/AOUON, in this country for whom the state could create opportunity for com- and www.twitter.com/LSPC_ LSPC Board of Directors LITIGATION Marlene Sanchez, Co-Chair Consultant Fighting Solitary Confinement that people being supervised by coun- ties after release from jail (mandatory Harriette Davis, Co-Chair By Carol Strickman Registered Nurse, Private Consultant LSPC contin- supervision) or prison (post-release ues to fight community supervision) cannot vote. Arthur League, Secretary prolonged The California Constitution only dis- Plumber, Community Activist solitary con- enfranchises people in prison and on Naneen Karraker, Treasurer finement at parole. Plaintiffs include All of Us or Nonprofit Consultant Pelican Bay None and Dorsey Nunn, among oth- Ellen M. Barry State Prison ers. Although an Alameda County court Founding Director, Legal Services for Prisoners through its contribution to the federal ruled in our favor in May 2014, the with Children class action lawsuit, Ashker v. Brown. victory is stayed pending the Secretary George Galvis Filed in 2012, the suit challenges the of State’s appeal. We will respond to the Executive Director, Communities United for constitutionality of procedures gov- appeal, and continue challenging Secre- Restorative Youth Justice erning the detention of hundreds of tary Bowen’s unconstitutional claims. Margaret Littlefield state prisoners in isolation. The trial is Attorney, Office of Michael Satris scheduled for December, 2015. Most of Supporting Fatherhood for our ten plaintiffs have been deposed by Incarcerated Men Millard Murphy Staff Attorney, Prison Law Office opposing counsel and interviewed by By Jesse Stout the defendants’ mental health expert. In 2011, CDCR implemented the Dorsey Nunn Since this suit was filed, the Cali- Alternative Custody Program (ACP), Executive Director, Legal Services for Prisoners with Children fornia Department of Corrections and allowing incarcerated parents to finish Rehabilitation (CDCR) has instituted their sentences on electronic monitor- new regulations governing detainment ing while living with their children. LSPC Staff in solitary confinement, and is conduct- Over 400 female prisoners with chil- ing case reviews of prisoners currently dren have been granted ACP, but the Dorsey Nunn in isolation. While the department does program is not currently available to Executive Director not admit it had employed illegal and men with children. Anna Couey ineffective policies for decades, it is In July 2014, LSPC partnered with Development Director now releasing almost 70% of reviewed Rosen Bien Galvan & Grunfeld to file prisoners to general population. Two of Sassman v. Brown in federal court. The Hamdiya Cooks-Abdullah Administrative Director our ten plaintiffs have been transferred lawsuit seeks to expand ACP by chal- to general population. lenging CDCR’s gender-discriminatory Jesse Stout Despite these welcome develop- implementation on the grounds that it Policy Director ments, the new regulations do not violates the U.S. Constitution’s Equal Carol Strickman significantly address the constitutional Protection Clause. Staff Attorney issues we are raising in Ashker, nor Brittany Stonesifer the core demands of the prisoners. LSPC Mission Staff Attorney The SHU cells are still at full capacity, due to new transfers. Thanks to public Endria Richardson LSPC organizes communities im- Legal Fellow awareness and pressure sparked by the pacted by the criminal justice system massive peaceful hunger strikes of 2011 and advocates to release incarcer- Manuel La Fontaine II and 2013, hearts and minds are chang- Northern California Regional Organizer ated people, to restore human and ing, but prolonged solitary confinement civil rights and to reunify families Harriette Davis under harsh conditions remains a cor- and communities. We build public Organizer nerstone of prison policy. Our work on awareness of structural racism Alexandra Berliner Ashker and our daily advocacy contin- Organizer ues to fight this. in policing the courts and prison system and we advance racial and Aaliyah Muhammad Organizer Expanding Voting Rights for gender justice in all our work. Formerly Incarcerated People Denise Mewbourne Communications Coordinator and By Jesse Stout Our strategies include legal support, Administrative Support In February 2014, LSPC as co- trainings, advocacy, public education, counsel with the ACLU, the Lawyers’ grassroots mobilization and develop- Gina Walters Committee and other organizations Receptionist ing community partnerships. filed Scott et al. v. Bowen, challenging Secretary of State Debra Bowen’s claim

Page 2 LSPC Justice Journal u Fall 2014 POLICY Updates quire about an applicant’s conviction and CalFresh (food stamps). This By Jesse Stout history until after determining they year, we succeeded. The new state Legal Services for Prisoners with meet the job’s minimum qualifica- budget signed in June 2014 restores Children strives to amplify the voices tions. This means initial state, county, these critical public benefits starting of people who are directly impacted city and special district job applica- April 1, 2015. Please help spread the by punishment system policies, tions can no longer ask “Have you word that people who have been con- including those who are or have been been convicted of a crime?” These victed of drug felonies are eligible for incarcerated and their families. We public employers can still ask about food stamps and CalWORKS starting support policy advocacy to stop jail conviction history or perform a back- April 2015! construction, create alternatives to ground check after an interview or a incarceration, improve conditions of conditional job offer. Alternative Custody Programs confinement, reduce the number of Expanded incarcerated people, maintain fam- Anti-Shackling Legislation LSPC successfully advocated for ily unity, end discrimination against LSPC continues to follow up on more parents to have access to Al- formerly incarcerated or convicted the 2013 legislation we co-sponsored ternative Custody Programs (ACPs), people and increase reentry opportu- forbidding shackling of pregnant programs that allow incarcerated nities. Here are some recent victories: women. Our 2014 report No More parents to serve part of their time in Shackles (available on our webiste) the community with their children. Ban The Box for Government details the results of work contacting The new state budget allows county Employers the sheriffs of all 58 California coun- sheriffs to create county ACPs. In 2013, LSPC successfully co- ties to request their compliance. These county programs can sponsored AB 218, “Ban the Box,” include living at home, or in a facility with All of Us or None, PICO and Na- Public Benefits for People with such as a drug treatment program. tional Employment Law Project. After Drug Convictions Restored You can contact your own county all of our hard work, the law came For over a decade, LSPC has sheriff to ask whether they have into effect in July 2014. Now, under worked with a diverse coalition to implemented an Alternative Custody new California Labor Code §432.9, gain people with felony drug convic- Program under Penal Code § 1170.06 government employers cannot in- tions access to CalWORKS (welfare) yet.

“We Have the Right to Remain Unsilent!”

“I’m here so I can feel like I’m part of a change, to help ourselves and others who’ve been caught up in the legal system to feel like humans once again rather than animals.” —Mauricio with Fathers and Families of San Joaquin; 2014 Quest for Democracy Day

By Jesse Stout Academy provides training in Formerly incarcerated and the legislative process, and keeps convicted people and families with graduates connected with men- incarcerated loved ones are uniquely torship, advocacy updates and positioned to educate policy makers our annual Quest for Democracy and the public on necessary systemic (Q4D) held each spring. Q4D is changes, but too few are trained to a statewide advocacy day in Sac- lead advocacy efforts. That’s why ramento that includes presenta- LSPC launched the Policy Academy tions by legislators, advocacy in 2014, a leadership development training and legislative visits. program providing participants from The next Policy Academy is directly impacted communities with scheduled for October 11, 2014 1 the skills to lead state policy advocacy at Starting Over, Inc. in River- campaigns. side, CA. For more information LSPC has held Policy Academy please email jesse@prisoner- Photo: Pocho Photo: workshops with organizational swithchildren.org. See the LSPC Harriette Davis with Jacqueena Matthews and Robert partners in Los Angeles, Sacramento, website for additional training Spells from Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles studying Stockton and East Palo Alto. The dates. legislative information at 2014 Quest for Democracy

LSPC Justice Journal u Fall 2014 Page 3 ALL OF US OR NONE We Are PEOPLE, Not Labels or Numbers!

As a conscious for- of whom are now parents, merly imprisoned aunties and elders – urge person, I recog- supporters to avoid terms nize the impact of like “ex-offender,” “ex-fel- language on my on” and “ex-con.” These freedom, survival characterizations limit a and dignity. There’s person to their past be- a significant differ- havior rather than overall By Manuel LaFontaine ence between being character, and prevent us characterized as an from being treated as hu- ex-offender or a formerly incarcerated man beings. Although we community organizer. The former al- may have been to jail or most forced me into the underground prison, our lives are much economy in order to survive, while the more than the sum total latter provided me with real opportu- of our past indiscretions. nities for employment, housing and a We ask all who sup- truly sustainable life. port our struggle towards Upon my release over eleven the full restoration of our years ago, I immediately discovered rights to use language that most that reflects our employers “They can kill an ex- humanity and and landlords does not under-

offender, inmate, or www.eiocoalition.org The Inside Out, Education From Source: were afraid to parolee, but it’s hard- mine our ability take a chance er to get away with to survive post- In Loving Memory of Edwin “Eddie” Ellis, who made on those they incarceration. a powerful contribution to our struggle with the use the murder of a father, of language that promotes our humanity. saw as “ex- The operative mother, or son.” 1941-2014 offenders” word should be Rest in Power Comrade or “ex-cons.” — Anonymous formerly “PEOPLE.” But once incarcerated person We prefer they got to formerly or know me as a person, their attitudes previously incarcerated New Organizer changed. Our current landlords, for person for those on the Brings Youth Focus example, opened their home to my outside, and incarcer- family despite their knowledge of ated person or captive for As the new organizer for my conviction record. They saw us those of us still trapped All of Us or None, I’m ex- as parents, as friends of friends and in the punishment (aka cited to increase the par- ordinary people – one of whom, in my “criminal justice”) system. ticipation of youth in our case, had made a mistake at a young This language will aid the work. I’ll be working on age. shift in consciousness policy tracking and push- Unfortunately, not everyone be- needed for All of Us or ing forward the Clean lieves that survivors of imprisonment None campaigns to have Slate campaign to seal deserve basic human rights. Even if long-lasting, meaningful By Alexandra Berliner juvenile records. With the crime was possession of a con- effects. my experience in out- trolled substance for personal use – a With your support we reach and my new position representing the public health issue – the associated will continue to remove Mission District on the San Francisco Youth stigma can be too daunting for people barriers to employment, Commission, I’m also striving to strengthen who do not understand the realities of housing, civic engagement our base-building among SF/Bay Area young incarceration. and other survival needs people. If you’re a youth or know of any who Many of us believe that language so that we – collectively are interested in joining the movement, con- is key to addressing that stigmatiza- and not just individually – tact me at [email protected] to tion. That’s why critically conscious are a step closer to restor- learn more about how to get involved. formerly incarcerated people – many ing our dignity.

Page 4 LSPC Justice Journal u Fall 2014 FAMILY UNITY PROJECT Throwing a Lifeline to Jail- Supporting Incarcerated house Lawyers Women and Their Children In 1983 I was children – a tremendously posi- By Brittany Stonesifer sentenced tive impact on all our lives. “Lifelines: Protecting the Rights of to six years When I was released I worked Incarcerated Parents and Their Chil- in prison. At with LSPC and other organiza- dren” is a family law course designed seven and a tions to help expand the mother- by LSPC to inform incarcerated women half months infant program and other alterna- of their rights as parents, and to help pregnant with tive sentencing programs. At one them become advocates in the areas two older chil- point there were six mother-infant dren, I was facilities in California, with many of custody and visitation. Too often, By Harriette Davis women who do not receive family law scared about women on the waiting list. Today information soon after their arrest lose how that separation would affect there is only one. their children solely by virtue of being them – that no one could take Pregnant and parenting wom- incarcerated. Receiving this informa- care of my children and love them an have always been important to tion promptly can mean the difference the way I would. I wanted to be LSPC, as seen most recently in our between family ties being devastated or able to breastfeed, swaddle, rock, work to stop shackling of preg- maintained during incarceration. cradle, sing to, play with and just nant incarcerated women in CA. “Lifelines” includes practical infor- care for my baby and children. In response to the voices of mation on how women can represent My oldest children were trau- incarcerated women, this fall we themselves in court as well as parent- matized by the fear of my upcom- will convene formerly incarcer- ing skills-building exercises. It also ing imprisonment. When I found ated people, their family mem- empowers women to become jailhouse out I could actually have my baby bers and allied organizations to lawyers, helping other women to keep with me in a community-based strategize on improving health and maintain relationships with their mother-infant program instead care, conditions of confinement, children. Taught last year in county of in prison, I knew my baby was and increased access to alterna- jail, this year, with the assistance of going to be okay. I eventually got tives for pregnant and parenting LSPC staff and community members, into the program with my young- women. Contact me at harriette@ “Lifelines” will expand to a two-day est child, and was close enough to prisonerswithchildren.org to get workshop for state prisons. have regular visits with my other involved. Legal Training Helps Keep Families Together By Carol Strickman ego, “Seize the Moment,” included Incarcerated and recently released a family law panel, and we will people face many family law issues, convene another panel of experts ranging from establishing parental on family law in Los Angeles later and visitation rights to reunifying this year. with minor children upon release. The Please contact me at carol@ prejudice they face based on convic- prisonerswithchildren.org or Brit- tions and/or incarceration adds to tany Stonesifer at brittany@prison- their difficulties. Both civil attorneys erswithchildren.org for details. and parents who represent themselves Our manuals on family law in court need information and re- continue to help attorneys, incar- sources to get the best outcome. cerated people, and their loved To address this need, LSPC regu- ones. larly leads training workshops around Since 2012, we have produced the state for legal aid attorneys, court four new manuals, and are in the staff and other attorneys involved in process of updating our most popu- Cover of LSPC’s most recently updated manual. this work. Most recently, LSPC’s full lar one, The Incarcerated Parents All our manuals are available on our website, day reentry law conference in San Di- Manual. www.prisonerswithchildren.org

LSPC Justice Journal u Fall 2014 Page 5 LSPC Donors And Funders Make Our Victories Possible! Individuals Claire Feder & Ernest Goitein Vicki Legion Katie Ruffman & Yoav Helfman Center for Community Change Anonymous (6) Frank Fernandez & Carmen Flores Nancy Lemon Kellen Russoniello Center for Constitutional Rights Fred Abdullah Rhonda Findling Mark Lencl & Gail Clark Andrea Salinas Center for Young Women’s Denise Abrams and David Har- David Fortier Debby Lennon & Alan Heblack Elizabeth Sanchez Development rington Jonathan Franklin Nina Lescher Marlene Sanchez Chavez & Gertler LLP Jeff Adachi Jamie Freedman Mary & Robert Leslie Michael David Sasson Critical Resistance Ruth Alden Charlie Freiberg Lynn Levey Michael Satris Crosby & Kaneda William “Buzz” Alexander Jerome Geffner Randy & Marie Levin Omowale Satterwhite Californians United for a Amani Ali Margo George & Catherine Ruth Levin Matt Savinar Responsible Budget Deborah Allen Karras Adam Levine Susan Schacher Communities United for Keith Alsaker Tiauna George Leslie Levitas Alan Scheinine Restorative Youth Justice Phyllis Annett Kenneth & Mary Gergen Elana Levy Erich Franz Schimps Disability Rights Advocates Rita Archibald Andy & Amber Getz Virginia Leyva Jackie Schirn East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Elizabeth & John Aron Rebecca Gitlin Margaret E. Littlefield Majorie Schooler Economy Pat Aties Robert & Dorothy Gloyd Margaret J. Littlefield Karen Schryver Families to Amend California’s Joan Austin-Garrett Miye Goishi Suzanne Ludlum HF Schurmann & Alexandra Close Three Strikes David Baer Deborah Gold Katy Lusson Alicia Schwartz First United Methodist Church Freda Banks Arthur Goldberg Kimberley Lutjen Jane Segal Freedom Archives Jane Barbarow Sheila Goldmacher Michael Lyon Lloyd Sheridan Greenbridge Corporate Counsel Barbara Barnett Sonia Gonzales Dianna Lyons Nick Sheridan Harrington & Ingram Shane Bauer Marisa González Laura Magnani Susan & James Shields International Longshore & Jennifer Beach Debbie Goodman Michael Marcum Mark Short & Carl Ray Warehouse Union Local 10 Victoria Becker Sheila Goodman Joani Marinoff Sarah Shourd Insight Prison Project Abigail Bereola Mary Goolsby Claude Marks & Diana Block Jane Silva Institute of International Amanda Berger & Maurice Mary Ellen Greenlee Toni Martin Steven Silverman Education Emsellem Geraldine Gregg Sharon Martinas Alison Sirkus Brody International Media Project Alexy Berlind Ray Grott Quinn McBreen Norma Smith Kapor Center for Social Impact Adam Bernstein Nefertari Guice Margaret McCormack Karen Shain & Jody Sokolower La Tierra Community James Best & Susan Quinlan Carl Gunn & Myra Sun Ida McCray & Wardell Lane Jane Spielman & Lea Rizack Lamano Law Office Molly Batchelder Roma Guy Country Joe McDonald Christine Spring Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Iris Biblowitz Mary Hadley Hannah McFaull Margaret Stevenson & David Rights of the San Francisco Sheila Blake Paul Haible Dolores McGee Flamm Bay Area Lisa Blakely Tim Hallahan Catherine & Joe McKee Nancy Stoller National Employment Law Project Joani Blank Deedee Halleck Phyllis McNeal Collene Stout National Lawyers Guild San Barbara Bloom Loni Hancock Denise Mewbourne Jesse Stout Francisco Bay Area Chapter Rochelle Blumenfeld Scott Handleman Barbara Michel Carol Strickman & David Aber- PICO National Network Diana Bohn Craig Haney & Aida Hurtado Joseph Miles crombie Print & Ship Daniel & Diana Bort Donna Haraway & Rusten Hog- Shelley Miller Pamela Strong Prison Law Office Chesa Boudin ness Michael Millman Viji Sundaram Rainbow Grocery Cooperative: A Mary Boyd Ralph Hardy Deborah Mitchell Maryland Swensen & Lidscha Worker Owned Collective Jonathan Bradley Matef Harmachis & Diane Fujino Kate Monico Klein Sodbinow Rosen Bien Galvan & Grunfeld LLP Donna Bransford David Harold Marilyn Montenegro Augusta Szego Solidarity Consulting Edward & Marion Bronson John & Diana Harrington Idell Moore Isaac Szmonko TGI Justice Project Joe Brooks Emily Harris & Peter Woiwode Paul Moore Frances Taylor Three Strikes Justice Project Rodney Brooks Amina Hassan Ruth Morgan Jean Tepperman Turning Wheels for Kids Sam Brooks B T Heiner Rose Ellen Morrell Elizabeth Terzakis United Workers Congress China Brotsky & Daniel Roth Judy Helfand Aaliyah Muhammad Jean Tesoriero Vitalita Peggy Bruggman & GJ Scove Ravenna & Henry Helson Mary & Michael Murphy Diane Thodos Youth Justice Coalition Jason Bucy Eliza Hersh & Jeremy Goldman Millard Murphy Christine Thomas Anton Burrell Eve R. Hershcopf Millard & Mollie Murphy Laura Thomas Foundations John Burton & Helen Dang Poa Luke & Marguerite Hiken Nell Myhand Maura Thomas Anonymous Susan Burton Adrienne Hirt & Jeffrey Rodman Nancy Nadel James Tracy Akonadi Foundation Crystal Bybee Alexis Horan Christopher Nelson Carole Travis California Endowment Lila Caffery Leah Hoskin Thomas Nelson Gretchen Vala Dolphin Foundation Jerome Carloss Greg Hull Richard Noecker Alicia Van Couvering Drug Policy Alliance Adele Carpenter & Elena Hillard Lynn Hurst Tom Nolan Atul Varma Frank Pace, Jr. Foundation Keith Carson Tandy Iles John Norem Mark Vermeulen Fund for Nonviolence Samuel Carter Kinnaret Israel Sara Norman Marcia & Robert Vickery Groundswell Fund Susan Castagnetto Bobby Jablonski Dorsey Nunn Sasha Vodnik & Quincy Bucy HHD Foundation Aminah Challenger Nancy, Herman & Kamel Jacot- Robin Ogden Marilyn Wallner JK Irwin Foundation Victor Chechanover Bell Felicia Oldfather Martha Wallner Kazan, McClain, Abrams, Fernan- Sarah Chester Todd Jailer & Sarah Shannon Emily Orloff Louise Walter dez, Lyons, Greenwood, Oberman, Nina Chiappa Judy Jensen Percilla Ortega Kamau Walton Satterley & Bosl Foundation Peter Clapp & Nancy Barrett Elsa Johnson Kurt Ostrow Mailee Wang & Sandra Hernandez Kerry Lobel and Marta Drury, Stephanie Clark Sandra Johnson Sam Page Kathryn Watterson girls just wanna have funD, a Sydney Clemens Bob & Charlotte Jones Elizabeth Pan Anne Weills donor advised fund of Horizons Marci & Albert Coglianese Bonnie Jones Steven Parnes & Carol Larsen Ilene Weinreb Foundation Delia Cohen Helena Jones Judy Patrick Corey Weinstein & Pat Downey Kovler Fund of the Community Laurence Cohen Miles & Sheila Jones Mary Patten Denise Wells & Eileen Hansen Foundation for the National Capi- Jennifer & Dennis Colasuonno Morgan Kanninen Jean Pauline Laura Whitehorn & Susie Day tol Region Chris Conrad & Mikki Norris Betty Kano Eve Pell Mark Wieder Left Tilt Fund Hamdiya Cooks-Abdullah Jane Kaplan Donna & Dominique Pinkney Donna Wilkinson Monardella Fund of the Triskeles Charlene Couch Aisha Kareem Zoe Polk Kyanna Williams Foundation Anna Couey & Michael K. Robin Alexander Karner Maggie Poole James Williamson Omnia Foundation Jean Covington Hugh Karraker Amy Povah Donna Willmott & Rob McBride Open Society Foundations James Crawford Naneen Karraker Chanda Prescod-Weinstein Zoe Willmott Peace Development Fund John Crew Patty Katz Amy Price Deirdre Wilson Posel Foundation Hilary & Kip Crosby Doris Katzen Ora Prochovnick Trudi Witonsky Race, Gender, and Human Rights Paul Cumpian Tison Keel Ambri Pukhraj Beck Witt & Miss Major Donor Circle of the Women’s Tiffany Danao Lyn Kern Polly Quick Leilani Witt Foundation of California Angela Davis Christopher Klein & Lizabeth Richard & Julia Quint Scott Zdrazil Rosenberg Foundation Harriette Davis Hauswald Klein Fran Rachel Stephanie Zone Erica Zunkel Ruth Arnhold Endowment Fund Martin DeJulia Dorie Klein Sue Ravenscroft at the East Bay Community Quinn Delaney & Wayne Jordan Richard & Linda Koch Amanda Ream Foundation Leslie & James Dibenedetto Cathy Kornblith Andrew & Monica Reynolds Organizations, State Bar of California Legal Adams Sheila Krakoff Joileen Richards Services Trust Fund Program John & Peggy DiGiacinto Katherine Kramer Michelle Rodriguez Firms & Businesses van Löben Sels/RembeRock Sally Douglas & Francisco Arce Pamela Krasney Samantha Rogers A New Way of Life Reentry Foundation Marta Drury & Kerry Lobel Terry Kupers Nora Roman Project Victor and Lorraine Honig Fund Barbara Duhl & David Block Nancy Kurshan Eve Rosahn ACLU of Northern California of the Common Counsel Arlene Eisen Frank La Fontaine Carrie Rosenbaum American Friends Service Com- Foundation Soffiyah Elijah Lorene Lamb Peter Rosenwald mittee Women Donors Network Waltereise Lamb-Stanzell & Robert & Robin Ross Autodesk Jerry & Miki Elster Women’s Foundation of California Karina Epperlein Gerald Stanzell Margaret Rossoff Beasley Books Elizabeth & Reese Erlich Susan Lamont Rachel Roth California Prison Focus Our apologies if your name is Linda Evans & Eve Goldberg llyana Landes Jesse Rothman Californians for Safety & Justice missing or misspelled. Please Karen Failes-Coad Monica Larenas Jan Rubens Carpenter & Mayfield contact anna@prisonerswith Wendy LaRiviere Robert Rubin California Coalition for Women Michael Falk & Lynne Prather children.org to correct it! Terri Fashing Malachi Larrabee-Garza Lisa Rudman & Diane Livia Prisoners Page 6 LSPC Justice Journal u Fall 2014 LSPC INTERNS

Interns Share What Turning Theory into Practice They’ve Learned: By Bailey Miller Last year, I discussed institutional racism, “LSPC has shown me it’s pos- income inequality and sible to push for immediate draconian drug policy in change in the prison system stone classrooms that are without compromising your hundreds of years old. commitment to an entirely When relatives asked why I different vision of justice, and found fault with our prison that’s something really valuable system, I responded with that I can bring to future work sentencing statistics from on and off campus.” —Emma Hartung my last paper and a quote from Foucault about disci- pline and state repression. “After learning so much from On the first day of LSPC, I’m bringing a more my summer internship at 2014 Interns, left to right: Emma Hartung (Stanford University), Bailey Miller (Vassar College), Jennifer Doan (UC Berkeley), Taylor Mack informed perspective to my LSPC, I was shocked to (College of William and Mary), Ashwini Velchamy (American Univer- conversations with family and hear Executive Director sity), Clint Christofferson (UC Hastings), Angela Chung (UCLA) friends around the prison Dorsey Nunn encourage system, and a level of respect us interns to actively offer solutions me the importance of a harmoni- for the dignity of incarcerated to the injustices LSPC was working to ous relationship between theory and people that is often missing.” address. After looking around the room practice. When I return to those stone classrooms, I’m going to talk about the —Angela Chung at the remarkable people who had just introduced themselves, I was still skepti- organizers I met who are fighting for cal that a group of young people could justice in their communities, and the letters I read from incarcerated people “The stories and voices of the possibly contribute anything of value. But Dorsey was adamant, saying we had who are fighting for their basic human incarcerated community are rights inside. I’m going to tell my rela- crucial in the success of the something different to offer, like new prison resistance movement, ideas and valuable perspectives. tives about the horrors I heard about and LSPC has reinforced the Soon, I realized Dorsey’s statement solitary confinement and my friends who importance of listening to those that we had the potential to change are impacted by the policing of entire voices within my own life and things for the better wasn’t just a sugges- communities. community.” tion – it was a call to action. Instead of Foucault, I’m going to —Taylor Mack This summer at LSPC has taught quote Dorsey. Community Giveback: Bringing Smiles to Their Faces

The holiday season is one of of their incarcerated parents. the most frustrating and isolat- We all benefit from this gesture ing times for those of us behind of love and selflessness. prison walls. We’re missing The Community Giveback everything and everyone we is 100% supported by your do- love on the outside even more nations and volunteer labor. It at that time. is held every December on the The annual “Community second Saturday. Further de- Giveback in honor of Rob- tails will be posted on the LSPC ert Moody” gives bicycles to website closer to the event. children who have incarcerated Please contact Hamdiya parents & grandparents. One of Cooks-Abdullah for more infor- the most important features of mation about how to support this project is that the children this project. 415-255-7036 are given the bicycles on behalf ext. 315. Dorsey with participants at the 2012 Community Giveback

LSPC Justice Journal u Fall 2014 Page 7 Network on Women in Prison Non Profit 1540 Market Street, Suite 490 U.S. Postage San Francisco, CA 94102 Address Service Requested PAID San Francisco, CA Permit #404

We believe in the human dignity of people in prison and recognize that they come from and are part of our communities.

SHU Survivor Reunites with His Daughters Gabriel Reyes is one of the plaintiffs in the we stood for was bigger than any one babies! I kept wanting to touch them to solitary confinement lawsuit (see page 2). life, and we all were willing to give that see if they were real and this was really After 18 years of resisting SHU torture, he life if necessary. happening! They regularly reminded is now in general population. This is an Because of this extraordinary unity me they were not babies anymore and I excerpt from a longer article Mr. Reyes never before seen in California state told them they would always be babies sent to LSPC. You can read it in its en- prisons, I stand here a proud partici- to me, no matter how old they got!! tirety at www.prisonerswithchildren.org. pant of the struggle, and free from the During each visit and each hug cruel and unusual conditions of the with my family, I also thought of those I home of the living dead at Pelican Bay had just left behind in the SHU. I would SHU. I can now receive contact visits say “Darrell would like this,” after bit- with my daughters, mom, family and ing into an avocado from the vending loved ones! machine, or “Oh, Tony and Jack would Holding my daughters in my arms love this for Saturday burritos! Fernan- was overwhelming. My mind and heart do would love this mango!” They are all was filled with all sorts of emotions, constantly on my mind and my heart and scenes from their childhood came and will always be no matter what! I am crashing down on me. Inside my heart dedicated to each and every one of these was melting, finally holding my babies men, and for their release from the in my arms and discovering their hair SHU! no longer smelled like baby shampoo! Because of the sacrifices we and But I was incapable of shedding tears our supporters made during the hunger –my mind and body had adjusted to the strike I now have the opportunity [to By Gabriel Reyes hard conditions of SHU isolation and 18 reunite with my family], and I thank During the 2013 hunger strike, years of it had left its mark. each and every one of you brave human for 59 days I willingly put my mind I cannot explain the joy I did feel beings each time I hold my baby girls in and body to the test and my life on the and of course I embarrassed them by my arms and hear them face to face tell line! We looked death in the face and trying to feed them like they were still me, “Hi Dad, I love you!” laughed each day, knowing the cause