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Dear friend,
Like you, I was disgusted by the execution of George Floyd in broad
daylight on an American city street. The misuse of force and the delay
in pressing charges are clear reminders that our justice system does
not treat everyone the same.
We need to change that. And speaking as a white man who heads a
criminal justice reform organization in 2020, I - and FAMM
- need to do more to be part of the solution.
FAMM is committed to working directly against racism in the system. We
did it in the fight over racially discriminatory crack cocaine
sentences. We have done it in the fight to eliminate drug-free school
zone laws. But the events of the past week have convinced us that we
need to do more - much more. Our responsibility is not to do
everything, but to do everything we can.
This work won't always be easy, and it will require some difficult
conversations. But recognizing the need is fairly easy. We just have
to admit what's obvious. I know if I tried to pass a counterfeit $20
bill, no cop would put his knee on my neck for nine minutes until I
was dead.
Many of you know that I served a relatively short sentence in federal
prison. I know from firsthand experience that the system is broken in
many ways, and that people and families of all races and backgrounds
have been harmed.
I also know that I benefited at every step of the process because I
had more resources than most - and, yes, because I am white.
We know everyone's pain is real - and we will fight for everyone
mistreated by the justice system. But we cannot do our part in
combating societal racism if we don't name it and address it directly
when we see it in our work.
Our system treats people differently. Until that changes, we have more
work to do - and FAMM is committed to doing it fully.
Sincerely,
Kevin Ring
President, FAMM
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1100 H Street NW | Suite 1000 | Washington, D.C. xxxxxx | Tel: (202) 822-6700
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