Today is the beginning of Black History Month. In 1964, James Baldwin wrote for Time Magazine, "When I was going to school, I began to be bugged by the teaching of American history because it seemed that that history had been taught without cognizance of my presence."
At Dignity and Power NOW, our work has always been informed by the long history of Black freedom movements both in this country and globally. As we renew our commitment to celebrating Black history, we are proud that our work has always been rooted in Black liberation struggle.
The Dignity and Power Now Pledge, a social media pledge to support our work, encourages athletes, fans, community members, and supporters to contribute to criminal justice reform and end mass incarceration of Black and Brown people. It's a promise to fight for equality, to heal our communities, and to stand up for what is right.
To support our work, text "The Pledge" to the number 44321.
DPN In the NEWS: California AG Launches Civil Rights Investigation into Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra’s office announced a week ago that they will be undertaking an investigation into the practices of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. This comes as a result of years-long demands from Dignity and Power NOW in coalition with Justice LA, as well as many other community organizations.
Of the probe, Dignity and Power Now's Director of Campaigns & Policy, Lex Steppling, shared,“This kind of thing should happen all the time & should’ve happened a long time ago. I hope this investigation is done in earnest..."
As Justice LA, Dignity and Power Now, and Los Angeles abolitionist organizations have been advocating for years, and have underscored during the COVID-19 pandemic, the County has the chance to not only continue to find ways to remove the Sheriff, but also to invest in alternatives to policing and incarceration.
