As we close out the week after International Workers' Day at the start of May, Critical Resistance would like to recognize those working towards prison industrial complex (PIC) abolition. We appreciate the importance of organizing work as an anchor to advance the project of abolition in this time of rapidly shifting terrain. We support all of the work put in to defund the police, effectively shifting the larger landscape around the PIC. Wealso uplift all of the work to stop, shrink and close facilities that cage our people.
We recognize that abolition is essential.
We also want to send solidarity to the many people behind prison walls, under state surveillance and impacted by police who are fighting against the PIC. We recognize the many ways that the PIC separates people from their families, the toll it takes and the work required to stay connected.
As we celebrate Mother's Day, we want to honor all of the caregivers both incarcerated and not who are struggling within and across walls. We understand the work of providing care both within and outside of cages contributes to sustaining life and the energy needed to drive our struggle forward. We at CR remain committed to lifting up, supporting and resourcing that work.
Bay Area, TOMORROW, 5/10: Defund OPD Even after tens of thousands of Oaklanders have demanded the mayor reduce police spending and invest in community services, Mayor Schaaf has chosen to increase the police budget yet again. Join us Monday, May 10, at a special City Council meeting and give public comment to tell City Council: "Defund OPD now!".
FREE MARVIN!
Marvin, a New Jersey resident from El Salvador, has been on hunger strike since March 7, 2021. Tell ICE to stop using problematic criminal legal systems to justify indefinite confinement, especially during this global pandemic. Circulate and sharethese social media tiles and toolkit to #FreeMarvin. If you belong to an organization or grassroots group, please sign on to Marvin’s support letter.
