John, in Los Angeles County, which has the largest jail system in the country, we continue to make history.

Thanks to decades of organizing, the LA County Board of Supervisors just courageously represented the people. For the first time in my lifetime, they used the one tool they have over the Sheriff’s department – budgetary oversight – to hold the LA Sheriff accountable for his $63 million budget deficit.

Strong public oversight of the Sheriff’s department is absolutely critical if we are to root out corruption and misconduct – and experience fully realized safety and health in our communities.

Today, I hope you’ll take a moment to read and share my piece about what it took to get the LA Supervisors to this point of political courage and what our next steps are for meaningful jail reform.

Read and share

This kind of political courage didn’t happen overnight. It took decades of organizing, litigation, and advocacy in Los Angeles to get us to this critical point. We will continue to fight to make sure that no new jail is ever constructed in LA, that no one with a mental illness is brutally put behind bars, and that the savings will be reinvested in community-based care.

I was born and raised in LA — this city is my home and its people my community. It’s where I became an organizer and a freedom fighter.

But it’s also where I confronted our jail system firsthand. My brother is one of the many people who, when struggling with mental illness, deserved care, dignity, and healing – but instead were given harm, neglect, and criminalization.

This isn’t the system that we have to live with. I challenge all of us to imagine a world that pushes forth care and healing – and eliminates punishment.

Please, take a moment to read and share my recent op-ed on how we can build this future in Los Angeles and across the country.

Grateful for all of you,

Patrisse Cullors