The Black August Issue
Prisoners First
Black August commemorates the 1970s liberation movement that originated in California prisons, led by freedom fighters like George Jackson It offers us a time to honor the lives and struggle of Black political prisoners, freedom fighters, and survivors of state & carceral violence
‘Prisoners First’ was shared with us by a recently returned community member. The call to action, written anonymously, circulated throughout the Illinois Department of Correction in the 90s, and inspired inmates to organize for better prison conditions
Passing the Pen
Write your own version of ‘Prisoners First’. If you would like to share it with us and have it featured in future issues of the newsletter, write to us at the address below.
A Summer of Activism & Solidarity
Brian Beals
This summer was filled with many community events. Some events were not just celebrations but ongoing conversations about collaborations to tackle issues around the Illinois legal system and people impacted by incarceration.
I’d like to share some picture from these events with you You might see some familiar faces
Marie Wesley Fashion ShowEnglewood
On July 14, Marie Wesley, the fashion line, brought beauty to the block. 62nd-63rd on Morgan was closed off, they brought out the white chairs, people lined the street to see a bold and beautiful exhibition of Black beauty and fashion. Organizations were there to support the initiative This is the 3rd annual event by Marie Wesley. Yoel Davis was the oldest model and was looking cool bringing the 70s back
Some of the Englewood’s most prominent organizations were there in attendance: Imagine Englewood If, Teamwork Englewood, R A G E, Restore Justice, Grow Greater Englewood, and more.
Father’s Day PicnicEnglewood High School
This event was sponsored by myself, with a focus on formerly incarcerated dads who are in work release
C Number Picnic - Washington Park
C Numbers are not forgotten. Support for the remaining C numbers has not waned. It was a big event, as it always has been. The campaign to bring the rest of the C numbers home continues. A group of C numbers stood with Alderman Taylor and other organizations who are fighting for justice. We held the picnic at Englewood High School We had a lot of fun Overall, it was a big day for my return to my Englewood community. Over 100 people attended.
A Reading for Tortured By Blue with Stanley S-Man Howard and Renaldo Hudson
DPA founders, Brian, Toussaint, Darion, Darrius, stand in front of Undercover Books for Stanley SMan Howard and Renaldo Hudson book signing for Tortured by Blue More to come on the Mud Theatre Project!
This was a fundraiser for Restore Justice When Wendell Robinson stepped into his role as Executive Director for Restore Justice, earlier this summer, he shared his vision for the future for Restore Justice Illinois Prison Project was in attendance, represented by Attorney Marissa Jackson, Attorney Candace Chambliss, and Marshan Allen, Policy Director at IPP
Welcome home Toussaint and Darion!
The CTJC offers support and accompaniment to survivors' court dates. We know that navigating the legal system can be daunting, retraumatizing, and often lonely. Do you have an upcoming court date that you would like support with? Please reach out to organizer Mark Clements with the following information:
Name:
Judge:
Case Status:
Turnout preference (minimal, as many as possible etc.):
Attorney name, phone and email: Please mail court support requests to: