NEW YORK (January 13, 2020) – On January 14, the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) will join with the Release Aging People in Prison Campaign, the Parole Preparation Project, and others from across New York State for a day of action to end Death By Incarceration and promote parole Justice. The event takes place at the state capitol in Albany, and a press conference will be held at 1pm on the Million Dollar Staircase on the third floor of the Capitol Building.
“We are excited to stand with our fellow advocates to mobilize for a transformation in the parole release process,” said Lewis Webb, director of AFSC’s Healing Justice Program Coordinator. “We want to replace the current system of perpetual punishment and revenge with systems based on redemption and transformation.”
In Albany, participants will be meeting with legislators to urge them to support the Elder Parole (S2144) and Fair and Timely Parole (S497A) initiatives. They will also be rallying and marching through the State House.
AFSC programs in Michigan, New York, Arizona, California, New Jersey, and elsewhere are all organizing to end long-term incarceration across the country.
“In 2020 we want to bring more people home from prison, reunite more families, and end 'Death By Incarceration' sentences,” said Webb.
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The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker organization that includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice, peace and humanitarian service. Its work is based on the belief in the worth of every person and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice.