Note: In a very honest conversation, AFSC Prison Watch Coordinator, Bonnie Kerness, explores the different ways she believes one can experience sanctuary: in isolation, in groups and from within.
What is sanctuary, what is the definition? For me part of it is recognition. It is not only that we are housing an individual, it is that we recognize that individual. More broadly, it is about providing a safe space for impacted communities, including those inside prison. It is about giving them that space to speak, and giving them that personal recognition.
Larry White and Russell Tucker served 32 and 23 years in prison, respectively. They tirelessly seek to reform the criminal justice system. Larry is the founder of Hope Lives for Lifers and a public speaker on prison issues and preventing recidivism. Russell works for Phoenix House, a drug rehabilitation and re-entry program that works on inner reflection and reform.
“Only God has the right to take a life,” lamented 51-year old David Ramos. His first-born child, Jose, had been killed by military police while peacefully protesting fraud in the recent presidential election in Honduras. As I listened to David and others speak about the injuries and killings of their loved ones, tears welled up in my eyes. My heart ached for their losses and for Honduras, which is also the homeland of my spouse.
Kimberly Krone is the youth justice attorney with AFSC's Immigrant Rights Program in Newark, New Jersey where she provides legal representation to immigrant children and youth, including those who are detained. Kimberly has been an advocate for immigrants’ rights in New Jersey since 2007, working with several different community organizations.
At least 18 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed and over 1,000 wounded while nonviolently demanding their right to return and an end to Israel's brutal military blockade. Here’s what we’re reading to learn more:
- Read more about What we're reading on Gaza's March of Return
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This week, Linda Brown—who was at the center of Brown v. Board of Education, the landmark case that led to school desegregation—died at the age of 76. We take a look at her legacy, and what young people are doing today to confront violence and racism in schools.
Linda Brown, Whose Landmark Lawsuit Led to School Desegregation, Dead at 76, by Monique Judge via The Root