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7 pm, Wednesday July 7, 2010
Legacy Books and Café, 5249 Delmar (near Union)
A panel discussion will include:
*Deborah Young*, President, Cape Girardeau NAACP
*Fredric Raines*, Professor Emeritus of Economics, Washington University
*Edna (Hedy) Harden*, Board member, Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants (CURE)
*Tarah Demant*, Amnesty International USA, Missouri Area Coordinator
*Zaki Baruti*, Gateway Green Alliance, Universal African Peoples Organization [moderator]
From 1940–1980, the number of Americans incarcerated grew at an annual
rate of 1.3%, less than population growth. But from 1980–2000, the
incarceration rate grew by 7.6% per year. It was driven by punitive
federal drug laws, particularly those mandating minimum sentencing. The
1986 "Drug Free America" act specifically targeted inner cities. A black
male became 14 times as likely to be incarcerated as a white male, and
an Hispanic 7 times as likely.
Deborah Young will speak on the inhumane treatment inmates are receiving
in Southeast Missouri correctional facilities. Some prisoners have
complained of being denied food, water and arbitrarily being put in the
hole for six months to a year.
Fredric Raines will describe how the Prison Industrial Complex has
devastated inner cities greatly damaged race relations, and eroded
constitutional rights. It represents America's 30 year war on itself.
Edna Harden will address the cost to society of the massive prison
industrial complex – the death penalty, long-term sentences, the aging
prison population. True rehabilitation and community corrections can
make society safer.
Tarah Demant will cover detained immigrants, including asylum seekers,
torture survivors, victims of human trafficking, longtime lawful
residents, and parents of U.S. citizen children. Immigrants can be
detained for years without any meaningful judicial review.
Sponsored by Gateway Green Alliance and Universal African Peoples
Organization. For more information call 314-727-8554 or visit:
www.gateway-greens.org
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