THANK YOU to everyone who phone banked, door knocked, marched, called in relatives, encouraged friends and family to vote early - we did it! The May Day Strong Coalition and Black Voters Matter moved mountains to get out the vote, even in the face of GOP redistricting and voter suppression and big money. This showed there are more of us and people-power beats money-power. If there are any threats to certification of the election results, we'll jump into action in coordination with other groups across the country. Are you with us? Sign up here to get more information and calls to action!
It’s always important to celebrate wins. We need joy and connection to keep us energized! Meanwhile the system of white supremacy we are organizing to dismantle continues to grind away. Last week, members of our Immigration Justice Working Group attended a virtual bond hearing for our comrade P, a nonbinary person of color who organizes with the New York Dignity Not Detention coalition and was recently detained by ICE. Here are a few reflections from our group chat afterward:
One person noted: “It was sobering and clarifying to see the face of the white millennial DHS lawyer as, after hearing P’s attorney list the endless examples of supportive resources, past compliance, and ongoing accomplishments, she still asked the judge to deny bond. It’s hard to think about the person willing to do that inhumane work, but important to confront and grapple with as a white person engaged in anti-racism organizing.”
Another responded: “I had a similar reaction. Also the different ways the system demands we humanize people in a certain way to prove their deservingness of freedom. We already know all these things, but still it’s always stark to see them in action.”
The first person again: “I was reminded of the staggering volume of evidence of ‘exemplary’ behavior and networks of support that is necessary just to get a judge to allow someone not to continue to sit in a cage. It was unsettling to see the previous person denied and to know that, in part, that humanizing evidence is being stacked up and presented in order to differentiate one person in line from another. It’s a useful (and upsetting) reminder of what the system is designed for. And of course to remember that the people operating and upholding it may be former classmates, neighbors, relatives, etc.”
In addition to wins across the country, there were progressive wins at the state level here in New York, with many of the 45 candidates who committed to supporting the Fair and Timely Parole and Elder Parole and Daniels Law bills winning campaigns. This is an excellent time to get engaged in the work of our partner organization, Release Aging People in Prison, by attending our holiday card writing party this Friday, November 13th, 6:30–8:30pm at the RAPP office in Chelsea. Cards and pens, etc, will be provided, we would love it if you could bring a snack to share! RAPP will also kick off the People’s Campaign for Parole Justice on December 1st with rallies across the state. The New York City rally will be at Macedonia Baptist Church of Harlem (452 W 147th St.). RSVP here.
Finally, RAPP will have their second annual Anti-Gala on Monday, December 13th. This is a great opportunity to honor those who have been doing essential work and move money to this incredible organization that has been holding it down for years. And save the date of January 26th to join us in Albany.
Onward,
SURJ NYC