Criminal Justice Committee Meeting - A Fascinating One Indeed!

The meeting began with a discussion of how to get members very involved in advocating for reforms in the criminal justice system. Julia indicated that we should bring in experts to provide a seminar on aspects of the system, like prison operations or reentry services, so that members could then decide which areas interest them and how they can best be effective. Mattie, Bobby, and Malcolm said they would try to find knowledgeable teachers to teach committee members at our next few monthly meetings. David talked about some excellent meetings he had attended that were sponsored by Contra Costa organizations dealing with Black and Jewish relations. He also provided the links to the meetings.

Because of time limitations, instead of telling us his life’s story, committee member Bobby Jones-Hanley provided us a teaser to pique our interest for Bobby’s presentation at a future meeting. Bobby talked about being abandoned at 1ge 14, becoming independent at that age; getting involved in the juvenile justice system; earning a college scholarship; leaving college and getting involved in the criminal justice system and serving time in both state and federal prisons; and finding faith, putting him on a completely different path. Even in summary, it was a fantastic, moving story that had attendees asking for more!

Mattie Scott then spoke about how her life has been impacted by guns and the criminal justice system. Mattie, who is President of the Brady Organization in California, mentioned that her son was lost to gun violence and that prompted her to get involved in groups working with incarcerated people to help turn their lives around. Mattie talked about one group, No More Tears, and the seminars they sponsor in San Quentin to address the harm that racism has done to young Black people in our society. Mattie, who has worked with Bay Area police departments and has worked with San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott, talked a little about her work. The discussion got emotional as others spoke to these issues.

The meeting went beyond its allotted time and attendees said they wish we could talk for hours longer. Bobby and Mattie captivated their audience! We will have to do this again!

— Malcolm

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Notes from Julia:

Action Items:

• Members to provide more input to Malcolm on how they can best support the group.

• Plan to train, engage more people in advocacy

Summary

Malcolm described how the Unity Coalition is a terrific way to get attention of people he wants to meet with, such as State Legislators, CDCR and the governor’s office. These people will listen to him, because the Unity Coalition has credibility due to our ability to involve Black and Jewish clergy in our priorities. Malcolm asked about how people want to get involved, such as reading legislation, and advocating directly. One option would be to teach more of the group how to lobby and advocate, including developing long term relationships with representatives and being respectful of their time. Members responded positively to the idea of training. 

Bobby noted that while capacity of volunteers is always an issue, pre-made templates with key points and what to discuss help to motivate people and give them confidence. 

Mattie discussed some recent successes and areas needing more work. Community building is a key part of progress. She noted that the Brady anti-gun violence group was successful in getting bills passed by bringing in savvy young people with strong technical skills, and we could learn from people who have been working in this area.  For example, they were able to get legislators as well as the incarcerated involved in putting bills together. Another tactic that was effective was boycotting products made by industries that support racism, such Koch Brothers products, because they financed the defendants of Trevon Martin’s murder. Strategic planning is needed to create boycotts. 

David discussed how Contra County is looking for reforms, and advocacy groups were able to bring in experts from across the country. 

The group discussed the importance of voting rights and also of educating the police about harassment of men of color. 

Bobby discussed his life briefly, and how he was impacted by the criminal justice system. He observed that it is not a place for growing and healing and people feel the system is against them. He noted that people need to use the time wisely when in prison. We can push for better education in prisons, including good law and education libraries. These help people to transition and succeed. 

Mattie noted the importance of how people make choices matters. Prison is like slavery, but people limit their freedom on the outside by accepting bad choices. Nelson Mandela was free in prison, because his mind was free.  Young people especially can benefit from education, understanding history (eg the meaning of Billie Holliday’s Strange Fruit song) and who the real enemies are. There is plenty of work to do!