On the behalf of the Virginia Prison Prison Justice Network (VAPJN) and Virginia Prisoner of Conscience (VAPOC) I would like to thank everyone who made the prison reform rally a success this year. Though I was not able to be there in person I have been told by everyone who went on my behalf that the people are ready for change and their appearance at the reform rally and their tuning in to news coverage is evidence of that to me.
The key to our success here in Virginia is that we have not become satisfied or complacent when a certain level of progress has been achieved, we keep right on pushing, and this year cannot be any different. We must now show up in droves at the General Assembly in support of the prison reform bills. We realize that many may not be able to make the trip so we ask that you email your Representatives and show your support. If we do not, then all that we have done up to his point is for naught. Also, we must understand that this is not a microwaveable solution. As I have said before, it requires an oven of activism. Persistence is the key. There is no doubt that we will not get everything this time around, but if we remain consistent we can accomplish what we will.
Once again, thank you to all of the activists, organizations, and supporters that have given their blood, sweat, and tears to the prison and criminal justice reform movement here in Virginia. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stated that the ark of the universe bends toward justice. If we believe that this is true then after so many years of Truth-in-Sentencing, which has produced a culture of mass incarceration, it is only right that the balance of justice be restored. Let us band together and seize the moment for the time has come for us all to see a better day.
Hassan Shabazz, VAPOC/VAPJN