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Statement for 3rd Virginia Prison Justice Network Rally 1/11/2020

Rally Statement-

Peace and Justice to the Unified Family,

For the past 3 years I have watched the prison and criminal justice reform movement in Virginia grow in a way that in the past I could only imagine. There have been rallies, speak outs, forums, and mobile justice tours, also the House, the Senate, and the Governorship are all Blue for the first time in 26 years, but this is not enough. We cannot be satisfied with what we perceive as victories when no meaningful change has taken place. We must do more.

What comes next is the most critical phase of our plans for prison and criminal justice reform. On the inside we must do our part to qualify ourselves for a second chance, and on the outside we need those who believe in second chances to make their presence felt at the General Assembly. In this effort the support of SB91, (a bill to repeal the no parole statute from 1995), sponsored by Senator John Edwards is our main focus for it provides relief in the form of parole for Fishback, Juvenile, and New Law prisoners all at the same time.

In light of this we are requesting that after the rally today you join with the Virginia Prison Justice Network in forming committees to show up at the General Assembly and hold our elected officials accountable. The vote of the legislature should reflect the will of the people for it is your vote which placed them there in the first place. Please let your voices be heard and support the type of reform that opens the door towards ending mass incarceration in Virginia for it truly affects us all. Don't let this moment slip away.

Harambe! (Let's come together) Hassan Shabazz, VAPOC/VAPJN

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