Statistics show that one in every three Black males born today can expect to go to prison at some point in their lives. Black males have had higher imprisonment rates across all age groups, than all other races and Hispanic males. We live in a society where citizens are groomed to think that people who look like this (Black), are criminals and dangerous. Which is why Blacks are filling the prisons today.
We are living in a time where incarceration rates of Black males, are at an all time high, with record breaking amounts of African Americans in prison. And since Blacks are being faced with this reality, many are starting to do something about it.
A Prayer Vigil and Mass Incarceration Workshop took place, Feb. 28, at noon. People came together for the event at Lincoln Park Community Center.
It was organized by 5A Elite Youth Empowerment and the Penn Hills District NAACP. Numerous organizations joined the Prayer Vigil such as; the Pittsburgh Chapter of Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, Coalition of Labor Union Women, and United Steelworkers. Not only members of these organizations attended, but members of the Black neighborhoods supported as well. Families dealing with loved ones who are incarcerated were also encouraged to participate.
“My son has been in prison for almost five years now, and I hate to say it but it doesn’t get easier seeing your loved one shackled and behind bars,” Renee Boswell said. “Sometimes, all I feel I can do is pray for my child, so to hold a prayer vigil in the community for those who are incarcerated was incredible. Thank you.”
The Prayer Vigil concentrated on unity, vision, and strength among community leaders and activists. Praying over those who bring awareness to the community, and protest the community dividing proposal of Marcia Cereza, the President of the Penn Hills Zoning Board.
In a statement the AFL-CIO said that their mass incarceration workshop is focused on understanding the history and growth of incarceration in the U.S. and it’s impact on the communities of color and low income, articulating the fundamental unfairness of the current criminal system which focuses on punishment and not on rehabilitation and taking the first steps to fix this unfair criminal justice system and address the impact of mass incarceration within the communities.
“We can no longer turn the other cheek to what is happening to our race and members of our communities,” said Khendall Bayer a member of the NAACP. “I’m pleased to see such unification for such a serious cause.”
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