criminal justice

I am tired of the lip service. Let’s do this.

“We are calling on lawmakers, businesses and others in Minnesota to help us make after-school programs more available to young people and families.”

This is an excerpt of an article published in Minnesota Women’s Press in August 1999, by reporter Patty Marsicano, which appears in “35 Years of Minnesota Women.“

Baxter’s juxtaposition of photographs and stories reveals how much race and privilege affect which future a person might have after making a mistake. As she reveals, we are all criminals; some simply get penalized differently than others, and are restricted from growing past their mistakes.

In the male-dominated criminal justice field, Anika Bowie stands out. She represents the Minneapolis NAACP as co-chair of the criminal justice reform committee and

Building a coalition to pass legislation to support pregnant women and new mothers in Minnesota prisons and jails

“Be the one to make the call [and report suspected abuse]. Don’t assume that someone else will do it.”

“If you have not received adequate education, adequate mental health services, you face racial discrimination – all of those cumulative disparities come together in the criminal justice system.”

“Do you think I’m weak? It takes real strength to say that you need help.”

“We’re here to stabilize and support people in the choices they make. … be supportive but also hold people accountable.”