Letter to the Editor: Working For Incarceration Reform

To the editor:

Now is the time to dismantle systems of criminalization and incarceration which target Black and brown community members, criminalize poverty, and separate people from their families. Almost two dozen groups throughout the Hudson Valley have joined together to form the Decarcerate the Hudson Valley Coalition. This coalition will build power with community-based organizations, formerly incarcerated and directly impacted people, faith leaders and advocates across the Hudson Valley to demand lawmakers pass legislation that will create alternatives that advance justice and liberation for all and build a world where all of our communities have what they need to thrive.

We stand united in the belief that this is a critical moment in our country's history, one that requires moral clarity and bold action by our state’s leaders. New York must act to ensure the basic human dignity for all and to create a world without cages.

Decarcerate the Hudson Valley is working on passing legislation focused on ending oppressive policing, decriminalizing drugs, reforming sentencing laws, connecting families, fixing the broken prison system, and protecting incarcerated peoples. The Coalition recognizes that these broad issues have manifested themselves in many reprehensible and harmful ways. We have a collection of bills that when implemented will tackle our racist and unjust criminal legal system and immigration system.

Join us as we follow the lead of those impacted and call for bold action!

Vanessa Agudelo
New York Immigration Coalition
Peekskill