“We have always believed that we have to meet our clients where they are at.” Corey Howell from @UsHelpingUs describing their origins as the one of the first health centers for Black LGBTQ people in DMV. #D4BLDMV
“At no point during the pandemic have we closed. Life doesn’t stop. And we recognize that.” Cory Howell @UsHelpingUs
“We are a national initiative focused on abolishing youth prisons and focusing on getting that money invested in the cities where youth live.” Carmen Daugherty @NoKidsInPrison #D4BLDMV
“Prisons are not designed for pandmeics. 2% of all young people in prisons have tested positive to COVID-19 - and that is just based on unreliable testing protocols.” @NoKidsInPrison #COVID19
Jonathan Hutt speaks on the work of @EmpowerDC. “We take direction from directly impacted communities... real affordable housing is a life or death issue. Housing is a human right.” #D4BLDMV
Jonathan is speaking about @EmpowerDC’s switch to direct service in this moment - expanding mutual aid, food distribution and directly working with public house residents to meet the immediate needs of community. Recalling the legacy of Black Panther survival programs. #COVID19
What can we do in this moment? Carmen Daugherty says use data as a tool. @NoKidsInPrison have active campaigns in 10 states to abolish youth prisons and invest those funds into community. Understand what is going on in with your state budget & demand change. #COVID19 #D4BLDMV
“Black Lives Matter Plaza was a great move, but we have to ask how much do Black Lives Matter in DC?
When you look at mass displacement of Black communities, and the fact that the majority of Black people live in Ward 7 or 8 where there is no hospital.” Cory Howell #COVID19
When you look at mass displacement of Black communities, and the fact that the majority of Black people live in Ward 7 or 8 where there is no hospital.” Cory Howell #COVID19
“There is no compromise when we speak to the eradication of oppression - racism, homophobia, sexism. In terms of how we get there, there has to be a flexibility of tactics. We have to move with the people, and with their contradictions as well.” Jonathan Hutton @EmpowerDC
“The streets will enhance our radical advocacy and our ability to speak truth to power.” Jonathan Hutton @EmpowerDC
“Pressure comes from data. The @SentencingProj has been to track the data of COVID-19 cases in prisons everyday, and the curve is not flattening.” Carmen Daugherty @NoKidsInPrison
“We are on a continuum of improving the status quo. For too long the status quo for our people has been shit. We can make sure that 2020 is the end of an era.” Powerful, Cory Howell.
“In the words of Brother George Jackson, we must settle our quarrels, come together and recognize that fascism is here. Embrace love and humanity amongst each other.” Yes! Thank you Jonathan Hutton @EmpowerDC
Last words: what can you do? 1) find a campaign at @NoKidsInPrison and support. nokidsinprison.org
3) Demand that DC becomes a state! DC is literally a colony within this country and statehood has been denied largely because of its Black majority. standupamerica.com/page/dc-stateh…
5) and finally, but of greatest importance. Join, become a member of, and help build a Black-led organization. Join a Data for Black Lives hub, join @EmpowerDC, @NoKidsInPrison or find one where you live!
