Over the past week the horrific conditions on Rikers Island have been exposed, but we need to understand the full context of what is happening and why. A thread:
nytimes.com/2021/09/15/opi…
On Monday lawmakers toured Rikers and observed people without food, medicine, beds. Living in filth. Attempting suicide.
This isn’t because of a “shortage” of corrections officers, but because some NY officials are backtracking on the progress that has been made. The problem is fearmongering.
I’ve worked with advocates in New York to transform the criminal justice system for years, supporting several campaigns to#CloseRikers, pass bail reform, and end solitary confinement. Yet after each win, we are confronted by rollbacks.
Some NY police, prosecutors, judges, and lawmakers are threatened by progress. They prefer the status quo. Combined with court delays, the numbers in Rikers have been rising because of judges undermining reforms. It doesn’t have to be this way.
The good news is that the NYGov signed the Less is More Act on Friday. But to prevent more deaths on Rikers, @NYCMayor and other elected leaders need to stand up to the forces who seek to drag us backward & tell the public what is still true.
Loading up our jails doesn’t make us safe. And no one should die because they are too poor to buy their freedom.

We will continue to push forward. Follow @FreedomAgendaNY to learn more.

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More from @johnlegend

8 Jan
I know this week has been extremely troubling and many of us are justifiably pissed off at every one of the arsonists who tried to set our democracy on fire, I just want to take a moment to remember and celebrate the amazing work Georgians did to fight for a more perfect union.
We love you, Georgia. Our democracy has a fighting chance because of people like the citizens of Georgia. Thank you for showing up and choosing leaders like Jon @Ossoff and @ReverendWarnock who deserve to lead and represent you in Washington.
Thank you to @StaceyAbrams and all those who've joined her to help fight voter suppression, engage in communities across the state, and invite everyone to participate in our democracy. The GA elections wouldn't have been won without their incredible, tireless work.
Read 5 tweets
16 Oct 20
This is for Chrissy. I love and cherish you and our family so much. We’ve experienced the highest highs and lowest lows together. Watching you carry our children has been so moving and humbling.
I’m in awe of the strength you’ve shown through the most challenging moments. What an awesome gift it is to be able to bring life into the world. We’ve experienced the miracle, the power and joy of this gift, and now we’ve deeply felt its inherent fragility.
I wrote this song because I have faith that as long as we walk this earth, we will hold each other’s hands through every tear, through every up and down, through every test.
Read 7 tweets
13 Jul 20
Reporters always ask me if more artists should speak out about politics. I always say ummmmmm not necessarily.
It ain't for everybody. If you're more comfortable just making bops, do that. We need that in our lives too!
If you are going to speak out, try to do your homework. Read about it. Talk to activists and organizers and people impacted. Be open to evolution and changing your mind. Be intentional and strategic. And think about the impact of your words on the real lives of real people
Read 6 tweets
8 Jul 20
District Attorney elections are crucial to changing our criminal justice system. August is a big month for D.A. races in AZ, FL, and MI. I’m closely following the upcoming elections on August 4th and 18th, and there are 5 candidates I am paying close attention to.
Victoria Burton-Harris believes no person in Wayne County should be in jail simply because they can't afford bail, or fear that their child will end up in handcuffs after a schoolyard game. Vote for @VBH4Prosecutor by August 4.
See her full platform here: victoria2020.org/platform
Eli Savit is running on a restorative justice platform to fix the broken criminal justice system as the next Washtenaw County Prosecutor. Vote for @EliNSavit by August 4!
Read 7 tweets
27 Jun 20
Real problem: realtors don't show black people all the properties they qualify for. Fake problem: calling the master bedroom the master bedroom. Fix the real problem, realtors.
Me saying this is a real problem doesn't mean that you, offended real estate agent, do it. It doesn't mean 100% of you do it. It means it's widespread and well-documented enough to be an actual issue. As my grandfather/pastor used to say, "I'm not talkin bout u unless it's u"
If you're not doing it, thank you. But also show some leadership by recognizing that it's real and encouraging your colleagues to do better
Read 4 tweets
7 Jun 20
A Black Mother Discusses Defunding the Police essence.com/amp/feature/de…
I know this word "defund" has caused some controversy, even from some who are inclined to agree with a lot of the underlying arguments. Some hear that word and envision The Purge, some dystopian descent into anarchy
Some intentionally want to cast the argument in extremes like that so they can score political points. But I ask that those of you who are reasonable and actually care about making this country healthy and safe for all people engage with the thoughtful arguments in this piece
Read 10 tweets

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