As guests entered the sanctuary of Holman United Methodist Church on April 29,“Glory” by Common and John Legend played. A large screen also depicted images of civil rights leaders past and present, protests, civil unrest, and citizens as they prepare to vote for Prop. 47. The montage illustrated the strides people of color have made and the reality that the struggle is not over.
Has the ‘glory come’? The answer to this question is what led more than 500 community members to come together to learn how the passage of Prop. 47 is changing the landscape of the Criminal Justice System in California. This proposition mandates creation of new sentencing guidelines for offenders accused of comitting non-violent crimes. It also allows for funding that would have been used to house inmates in cells to be allocated to community reentry programs.
This third of four town hall meetings sponsored by LA Voice-PICO provided an opportunity for community members, clergy, ex-offenders and families of those incarcerated to engage in dialogue with local leaders and public officials. Proponents of Prop. 47 believe the legislation provides a clear roadmap to correct the social injustices related to mass incarceration. Those in attendance were eager to hear from Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis, Chief Probation Officer Jerry Powers and Chair of the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) Linda Penner about the measures being taken to ensure the community truly benefits from Prop. 47.
Solis said that she along with Supervisors Sheila Kuehl and Mark Ridley-Thomas understand the significance of this measure and how it can reduce recidivism, incarceration rates and provide opportunities for offenders to become productive members of society. Collaboration was the underlying theme of questions asked by members of the community. They wanted to be reassured that there would be a place for them at the table as well as an opportunity to share how funds would be best utilized in their communities.
Penner made it clear that she believes hearing from the community is vital. She also encouraged people to share their ideas not just with local leaders but with their state assembly in Sacramento.
Powers urged business owners to hire members of the reentry population.
Personal stories from ex-offenders gave a face to Prop. 47. Myesha Alexander was serving a 12-year prison sentence for a non-violent drug offense, when she learned it passed. The crowd erupted in cheers after Myesha announced she was released in December of 2014.
Miguel Lugo emotionally talked about the first time he walked into Homeboy Industries, how they enabled him to get tattoos removed and provided him with job training. His message was clear—reentry programs like the one offered through Homeboy Industries—changed his life and can do the same for others.
At the conclusion of the evening, guests were asked to stand, join hands and sing the chorus of “We Shall Overcome.” This was a powerful moment as members of various ethnic backgrounds, religious beliefs, socio-economic status and professions joined in solidarity to continue the fight for social justice. They demonstrated the passion and resilience of a determined people who have and will continue to overcome. Prop 47 is redefining sentencing guidelines that disproportionately incarcerate people of color. The legislation is equipping ex-offenders with skills to succeed and increase the funding of reentry programs. For many in attendance, Prop. 47 moves the community one step closer to ‘Glory.’
