Attached is an Open Letter regarding the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women from NAACP Newark NJ.

Why would NAACP Newark NJ engage in addressing activities outside of Newark?

Over the years our office has received calls for help from Newark women who are serving their time at this facility.

Under the leadership of  Rick Robinson, our Criminal Justice Chairperson (who also serves as the NJSCNAACP Criminal Justice Chairperson), he has been earnestly advocating for at least the past six years to deaf ears on behalf of the women who are housed there.  Recent allegations and exposers have brought the matter to light once again.

We are compelled to offer solutions to this long standing human rights and social justice issue.  Equity and fairness should not be only relegated to some residents based on situation or circumstance but encompass a person from the halls of justice, to the prison cell and to their respective community upon re- entry into the general society.    We are imploring all branches of state government, all those in decision making positions regarding the health and welfare of inmates to address the issue at Edna Mahan and to have the courage to resolve it with “all deliberate speed.”