During this season we are called to protect the most marginalized people in our community. This responsibility is more important than ever as we continue facing the multiple pandemics of COVID-19, police brutality, and racial disparities throughout the (in)justice system. Now we find ourselves in a critical moment where New Jersey can expedite the release of people nearing the end of their sentences by passing the Public Health Emergency Credit Bill (A4235).

On Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020, a press conference organized by New Jersey Prison Justice Watch, Salvation and Social Justice, and the ACLU of New Jersey  – Bring Them Home Alive: Voices from Inside Prison and Their Loved Ones During COVID-19 – will feature prominent voices in the conversation to pass the Public Health Emergency Credit bill to release people nearing the end of their sentences up to eight months early to stem the deadline COVID-19 outbreaks in New Jersey prisons.

Speakers will include legislative sponsors Assemblyman Raj Mukherji and Senator Nellie Pou, loved ones of people who have died of COVID-19 in prison before they could be released, loved ones of currently incarcerated people due to be released soon, currently incarcerated people speaking about their experiences inside, and advocates from leading New Jersey social justice organizations ACLU of New Jersey, Salvation and Social Justice, and New Jersey Prison Justice Watch.

WHAT:

Press Conference to Bring Them Home Alive:

Voices From Inside Prison and Their Loved Ones During COVID-19

WHEN:

Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020 at 11 a.m.

WHO:

Scott Clements, Brother of Brian Clements, who is fighting to survive to come home for his Feb. 2021 release date

Bernice Ferguson, Mother of Rory Price, who died of COVID-19 weeks before his release date

Assemblyman Raj Mukherji, Assembly Sponsor of A4235, Public Health Emergency Credits bill

Senator Nellie Pou, Senate Sponsor of S2519, Public Health Emergency Credits bill

Rev. Charles F. Boyer, Founder and Director, Salvation and Social Justice

Rev. J Amos Caley, New Jersey Prison Justice Watch

Amol Sinha, Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey

Justice Rountree, New Jersey Prison Justice Watch

WHERE:

Register at: https://aclu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QCaRHsnIQ-GSUmxRzP9gLA