An Interview with Jailhouse Lawyers Speak
The Louisville Workers Brigade
10/10/2024
What is Jailhouse Lawyers Speak and what are your primary goals?
Jailhouse Lawyers Speak (JLS) is a collective of imprisoned individuals who advocate for prison abolition, social justice, and the human rights of those behind bars. Our primary goals include dismantling the prison industrial slave complex, raising awareness about the injustices faced by people in jails, immigration (detention facilities), and prisons and providing legal resources that empower individuals (especially Jailhouse Lawyers) to fight against their oppression. We believe in a world where justice isn't achieved through imprisonment, but through community driven solutions.
Why should organized labor and the broad Working Class care about imprisoned working people?
Organized labor and the broad Working Class should care about imprisoned working people because our struggles are interconnected. The same systems that exploit workers outside also target marginalized communities through punitive measures and mass imprisonment. When the working class is sentenced to prison they are essentially modern day slaves per the US Constitution. By standing in solidarity with imprisoned folks, labor can reclaim its revolutionary roots and fight against capitalism's consequences that criminalize poverty. Recognizing the humanity and rights of those in prison is essential for a united labor movement that seeks justice for all.
What is the purpose of the SHUT 'EM DOWN 2024 campaign?
The SHUT 'EM DOWN 2024 campaign aims to galvanize awareness inside-out and action against the prison system by advocating for its total dismantling. It seeks to unify various movements—social justice, racial equality, and labor—to highlight the urgency of prison abolition. The campaign is about challenging the status quo, embracing transformative justice, and envisioning a society that prioritizes healing and community support rather than punishment. And while you’re organizing scream, Free Our Political Prisoners! Because at any moment you too can be a political prisoner for standing up, being active and speaking out!
What can working people do on the outside to help the cause? What can working people currently imprisoned do to organize?
Working people on the outside can contribute by educating themselves about prison abolition and advocating for systemic change. They can engage in grassroots activism, support anti-prison initiatives, and establish alliances with organizations like JLS. They can encourage local prisoners to create autonomous local JLS committees. Amplifying the voices and experiences of imprisoned individuals is crucial.
For those currently imprisoned, organizing can take place through education, communication, collaboration, and organizing local autonomous JLS committees. Building networks among fellow prisoners to share information, raise awareness about injustices, and develop strategic responses to systemic abuses is vital. They can also connect with outside supporters to form a broader coalition fighting for justice and abolition, demonstrating that collective action knows no walls.
Jailhouse Lawyers Speak: Empowering people in prisons, advocating for human rights.
DARE 2 STRUGGLE, DARE 2 WIN!!!
Visit us at www.jailhouselawyersspeak.com
For those located in the Greater Louisville, KY area, please visit www.louworkersbrigade.org/shut-em-down-2024 to learn about how you can get involved in our city’s participation in SHUT ‘EM DOWN 2024!