The New Jersey Abolition Workshop, a project co-organized by the Socialist Party of New Jersey, held it's monthly event on August 28, 2024. The topic was "Understanding Black August".
Speakers included Edwin Ortiz, Executive Director of the Returning Citizens Group, Johanna Fernandez, Ass. Professor of Baruch College and author of "The Young Lords - A Radical History" and a special pre-recorded message from Mumia Abu-Jamal for the event. The event was MC'd by Renee Johnston.
Mumia's message focused on the importance of Black August, and specifically the history of Haiti in the struggle against imperialism.
Edwin Ortiz spoke on the Returning Citizens Support Group's work with formally incarcerated individuals and the struggles for housing, employment, as well as issues faced by incarcerated individuals inside prisons.
Johanna Fernandez spoke on the need for abolition and answered questions from the attendees in the meeting and on Zoom.
The NJ Abolition workshop is held monthly, in person at the HUUB in Orange, NJ and people can also attend virtually, using Zoom.
The Socialist Party's End the Prison Industrial Complex campaign and the People of Color Commission have encouraged Black August events. You can get more info on the End the Prison Industrial Complex campaign at https://www.socialistpartyusa.net/epic and info on the Party's People of Color Commission by emailing socialists.of.color@gmail.com.
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