August 10th is Prisoners Justice Day, a day set aside to remember all the men and women who have died unnatural deaths inside prisons–victims of murder, suicide and neglect.

Today is a day to raise public awareness of the economic and social costs of a system of criminal justice that punishes for revenge. If there is ever to be social justice, it will only come about using a model of healing justice, connecting people to the crimes and helping offenders take responsibility for their actions.

Today is a day to publicize that, in their fight for freedom and equality, the actions of many political prisoners have been criminalized by the government. As a result, there are false claims that there are no political prisoners in North American prisons. 

Today is a day to raise public awareness of the demands made by prisoners to change the criminal justice system and the brutal and inhumane conditions that lead to so many prison deaths.

Today is a day to oppose police and prison violence and brutality of all forms.

Today is a day to remember that there are a disproportionate number of people of colour and marginalized people in prisons. Prisons are the ultimate form of oppression against struggles of recognition and self-determination.

Today is a day to recognize the fact that a very high rate of women are in prison for protecting themselves against their abusers. This makes it obvious that the legal system does not protect women who suffer violence at the hands of their partners.

Today is a day to oppose the oppressive prison system and stand in solidarity with prisoners.

A special Revolutionary Love shout-out goes to my friend and teacher, Dr. Mutulu Shakur who celebrated his birthday this past monday. Stiff Resistance!

AND ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS!