Locked Up Locked Out

Posted July 14, 2014

This past Saturday at Locked up Locked out, community members came together to talk about the impact of the criminal justice system on our community. Shvonne Johnson Associate Dean of Students at St. Catherine’s offered a powerful spoken word piece that ask the question, what is our response to the system that criminalizes us? I think it is safe to say that 122+ signatures (and that is just the begining) for Governor Dayton to stop by North MPLS and talk about this issue is a solid response.

See you on the doors, but until then, here is Professor Johnsons spoken word piece.

Thank you to everyone who made #LockedUpLockedOut a success!

Locked up, Locked Out…

“To discuss the inhumanity of a system that is failing is not what this is about…
Although the system is failing…
To discuss a system that is broken is not what this poem is about.
Although it is broken…
This is about the pain of not having a place for mistakes and it being socially acceptable, and expected to be on the outskirts of humanity which might make you feel locked out.
We can talk about the socialization of our penal system which deems it lawful to subject a human being entirely to the domination of some influence or person.… Continue reading »

Locked Up Locked Out + Jobs

Posted July 9, 2014

We know that people with records face barriers to employment, housing and democracy and to add insult to injury, big companies make even BIGGER profits from us — but won’t hire a brotha with a past. All while keeping us from voting so we have no voice on Election Day.

Enough is enough. This Saturday, we are getting together to demand corporations give us a fair shot at a job and to make it clear to our elected officials that while people on probation for felony convictions can’t vote, our families can and will be at the polls. We will vote for the candidate who will listen to us and support an agenda that moves Minnesota forward and creates more opportunity and Justice 4 All of us.

Come out and join us as we share our stories, build an agenda and take action for change. Locked up Locked out is just the beginning, let’s build a movement. Register at this link: Locked up Locked out

Then keep scrolling for more events and 47 job postings to help with you job search below.

Peace,
Justin Terrell

Events:
Locked up Locked out
2nd Chance Saturday
Powerful Invitations Training
Running Effective Door Knocks and Phone Banks Training
Together for Health

Job Postings:

Below are some links to help with your job search.… Continue reading »

Sharing our stories at Locked Up Locked Out

Posted

Jamil Jackson grew up on the North side of Minneapolis with two parents and was active in school and sports. By age 16, Jamil found himself as the man of the house, with no parents and responsible for feeding 6 siblings by working part time at Target and doing what it takes to keep the lights on.

Today, Jamil is a leader in our community, but you may have never heard of him. I hadn’t, not until my 17 year old mentee told me about his Run and Shoot league. Every Sunday, Jamil and his coaches pack the gym at Farview Park with hundreds of the city’s best athletes. These kids show up and show out on the court, but Jamil also requires them to attend a mentoring session. At these sessions kids connect lessons from the court to life. When I spoke to the room full of kids, I asked, “do you know anyone with a criminal record?” and every hand in the room went up.

Ask yourself, what lessons have these kids learned? What obstacles do they have to navigate? Who do you think should be helping them navigate these obstacles? Maybe someone who has been through the same thing?… Continue reading »