In partnership with the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU), we invite you to join us for a powerful discussion on bail, pretrial justice, and so much more. This event will feature a panel of some of our movement’s most forward-thinking leaders on bail reform.

WHAT: Justice Not Fear - Challenging the Backlash to Bail Reform

WHEN: Thursday, March 5, 2020, 6 PM - 8 PM

WHERE: Community Folk Art Center, 805 E Genesee St, Syracuse, NY 13210

COST: Free. Paid parking is available. Reception begins at 5:30 pm.

For the past two months, we have witnessed a barrage of attacks on the Bail Elimination Act of 2019. Instead of working to implement this historic law, police, prosecutors, and the media have been spreading sensationalized stories about the legally innocent people being released from jail. To them, our neighbors, family members, friends, and loved ones are automatically guilty until proven innocent.

It's time for us to set the record straight. Criminalizing poverty by detaining those who can't afford bail doesn't make us any safer. Mental health treatment, living wages, affordable housing create community safety. And now, states, like New York are providing the support people need to make it back to court while also addressing the root causes of intra-communal harm and violence.

Our movement to abolish cash bail will NOT go back to the dark days of keeping Black and brown people in cages simply because they are too poor to secure their freedom. We must demonstrate a unified front as a community to those vehemently opposed to our pursuit of justice.

Join us on March 5!