April 28: Books Not Bars statewide candlelight vigil

Dear friend,

We are writing to let you know about STOP THE TRAGEDIES, STOP THE ABUSE — the first statewide action in Books Not Bars' "Alternatives for Youth" Campaign.

On Wednesday April 28, people up and down California will be coming together in a statewide candlelight vigil to remember Durrell Feaster and Deon Whitfield. On January 19, Durrell,18, and Deon,17, were found hanged in the cell they shared in the California Youth Authority (CYA), the state's youth prison system.

TURNING TRAGEDY INTO HOPE: BNB's 'Alternative for Youth' Campaign

Durrell's and Deon's tragic deaths are the most striking and sobering testaments to the need for fundamental change in the way that California deals with youth who are in trouble.

If you are unfamiliar with CYA, here is a brief list of some of the human rights abuses exposed in recent official reports:

• locking youth in 23-hour-a-day solitary confinement without cause for months on end
  
• locking youth in four-by-four cages during class time
  
• rampant violence, often instigated by guards
  
• abuse of chemical weapons on wards
  
• virtually non-existent care (8- to 19-month waiting periods for service) for wards with mental health or substance abuse problems
  
• shocking negligence in medical care, especially emergency care

These conditions are a disgrace to the entire state. This is why Books Not Bars has launched the "Alternatives for Youth" Campaign – our campaign to replace the scandal-ridden CYA with a humane system that focuses on rehabilitation, not punishment.

WHAT CAN YOU DO? COME TO THE VIGIL!

Come to the first statewide action in Books Not Bars' "Alternatives for Youth" Campaign. Now is the time to put an end to this abuse. Now is the time to take a stand.

Stand with Durrell's and Deon's families.

Stand with Families for Books Not Bars, community leaders, and youth across California.

Stand for hope, healing and justice.

Come to "Stop the Tragedies, Stop the Abuse," Books Not Bars' statewide candlelight vigil.


Stay tuned for details about vigils in Los Angeles, Sacramento, Fresno and elsewhere throughout the state. You can always find up-to-date info here.

For more info, contact:
Mike Molina
415.951.4844 x229