CA Hunger Strike Anniversary: A Day of Remembrance and Commitment

July 8, 2013 is a day we remember to never forget the torture the state of California willingly inflicts on human lives. On that day, 30,000 prisoners followed the lead of their fellow prisoners locked in solitary confinement and refused to eat. By one account, close to 100 people went without eating for 59 days before agreeing to eat in exchange for serious concessions from the California Department of Corrections.

In Santa Cruz, at least 37 prisoners joined the statewide strike to protest the inhumane conditions they are forced to live in. At least 5 people have died in the local jail since August, and according to the recently released Grand Jury report, these deaths were preventable. We join this day of action to amplify the voices of those inside and continue organizing & educating with our community to end the violence of imprisonment.

While certain changes have been made, we must carry forward the fight of the courageous hunger strikers until long-term solitary confinement is abolished in Santa Cruz and California.

On Tuesday afternoon, allies across the state will participate in rolling hunger strikes and hold local actions. Here in Santa Cruz, we will gather at 6:30pm at the Water & Pacific Ave. Clocktower to make these struggles against torture and criminalization visible! Bring banners, candles, or signs to contribute.

Sponsored by California Families to Abolish Solitary Confinement
& co-sponsored by:

Youth Justice Coalition, SFV 2nd Chance Scholarship, Catrinas del Barrio, Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law, Global Women's Strike, Family Unity Network, Reverend "Cecil" Chip Murray, Women of Color/GWS, Martin Luther King Coalition of Greater LA, Sin Barras, Every Mother is a Working Mother, FACTS, Fair Chance Project, Veterans for Peace LA, Prisoner Hunger Strike Solidarity, Interfaith Communities United for Justice and Peace, National Religious Campaign Against Torture, Touch Ministries, Peoples' Action for Rights and Community, SCCCCOR