Rally in Santa Cruz for California Hunger Strike Anniversary

Rally in Santa Cruz for California Hunger Strike Anniversary

Text via Sin Barras
Photos by Bradley Allen

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 July 8, 2014, allies across the state participated in rolling hunger strikes and held local actions. In Santa Cruz, we gathered at the intersection of Water & Pacific Ave. to make these struggles against torture and criminalization visible!

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See Also:

• Sin Barras Rally at SC County Jail Held in Response to Recent Deaths at Facility (April 2013)
• Supporting California and Santa Cruz Prison Hunger Strikers at 'Hunger for Justice' (August 2013)
• Grand Jury Report on Jail Deaths Only a Snapshot of the Larger Picture (June 2014)