"i want to stress the importance of highlighting the organizations, people, and various resources below because of their endless dedication to ending mass incarceration and helping individuals heal from the pain caused by a system built off of cruelty and injustice. and i want to thank you for your recognition of these incredible people and their pursuits. every contribution goes a long way when it comes to making change, so know that your every effort is monumental to the movement. please continue to fight for justice, support your community, and always look out for your fellow humans." -laureen huynh
get involved on campus!
the button below will take you to the page that highlights ucla organizations that are working for justice and change. read more about their work, goals, and ways you can get involved right here on campus.
the center for justice at ucla
ucla's center for justice, an additional asset under the prison education program (read more about pep by clicking the button above!), offers an extensive variety of educational and action-based resources around the overarching topic of incarceration and the justice system. read about how they are working to end injustice and cruelty against human life through transformative processes and the promotion of creative engagement and higher education.
New way of life re-entry project
THE new way of life RE-entry project serves formerly incarcerated individuals and works to provide them with accessible and safe ways to re-integrate after their release. the organization provides formerly incarcerated women with safe housing, works to reunite families after incarceration, and offers legal services to protect human rights, among many other important missions. visit their site via the button below to learn more about their work and opportunities to get involved through careers or volunteer positions.
Million dollar hoods
led by Dr. Kelly Lytle Hernandez and Dr. Danielle Dupuy, this ucla-based research project aims to increase awareness and education regarding incarceration in la by collecting and documenting data. visit their site to learn more about arrest trends, how much money is being put into policing, and statistics of incarcerated persons including demographics (age, race, gender) and arrest dates.
tía chucha's centro cultural and bookstore
tía chucha's centro cultural and bookstore amplifies the voices of marginalized communities as they continuously combine arts with cultural education and activism. view their site to see upcoming events and read more about the work they do to bring together and empower the community.
12677 glen oaks blvd, sylmar, CA 91342 (hours available on site)
youth justice coalition la
the youth justice coalition in la seeks to dismantle the justice system that perpetuates the mass incarceration of people of color. on their site, you can find job postings, their campaigns, history of action, how to get involved with the movement, and many more resources.
abolitionist sanctuary
a black, feminist faith-based coalition led by nikia robert. Founded in la, the abolitionist sanctuary now works nationwide to repair the damages on humanity caused by incarceration. they work to undo the criminalization of impoverished black motherhood. their site features many resources, including educational articles on abolitionism and a list of their services provided.
Healing Dialogue and action
founded in LA by catholic lay-leader Javier Stauring, this southern california organization works to build healing inside of the prisons and outside for people impacted by violence and incarceration. their mission is to heal individuals impacted by incarceration and violence through therapeutic support. they imagine a world without violence and are taking the steps to make progress toward change for all of humanity.
reform alliance
a national organization founded by rapper Meek Mill working to transform the US carceral system by eliminating the technical infractions that result in parole/probation violations. They work to actualize change and reform by incorporating religious communities for bi-partisan action for justice.
anti-recidivism coalition
an LA-based international organization led by formerly-incarcerated activist Sam Lewis to work against recidivism for formerly incarcerated people. They seek to break the cycle of violence that keeps people trapped in the system by providing a support network, re-entry programs, and opportunities to advocate for change while thriving as an individual.
"Redeemed on the Inside: Radical Accounts of Ecclesia Incarcerate"
written by Jason S. Sexton
as of winter 2024, Dr. sexton currently teaches a course on prison religion at ucla. this particular research article "reflects on the prison church's voracity for transformation of folks on the inside." his current scholarly work is "interrogating the eugenic-logic (often propped up by religious logic) that has enabled the system to emerge in the ways it has." (quotes provided by dr. sexton)
HomeBoy Industries
Homeboy industries serves as the largest gang rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world. Working with community centered Values in order to harvest an environment of Success while simultaneously decreasing rates of recidivism. Check out their website on ways to support and get involved.
Jorja LeaP
Jorja Leap is a professor at the UCLA Luskin School of pUBLic Affairs and member of the social welfare department. Her work centers around gangs, violence, and system Reform at the multi-cultural setting. She is a beloved writer, policy advisor, researcher, and Social Worker. We recommend students to enroll in the courses she teachers at UCLA under the Public Affairs Department.
Bryonn Bain
Bryonn Bain is a professor at the World Arts and Culture department at UCLA. hE HAS EXPLORED A WIDE RANGE OF MEDIUMS THROUGH HIS ROLES AS A Scholar, activist, DIRector, actor, writer, producer, and Spoken word artist. Ultimately, Bryonn uses art and activism to build movements of reform and abolition. He has worked to establish higher educational opportunities in California prisons as THE FOUNDING DIRECTOR OF THE UCLA PRISON EDUCATION PROGRAM. He now offers courses at UCLA which teach university students alongside those who are incarcerated. We urge students to explore the wide range of departmental courses he offers.
David C. Turner iii
"Dr. David C. Turner III is an Assistant Professor of Black Life and Racial Justice in the Department of Social Welfare at the Luskin School of Public Affairs at UCLA. He is also a faculty affiliate with the Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies, and the associate director of the Million Dollar Hoods Project on campus. As an activist scholar from Inglewood, California, his research broadly focuses on social movements, political identity, and resistance to the prison regime."
Robin D. G. Kelley
Robin Davis Gibran Kelley is a professor at the UCLA HISTORY DEPARTMENT. His research centers around social movements in the u.s, the African diaspora and Africa, as well as music and visual culture. He is an admired writer and educator. Robin D. G. Kelley will also be having a conversation with Samora after the show.
