The Moral Arc of the Universe Bends Toward Justice
Dear Friends,
On Monday, we celebrate the legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It’s a legacy dedicated to peace and the pursuit of racial justice.
One way to meaningfully honor Dr. King is through acts of service. For the folks who are local, Montclair State University is offering a series of volunteer opportunities open to student, faculty, and local community members.
I also encourage you to take action steps that will promote social change. Dr. King was opposed to capital punishment. You can read my latest piece To Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., End the Death Penalty and join me in honoring Dr. King by advocating for the end of the death penalty at the federal and state levels. You don’t need to live in a death penalty state to make a difference.
Another way to honor Dr. King is to learn more about the criminal legal system. Mass incarceration and its disparate impact on the poor and on people of color stand in stark contrast to Dr. King’s messages of hope and racial equality.
A new book, What is a Criminal?: Answers from Inside the US Justice System (ed. Katherine S. Gaudet), provides a window into the criminal justice system with essays written by the incarcerated, their families, law enforcement, and scholars. I am delighted to have contributed a book chapter to this excellent and important volume.
I wish you and your family a day of reflection and peace.
Take care,
Jessica