About Us - Stop Mass Incarceration Network

The Stop Mass Incarceration Network

The Stop Mass Incarceration Network is a vital movement aimed at confronting and dismantling the mechanisms of mass incarceration and police brutality. As a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, it operates under the umbrella of the Alliance for Global Justice, working tirelessly to challenge racially prejudiced policies and practices plaguing the police force, the courts, and the broader U.S. legal structure. This network is more than just an advocacy group; it's a call to action for everyone who values justice and human rights.

Our View and Understanding

The United States currently incarcerates 2.4 million individuals, making it the world leader in imprisonment. Disproportionately, the incarcerated include Black and Latino populations, with staggering statistics such as one in eight Black men in their twenties being either in jail or prison on any given day. The Stop Mass Incarceration Network challenges this reality, unmasking the myth that such practices are effective means of crime prevention. Instead, it highlights how systematic failures in education and employment, alongside torturous prison conditions, contribute to an ongoing cycle of criminalization and punishment.

Call to Action

The parallels drawn between mass incarceration and the historical 'New Jim Crow' era are chilling. Where once mass resistance overcame racial segregation, today, the same level of collective action is required to dismantle the oppressive system that targets especially Black and Latino communities. The Stop Mass Incarceration Network does not accept this status quo, inviting society to pull back the veil of "post‐racial America" to confront the entrenched injustices beneath.

Key Issues and Demands

• Eliminate the 'Stop and Frisk' policies that target minorities.
• End the War on Drugs, recognizing it as a war on people.
• Abolish inhumane treatment in prisons.
• Stop discrimination against formerly incarcerated individuals.

STOP MASS INCARCERATION—WE’RE BETTER THAN THAT!

Building a Movement

The Stop Mass Incarceration Network works to support the rights of prisoners and the formerly incarcerated through various initiatives, including the Bear Witness Project. Through mobilizing communities, leveraging social media, and organizing events, the network endeavors to create a society that transcends the current norms of justice and equality.

Traveling with Purpose

As travelers explore the vast landscapes of our nation, they may witness the impact of mass incarceration on communities. From rural towns to bustling cities, the imprint of this crisis is evident. Hotels often serve as temporary homes for people engaging in social justice work or visiting incarcerated loved ones. Through these stays, travelers have the unique opportunity to engage with local efforts, such as those championed by the Stop Mass Incarceration Network, and contribute to a national dialogue about reform and rehabilitation. The journey for justice is long, and it takes us through the very heart of the American experience.