Ending the Slavery Loophole

Join the Democrats Abroad Global Progressive Caucus, Global Black Caucus, and Reparations Task Force on December 26 at 12:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. CET / 10:30 p.m. IST for the next edition of Monthly Mondays for Progressive Minds. This month, our discussion will center on efforts to end forced prison labor, known as the “slavery loophole.”  

Nine U.S. states still allowed forced prison labor as a form of criminal punishment at the start of 2022. During the midterms, voters in five states weighed in on ballot measures calling to amend their constitutions to prohibit slavery and involuntary servitude. The ballot initiatives passed in Tennessee, Vermont, Alabama, and Oregon. However, in Louisiana – the state with, by far, the highest prison population – Amendment 7 was rejected with over 60% of the vote.

During our discussion, national advocates and Louisiana-based activists will join us to share why Amendment 7 failed. We will also learn about the impact of forced prison labor, the next steps in the fight to end involuntary servitude, and the need for reparative action to address the ongoing legacy of chattel slavery.

 Confirmed speakers so far include: 

• Kenniss Henry, legislative director of the National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America (N’COBRA)
• Terrance Winn, founder of Priorities, Intentions, Practical Exchanges (PIPES)

 

All are welcome to attend! Please RSVP to receive the Zoom link. 

Check out these resources for orienting information:

National Institute of Corrections statistics for Louisiana

About Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee

Innocence Project Angola prison testimonials

Truthout article on failed Amendment 7

Vancouver, CA	9:00 - 10:30 am
Washington DC	12.00 - 1:30 pm
London, UK	5:00 - 6:30 pm
Vienna, AT	6:00 - 7:30 pm
Nairobi, Kenya	8:00 - 10:30 pm
Mumbai, India	10:30 pm- 12:00 am

 

 

WHEN

Monday, December 26, 2022 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada) Time

CONTACT

GlobalProgressive Caucus
[email protected]

36 RSVPs