pasttomodern

[pasttomodern]

Taina Asili created the song “Freedom” to express her feelings on brutality and express the freedoms we are still lacking in our justice system. Released on January 16, 2016 shot in various locations up North she explores the past experiences and new while acknowledges those who led the way. Her song brings together those in search of the same thing, freedom.

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Faith Bartley at the People's Paper Co-op , she was making less than six dollars a day and being paid under the table. Her story resonates with struggling single mom’s, and even other waitresses in her position. Now she is able to start a new job helping other clear their rap sheet, while holding a paper with pieces of her own. 1.11. 2016

[pasttomodern]

Faith Bartley at the People's Paper Co-op on January 11, 2016 , yet another victim of the system who overcame her adversities. She sat in jail for three months because she was unable to pay a $260 bail bond for a misdemeanor. She has now been able to work for People’s Paper Co-op helping others clear their records and find work.

[pasttomodern]

On November 2, 2008 on the 400 Block of Market Street, Dana Lomax was charged with driving under the influence. While incarcerated she was subject to searches by a male guard in which she refused and was sent to solitary confinement. She was instrumental in changing the law in Illinois and now it is illegal for male guards to search incarcerated women.

[pasttomodern]

Kamala Harris on September 9, 2019 speaks with Rolling Stone on her plans on reforming the criminal justice system. She has discussed consistently discussed how Black women are a huge factor in mass incarceration in the United States. As the first female Black President her role is not only influential to Black women, but a starting point for us to gain new roles.

[pasttomodern]

In the White House on January 26, 2021 President Biden signs in an executive action. This executive action is an order on racial equity which will address systematic racism, and specifically Black women. Vice President Kamala Harris has made it her agenda to end combat these racial injustices.

[pasttomodern]

On Tuesday, September 11, 2018 in her hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana Syrita Steib sits alongside Saints player Ben Watson to change a state law. Syrita Steib was able to restore voting rights to felons who have been out at least five years. She was also able to help push for a lower mandatory sentence for drug crimes.

[pasttomodern]

Syrita Steib is another causality of mass incarceration, while she has had the opportunity to help others in her same situation renew and rebuild. She launches Operation Restoration in New Orleans, LA on July 19, 2018 in order to protect and serve Black women. Her own story serves as a lesson to others on what one mistake can cost you, and she has made a career out of breaking the cycle starting in her community.

[pasttomodern]

On May 31, 2019 at Florida State College at Jacksonville Marissa tells the world her story. This is important to see her for what she is now, and what she came from. There are probably millions of women whom her story resonates with, and now she has survived both incarceration and domestic violence.

[pasttomodern]

Marrissa Alexander accepts plea deal in Jacksonville,Florida courtroom on Monday November 2014. She will recieve credit for the days she has already served for firing warning shots, this equates to 1,030 days already served. She was given a minimum 20 year sentence for firing warning shots, while protecting herself from an abuser, her team has utilized the stand your ground law for her release.