New Jersey is the worst state in the nation regarding our immoral Black to White (30:1) youth incarceration ratio. This stain on our conscious exists despite the fact that youth of all colors commit delinquent acts at similar rates.

Salvation and Social Justice joins the 150 Years is Enough Campaign because we are committed to the ABOLITION of youth prisons. Incarcerating youth at the price tag of $289,000 per year per child speaks to the “slave trade like” economic structure that fuels our youth justice system.

Over 160 million dollars have been appropriated for building new secure facilities (aka PRISONS). Although the youth prison population has dwindled over the past several years the infrastructure around it stays intact. We oppose these projects and urge the Governor, the JJC, and the Attorney General’s office to halt these plans. It is imperative that we find ways to make meaningful investments in our children’s future not their incarceration. The fact is we have tried to negotiate with the AG’s office and the JJC for nearly two years and have been outrightly rejected. We have no other alternative but to mobilize.

• Sign our No New Youth Prisons open letter to the Governor and other elected officials; and

• Attend our Lock Arms to Unlock Our Kids rally on Saturday, May 18, where we will support the introduction of new historic youth justice legislation. Information can be found on the flyer below. Please RSVP here.

The struggle continues but liberation is coming.