Part Two
After an Ending is Always a Beginning

As this year's Black August ends, let's continue our ongoing practice of learning its revolutionary knowledge and traditions. This feeling continues as we say farewell to Hamdiya at LSPC—who was an incredible force that forever changed how we organize—and uplift her on her new adventures. Her philosophies, lessons, and kindness will continue to inform the movement. Her 30 years of service have left an enormous impact and we wish her an amazing transition to retirement!
"The Matriarch at LSPC, has Passed the Torch"
 

On the last day of July, Hamdiya walked into the Freedom and Movement Center for her final workday. Little did she know that there was a surprise awaiting her. Staff drove her to a restaurant for a special lunch and celebration, adorned with cakes, thank you cards, and a sign reading "The Queen Has Retired." We exchanged stories and expressed our gratitude for such a powerful leader in our lives. Her impact goes beyond words. Thank you Hamdiya for all that you've done, and we wish you a happy retirement!
 
Read Her Feature in the March AOUON Newspaper
  • We are excited to announce that the Keep Families Close Act (AB 1226 Haney) was signed on July 21st by the Governor! AB 1226 requires CDCR to respect the rights of minor children to remain in contact with their incarcerated parents. The act will go into effect this January; learn more here.
  • Additionally, Policy staff members met with Wisconsin State Senator Lena Taylor, on August 7th, to plan a strategy for abolishing involuntary servitude in the State Constitution. Currently, "slavery" is still in the Wisconsin State Constitution. We look forward to its success!
  • On August 10th, Policy Fellow Tatiana Lewis along with members of SF Bike, SF Public Defenders, and SPUR discussed the efforts behind ending pretext traffic stops. Thanks to their efforts, San Francisco deprioritized pretext traffic stops, following the footsteps of Los Angeles and Berkeley.
  • The Policy Fellows, Staff Attorney Kellie Waters, Policy Analyst Jeronimo Aguilar, and Family Unity Coordinator Ivana Cortez made public comments on August 9th, in Sacramento, against the proposed visitation regulations for CDCR (Read the language here: NCR-23-05). If enacted, it is more likely for unreasonable and intrusive searches to occur for visitors.
AOUON Supports FCI Dublin Survivors

On August 16th, survivors of sexual abuse at FCI Dublin and advocates held a large rally and press conference in front of the building to announce a class-action lawsuit against guards and officials. About 20 community organizations joined to express their alliance and support.

All of Us or None staff and members stand in solidarity in front of the Dublin Federal Building.
Learn More on KQED
 
Job Opportunity! Development Director

Legal Services for Prisoners with Children (LSPC) is a legal services support center that advocates for the civil and human rights of incarcerated parents, family members, former prisoners, and communities most affected by incarceration. We are seeking an experienced Development Director who brings an understanding for our work and a passion for social justice to our team of 27 staff members.

Click here for the full job description and requirements.
Community Outreach

Want to get involved in AOUON organizing and advocating for our community? 


Contact AOUON Outreach Coordinator John Cannon: john@prisonerswithchildren.org
415.625.7045 
AOUON Inside

Have a family member inside? 
Let them know they can contact us for any self-help legal information, sign up to receive the All of Us or None monthly newspaper, or become an AOUON Inside Member by contacting In-Custody Program Coordinator Jesse Burleson at jesse@prisonerswithchildren.org We also have participatory defense: contact our National Organizer Oscar Flores at oscar@prisonerswithchildren.org

Or write to: 
AOUON Inside Membership 
4400 Market Street 
Oakland, CA 94608 
 
AOUON National Newspaper!

The AOUON Newspaper is a print publication sent to our members who are currently incarcerated. Digital versions of all the issues are available on our website here! 
 
The AOUON Newspaper, which comes out monthly, is a platform to amplify the voices and stories of our members.

If you’re interested in sharing a personal story—be it of triumph or hardship—please get in touch with the newspaper editor TaSin Sabir at tasin@prisonerswithchildren.org. 
 
AOUON National Chapters

Want to get involved in other communities across the country? Contact one of the many AOUON chapters:
 
Don’t see an AOUON chapter near you? Contact AOUON National Organizer Oscar Flores to start one: oscar@prisonerswithchildren.org
415.625.7048 
AOUON National Chapters
DON'T WAIT: TICKETS ON SALE NOW
LSPC 45th Anniversary Gala

Legal Services for Prisoners with Children invites you to our 45th Anniversary and All of Us None's 20th Anniversary Celebration.

Continuing the Legacy: Embracing Change and Building for the Future
Paying tribute to: Dorsey Nunn & Hamdiya Cooks-Abdullah 

Thursday, October 12, 2023
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm 

BLOC15
252 2nd Street
Oakland CA, 94607
Tickets and More Info
 
8/31: Incomplete Abolition

Our Staff Attorney Eric Sapp will be leading a panel on the legal history of the Thirteenth Amendment, abolition of slavery, and involuntary servitude. There will be an introduction from our Deputy Director Paul Briley, and will feature three eminent law professors. RSVP by emailing eric@prisonerswithchildren.org

Time: 2pm

Location: On Zoom
Zoom link
9/2: Community Resource Fair

Join AOUON Atlanta, Worth Rises, Mural Arts Philadelphia & the Cabbagetown Initiative as we reveal and dedicate a mural (created by formerly incarcerated artists) that aims to support our #endslaveryinGA campaign and national #EndTheException campaigns. Afterward, there will be a screening on ending slavery in Georgia. Can't make it? Watch the livestream!

Time: 4-6pm

Location: Cabbagetown (727 Wylie St. SE)
Livestream and RSVP
 
9/2: Community Resource Fair

In partnership with several community organizations, we will be supporting the Community Resource Fair in Sacramento! There will be expungement intakes along with volunteer attorneys and community partners.

Time: 3pm-6pm

Location: 4100 4th Ave Sacramento, CA 95837
 
Hip Hop and Civil Rights in Sacramento

Join us and other organizations for a night of classic 90s rap intersecting with social justice!

90s Rapper Krayzie Bone of Bone Thugs N Harmony and Assemblymember Ash Kalra will be there as special guests! There will also be tribute performances by Twelves Wax DJs, Meir Rich, Mahtie Bush, and RaiiN Ali.

Friday September 15th, from 6-9pm.
Buy your ticket here!
 
AOUON General Meeting
 

(Online & In-Person)
 
When:
3rd Thursday of every month
6:30 P.M.

Where:
Online on Zoom: bit.ly/AOUONGeneralMeeting
In-Person: The Freedom & Movement Center
4400 Market St., Oakland, CA 94608

All people and family members directly impacted by the criminal justice system are invited to join All of Us or None at our monthly meeting the 3rd Thursday of each month online or in Oakland, CA. We discuss local and state legislation, plan community events, and strategize how to advocate for our community in our own voices.  
 
For more information contact John Cannon: john@prisonerswithchildren.org / 415.625.7045
 
Correction on "Welcome Home Ruchell Magee"

In part one of the August Newsletter, we highlighted the release of Ruchell 'Cinqe' Magee, who spent 67 unjust years in incarceration, making him America's longest-held political prisoner. 

We would like to apologize for misspelling Vonya Quarles' name (r) in the last newsletter. Vonya is the Executive Director of Starting Over Inc. and an incredible comrade! 
Learn More/Donate
 
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