Federal Court Moves Closer to Receivership and Upcoming Info Session
Katal rally at Foley Square ahead of the federal court hearing on receivership at Rikers, 9.25.24
Last week, the Adams administration was held in contempt for failing to address the constitutional violations incarcerated people face at Rikers, and Federal Judge Laura Taylor Swain signaled that the court was “inclined to impose receivership” over the notorious and deadly jail complex.
This is a huge development and a testament to our sustained collective organizing. The judges’ language mirrored what our members and partners have been saying for years: Rikers is a danger to both the people detained and those who work there. Until Rikers is shut down, receivership is needed to improve conditions and save lives.
Check out our press release with our organizational partners following the judge’s ruling. We were also featured in news coverage of the ruling in the NY Daily News, Queens Daily Eagle, and Amsterdam News.
Join us next Tuesday, December 10th, from 12 – 1:30 pm via Zoom for an Info Session on Receivership at Rikers. This will be an opportunity to learn more about Judge Swain’s ruling and the fight for federal receivership at Rikers. RSVP for the info session here.
During Tuesday’s info session, we’ll:
- Share updates on the recent court ruling and next steps for receivership
- Discuss how an independent receiver could impact the fight to shut down Rikers
- Provide ways to get involved in the fight
We’ll also have a legal expert from the NYU Brennan Center on the call to provide a detailed analysis of the ruling and answer any questions.
We hope you can join us on Tuesday, December 10th at 12 pm!
Last New York Criminal Justice Reform Call of the Year
Join us next Thursday, December 12th, from 12-1 pm for our final NY Statewide Criminal Justice Reform Call of the year.
During our call next week, our lobbyist will share updates from Albany. We’ll discuss what bills are left for the Governor to sign and how the 2025 legislative session is shaping out following last month’s elections. We’ll also be joined by organizers and advocates working across the state on campaigns around protecting immigrants and migrants, advancing parole reform, ending youth incarceration, and more.
Register to join us next Thursday, December 12th, from 12 – 1 pm!
If you have any questions about the statewide call or would like to be a presenter, please contact Yonah at Yonah@katalcenter.org.
25th Anniversary of the WTO Protests in Seattle
A Seattle police officer fires his weapon point blank into a group of demonstrators, Nov. 30, 1999. Photo from Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
It’s been 25 years since a massive public uprising in the streets of Seattle led to the shutdown of the World Trade Organization (WTO) “Millenium Round” Ministerial Conference. That week became a historic turning point for global trade and governance, organizing and mass nonviolent protest, and police repression tactics.
Check out this reflection from our co-founder, gabriel sayegh, who was one of the 80,000 people who participated in those protests. And to honor the 25th anniversary, we’re sharing 25 fun or otherwise lesser-known facts related to the protests and the organizing legacies connected to Seattle.
Katal Quotes of the Week
These are some of the quotes we’re thinking about this week.
“The decision from the Court demonstrates that the voices and presence of those who stood in protest against the inhumane conditions at Rikers Island have not gone unheard and unnoticed. Until true justice rings, the struggle must continue.” – Kevin “Renny” Smith, Executive Director of Families and Friends of the Wrongfully Convicted, Inc
“A quarter-century after their uprising, perhaps the most meaningful, lasting lesson from the Zapatista movement is a spark of hope, a sense of what is possible, even in dark and uncertain times.” –Hilary Klein in “A Spark of Hope: The Ongoing Lessons of the Zapatista Revolution 25 Years On”
For printing and distribution, download the Katal Weekly Update PDF version.
Katal works to strengthen the people, policies, institutions, and movements that advance equity, health, and justice.
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Email: info@katalcenter.org
Phone: 646.875.8822.
