Detroit Kitchen Table Talk & Action Series on Zoom

Marching up Market Street in San Francisco on May Day (also known as International Workers Day), May 1, 2021. Photo credit: Shutterstock.

by Judith Shelton
Detroit Branch

March 2023

The Detroit Branch continued its ongoing “Kitchen Table Talk & Action” series on January 26, 2023. Longtime member Sherry Wells, JD, shared issues related to incarceration, from her knowledge and experience with those impacted by it. The deep injustices of the United States penal system span pre-arrest detention, high cost of bail, wrongful arrest, prolonged sentences, prison conditions, and the challenge of reintegration. 

Attorney Wells shared these concerns, with names of organizations which support individuals who may have been detained illegally, are being held illegally, have unfair lengthy sentences, endure unhealthy conditions, and often are forced to work for low wages for contracted private, for-profit corporations; much if not most of these conditions are racially based. Additionally, families of those incarcerated are impacted by costly telephone fees, long travel distances, expensive legal fees, and lost living time.

According to Giving Compass, “The U.S. has 5% of the world’s population, but holds almost 25% of the world’s prisoners. The racial makeup in our prisons is also disproportionate. Black people represent 12% of the U.S. adult population, but 33% of the prison population, while white individuals make up 64% of the adult population and 30% of prisoners.”

Over 22 people attended, including WILPF members and friends from four different states. There was a lively discussion; most participants were unfamiliar with some of these problems. Although the United States has the highest rate of incarceration in the industrialized world, and is internationally recognized for our grossly inequitable penal system, most discussion participants have been protected by class or race. 

The presentation can be viewed here.

The branch had hosted a pre-pandemic series of Postcard & Pizza events, in which folks came in person to learn more about selected peace and justice issues, and to write postcards to elected officials, while sharing pizza and camaraderie. This newer, electronic series was developed to continue providing opportunities for like-minded folks—members and friends of members—to gather and Do Something About Things.

For more information, additional resources, and to find out about the next Kitchen Table Talk & Action, email Detroit WILPF at wilpfdetroit@att.net.