First Step Act

Trump Pardoned His Cellmate but Rufus Rochell Remains in Federal Prison

Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior CorrespondentFebruary 20, 2020

It’s not a rags-to-riches Philadelphia-to-California story, like that of Will Smith’s fictional television character. Rufus Rochell’s story is the real-life account of how the crack epidemic of the 1980s is inextricably linked to today’s cry for criminal justice reform. It’s also the story of how the rich and powerful receive special privileges, while the poor and powerless can only dare to dream.

National News Political

Trump Delivers 2019 Second Step Presidential Justice Forum Keynote at HBCU Benedict College

Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire CorrespondentNovember 1, 2019

Hosted by the 20/20 Bipartisan Justice Center, a nonprofit founded by a bipartisan group of African American leaders from across the country who advocate for criminal justice reform, the event includes a host of Democratic presidential hopefuls, local officials, and other stakeholders.

Marc Morial Opinion

The Next Attorney General Must Enforce Civil Rights Laws. William Barr Won’t.

Marc H. Morial President and CEO National Urban LeagueJanuary 30, 2019

As the nation’s top law enforcement officer and leader of the U.S. Department of Justice, the Attorney General is responsible for safeguarding our civil and constitutional rights. In light of this Administration’s relentless attacks on the enforcement of our civil rights laws, our nation desperately needs and deserves an Attorney General who is committed to that mission and to our country’s ongoing progress toward equal justice and racial equality.

National News Political

Senate and House Approve Bipartisan Prison Reform Bill

Jennifer Bihm, Contributing WriterDecember 27, 2018

Members of Congress from both parties have come together recently, to approve a prison reform bill that will allow for employees to store their firearms securely at federal prisons, restrict the use of restraints on pregnant women, expand compassionate release for terminally ill patients, place prisoners closer to family in some cases, authorize new markets for Federal Prison Industries, mandate de-escalation training for correctional officers and employees, and make improvements to feminine hygiene in prison, among other things.

Local National News

Senator Harris Statement on FIRST STEP Act

Sentinel News ServiceDecember 20, 2018

“For years, we’ve been offered a false choice on criminal justice policy.”

Dr. Ben Chavis Opinion

Criminal Justice Reform Long Overdue for Black America

Dr. Benjamin ChavisNovember 29, 2018

For 40 long years, until North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue signed “Pardons of Innocence” documents for each member of the Wilmington Ten (including myself), the issues of unjust and disproportionate mass incarceration, bail reform, racism in the judiciary, prosecutorial misconduct, and reentry challenges were not matters of partisanship, but were matters of fundamental civil and human rights.