UPCOMING PRISONERS’ JUSTICE DAY 2019 EVENTS
ON ALGONQUIN TERRITORY / IN OTTAWA
ABOUT PRISONERS’ JUSTICE DAY (PJD)
“PJD emerged as a prisoner-initiated day of non-violent strike action to commemorate the death of Eddie Nalon in the segregation unit of Millhaven maximum-security penitentiary on August 10th 1974. It was first observed in 1975, and in 1976 the prisoners of Millhaven issued a communication “To All Prisoners and Concerned Peoples from Across Canada”, calling for one-day hunger strikes in opposition to the use of solitary confinement and in support of prisoners’ rights, in memory of Eddie Nalon and Robert Landers, who also died alone in solitary confinement… Since that time, PJD has become an internationally-recognized day of solidarity and action, both inside and outside the prison” (Journal of Prisoners on Prisons, Volume 18, Number 1&2).
In keeping with the history of PJD, people outside prison walls are organizing events in solidarity with people who are imprisoned, including on Algonquin Territory / in Ottawa where five events are being organized (Event 1, a “PJD Political Education Workshop”, took place on July 18 – see https://www.facebook.com/events/466780133885705/). Participants in either or both of the two events scheduled for August 10th are encouraged to take part in a one-day fast in solidarity with people forcibly confined behind penitentiary, prison, jail and immigration detention centre walls across the world who will do the same.
For more information about PJD visit: http://www.vcn.bc.ca/august10/politics/1014_history.html
PURCHASE A PJD T-SHIRT TO SUPPORT THE JAIL HOTLINE AND MILLHAVEN LIFERS’ LIAISON GROUP
Prisoners’ Justice Day themed black t-shirts (artwork by Neal Shannacappo) are being sold for $25 each (see the poster attached to this message) in support of the Jail Accountability & Information Line (JAIL) and the Millhaven Lifers’ Liaison Group (MLLG). T-shirts are available in XS, S, M, L, XL and XXL. They can be ordered by sending an e-transfer to jpp@uottawa.ca or by dropping-by FSS 13049 from 10am to 2pm from August 6-9.
To learn more about the JAIL hotline visit: https://cp-ep.org/jail-accountability-and-information-line…/
To learn more about the MLLG visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MLLGottawa/
EVENT 2: PJD POLITICAL EDUCATION AND POSTER MAKING SESSION
Tuesday, August 6, 2019
7:00pm – 9:00pm
Bronson Centre – Room 103
211 Bronson Avenue
Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/345589093025085/
EVENT 3: PJD PRIVATE COMMUNITY DISCUSSION
Saturday, August 10, 2019
4:30pm – 6:30pm
Bronson Centre – Room 222
211 Bronson Avenue
* This event will provide former prisoners, their loved ones and allies with an opportunity to reflect on the significance of Prisoners’ Justice Day / PJD to them in a private setting prior to the public vigil later in the evening at Major’s Hill Park.
Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/480576572519513/
EVENT 4: PJD 2019 VIGIL
Saturday, August 10, 2019
7:30pm – 9:00pm
Major’s Hill Park (at the entrance near the top of the stairs at the American Embassy)
Mackenzie Avenue
* Come stand in solidarity with current and former prisoners who will discuss the importance and continued relevance of Prisoners’ Justice Day which was first observed in Millhaven maximum-security penitentiary in 1975. The vigil taking place near the United States Embassy will also make links to on-going movements for social justice in the ‘land of the free’ where thousands of migrants are being held in concentration camps and where prisoners continue to observe Black August, which has commemorated the deaths of Black leaders behind bars and involved the study of the history of repression directed towards people of colour to inform struggles for self-determination since the 1970s.
Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/267229984005724/
EVENT 5: PICNIC FOR PRISONERS’ JUSTICE
Sunday, August 18, 2019
2:00pm – 4:00pm
Dundonald Park
Somerset and Lyon
* Join Joel Harden (MPP, Ottawa-Centre) and friends at Dundonald Park for a family-friendly picnic while we discuss what justice for prisoners mean to our community. We will have games, activities, art and music, free food and community booths. Don’t forget to bring a blanket!
Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/556785094856243/