We must collectively champion the restorative justice policies of Chesa Boudin

by Keith ‘Malik’ Washington Assistant Editor of the San Francisco Bay View-National Black Newspaper

         “Abolitionist politics is not about what is possible, but about making the impossible a reality.  Ending Slavery appeared to be an impossible challenge for Sojourner Truth, Denmark Vessey, Nat Turner, John Brown, Harriet Tubman, and others, and yet they struggled anyway.  Today we seek to abolish a number of seemingly immortal institutions, drawing inspiration from those who have sought the abolition of all systems of domination, exploitation, and oppression from Jim Crow laws and prisons to patriarchy and capitalism.”

Abolish Carceral Society by Abolition Collective (Dog Section Press 10/02/2019)
 

One of the most wonderful things that I Love about the San Francisco Bay View-National Black Newspaper is that no-one attempts to control or stifle the exercise of my Free Speech.  Some of my opinions may not be embraced wholeheartedly by All the People but at the end of the day, my opinions and thoughts are respected.  Mary Ratcliff and I regularly engage in intelligent and respectful dialogue when we can in order to come up with a consensus that works for us.

    Most of you are well aware, especially those who live in San Francisco, California that Chesa Boudin has been elected as the new District Attorney for San Francisco.  At first, I didn’t have a clue who Mr. Boudin was, but I did my research.  For those who know me well, I am a cerebral individual and I adhere to the motto which teaches that “We must seek knowledge from the Cradle to the Grave”.

   Sisters and brothers, I know exactly what Punitive, Retaliatory, Malicious, and Vindictive Justice Looks Like in Amerikkka.  I Live this Reality Everyday that I wake up inside my cell in United States Penitentiary Pollock.  U.S. District Judge Lynne Nettleton Hughes wanted me to do life in Federal Prison. 

   However, with Chesa Boudin we have a humyn being who believes in Restorative Justice.  Mr. Boudin’s background and intellectual as well as his academic pedigree deviate dramatically from what we know to be the ‘Status Quo’ and norm of the “Run of the Mill” career prosecutor or District Attorney in the United States of Amerikkka.

   Many of us within the Prison Abolition Movement have been looking for Hope in order to change these systems of oppression.  Well, hope has arrived!!!  The question is whether or not we will ‘Keep Hope Alive!’ and give Mr. Boudin the Support he so desperately needs to implement his ‘Radical’ policies OR will we allow organizations and groups like the Fraternal Order of Police and other naysayers to destroy “The Dream” before it even materializes??  I encourage all of you to Support Chesa Boudin.

   The official stance of the San Francisco Bay View–National Black Newspaper is to support District Attorney Chesa Boudin.  We support Mr. Boudin as passionately and fervently as we support our Mayor London Breed! There are some big changes taking place in the Bay Area and the Bay View Newspaper hopes to be a part of that change.  We are struggling to preserve the VOICE AND THE LEGACY OF BLACK AND ALL OPPRESSED POPULATIONS WITHIN THE BAY AREA!

   Through Mass Incarceration, Gentrification, Environmental Injustices, and Police Killings many of us have been squeezed out, ignored, or exterminated by local and federal government employees and officials.  Now we have someone who may be willing to change the status quo and at the very least give people of color and disadvantaged minorities a realistic opportunity for a second chance.  Chesa Boudin can pave the way and lay the foundations for new discussions about what Justice in Amerikkka can actually look like when we promote Restorative Justice.

   I realize that this editorial may be provocative to many.  If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions on or about this brief piece please do not hesitate to contact us.  I firmly believe that we should Collectively Support Chesa Boudin–A Servant of the People!!!

Dare to Struggle, Dare to Win, All Power to the People

You can write to Malik at:

Keith Washington 34481-037

USP Pollock

U.S. Penitentiary

P.O. BOX 2099

Pollock, LA 71467