Highlighting the Cases of Incarcerated Mothers: The FreeHer March Calls on Biden to Use Clemency Power
In the United States, the issue of mass incarceration has been a long-standing problem that has disproportionately affected communities of color. However, one group that often gets overlooked in this conversation is incarcerated mothers. These women, who are often the primary caregivers of their children, face unique challenges and struggles while behind bars. And yet, their voices and stories are often silenced and ignored.
But recently, a movement has emerged to bring attention to the plight of incarcerated mothers and demand action from the government. The FreeHer march, which took place on June 19th, also known as Juneteenth, called on President Joe Biden to use his clemency power to fulfill past broken promises and help release incarcerated women.
One of the most prominent cases that the FreeHer march highlighted was that of Michelle West. West, a mother of three, has been incarcerated for over 26 years for a nonviolent drug offense. Despite being a model prisoner and completing numerous rehabilitation programs, she has been repeatedly denied clemency by past administrations. Her case is just one of many that showcases the injustice and inhumanity of the current criminal justice system.
The FreeHer march, organized by the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls, brought together hundreds of activists, formerly incarcerated women, and their families to demand change. The march started at the Department of Justice and ended at the White House, where a rally was held to amplify the voices of incarcerated mothers and their loved ones.
The message was clear: it is time for President Biden to use his clemency power to right the wrongs of the past and grant freedom to these women who have been unjustly incarcerated. The march also called for the end of the practice of shackling pregnant women during childbirth, which is not only inhumane but also poses serious health risks to both the mother and the child.
The FreeHer march was not just about Michelle West and her case. It was about all incarcerated mothers who have been separated from their children and families. It was about women like Tanesha Bannister, who has been incarcerated for 15 years and has not seen her children in over a decade. It was about women like Crystal Munoz, who was sentenced to 19 years in prison for a nonviolent drug offense while pregnant. These are just a few of the countless stories of mothers who have been torn away from their families and communities.
The march also shed light on the fact that the United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world, with over 200,000 women behind bars. And the majority of these women are mothers. This not only has a devastating impact on these women and their families but also on society as a whole. Incarcerating mothers not only perpetuates the cycle of poverty and trauma but also deprives children of their mothers’ love and care.
President Biden has made promises to address the issue of mass incarceration and criminal justice reform. However, as the FreeHer march highlighted, these promises must include incarcerated mothers. It is time for the government to recognize the unique struggles and challenges faced by these women and take action to bring them home to their families.
The FreeHer march also called for the implementation of policies that support formerly incarcerated women as they reintegrate into society. This includes access to housing, education, and employment opportunities. These women should not be punished for the rest of their lives for mistakes they made in the past. They deserve a second chance to rebuild their lives and be reunited with their families.
As the march came to an end, the message was clear: it is time for President Biden to use his clemency power to grant freedom to incarcerated mothers and fulfill his promises of criminal justice reform. The FreeHer march was a powerful display of unity and determination to bring about change. It is now up to the government to listen and take action.
Incarcerated mothers are not just statistics or numbers. They are real women with families, hopes, and dreams. It is time for their voices to be heard and for justice to be served. The FreeHer march was just the beginning of a movement that will continue to fight for the rights and freedom of incarcerated mothers. Let us all join in this fight and demand a better future for these women and their families.
