Former political prisoner Mansa Musa has recently taken the public inside the growing coalition that is uniting to stop Maryland’s proposed $1 billion “therapeutic” jail. In a blockbuster documentary report, Musa sheds light on the efforts of this coalition to prevent the construction of a new jail, which they believe will only perpetuate the cycle of mass incarceration and harm the communities it is meant to serve.
Musa, who spent 15 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, is now a leading advocate for criminal justice reform and has been working tirelessly to bring attention to the issue at hand. In his documentary, he takes us through the journey of how this coalition came together and why it is necessary to stop the construction of this proposed jail.
The proposed therapeutic jail, which would be built in Baltimore, is being touted as a solution to the problem of overcrowding in prisons and the lack of mental health resources for inmates. However, Musa and the coalition argue that this is not the answer and that there are alternative solutions that should be explored.
One of the main concerns of the coalition is that this new jail will only add to the already high rates of incarceration in Maryland. According to the Justice Policy Institute, Maryland has the fifth-highest incarceration rate in the country, with 1 in every 89 adults being behind bars. This has a devastating impact on families and communities, especially those of color who are disproportionately affected by mass incarceration.
Moreover, the coalition argues that building a new jail is not the solution to the lack of mental health resources for inmates. In fact, it may only worsen the situation. Musa and other advocates believe that investing in community-based mental health programs and diversionary programs would be a more effective and humane approach. This would not only benefit inmates but also reduce the burden on taxpayers who foot the bill for these jails.
The coalition has been gaining momentum in their fight against the proposed jail, with more and more organizations and individuals joining their cause. This includes grassroots organizations, faith-based groups, and even former inmates like Musa who have firsthand experience of the failures of the criminal justice system.
Their efforts have not gone unnoticed, with the Baltimore City Council passing a resolution opposing the construction of the new jail. This is a significant step in the right direction, but the coalition knows that their work is far from over. They continue to rally and raise awareness, determined to stop this project from moving forward.
Musa’s documentary not only exposes the flaws in the proposed jail but also highlights the inspiring work of the coalition to bring about real change in the criminal justice system. It showcases the power of community organizing and the importance of coming together to fight for a common cause.
The coalition’s efforts have also sparked a larger conversation about the need for criminal justice reform in Maryland and across the country. It has brought attention to the issues of mass incarceration, racial disparities, and the need for alternative solutions to incarceration.
In the face of adversity and a system that has failed them, the coalition remains resilient and determined. They are a testament to the power of collective action and the potential for positive change.
As Mansa Musa takes us inside the growing coalition, we are reminded that change is possible and that we all have a role to play in creating a more just and equitable society. Let us join hands with this coalition and support their efforts to stop the construction of this proposed jail, and instead, work towards building a better and more humane criminal justice system for all.
