#USA #Washington, D.C. #Clemency Vigil #Women's Rights #Incarceration Reform

A Call for Clemency: Vigil at the White House

From December 16th to 18th, the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and their allies will host a significant vigil at the White House. This event, titled 'Call for Clemency,' aims to extend gratitude to President Biden for his past actions while advocating for further reforms that focus on the needs of women in federal prisons.

The vigil's purpose is to highlight cases of women who are ill, those with children facing foster care, survivors of abuse, and individuals who have spent decades behind bars without deserved reprieve. As part of this effort, a diverse group of attendees will gather to share the compelling stories of women such as Michelle West, Lazara Ordaz, Sara Gallegos, Glenn Metz, Connie Edwards, and Roberta Bell. These women, despite their long stints in prison, have demonstrated remarkable resilience and made substantial contributions to their communities, showing that they have earned a chance for a second opportunity.

Event Details

The vigil will take place daily from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM at the White House, emphasizing the urgent need for clemency as a tool to rectify unjust sentences. Special events include an Instagram Live collaboration with Women's March scheduled for noon on December 17th.

The gathering serves to remind the Biden administration of its promise regarding justice and systemic reform. The aim is to ensure clemency fulfills its intended function of correcting systemic injustices and providing second chances for those who merit them. Participants will also stand in solidarity with those still behind bars, amplifying the voices of women indicating they deserve freedom after years of unwarranted confinement.

Call for Support

For those unable to attend in person, there remains an essential avenue for involvement. Supporters are encouraged to sign and circulate the online petition, which will be instrumental in rallying further attention to this cause and aiding in the push for clemency. Every signature can contribute to the move to bring these women back home.

Join Us

Everyone is invited to participate and exhibit support for this critical movement for clemency. By standing together, voices can unify to encourage President Biden to enact clemency as a mechanism of justice and empathy intended to aid those deserving of it.

The organization behind this initiative was formed in 2010 by a group of women incarcerated in Danbury, CT, and is dedicated to ending the incarceration of women and girls.

For more information, please reach out via [email protected]