Impact
The crisis of mass incarceration affects us all.
Yet it does not affect us equally. Individuals in the criminal justice system are disproportionately from communities of color, living in poverty, over policed and over sentenced, resulting in a cyclical system of racial and economic discrimination and oppression. These are the people The Way We See represents.
Despite similar offense rates across demographic groups, youth of color are three times more likely than their white peers to be referred to and incarcerated in the juvenile justice system, and to be tried and sentenced as adults. Children of incarcerated parents face psychological strain, antisocial behavior, issues in school, economic hardship, and criminal activity. The Way We See is disrupting these cycles one individual at a time.
The Way We See’s advocacy work is having a dramatic impact. Nearly every client has had a reduction in prison time, been given an alternative to incarceration, or attained clemency. The average reduction in sentencing for clients is 70%— years given back to families and communities and saving tens of millions of dollars that can be reinvested in communities that need it most.
“RAMI”
“Rami” is a 17-year-old kid, 5’2’’, and skinny. He plays piano, belts Disney songs to his baby cousin, and chefs mac n’ cheese. He can make his little sister laugh like no one else can. During the pandemic, his dad disappeared. He got scared. School was harder. His brother was in trouble and Rami tried to help but in the chaos, he took a life. Rami never meant to shoot. His nervous system took over.
Facing 40-to-life, his mom is scared “he may not make it.” His sister barely leaves her room. His family is broken.
We met Rami at a juvenile facility and created a film that revealed the vulnerable and threatened person; the thoughtful and sensitive person—a person far different from the image of dangerousness the District Attorney believed they were prosecuting.
Rami accepted a plea deal of 11 years and has an opportunity to have a career and family. He will return home before he is 30, instead of in his 60s, 70s, or 80s.
“The true measure of our commitment to justice, the character of our society, our commitment to the rule of law, fairness, and equality cannot be measured by how we treat the rich, the powerful, the privileged, and the respected among us. The true measure of our character is how we treat the poor, the disfavored, the accused, the incarcerated, and the condemned.”
“DRE”
“Dre” loves to play basketball with his son and bring his daughter to the circus. Growing up in the foster care system, he cycled through 18 homes. At a residential program, he endured constant physical abuse. Upon returning home from a four-year prison sentence, his girlfriend and the mother of his daughter left, leaving him with no where to live. In a moment of frustration, he hurt someone, leaving them shaken but uninjured. The DA sought five years.
The DA recommended a program instead of prison time. Three years later, Dre has is own apartment, a job and is pursuing his GED.
“I’ve never seen advocacy like this before
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