prisoners

Activist Communiqué: Prisoners’ Justice Day Vigil 2011

The deets:

Wednesday, August 10, 2011
6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Don Jail
550 Gerrard St. E.
Toronto, ON

The call out:

August 10, 2011 marks the 36th annual Prisoners’ Justice Day. Prisoners’ Justice Day began to commemorate the death of Eddie Nalon, who bled to death in the segregation unit of Millhaven prison on August 10, 1974.

On the first anniversary of Eddie’s death, prisoners at Millhaven refused to work, went on a one-day hunger strike and held a memorial service, even though it would mean a stint in solitary confinement.

On May 21, 1976, another prisoner, Robert Landers, died in the segregation unit at Millhaven. That year on August 10, thousands of prisoners across Canada participated in a one-day hunger strike, while Prison Justice Day Committees were formed in Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia to organize community events.

Today, prisoners across the world fast and refuse to work to mark this solemn occasion, while community groups plan events in solidarity with people inside, to call attention to the terrible conditions in prisons, as well as in other carceral spaces like immigration detention and psychiatric facilities.

The vigil will include speakers/performers and an open mic, followed by a candlelight memorial.

ASL interpretation will be available.

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Check out other Prisoner’s Justice Day events:

Wednesday August 10, 2011
‘Dying to Get Out’
hosted by Church of the Holy Trinity
11 a.m. – 6 p.m. – Church of the Holy Trinity (10 Trinity Sq)

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Thursday August 11, 2011
Black Bird Liberation Cinema. DON’T GREASE YOUR CHAINS: BREAK THEM!
by Women’s Coordinating Committee for a Free Wallmapu [Toronto]
6:30 p.m. – Sylvester’s Cafe @ U of T’s GSU (16 Bancroft Ave)

For further updates, please see here: Prisoners’ Justice Day Vigil 2011

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Krystalline Kraus

krystalline kraus is an intrepid explorer and reporter from Toronto, Canada. A veteran activist and journalist for rabble.ca, she needs no aviator goggles, gas mask or red cape but proceeds fearlessly...