Announcing a timely new publication and webinar by the Carceral State Project and the American Friends Service Committee on Michigan prison conditions, COVID-19, and the imperative of decarceration:

“I Don’t Want To Die in Prison”: Prison Conditions, Decarceration, and Mutual Aid in the Age of COVID-19

This report presents an evidence-based case for decarceration as the only humane and meaningful response to the COVID-19 pandemic in prisons, based on extensive documentation of current conditions from phone calls, letters, and other messages by people incarcerated in the state of Michigan. In this time of extraordinary upheaval and potential for change in world history, the impact of COVID-19 on people in prison will hopefully add to the fierce determination of the public and policymakers to dismantle this current US punishment-based criminal legal system. This report calls for sweeping changes to Michigan’s current policies and advocates for a mass reduction in the prison population, a reduction that focuses on people who have served 20 or more years and have grown or are growing old in prison.

"I Don't Want to Die in Prison": A public health conversation with Abdul El-Sayed & people who survived living in Michigan's prisons before & during COVID-19
Thursday August 20, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

This webinar will highlight the findings of the white paper, feature expert voices about these issues, and provide time for attendees to ask questions and learn more. Webinar panelists include Abdul El-Sayed and people who have lived through the horror, isolation, and disconnection of prison in Michigan. It will also be streamed on Facebook live and available to watch later on Youtube. This event is co-sponsored by the Carceral State Project, the American Friends Service Committee, the Prison Creative Arts Project, and Safe & Just Michigan.