THIS WED: Statewide Candlelight Vigils!!! Join BNB on Wednesday

PLEASE FORWARD ** PLEASE FORWARD WIDELY ** PLEASE FORWARD

Dear friends,

In two weeks, the Governor and top corrections officials will be revealing their plan for reforming California's abusive and costly youth prison system. After nearly two years of scandals, violence, and death, we will finally hear what the state plans to do. The solution is clear: close the youth prisons, starting with the most notorious one, Chad, and replace them with real rehabilitation centers and community programs.

This Wednesday, we are holding vigil across the state for all the youth inside and all the youth we've lost. We're going to light the way to a new system, to show California's leaders transformation is both necessary and possible. Thousands of people across the state know what's right and have waited long enough. Please join us as we honor youth and families and call on the Governor to take real action now. We'll have candles, music, energy, hope, and inspiration. For everyone who's been wanting to show where you stand, this is the night to come out! We need you!

Read below for exact locations and exciting program highlights!

NOVEMBER 16 @ 6 PM
LIGHT THE WAY: Toward a New Juvenile Justice System for California

candle
Five simultaneous candlelight vigils throughout California. One state, one voice.

OAKLAND VIGIL
WHERE: Starting location: 400 Broadway (at 4th Street)
THEN: March to the State Building at 1515 Clay Street (if you are late, come to Clay Street)
Hear the powerful singing voices of Candace Wicks and Rosie Austin and listen to inspirational words of wisdom from Reverend Dr. Elouise Oliver from the internationally acclaimed East Bay Church of Religious Science. If you are in the Bay Area, you don't want to miss this event!

LOS ANGELES VIGIL
WHERE: Agape Int'l Spiritual Center, 5700 Buckingham Parkway
Culver City
310.348.1250
Arrive at 5 PM to see a special screening of System Failure: Violence, Abuse and Neglect in the California Youth Authority, then stay for the powerful program starting at 6 PM. The Agape International Spiritual Center will be hosting the program. If you are in Southern California, this is an event you absolutely cannot miss!

SACRAMENTO VIGIL
WHERE: Sol Arts and Culture Collective, 2010 Del Paso Blvd.
The night will begin with a screening of System Failure: Violence, Abuse and Neglect in the California Youth Authority. Following the screening, youth will feed your soul with song and spoken word. Don't miss it!

FRESNO VIGIL
WHERE: Juvenile Court - 742 S. 10th Street
Come hear the moving testimony of a young man recently released from Chad. Reverend Floyd Harris Jr. from the National Action Network will lead the group in prayer and his amazing choir will lift your spirits. Please join us for this for this powerful evening!

SAN JOSE VIGIL
WHERE: County Building, 70 West Hedding (near Juvenile Hall)
Blanca Bosquez from Civil Rights for Children will lead a powerful program of speakers and performances. Come take a stand for youth in CYA and San Jose!

RSVP
David Kahn: 510.428.3939 x243 /// david [at] ellabakercenter.org

For the latest information, click here: http://booksnotbars.org

The Ella Baker Center can't survive without the support of people like you. Please take a moment to support us today