On the 21st of March, 1960 police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against the apartheid "pass law". The UN General Assembly proclaimed this day as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, to be commemorated annually. The aim is to put more effort internationally in eliminating all forms of racial discrimination.
In the U.S., data about racial inequality are disturbing in every stage of the criminal justice system. Black and Brown people are disproportionately likely to be arrested, convicted, and incarcerated. This affects entire families and communities. It also contributes to inequity in other areas of society, including housing and employment.
It is clear that urgent legislative action is needed to address the racial discrimination inherent in mass incarceration.
Read more about key data on racial disparities in mass incarceration: https://www.prisonpolicy.org/blog/2020/07/27/disparities/
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